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KARACHI, Sunday (AFP) - Veteran opener Saeed Anwar hit a confident half century in a domestic match Saturday to revive his comeback chances as Pakistan continued to search for an opening pair ahead of next year's World Cup.

The 34-year-old Anwar, sidelined since September, made 58 in a first-class match to further boost his chances of regaining a place in Pakistan's final 15 for the World Cup, which is due to be announced Tuesday.

"I have proved my fitness before a medical panel and have gained invaluable match practice," Anwar said.

"I look forward to playing the World Cup for Pakistan and doing my best to guide the team to another world title."

Anwar became a devout Muslim, now sporting a long beard, after his only daughter died in September last year. He subsequently lost his place in the side due to lack of form and fitness.

His absence compounded Pakistan's problems at the top of the order as they have tried 12 different pairs of openers in their last 19 Tests and 13 in their 38 one-day internationals in the 2002 calendar.

Pakistani selectors have named six openers in their list of 30 World Cup probables announced last month.

Three out of Anwar, leg-spinning allrounder Shahid Afridi, Salim Elahi and Taufiq Umer are tipped to win spots in the final 15.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set December 31 as the deadline to announce the final sides for the World Cup due to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya in February and March. 

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