http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World T20 Eights – Match Preview
Following another World Cup defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, the self-destructive Pakistan side will look to get their campaign back on track when they take on an inform Australian contingent, at the Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, today, knowing that a defeat would end their impressive run in World T20 events.
Despite offering little to their opponents for the best part of the tournament, Pakistan’s struggles against their arch-rival has put their qualification to the next stage in serious danger. Their net run-rate is marginally better than that of India and South Africa, who play in the second game today, but a loss would seriously hamper their progress, and will further offer the Proteas a route to the semi-final stage.
After consistent performance with the bat, the Men in Green fell flat against the often criticized Indian bowlers, who offered little room for their opponents to manoeuvre the ball. That put added pressure on the one-dimensional Pakistani players, all of whom then resorted to a hit or miss policy.
The management has so far, persisted with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nasir-Jamshed-c78752’s form has faded swiftly, but that has more to do with his choice of strokes. His display needs to improve, considering he bats at the all important no.3.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Akmal-c94595 are two players who have offered stability but their natural game has taken a back seat due to the failure of the top-order.
The bowling area could be tinkered with, and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sohail-Tanvir-c90665 could be an option. Spin however, will still hold key for the Men in Green.
For http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760. For them to bow out at this stage is quite unlikely, as they need to lose by a hefty margin, and see how India does against the Proteas.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558 has been a one man army for them, plundering every attack and winning four consecutive Player of the Match awards. His form is intimidating to say the least, and stopping him would be a tough ask.
However, with both sides competing in a three-match T20I series just before the World T20, Pakistan have first-hand knowledge of his prowess with both, bat and ball.
With qualification almost guaranteed, the Aussies could tinker with their lineup by giving the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/XJ-Doherty-c2804 impressed with the ball in the previous match and is likely to get an extended run.
The pitch at Colombo has started to turn appreciably, and one expects another spin-friendly track. Winning the toss and chasing would not be a bad option.
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