Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Preview – Pakistan


Very few sides in ICC World T20 really need to win the trophy as Pakistan. Winning this cup may really help to give Pakistan cricket a boost which is marred by pull out of ICC World Cup Cricket to be held in Pakistan & India in 2011. Every team in the world has refused to travel to Pakistan after the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore.

Talking about on field performances, this is certainly one of the most unpredictable team in world cricket. On one day they can defeat the best of the team like Australia & India. On the very next day, they can suffer a defeat against the weakest of teams like Ireland & Bangladesh.

Though, it won’t be easy given their rustiness off late. They were the only test playing team which didn’t participated in IPL. They are the only test playing nation to play least cricket since Jan 2007. Even Bangladesh has played more cricket than them.

Strengths

Spinners like Saeed Azmal & Shahid Afridi (you should call him a bowler now; he is no longer a batsman, given his performance in last two years or so).
Batsmen like Misbah Ul Haq, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik & Captain Younus Khan.
Fast Bowling – which have representatives like Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul & Rao Iftiqar Anjum.

Weaknesses

Fielding has let them down many a times. Sometimes, even catching also seems pathetic. Fielders like Salman Butt & Captain Younus Khan should ensure that their fielding efforts might inspire others to throw themselves in the field.

Opportunities

Winning this cup or even reaching the finals might help in reviving Pakistan’s cricket which is into it’s worst phase currently. Every country has refused to play in their backyard & winning ICC World T20 cup will surely give countrymen something to cheer about.

Threats

Rustiness could possibly be a threat to their hopes of winning & taking the cup to Pakistan. They haven’t played competitive cricket from long time barring 5 ODIs & 1 T20 against Australia. in Abu Dhabhi in April-May. They should ensure that staying away from international cricket for a long time has not made any major difference.

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