Pakistan fight complacency today
Canada eye upset as 1992 champions mull over changes for their third match.
COLOMBO:
After tasting two wins in as many games featuring the same playing-eleven, Pakistan face Canada today pondering over possible experimentation and risking disrupting a winning combination.
With spinner Abdul Rehman out due to injury, Saeed Ajmal looks a likely replacement in the team’s third Group A match at the R. Premedasa Stadium in Colombo.
While the opposition poses little threat, the dilemma would be whether to rest ageing fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who played a crucial role in the match against Sri Lanka.
Coach Waqar Younis feels unnecessary experimentation is walking on thin ice.
“There might be some changes,” said Younis. “But we’d go with a strong line-up in every match. We will not take any team lightly in this tournament.”
The former fast-bowler was also mulling over resting Akhtar and batsman Misbahul Haq, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
“Sometimes, especially at this age, rest isn’t good for a player because it breaks their rhythm. We will discuss resting these players in the team management meeting before the match.”
However, an official close to the management said that Asad Shafiq and Wahab Riaz might be drafted in to take the seniors’ place in the playing-eleven.
‘Fielding culture missing’
Meanwhile, Younis added that the team must show an improved fielding performance after Pakistan bowlers were let down in the previous match.
“We had a bad match against Sri Lanka and we need to improve our fielding. After the inclusion of youngsters our fielding has improved but there are still some lapses.”
The former captain added that while the players took a keen interest in improving their batting and bowling skills, the fielding culture seemed missing that needed attention.
“Openers’ failure not a headache”
The only worry for Pakistan has been the performance of openers Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Hafeez who failed in both matches. However, according to the coach, the situation was not alarming.
“Openers are required to perform in major tournaments but with Younus and Misbah going well it’s not a big concern.
“It would’ve worried me if there were technical issues with their batting but their technique is fine. Hopefully they will find form by the knock-out stages.”
Canada eye upset
On the other hand, Canada do not have much to show for their World Cup campaign. A humiliating but expected heavy defeat against Sri Lanka was followed by further embarrassment against Zimbabwe.
However, the team’s most experienced campaigner John Davison said his team will enter the ground with an aim to stun Pakistan.
“We are going with a win in mind,” said the opening batsman who has represented Canada in three World Cups. “Hopefully Pakistan will have a poor day like they had in the last World Cup provided we play up to the mark.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2011.
After tasting two wins in as many games featuring the same playing-eleven, Pakistan face Canada today pondering over possible experimentation and risking disrupting a winning combination.
With spinner Abdul Rehman out due to injury, Saeed Ajmal looks a likely replacement in the team’s third Group A match at the R. Premedasa Stadium in Colombo.
While the opposition poses little threat, the dilemma would be whether to rest ageing fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who played a crucial role in the match against Sri Lanka.
Coach Waqar Younis feels unnecessary experimentation is walking on thin ice.
“There might be some changes,” said Younis. “But we’d go with a strong line-up in every match. We will not take any team lightly in this tournament.”
The former fast-bowler was also mulling over resting Akhtar and batsman Misbahul Haq, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
“Sometimes, especially at this age, rest isn’t good for a player because it breaks their rhythm. We will discuss resting these players in the team management meeting before the match.”
However, an official close to the management said that Asad Shafiq and Wahab Riaz might be drafted in to take the seniors’ place in the playing-eleven.
‘Fielding culture missing’
Meanwhile, Younis added that the team must show an improved fielding performance after Pakistan bowlers were let down in the previous match.
“We had a bad match against Sri Lanka and we need to improve our fielding. After the inclusion of youngsters our fielding has improved but there are still some lapses.”
The former captain added that while the players took a keen interest in improving their batting and bowling skills, the fielding culture seemed missing that needed attention.
“Openers’ failure not a headache”
The only worry for Pakistan has been the performance of openers Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Hafeez who failed in both matches. However, according to the coach, the situation was not alarming.
“Openers are required to perform in major tournaments but with Younus and Misbah going well it’s not a big concern.
“It would’ve worried me if there were technical issues with their batting but their technique is fine. Hopefully they will find form by the knock-out stages.”
Canada eye upset
On the other hand, Canada do not have much to show for their World Cup campaign. A humiliating but expected heavy defeat against Sri Lanka was followed by further embarrassment against Zimbabwe.
However, the team’s most experienced campaigner John Davison said his team will enter the ground with an aim to stun Pakistan.
“We are going with a win in mind,” said the opening batsman who has represented Canada in three World Cups. “Hopefully Pakistan will have a poor day like they had in the last World Cup provided we play up to the mark.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2011.