NEW YORK – Pakistan’s cricket team is capable of winning the World Cup, provided it improves its fielding, The Wall Street Journal said in a commentary, which labeled Kamran Akmal’s work behind the stumps as clumsy. “The throwing was wayward and Kamran Akmal should be kicking himself for some clumsy wicket-keeping, including two missed stumpings. Abdur Rehman, meanwhile, looked like he wanted to crawl into a deep, dark hole after fumbling a sitter of a catch off Chamara Silva,” the daily newspaper wrote while assessing Pakistan’s chances as bright after its 11-run victory over Sri Lanka.
“You never know what you’re going to get with Pakistan , but this team, led by the wonderfully charismatic Shahid Afridi, managed to click and beat a fine Sri Lankan side,” WSJ said. “(The Pakistan team) looks capable of upsetting any team in the tournament, at least if the players sort out their fielding, which was littered with errors and made the job of victory far harder than it should have been,” the newspaper said.
“Luckily for Pakistan, two of its superstars Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi were in sparkling form. Afridi, following his 5 for 16 against Kenya, once again snagged majestic figures of 4 for 34, while Shoaib toiled and sweated his way to 2 for 42.” “It’s still early days, but after emerging victorious from its first major challenge, Pakistan has sent out a strong message that it might just be in the mood for World Cup glory this year.”
It is unusual for The Wall Street Journal to comment on a sporting event, especially cricket, because it deals with developments in the financial and investment fields.
