‘Pakistan can win it from here’

Former captain Ramiz Raja says the 1992 champions have an equal chance of winning the showpiece event.

COLOMBO: Pakistan may have not started the World Cup as favourites but former captain Ramiz Raja said that the 1992 champions have an equal chance of winning the showpiece event. Pakistan beat Kenya in their opener before defeating hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday, a win that has convinced cricket followers of their commitment.

“Many people were writing-off Pakistan,” said Raja. “But I always believed the side is a force to reckon with.

“They defeated Sri Lanka at home and if any team is taking them lightly they are making a huge mistake.”

‘Afridi’s captaincy impressive’

The former captain, who featured in Pakistan’s winning 1992 campaign, was also impressed with the way Shahid Afridi led the team against the hosts.

“Afridi is showing great maturity as a captain and he used his bowlers very intelligently. The move to bring Shoaib [Akhtar] back in the attack was a crucial one.”

The former opening batsman was also delighted with Akhtar’s performance. “He’s been very impressive and he proved that he is fit enough to bowl his quota of 10 overs.”

The player-turned-commentator, however, urged Umar Gul to lift his performance. “He’s a senior player and his performance is very important. He should improve in the coming matches,” said Raja while arguing against experimenting with team combination.

“We need experienced players in crunch games and including players like Wahab Riaz might be a risk, however Saeed Ajmal needs to be given a chance.”

Team urged to continue form

The former captain advised the team to carry on the momentum it had gained so far in the tournament.

“Pakistan have started very well and they should carry on with the momentum and not panic,” said Raja while playing down the fielding woes.

“Pakistan have shown improvement in their fielding and this match was just an unfortunate one for them.

“It happens sometimes and the players should not let it affect them too much.”

Pakistan dropped two catches in the later part of Sri Lanka’s innings and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal was also guilty of missing two stumping chances.

‘Misbah to recover in time’

Meanwhile, Pakistan vice-captain Misbahul Haq will recover in time before the third match against Canada to be played on March 3 in Colombo, according to team manager Intikhab Alam.

Misbah made 83 not out but had to use a runner in the later stages after pulling a hamstring muscle and did not take the field in the second innings.

Pakistan pay for slow over-rate

Pakistan were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the 11-run win against hosts Sri Lanka in the World Cup. Chris Broad of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Shahid Afridi’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the match. While Afridi was fined 20 per cent of his match fees, other players were deducted 10 per cent.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2011.