Saeed plans World Cup swansong

Anwar: One of the most exciting batsmen in the world

Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar has revealed plans to retire after the 2003 World Cup.

The 32-year-old will play his 200th one-day international innings in Wednesday's Asia Cup final in Dhaka against Sri Lanka.

"I want to bid farewell to cricket after the World Cup in 2003 in South Africa. After that I am thinking of becoming a commentator for the television network," the Bhorer Kagoj newspaper quoted him as saying.

Saeed is now fully fit following knee surgery but believes the injury was a "blessing in disguise".

He said: "I feel I have two to three years cricket left in me and I want to enjoy the game during the rest of my career.

The left-hander has scored 7,158 runs in limited overs games for Pakistan since making his debut in 1988 against Australia, placing him 10th on the all-time list.

He has made 17 one-day centuries and another nine in 46 apperances in Test matches.

"Technique, talent and hard work are the keys behind success for a cricketer. But to be at the top, you need mental toughness. If you don't have that at the highest level, you are a nobody," he added.