COMMENT – The 10th World Cup rolled into action with game between Bangladesh and India in Dhaka on Saturday. As many as 14 top teams are fighting for the ultimate glory in the 49-match World Cup. The format of this World Cup allows easy sailing to big teams into the second round unlike the last edition in the Caribbean in 2007 where the tournament was gratuitously long and the flawed format played big part in the exit of teams like Pakistan and India for one bad day.
This edition provides fair chance to big guns to qualify for the next round from where it becomes a three-game event – very much like an “Elimination Round” with quarter-finals leading up to the semi-finals and eventually the final. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside defending champions Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Canada.
Pakistan did not play well in the last two editions. Indeed, in 2003 and 2007 they were eliminated in the first round and the team failed to deliver despite having good squads. Pakistan has got a slightly weaker squad this time and Shahid Afridi is leading a young side with seven players out of the 14 having previous World Cup experience. The greenshirts faired appreciably well in New Zealand – their last assignment before the World Cup. Since the World Cup is being played in the sub-continent, Pakistan should not have much of a problem adjusting to the conditions.
Bigger crowds and high expectations are the things Shahid Afridi and his charges will have to manage adequately. Pakistan lacks stars as well as experienced professionals and not many players have the ability to handle the pressure well. A lot will depend upon seasoned campaigners like Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, Misbahul Haq and Abdul Razzaq. Pakistan will have to plan well and make maximum use of their resources despite an apparent lack of experience. The seniors will have to lead the way in every game.
Younis and Misbah will have to lead the bating department and they should aim to bat out maximum overs to set the platform for the lower order where there is enough firepower to explode. It’s good to note that both Younis and Misbah have managed to get some runs under their belts in the warm-up games. The role of the openers will be decisive. Mohammad Hafeez has been doing appreciably well since the England tour.
He is expected to be partnered by 19-year Ahmed Shahzad, who seems to possess the punch in his willow wielding. Both the openers should bat positively to gain the maximum out of the initial field restrictions. However, they should not be rash and over extravagant. Kamran Akmal is expected to bat at vital number three position. One feels it’s high time the senior Akmal stands up and be counted. He has given good performances in the past but lacks consistency.
Pakistan will be better served if Kamran bats consistently and chips in with 30-40 runs in every game rather than playing one big innings and then have bloopers in many others. Younis is expected at four while Misbah is likely at number five. If the latter duo shines with the bat, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals will be very bright.
Pakistan has a deadly middle and lower middle order in the tournament. With the likes of Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq they have the batsmen who can simply create mayhem on their day. But their pyrotechnics will mainly depend upon the foundation laid by the top order. If the top order gives a solid platform, these three will simply take the game away from the opposition with their power hitting which will be all the more easy on the flat sub continent pitches.
In the bowling department, Umar Gul will be Pakistan’s main man. The tall Pathan can be very lethal with his variations in length and speeds. Gul has developed into a deadly bowler and if he delivers, Pakistan will inevitably do well. There are question marks over the fitness of Shoaib Akhtar, but that has been so ever since he made his debut in 1997. At 35 he is not getting any younger but he is certainly getting wiser and still has that oomph in him.
He can still bowl at 150 kmph and with a shortened run he has become more prudent. Shoaib will be used in short bursts and if he manages to stay fit, he would be a great asset. Other than pace, Pakistan will probably use two spinners with Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman both coming into play. Both of them are quality bowlers and should do well in these conditions.
All said and done, Pakistan have a reasonably good chance of doing well at this World Cup. Indeed, they will have to strategise well and then execute their plans well. Shahid Afridi will have to lead from the front and his good form with bat and ball will be pivotal to team’s balance. Pakistan should not have much difficulty in disposing off the minnows i.e. Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya while New Zealand also shouldn’t be much of a problem.
The crucial games will be the ones against Australia and Sri Lanka and these two games will determine as to how the top three slots will be taken from this Group. The team should enjoy their cricket and take it one game at a time and there is no reason why they can’t come up trumps.
