Sarfraz Ahmed is a pure wicketkeeper and a batsman with the ability to make runs on the big occasion. To replace him with Umar Akmal, a man who has no penchant for rising to the occasion, is indefensible. My local paanwala could have told the PCB that, or the boy who cleans car windscreens on the road. Rameez Raja was emboldened enough to say on TV that Umar, along with a couple of other players, was frightened by the fast rising delivery.
Cricket is not simply an athletic endeavour. It is a test of character and guts. The world class batsman has to condition himself to facing a rock hard missile, coming at their head at 90 plus miles per hour. No matter how talented you might be, if you don’t have these qualities, you don’t belong at the cutting edge of the sport.
Sarfraz has proved that he has the requisite attributes. He was as safe as a house behind the stumps and all his six catches were taken with something to spare. This lifted the morale of the bowlers and the entire team.
Our batsmen in the first two matches were playing as if from memory. As if they had to think about what to do. The modern day batsman should be trained to the extent that every shot is an automatic reaction to the delivery faced. It seemed as if the batsmen had been given too much advice, resulting in their natural game becoming hostage to their overloaded minds.
With Pakistan now comfortably placed in their group and the quarterfinals beckoning, Waqar Younis would be well advised to give free rein to our batsmen. Let them show their flair and ingenuity. To make them play in a style that doesn’t come naturally to them would fetter their talent.
It is quite something to see the New Zealand continue its unbeaten run. A country that has fewer people than a medium-sized Pakistani city continues to impress with its all-round sporting culture. The positive thing is that they are such admirable ambassadors for the tiny nation, playing hard but with a sporting spirit that is to be envied. It would do Pakistan good to have a look at how they have managed this.
In their current form, New Zealand must be considered one of the favourites to win this World Cup. In Boult and Southee they possess perhaps the best new ball attack. The venerable Daniel Vettori is there to pick away at the wickets after the new ball has softened up the opposition. They are admirably led by Brendan McCullum who sets the tone for a batting side that is solid and invariably backs up the bowling. Their fielding is fully committed and almost error free. The only thing lacking might be self-belief, something that their Trans-Tasman rivals have in spades.
One can never underestimate the Aussies. They seem to have an endless supply of talent thrown up by an excellent domestic system, coupled with a rich sporting culture. With a balanced team that has no glaring weakness except perhaps that of a world class spinner, the Baggy Greens must be right up there when the World Cup reaches its zenith.
Reigning champions India have made a smooth journey through the league games. They are on the upper edge of the inevitable curve that besets most teams. India had had a miserable time of it in the months leading to the cup but Mahindra Singh Dhoni’s boys have morphed into a formidable outfit that is firing on all cylinders. Dhoni’s quiet leadership has given the team a self-belief that Indian teams did not have in the past. India, however, could be due a bad game after a run of conspicuous success.
Sri Lanka’s fortunes depend on their two master batsmen: Sangakkara and Jayawardene; although the supporting crew are now making their presence felt as well. The bowling is well represented in Malinga and the vastly underrated Herath. Holding up the middle is skipper Matthews who resembles Dhoni in his stoic composure. Matthews has developed into one of the finest all-round cricketers. He sells his wicket very dearly and can take wickets with the ball. If Kumar and Mahela fire, Sri Lanka has the ability to defend a competitive score.
South Africa has been playing true to character. They sweep all before them, but on the big occasion, the self-doubt creeps in. They are a hugely talented side in every aspect. It remains to be seen whether champion batsman De Villiers can instil in his side the resilience and intestinal fortitude to handle difficult occasions. If so then it could be South Africa’s year.
Pakistan is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. The only thing predictable about them is their unpredictability
Pakistan is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. The only thing predictable about them is their unpredictability. In this World Cup they have moved from the ridiculous to the sublime. Having lost some of the best bowlers to suspect bowling actions and the England match fixing fiasco, the bowlers on tour have pulled up their socks in recent matches with the admirable Wahab Riaz and the daunting Irfan leading the way.
Misbah is the rock in the batting line up with Younus back in form. There is no place for the ‘talented’ Akmal now that Sarfraz is back. It is imperative that Afridi should be more responsible with the bat. Ahmad Shahzad also has the right stuff and it is only a matter of time before he clicks. Pakistan will have to play some inspirational cricket and hold on to its opportunities if it is to move deep into the knockout stages.
But all said and done, this looks to be New Zealand’s World Cup for the taking.