For Pakistan cricket, unpredictability is their strongest asset. Opponents don’t know which Pakistan side-switched on or off-is going to turn up against them. For major of their cricketing history, unpredictability has been Pakistan’s best friend. Countless controversies that have marred the cricket and disappointed fans over the years are only other thing that comes close to being the other constant thing in Pakistan cricket.
Yet Pakistan continues to be one of the most dangerous sides of the world. Reasons: their ability to rise from the ashes and forgetting controversies on the cricket field to showcase the immense talent this mercurial side has got. Build up to this world cup has been no different- three premier players lost to spot fixing scandal, wicketkeeper escaping to the UK hours before an ODI and captain for the mega event announced with just a week remaining to the start of the tournament-it had all characteristics of Pakistan cricket of years gone by.
Yet, the team manages to top their group thanks to some inspirational wins against Sri Lanka and Australia-putting an end to unbeaten streak for 34 world cup matches. They did display their unpredictability constant though as New Zealand routed them in one of the group games.
They have dodged odds and one must acknowledge looked one of the top three teams of the tournament so far. Afridi led side does look a team that can have a real dash at the trophy. For that to happen, Pakistan have to overcome West Indies hurdle in quarter final game being played at Mirpur, Bangladesh with former starting as a clear favourite.
The team, over the course of the tournament, has shown that it possess firepower in both batting and bowling to challenge the best in the business. What has impressed about the team most is the way players have conducted themselves and backed each other. The Pakistan players have looked very hungry for the success and carry a winning momentum after defeating Australia. Not only momentum, it is the confidence that the side is brimming with. Team management should be keen to confidence doesn’t go the unwanted level that we call over-confidence that brings downfall to any sportsmen in the world.
West Indies, on the other hand, have showed brilliance in patches and have lacked much needed consistency factor in their game that has hit them hard in this tournament so far. They seem not to have put together all three facets of their game together as a good bowling performance hasn’t been backed up with a good show in the bat.
Two consecutive games have been lost from the positions where Caribbean side was bossing the game thanks to the inconsistent display by batsmen who haven’t able to seize the important situations and have succumbed when needed to perform. The team composition hasn’t helped either as they continue to ignore champion batsman Shiv Chanderpaul in the playing that many feel did cost them the games against England and India.
They are contrast to their quarterfinal opponent as two losses on a trot have dented their confidence levels badly and not knowing the games from crucial stages will be a worry. Barring a famous win against Bangladesh, their two wins in the group games have come against feeble Associate Nations and prospect of a loss at the hands of Pakistan can’t be overruled.
The pitch at Mirpur is expected to be a slow bowler friendly as it might get slower and keep low in the later stages of the game. That makes the toss all the very important.
Pakistan
Opening partnership, as usual, continues to be Pakistan’s Achilles pain with openers yet to put a fifty runs for the first wicket in the tournament and none of the openers scoring a half century. With Ahmad Shahzad’s dumping and promotion of Kamran Akmal, Pakistan would hope it would change the fortunes at the top of the order.
The middle order is Pakistan’s strong point in the batting which has a combination of two young batsmen- Asad Shafiq and Umar who both showed their talent and temperament against Australia-and two senior pros Younis Khan and Misbah who are so good at grafting the innings in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s bowling unit has been one of the best in the tournament with Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul proving to be too hot for opponents to handle.
Mohammad Hafeez, Abdur Rehman and Abdur Razzaq have been steady enough to give the team some important breakthrough. Only change in Wednesday’s game expected is Shoab Akhter might be brought in place for Wahab Riaz but if Pakistan want to keep the winning combination intact, it would mean Akhter might have to be on the benches again.
The fielding hasn’t been Pakistan’s strongest asset but has seen a gradual improvement as the tournament has progressed.
Squad: Shahid Afridi (Capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdur Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Syed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Shoab Akhter and Umar Gul
Coach: Waqar Younis
West Indies
For West Indies, making it to the knockout stages has been a rollercoaster journey as the side hasn’t been able put up good performances consistently. Barring a comprehensive win against Bangladesh, Caribbean side didn’t beat any Test side in the group stages despite the fact games against England and India were lost from a position they could have won. This should worry team management and their fans. It will be inconsistency and injuries that West Indies need to address before the all important quarterfinal against Pakistan.
Chris Gayle and fast bowler Kemar Roach missed a game against India due to injuries and team would hope that both the key members are fit to play against Pakistan. Team selection has also drawn flak with senior batsman Shiv Chanderpaul kept out of batting lineup that is susceptible to collapses and there is a case for brining the left hander back for the big game.
More than bowling, it is the batting where West Indies have been more inconsistent. Devon Smith has looked West Indies’ best batsmen in the tournament so far others have shown promise but not enough runs to boast about. Daren Bravo, Kieran Pollard and Ramnaresh Sarwan have got the starts in the most of the games but not been able to convert them into substantial scores and that is where team has suffered the most.
Lower order has crumbled in two matches on a trot to surrender a winnable position that has led to confidence denting defeats.
Skipper Darren Sammy has looked an average bowler against top teams and is yet to put a decent score with the bat. Time has come for him to lead from the front and keep his detractors, which are growing in number after ever game, mum.
West Indies team management will have a sweet headache during the selection of the team for the Pakistan game after Ravi Rampaul claimed a fifer against India and it will be interesting who fit Roach replaces on Wednesday.
The refreshing thing about is the inclusion of young leg spinner Devendra Bishoo who looks one for the future and if he doesn’t to succumb to the pressure of a big game he can be a more than handful against Pakistan batsmen who have traditionally struggled against spin leg spin.
Squad: Andre Russell, Chris Gayle Darren Bravo Darren Sammy (c) Devendra Bishoo Devon Smith Devon Thomas (wk), Kemar Roach Kieran Pollard Kirk Edwards Nikita Miller Ramnaresh Sarwan Ravi Rampaul S Chanderpaul Suleiman Benn
, Coach: Ottis Gibson
COLOMBO Reporter USAMA ABBASI:
MUMBAI Report By Usama Abbasi:
DHAKA: Confident Pakistan take on the West Indies in the World Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday hoping to continue their winning run in the tournament against a side bruised by recent defeats.
DHAKA: Struggling West Indies need look no further than their manager Richie Richardson for inspiration when they clash with buoyant Pakistan in the World Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.
