PAKISTAN- PLAYING LIKE CORNERED TIGERS

Pakistan- Playing like cornered tigers

Before the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup, 2011, no cricket analyst gave Pakistan too much of a chance to perform well in the mega event because of the controversies they have faced in past 14 months.

Things have changed dramatically for the Men in Green at the end of the group stage matches: Pakistan has topped Group A, beating home favorites Sri Lanka as well as the defending champions Australia in the process.

After facing so many on and off-the-field controversies, it would have been natural had the Pakistan team broken down to a complete collapse. But Pakistan has always been known for its unpredictable nature; it has a habit to bring out the best out of them when the chips are down and no one is giving them a chance.

In the 1992 World Cup, they came from nowhere to be crowned as the World Champions under the inspirational leadership of Imran Khan. Similarly in 2009 when no cricket pundit was rating them highly, they conquered the world in style at the Home of Cricket (Lords) and became the World T20 Champions.

Shahid Afridi’s men have been quite consistent in the ongoing tournament so far, winning five of their six group matches, but they did have their shaky moments.

A weak start of the tournament against Kenya by the openers and a forgettable day by the batsmen againstCanada probably served as wake-up calls for the green shirts. The encounter against the Black Caps at Kandy was not less than a horror dream for Pakistan as Ross Taylor and company blasted Pakistani bowlers as if they were playing a club game, thanks to poor fielding and missed chances by the Pakistani side.

All in all however, they have had a memorable tournament so far. They defeated Sri Lanka at their own backyard, but the biggest triumph came at the same ground against the Aussies last week when Pakistan broke their undefeated run of 34 consecutive matches. Although Australia is not the best team in the world anymore, but after beating them Afridi and company would feel that they can overcome any opposition in the tournament.

Pakistan’s only concern remains their top order as they tried Ahmed Shehzad for the most part of the tournament but he failed to deliver the goods for his country. Pakistan’s management has now decided to promote Kamran Akmal in the batting order to open the innings along with Mohammad Hafeez. The green shirts usually do well when their openers perform, so it is imperative for Akmal and Hafeez to give a good start to their team in the upcoming big matches.

The green shirts are now going to take on the West Indies in the quarter-final at Mirpur and they will surely start as favorites to qualify for the semi-finals. However, Pakistan will make a huge mistake by taking the Windies lightly who have some match winners in their lineup.

Pakistan’s management would be hoping that Chris Gayle does not fire against the green shirts because if he fires, he can be unstoppable at times.   

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