Sri Lanka was silently conquered by Pakistanis at their backyard. Behind the effort, one could see a wonderful strategy hiding. I see Pakistanis having a similar batting line up as Indians do. Just that both of their opening batsmen are raw and not experienced pro as Sachin and Sehwag. Kamran Akmal beautifully positioned himself for batting at No.3 slot. If only he put the team’s perspective upfront and try to bat longer, he can do a world of good to Pakistan’s chances of the World cup win. Him, trying to hit Rangana Herath out of the ground backfired, but then experience of Younis Khan covered up the blunder beautifully along with Misbah, so as to ensure a platform for the likes of Umar Kamal (little dynamite), Boom Boom Afridi and Abdul Razzaq to turn on the onslaught.
Credit should be given to the Sri Lankan Bowlers, for pulling back the score from reaching 300. It paved way for an evenly fought match for the first time in World cup 2011. Likes of Kulasekara and Mathews are street smart bowlers and bowled well in death overs. To keep Afridi quite in slog overs, that too during the third power play, requires a quality effort.
Younis Khan and Misbah’s partnership was a treat to watch, as they maneuvered the bowling. There was hardly any risk taken. Muralidharan was allowed to complete his spell without any
fuss. Although, Murali’s 2 overs during the third power play was a great sight too, keeping the settled batsmen tight. Coming back to their partnership, both of them played to ensure that they get to play maximum overs remaining. Misbah succeeded in achieving it. Younis Khan has scored fifties in both innings of this world cup and looking ominous for more quality innings. They posted 277 at the end of 50 overs, a match winning total in Premadasa grounds in Sri Lanka, as history suggests.
Even after a quality opening start provided, Sri Lankans could not sustain the run rate, as they lost three quick wickets in span of 7 runs scored. The one that got Jayawardena out clean bowled was a ripper from Rawalpindi express. As Tony Greig rightly
points out, Afridi is a lucky captain to have the speedster rushing in and putting such humungous effort, ball after ball. Thilan Samaraweera was out to even better delivery from Shahid Afridi, who is the man with golden arm for Pakistan. His form with the ball, for last two years is for all to see. Afridi trusts his skills to such an extent, that he comes to bowl, when he finds a decent partnership cropping up. Not only he stems the flow of runs, but picks up wickets with classy deliveries. Dilshan’s wicket was a prize scalp for Afridi.
Kumara Sangakkara, along with Chamara Silva was trying to pull rabbit out of the hat, as the wicket was not condusive for run chase. Sangakkara got out after scoring 49 and eagerly awaited some miracle, as Angelo Mathews and Chamara Silva partnered in the middle. Mathews also got out playing a careless shot and others were trying hard to get close. All they managed is to fall short of the chase by 11 runs. Credit should be given to Afridi for mixing his bowlers well.
Watch out for Pakistan, as they are playing with a purpose and their match against Australia might probably end Ponting’s successful run in world cup. Afridi mentioned in the interview how his bowlers are a bit relaxed in the fag end of the game and wanted to project a bit more professionalism in finishing the match. He would be glad if his boys could hear and bring in some more professionalism. Aussies, watch out for Pakistan.
Credit should be given to the Sri Lankan Bowlers, for pulling back the score from reaching 300. It paved way for an evenly fought match for the first time in World cup 2011. Likes of Kulasekara and Mathews are street smart bowlers and bowled well in death overs. To keep Afridi quite in slog overs, that too during the third power play, requires a quality effort.
Younis Khan and Misbah’s partnership was a treat to watch, as they maneuvered the bowling. There was hardly any risk taken. Muralidharan was allowed to complete his spell without any
fuss. Although, Murali’s 2 overs during the third power play was a great sight too, keeping the settled batsmen tight. Coming back to their partnership, both of them played to ensure that they get to play maximum overs remaining. Misbah succeeded in achieving it. Younis Khan has scored fifties in both innings of this world cup and looking ominous for more quality innings. They posted 277 at the end of 50 overs, a match winning total in Premadasa grounds in Sri Lanka, as history suggests.Even after a quality opening start provided, Sri Lankans could not sustain the run rate, as they lost three quick wickets in span of 7 runs scored. The one that got Jayawardena out clean bowled was a ripper from Rawalpindi express. As Tony Greig rightly
points out, Afridi is a lucky captain to have the speedster rushing in and putting such humungous effort, ball after ball. Thilan Samaraweera was out to even better delivery from Shahid Afridi, who is the man with golden arm for Pakistan. His form with the ball, for last two years is for all to see. Afridi trusts his skills to such an extent, that he comes to bowl, when he finds a decent partnership cropping up. Not only he stems the flow of runs, but picks up wickets with classy deliveries. Dilshan’s wicket was a prize scalp for Afridi.Kumara Sangakkara, along with Chamara Silva was trying to pull rabbit out of the hat, as the wicket was not condusive for run chase. Sangakkara got out after scoring 49 and eagerly awaited some miracle, as Angelo Mathews and Chamara Silva partnered in the middle. Mathews also got out playing a careless shot and others were trying hard to get close. All they managed is to fall short of the chase by 11 runs. Credit should be given to Afridi for mixing his bowlers well.
Watch out for Pakistan, as they are playing with a purpose and their match against Australia might probably end Ponting’s successful run in world cup. Afridi mentioned in the interview how his bowlers are a bit relaxed in the fag end of the game and wanted to project a bit more professionalism in finishing the match. He would be glad if his boys could hear and bring in some more professionalism. Aussies, watch out for Pakistan.
Regards,
Prashy.
Nice Article. Pakistan Right from 96 World cup (to my knowledge) till date have been an excellent bowling unit. They have produced absolute stunner's while defending. The WC 2011 Game vs Sri Lanka Show's their Strength and Zeal to produce something. Everyone would have thought that Pakistan would be demoralized by the Turmoil of their cricket board, But the resurgent display shows their fighting capabilities. Coming to their Batting, If you look at their 3 to 8 Batsmen Everyone are game changers that include two deadly all rounder. With this Batting side they can score at least 250 in every match they play. Now to Bowling Rawalpindi Express 37 years old, Still maintaining a speed of 145 plus Kmph. No words to describe the dismissal of Perera and Jayawardene. Then Abdur Razzak and Umar gul can bowl tight overs and chip in with wickets yet Afridi the fastest spinner comes out with the magic to scalp any player. 2 matches 9/50 with best against Kenya 5/15 and Against Sri Lanka 4/34. If their Fielding standards improve certainly they can rightfully challenge Australia for top spot in their group.
ReplyDeleteBut its unfair to comment only on Pakistan. Sri Lanka on the other hand have always been a struggling side when it comes to chase. Kumar Sangakkara always lead the march towards victory for Sri Lanka. Muralidharan at a age of 38 years still able to bowl tight overs with economy less than 4 is certainly a priceless asset for Islanders. From 96/4 to 169 the way Sanga and Chamara silva bat was bit annoying but classy in my words. Chamara Silva was quite annoying for most Pakistani bowlers. I remember similar type of innings played by Chris Harris (New Zealand) against India while chasing down 250 odds. Even though Islanders tried their best but Pakistani Bowlers were in a much higher place to the Sri Lankan Batsmen. The Contrary of the match is that Both teams were awful when it came to fielding as well as UDRS. Hope India Avoids Both
ReplyDeletethe sub continent teams and Australia in quarters.
@Venkat - Sri Lanka not a good chasing side. I beg to differ. Not to forget the brilliant run chase in Australian series, Angelo mathews and Malinga finishing an improbable run chase easy. After Ranatunga's effort of upbringing the team, thay were always good run chasers. Hence, I framed the opinion, where the failure of run chase was due to the history of Premadasa stadium. Chamara Silva and Sangakkara did the rescue act, but left too much at the end to finish.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pakistan captain not knowing the rules of ball pitching outside leg stump to give a batsmen not out. Also, Sri Lankan captain not listening to his bowler, who was trying hard to explain him that batsmen had hit the ball. With respect to usage of UDRS, one should watch Andrew Strauss utilising the option. He would always be spot on, as he discusses with wicket keeper and bowler who will always have a good view in the middle.
There were few missed chances by Pakistan fielders, but then its more to do with their attitude, rather than talent. They will be more tough next time. Sri lanka fielding could also be fine tuned for future matches, as they are all young and fearless.
@prashy:
ReplyDeleteSlinga absence proved the key. He might have removed few early and at the end.
Why are teams committing mistake by enforcing power play 3 After 40th over than taking pp3 after 35 or 37th over.
@Venkat - I look at it this way. When setting target, its immaterial when you take the PP3. but while chasing down a target, PP3 should be taken, when one settle batsmen is in the crease and other batsmen should strictly focus on belting the bowlers around.
ReplyDeleteI dont see it as a mistake, rather its non application of the plan effectively. Following factors decide the enforcement of PP3. 1. No of overs remaining for lead bowlers 2. Settled batsmen at the crease 3. Run rate required 4. Batsmen in the dressing room, to mention a few.
Pakistan, well is by any chance the most unpredictable. This automatically makes them a dangerous side to deal with.
ReplyDeleteTwo factors:
1. Pakistan has always had a talent of raw blood in the bowling department and to a certain extent batting. This can be attributed. To the excellent talent recognition smoldering that started with imran khan. He is idolized for his leadership and bowling. Pakistan has produced bowlers because everyone there wants to be waqar, akram like Indians want to emulate sachin.
2. Pakistan always has new players in important tournaments. This makes the opposition thinly twice about conventional wisdom and increase the chances of a surprise win. You will not kbow how to face a new unexplored bowler or a batsman.
3. Specific to this worldccup, afridi's temperament is crucial. By nature he does not give up easily and this will flow down the team this time. They have come with a specific motive to prove a point.
In a nutshell, as imran khan and prashanth puts it, Pakistan may spring surprise and India should watch the movement in all matches.
@Vaibhav - I could not agree with you more. As far as the new players are concerned, there is Ahmad Shehzad (Opener). He has scored a hundred in the warm up match and looking bright. Afridi would allow him to have rush of blood all the time. He has got a wonderful middle order to back opener's flaw.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Afridi's temperament, he has tremendous run with the ball in this world cup already. Good for him, as it would show on his batting too.