Pakistan writes off http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in Twenty20 series
They were written off as world beaten than world beaters, pundits called them the weakest team to leave Pakistan in years and no one gave them a chance against the mighty Australians. On the contrary, Shahid Afridi’s team has shown the world that when you wear the green, results do not matter, input does. Reputation does not stand a chance when Pakistan is playing against a team, and that is what happened in the two twenty20 matches in Edgbaston on Monday and Tuesday.
The mighty Australians, who thrashed Pakistan in the semi final of the Twenty20 World Cup were outclassed, out thought and out smarted by Pakistan. Be it batting, or bowling, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 seemed a different side from the one which could not hold onto catches, failed to hit the stumps and was unable to score freely off any kind of bowling attack.
The return of Shoaib Malik and the rich form of Salman Butt may have strengthened the side but Pakistan got something it missed the most in the past - the fearlessness. Umar Akmal, the youngster who made his debut in all forms of the game last year, boasted immense courage as he hit bowlers of good repute to all parts of the ground. He did not care whether the bowler was Mitchell Johnson or Dirk Nannes, all he cared was to hit the ball as hard as he could. That is what he exactly did, finishing the two-match series with 89 runs, out of which 62 came in shape of boundaries.
Mohammad Aamer returned to his favourite hunting ground, and took 6 wickets in the 2 matches, which was more than the 5 by Dirk Nannes and 4 by Saeed Ajmal, the other two leading wicket takers. He proved his mettle with the bat as well scoring an unbeaten 21 in the second match, at a time when no other batsmen was able to handle the Aussies.
No player in the world is indispensable but for Pakistan, the importance of Umar Gul, especially in the shortest version of the game, is more than one can imagine. His return to the side has made them emerge as a side that used to be the T20 World Champion, a side that can bowl out its opponents and a side that must be feared for its limitless resources. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 trusted Umar Gul with the old ball as he trusted Aamer with the new one. They were outstanding in their respective areas, but Umar Gul must be commended for coming back successfully from an injury and showing as if he never left.
Saeed Ajmal, whose reputation was dented when he was belted for 22 runs in the last over of the twenty20 World Cup semi final, spun a web over his detractors as he deceived the Aussies with his off-break and “doosra”, emerging as the second best bowler in the Pakistani line up.
They mystery behind Shoaib Akhtar deepens as just one day after going for 34 in his 2 overs, he gives away just 29 in his 4 overs. Although Abdur Razzaq was not used much as a bowler and a batsmen, he will prove effective in the one dayers since he plays county cricket regularly and does well too.
Pakistan cricket team has never been famous for its fielding ability but one must admit that change is in the air, especially after looking at Shahid Afridi plucking the bowl from thin air. Kamran Akmal seemed assured of his glove work for the first time in many years and if he continues the good work behind the wicket, no one will doubt his credentials as one of the finest wicket keepers in the game.
This might be the beginning of a new era for the Pakistanis where there is no Mohammad Yousuf or Younis Khan to trouble the players with their agendas, but if Pakistan has to win more matches, they will have to play like they did against the Aussies, more.
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