Pakistan vs England – 2nd T20I – Match Preview
Following a narrow 8-run win, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in the 2nd T20 International, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, February 25, 2012.
After a mauling suffered in the 50-over games, which saw the tourists claim the series 0-4, the Men In Green finally managed to break the shackles and conjure up a much-needed victory.
At one stage, the hosts were destined to lose the game before Umar Gul stepped up and took matters in his own hands. The pacers sizzling display, where he managed to take three wickets in quick succession, tilted the momentum in his team’s favour.
A lot has been spoken over the current composition of the hosts, which seems to offer little in terms of a balanced outfit. Apart from their bowling lineup, which consists of match winners in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and Gul, the batting order lacks the basic mix of aggression and repression that could be relied upon on a relatively consist basis.
While http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972’s leadership has undeniable qualities, it certainly lacks the cutting edge which has been associated with many of the yesteryear greats. Also with Afridi being the country’ heartthrob, it does put unnecessary pressure on the current skipper to perform well in all matches he plays in.
However, for now he is sure to carry on with his role and will be looking to ensure a series win in advance. The major talking point again will circle around the top order, which failed to perform in the first game. Any shuffling to the lineup will be resisted after the victory with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Akmal-c94595.
The coming to form of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shoaib-Malik-c90088 was another positive, where his valuable partnership with Misbah helped his team to post a reasonable total.
As for the no.1 ranked T20 side, they will be disappointed after squandering the match from a winning position. Skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Gul-c94604’s exceptional bowling.
The loss further made him to comprehend the punishing nature of the T20 version, where a single lapse in concentration can totally change the game's complexion, which they found out the other night. However, the English contingent will be hoping for a swift recovery before they find themselves in a somewhat precarious position of needign to avoid another whitewash – a format where, ironically, they currently stand top.
The major concern will be the form of Jonny Bairstow and Jos http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, the upcoming matches hold greater significance for the duo, who need to ensure that they gain confidence before forcing the English management to looks for reinforcements.
Also the form of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Eoin-Joseph-Gerard-Morgan-c56032 remains a major worry as his barren run with the bat seems no stopping.
The pitch at Dubai will be on the slower side with anything above 150 will be seen as an above par score. The crowd was electrifying in the first encounter and same is expected for the game today.
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