EXPERT COMMENT – I believe Pakistan should opt for specialist bowlers in their match against Sri Lanka, and in the later matches as well. Sri Lanka are familiar with the conditions and only specialists bowlers can unsettle them.
I would prefer to Kamran Akmal open the innings with either Hafeez or Ahmad Shehzad, with Younus Khan batting at number three and Razzaq also going up the order.
I think Razzaq’s abilities are being wasted in these conditions. At the number eight position, he is not getting enough overs to bat. Given his experience, he can easily bat up the order and that would allow Pakistan to play an extra bowler. Pakistan can face problems if they go in with just three specialist bowlers against stronger opponents. I have talked with the captain and coach told them play at least four specialist bowlers. We must use Shoaib Akhtar as a wicket-taking bowler and have a third pacer or second specialist spinner in the side.
No doubt Shoaib can make an impact in the tournament. He looked sharp against Kenya, and he is still a match-winner. I would prefer Saeed Ajmal being picked over Abdur Rehman, because he’s a wicket-taking bowler.
