Pakistan are the defending champions in the t20 championship, but they have hardly played like that, showing no signs of the quality and dominance which saw them rule the world in the shortest form of the world not longer than just 10 months ago, what has changed so much in the very same team which now looks not capable to beat any team, suffering defeats at the hands of Australia, England and New Zealand, the only win that came for them in the event was against Bangladesh which also was not by any stretch of the imagination convincing.
The bowling attack of Pakistan is missing a major element the searing yokers of Umer Gul who was head and shoulders above anyone in the previous 2 editions of the t20 world cup, and also claimed the best figures by any bowler in t20 internationals, ironically against their last opponents New Zealand. His replacement Muhammad Sami has also been unimpressive, the man blessed with raw pace has not grown as a bowler in the 9 years he has been in international cricket, once he starts going for runs he just doesn’t know where to put the ball.
While Sahahid Afridi who has been appointed the captain had no experience leading the side and at most times seems short of plans when asked a question by the opposition, and the team selection leaves a lot to be desired, in the first 3 matches they virtually played with 10 men, with Fawad Alam just making up the numbers, for me he just does not cut it in the team, as being an orthodox left arm spinner he hardly gets a bowl, and batting down the order he does not seem to have the ability to use the long handle.
The under 19 all rounder Hammad Azam who is warming the benches would make a deserving replacement for the left hander. The only 2 players performing consistently are Mumammad Aamer the left arm tear away who although only 18 looks to have a good head on his shoulders, and the off spinner Saeed Ajmal looks to be a reincarnation of the great Saqlain Mushtaq and has performed as good as his ideal or probably even better.
Pakistan even though have done themselves no favors by losing both of their first 2 but cricket being a funny game they may still have a realistic chance of making It to the final 4, given things go their way. At present they have a batter run rate than South Africa and New Zealand, and if Pakistan manage to beat South Africa and England overpower New Zealand in the next match, believe it or not Pakistan will find themselves in the semi finals, and given their unpredictable history in 2009 T20 world cup, and the historic fairytale win the in 92 world cup, one cannot rule the green machine out of the running for defending their T20 crown.
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