http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 – 2nd ODI – Pakistani Players to watch out
Following a thumping win in the first ODI, Bettor takes a look at some of the Men In Greens players, who could provide another tough test for the hosts Sri Lanka.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Hafeez-c76898
While the jury is still out on Hafeez regarding his leadership qualities, he still remains a dependable campaigner for the side. After beginning the tour slowly, which included a first ball dismissal in the first T20 at Hambantota, the player slowly found form with a cautiously approached 24-run knock in the second T20I, before providing another significant hand of 37 in the opening ODI win.
His bowling adds another dimension, evident from his two wickets at Pallekele which depicts his indispensability. While his recent innings have proven crucial, fluency has somewhat eluded the player, who will be hoping to play with a little more freedom in the second ODI and help his team to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Akmal-c94595
While few would argue his aptitude for the game, it is hard not to criticize Akmal for his inability to capitalize on good starts. The opening few games have clearly showcased the frustration of having a player of his calibre – relinquishing his wicket easily in the T20s but proving to be in a different class altogether in the first ODI.
His 36-odd run knock was arguably the most fluent among all batters and ensured that his side reached to the victory total easily rather than having to wait for the final few overs. His return to form will be a blessing and one expects him to contribute more than he has done in this year so far as he unquestionably remains a true asset.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Sami-c77289
The player has made some noteworthy contributions since returning to the national setup. Sami was widely regarded as the spearhead of the team when he initially burshttp://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Gul-c94604.
However, he has made his way back through a string of impressive performances in the domestic season. He was at his best in the second T20 where he squeezed the Lankan players in the middle overs of the run chase and displayed remarkable improvement with another perfect outing in the opening ODI encounter – claiming key scalps of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913.
Pace has been his real weapon all through his career and he will be expected to pitch in with another similar performance in the second game.
Umar Gul
His spell in the first ODI was among his best in recent times where he troubled the batsmen with exceptional line and length, along with moving the ball both ways. After a torrid start to the tour, Guldozer was at his usual best, wrecking the Lankan top order with extreme simplicity.
When on song, he is hard to get away and one expects him to be in a much better rhythm in days to come. His 3 for 24 set the Men in Green on track for a easy victory and his improved form will provide plenty of encouragement for the management, whereas will prove detrimental to the opposition, which will be eyeing a swift recovery in the second ODI.
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