Pakistanis are hot favorites to win the game, as they are playing in front of second home crowd (if I may say so). If only Bangladesh was the fourth team which qualified from Group B, it would have been a war, considering the history of the two nations. Having said that, West Indies - Pakistan match would still pull in crowd, as it’s a world cup event and Bangladesh are co-hosts and it’s a cricket loving nation too. Crowds would support Pakistan as people’s memory would be West Indies wiping Bangladesh for a meager 58 all out in Group B match.
Regarding the team strength and Performance in group matches goes; Pakistan is already beating West Indies on those two counts. West Indies lost to India badly, whereas Pakistan has beaten Australia in their last group match respectively. Pakistan’s confidence is way high, as they have a great balance in their team, compared to West Indies, who rely heavily on Gayle at the top and Pollard at the bottom. If at all, any surprise factor can creep in, it would be from West Indies’ side, as Pakistan has put their strengths out for view to the entire world and they are going to back it up. West Indies, on the other hand can bring in surprise by promoting Andrew Russel or Saamy himself up the order in batting front. Though Saamy's promotion up the order against England did not work wonders for the team, England were surprised then.
Kamran Akmal and Hafeez would continue to open, as the middle order has become stronger after Asad Shafiq played two back to back steady knocks. Younis Khan and Misbah in middle order along with Razzaq in lower order would bring in their experience to steady the ship, if there is some collapse. Afridi and Umar Akmal are ready to burst with blistering knocks. They both are game turners in span of two overs. On the bowling front, Hafeez is doing more than handful job with his off spin. He might chance his arm with the new ball, as Windies have both left handed openers. Afridi is in terrific form with his bowling. Whenever he needs a breakthrough, he relies on himself to do the job and has highly succeeded. Akhtar would give his all, as he has announced his retirement at the end of the world cup. But then he personally would not want it to end before the final. Umar Gul and Abdur Rehman should be the other bowlers.
West Indies would be happy to find Gayle and Kemar Roach fit for the important clash. Darren Saamy would take lot of positives out of India’s match, as Devon Smith striked superb form with the bat. Darren Bravo is all fine for number 3 slot and Saamy would want him to play a sheet anchor role. Saamy definitely has to take a call whether to play Sarwan or Chanderpaul for the match, as Sarwan was the main reason for poor run chase against England and India. If he is assigned that role specifically in the past, then probably they need to come up with alternative plan for Sarwan’s role. Ideally, him batting at No.3 could solve matters for the captain. Chanderpaul opened the innings in one of the match and I don’t think so, he would fit in the team as opener, as Devon smith wiped off the confusion. To me, Chanderpaul has to sit outside. As I said earlier, Saamy and Russel should play the floater’s role. Pollard should be provided good platform to finish the match. Ravi Rampaul made a strong statement that he should be picked. Saamy is a smart captain not to do silly mistake of dropping Rampaul. Roach and Russel are other two seamers. Benn and Bishoo would play the spin option.
Somehow, I see an upset on the cards if West Indies bats first. If Pakistan bat first and sets a score below 270, West Indies might chase it with few overs to spare. You would watch Chris Gayle putting lot of price on his wicket while batting. I would like Saamy to promote Andrew Russel up the order to surprise Pakistan. Is it Kemar Roach's 5 for OR Gayle's hundred that's going to create the upset, let's wait and watch.
Regards,
Prashy.
Regarding the team strength and Performance in group matches goes; Pakistan is already beating West Indies on those two counts. West Indies lost to India badly, whereas Pakistan has beaten Australia in their last group match respectively. Pakistan’s confidence is way high, as they have a great balance in their team, compared to West Indies, who rely heavily on Gayle at the top and Pollard at the bottom. If at all, any surprise factor can creep in, it would be from West Indies’ side, as Pakistan has put their strengths out for view to the entire world and they are going to back it up. West Indies, on the other hand can bring in surprise by promoting Andrew Russel or Saamy himself up the order in batting front. Though Saamy's promotion up the order against England did not work wonders for the team, England were surprised then.
Kamran Akmal and Hafeez would continue to open, as the middle order has become stronger after Asad Shafiq played two back to back steady knocks. Younis Khan and Misbah in middle order along with Razzaq in lower order would bring in their experience to steady the ship, if there is some collapse. Afridi and Umar Akmal are ready to burst with blistering knocks. They both are game turners in span of two overs. On the bowling front, Hafeez is doing more than handful job with his off spin. He might chance his arm with the new ball, as Windies have both left handed openers. Afridi is in terrific form with his bowling. Whenever he needs a breakthrough, he relies on himself to do the job and has highly succeeded. Akhtar would give his all, as he has announced his retirement at the end of the world cup. But then he personally would not want it to end before the final. Umar Gul and Abdur Rehman should be the other bowlers.
West Indies would be happy to find Gayle and Kemar Roach fit for the important clash. Darren Saamy would take lot of positives out of India’s match, as Devon Smith striked superb form with the bat. Darren Bravo is all fine for number 3 slot and Saamy would want him to play a sheet anchor role. Saamy definitely has to take a call whether to play Sarwan or Chanderpaul for the match, as Sarwan was the main reason for poor run chase against England and India. If he is assigned that role specifically in the past, then probably they need to come up with alternative plan for Sarwan’s role. Ideally, him batting at No.3 could solve matters for the captain. Chanderpaul opened the innings in one of the match and I don’t think so, he would fit in the team as opener, as Devon smith wiped off the confusion. To me, Chanderpaul has to sit outside. As I said earlier, Saamy and Russel should play the floater’s role. Pollard should be provided good platform to finish the match. Ravi Rampaul made a strong statement that he should be picked. Saamy is a smart captain not to do silly mistake of dropping Rampaul. Roach and Russel are other two seamers. Benn and Bishoo would play the spin option.
Somehow, I see an upset on the cards if West Indies bats first. If Pakistan bat first and sets a score below 270, West Indies might chase it with few overs to spare. You would watch Chris Gayle putting lot of price on his wicket while batting. I would like Saamy to promote Andrew Russel up the order to surprise Pakistan. Is it Kemar Roach's 5 for OR Gayle's hundred that's going to create the upset, let's wait and watch.
Regards,
Prashy.
@Prashy:
ReplyDeleteIMO Both Chanderpaul and Sarwan deserve place n bench because Gayle returns to Quarter finals. Now Roach should fit into the team i dont know whom to exclude. Rampaul was excellent in last match so he shud be in. But at any cost Sarwan should be dropped if WI plans to reach Semi's....On pakistan no issues, If pak choose to bat first and score 200+, then Semi's might be Pak vs Aus or Indo Pak war
Pakistan as a team is going into the match with an upperhand. However they are also a highly unpredictable side and barring few players some of them have temperament issues.
ReplyDeleteAlthough a highly talented side, they may go either way if they dont keep their emotions in check. WI on the other hand should look to capitalize mentally over pak and Gayle, I feel, should play a lead role in demoralizing the pak team initially; same goes with ravi rampaul in the bowling division. This initial strategy will be crucial for WI to break the pak backbone.
Overall hope that its an interesting watch as a spectator..