After winning three matches, Pakistan lost the match against New Zealand. Pakistan, chasing for the first time in the on-going World Cup, were all over the place and once again the Pakistani openers failed.
In bowling, Pakistans performance was up to the mark until the last six overs which cost 114 runs. Kamran Akmal who missed three chances against Sri Lanka, once again missed three chances and he dropped Ross Taylor when he was on 8 and than Taylor went on to score an unbeatable 131.
Pakistan team management should change this batting line up as it is not working at all. Pakistan must send Kamran Akmal or Abdul Razzaq as an opener. In place of Ahmed Shehzad/Mohammad Hafeez, team can play with an extra bowler.
Imran Khan and most of the former cricketers are saying that this combination is not right for the big matches as when openers will fail, middle order batsmen will feel pressure. When an extra bowler will be in the team, it will give a good chance to the captain to attack. I think for Karmran Akmal, the team management cant do anything. The only chance which can be taken is that Umar Akmal can be tried as a keeper as he has done wicket keeping in the past.
I hope that the coach and captain do not just have one plan and try other plans which could benefit Pakistan cricket team.
MUBASHIR MAHMOOD
Karachi
