Pakistan v West Indies quarterfinal: Battle of the Unpredictable’s? ICC World Cup 2011
Pakistan plays West Indies in the first ICC Cricket 2011 World Cup quarter-final in Mirpur, Bangladesh on March 23.
Both teams have gone through rough patches; both on and off the field. Pakistan have managed - after a roller coaster ride - to put the spot-fixing controversy at the backburner, and are aiming to clinch the mega event where they topped Group A with 10 points. The West Indies finished at number 4 in their group after a mixed performance.
Pakistan started this tournament with gusto and promise. However, in the games against New Zealand and Canada, their performance dipped, but they managed to keep it together to come out as the strongest teams.
The Men in Green have been ranked as the hot favorites by many former cricketers and analysts. It is highly unlikely that the Green Shirts will make changes in their line-up, unless the pitch conditions or the tactics employed by their opponents change.
At this juncture, no one is sure if Shoaib Akhtar will make it to the final eleven, but it is certain that the world would like to see him end his career on a high.
Both, Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi, had mixed feelings about the express bowler and are still undecided if the bowler will play in the quarters or not.
The Rawalpindi Express is surely a game-changer; he still has the uncanny ability to win it for Pakistan. Emotions are running high in Pakistan, and the final decision by both, Shoaib Akhter himself and Captain Shahid Afridi, will be revealed shortly.
In the game against the Aussies, Afridi gave the new ball to Abdur Rehman, but this may not be an option against the West Indies. The Carribean Kings have four left-hand batsmen at the top of the order and bowling a left-arm spinner might not be the best choice. If Pakistan is to start the innings with a spinner, then Mohammad Hafeez, being an off-spinner, would be most suitable.
Pakistan’s bowling looks ‘solid as a rock’ and the players are in great shape. They are completely capable of winning this game against the West Indies, like they did against the Australians.
As always, Pakistan’s greatest concern remains with their batting line-up because of the ever-changing tactics of the opposition, which is a positive sign and a clear indication that their Captain is in control. If the Pakistani openers perform well against the Caribbean bowlers, they will be the favorites for the semi-finals.
The West Indies team is nursing several injuries. They lost their vice-captain, Dwayne Bravo, in their opening match when he twisted his knee. Shivnarine Chanderpaul missed the last two matches, whereas Chris Gayle and Kemar Roach, were also required to take a back seat in the last group match against India, as they have been playing with injuries throughout the World Cup.
There has been a lot of criticism on the bowling attack of the West Indian team, but Kemar Roach and Sulieman Benn have contributed in a big way to the team’s performance. Andre Russell, Devendra Bishoo and Ravi Rampaul have been very impressive in spite of the limited opportunities they were given to prove their capabilities. Darren Sammy and Otis Gibson have caused disruption in the bowling department, and the West Indies may have to switch bowlers around.
The West Indians will be hoping that Chris Gayle gets off to a great start against Pakistan because he is a consistent and thorough professional and they depend on him. If he is successful, he will send the Green Shirts into total disarray.
Pakistan may start as clear favorites for the first quarter-final but considering the nature of these two teams, cricket fans can expect anything.
Let’s hope that both teams play up to their optimum and set centre stage on fire, through some extra-ordinary cricket.
Tags: