They may have eventually lost, but the Pakistan cricket team roared back from recent controversies, match-fixing scandals, and leaked in-session footages, to put up a strong fight against defending champions Sri Lanka in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup in Dambulla.
Shahid Afridi led the Green Shirts in style, scoring a century in one-dayers; his fifth overall, and his first against Sri Lanka since blasting his way into record books as a teenage sensation in 1996. He also managed to reach the milestone of 6000 runs in ODIs, but the captain’s mind was on the runs his team required, and not on his personal achievements.
Had it not been for the mesmerizing catch by his counterpart, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, Shahid Afridi might have managed to take his side past the target of 243. He hit his century off 68 balls, and did the bulk of the scoring in the Pakistan innings, contributing a 78-ball 109. He braved cramps, brilliant Sri Lankan bowling, and superb fielding to take Pakistan’s score from 32 for 4 to within 39 runs of the target.
However, the fragile upper and lower order batting of the former champions paints a worrisome picture for the fans of the game as well as the selectors, who have to select the best possible team for the lengthy tour of England.
Although Afridi batted and set his field sensibly, he erred by sending debutant Umar Amin at number three at the departure of Salman Butt for no score. Along with fellow debutant Shahzaib Hasan, Umar batted for his place in the side, rather than for the side, and was unable to impress despite showing potential. He should not be dropped in the next match, however, and should be allowed to bat his way into the team that needs a left-handed batsman in the middle order.
The hosts, on the other hand, survived Afridi's knock as well as the impressive comeback from Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar. The pacer finished the first innings with 3 wickets for 41 runs, when others like Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were going for runs. Asif finished with 1 for 55 off his 9 overs, while Aamer’s 10 overs saw his figures end at 2 for 57.
The Sri Lankan innings was studded with half-centuries from Angelo Mathews and former skipper Mahela Jayawardene. They batted, fielded and bowled sensibly, and never let pressure take a toll on them; something the Pakistanis were unable to do. Senior member of the Pakistan side, Abdul Razzaq, was unable to score when wickets started tumbling on the other end, and his innings of 26 off 46 balls didn’t help Pakistan in any way. He should be used in the top order in place of Shoaib Malik, who has proven his incompetence time and again.
Pakistan missed the services of left arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who has proved his worth during the limited chances that have come his way. If Shahid Afridi wants to bring Pakistan on the winning track, he must do away with useless cricketers like Shoaib Malik and include those with some potential.
The match belonged to Lasith Malinga, who took the match away from Pakistan. His 5 for 34 sealed the deal for the hosts after fighting their way to a modest 242 for 9.
Bangladesh now face India in the second match of the event on 16th June, before the hosts take on Bangladesh on 18th June. India clash with archrivals Pakistan on 19th June. Bangladesh and Pakistan will meet in the penultimate league match of the event on 21st June, before the clash of the former and defending champions India and Sri Lanka on June 22nd, a couple of days ahead of the final, which will take place on June 24th.
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