It’s tough writing about a match that defies prediction. Every allusion of yours might be turned on its head and you may end up looking like a fool.
KINGSTON: It’s tough writing about a match that defies prediction. Every allusion of yours might be turned on its head and you may end up looking like a fool.
Predicting how the Pakistan will perform on a given day is a hard enough task but when you add West Indies to the mix, you have two of the most unpredictable teams squaring off in a truly i-do-not-know-who-to-put-the-money-on match. On Tuesday, the two sides clash at Sabina Park in Kingston to kick off the ninth edition of the World Cup.
The form of the two teams in the lead-up to the big event could not have been more different.
Pakistan, who should be struggling without their best bowlers - Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Abdul Razzaq - seem to have found new life. Umar Gul, Rana Naved ul-Hasan and Azhar Mahmood are proving to be worthy replacements on these low and slow pitches.
“Our chances have slightly been cut because we lost our main bowlers in Shoaib and Asif but the others have been standing up to be counted and have contributed to the team in the absence of Akhtar. I hope they will continue to give their best,” said Inzamam.
But Pakistan’s true strength now is their spin attack which has not only variety but class too. “We did not field Danish (Kaneria) earlier because our strike bowlers were pacemen. Now, with Akhtar and Asif out, we had to include Kaneria. Danish can be a little expensive in the one-dayers but he is a wicket-taking bowler,” said Inzamam.
“Given the condition of pitches here, I think we have good bowlers in Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria, Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik who can do the job effectively,” he further added.
West Indies, on the other hand, have all the batting depth they need with allrounder Dwayne Smith batting at number 10 in the batting line-up. Yet, they were dismissed for a humiliating 85 in a practice match against India. But yet it is too risky to hazard a prediction. As Pakistan skipper Inzamam ul-Haq says, “One-day cricket toh ek diin ka khel hai.”
West Indies have been known to put their reverses behind them in a jiffy as they showed in the Champions Trophy last year where they defeated Australia in the first round. Skipper Brian Lara also knows one defeat is not a true reflection of his side’s true standing.
“I have had many chats with the team. Basically, it’s a question of each player understanding his responsibility. It’s not like we have never played good cricket in the past,” he said. “We have done well and are capable of doing it again. This one match is not a reflection. Have come back before and will do again”
The key for West Indies will be for at least one of their big four (Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara) to fire. For Pakistam, which looks a much stronger side on paper, Mohammad Yousuf’s innings will be vital. In recent times, he has looked like the vital cog, who has managed to help his side turn a good total into a great one.
For Inzamam this tournament holds the key to his future. And he realises that.
“Pichle World Cup main kafi experienced players the, aur pressure sab le lete the. Magar ab toh sirf main hoon, toh saara pressure mere pe hi aayega,” he said, hinting that if heads do roll as a result of a World Cup debacle, his could be among the first.
The talent base in both sides is huge but if the last series played by the two sides (in Pakistan, won by the hosts 3-2) is any indication this one is going to be close.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}