5 things we learned from Pakistan's defeat against Australia
Azhar Ali's side were beaten by 92 runs in the first ODI by hosts
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan lost to Australia by 92 runs in the first of the five-match ODI series on Friday in Brisbane.
Here are five things that we learned from the 50-over encounter:
1. Pakistan need to figure out how to chase
All those who say Pakistan are unpredictable should watch them chase targets. They are as clueless now as they were a decade ago. Scores of under 300 should not be this difficult to chase in today’s day and age. It just should not be!
2. Teams need big hitters
It was telling to see Australia play Chris Lynn ahead of the more traditional and reliable Usman Khawaja. The message was clear; they wanted a big score. While their usual suspects failed, both Glenn Maxwell and Mathew Wade showed why they are so dangerous. Pakistan, on the other hand, have few batsmen who can clear the boundary with such enviable ease.
3. Fielding makes a difference
The age-old adage of catches win matches continues to ring true even as cricket evolves at the rate of knots. Australia were superb in the field, both in terms of their catching and their ground fielding, while Pakistan were not.
4. Wahab is past his expiry date
The left-arm pacer is clearly no longer the impact player he once was. He was always expensive but never has he looked more toothless. The batsmen seem to have way too much time playing him; a worrying sign for any fast-bowler. Junaid Khan should be drafted in for the next game
5. Imad Wasim is Pakistan’s best player
How he was ignored in ICC’s ODI team of the year for 2016 is anyone’s guess as the all-rounder has been Pakistan’s standout player for some time now. Once again typically miserly with the runs, while also managing to pick two wickets, he also chipped in with a fighting 29, Pakistan’s second-highest score.
If anyone can feel hard done by to be on the losing side, then it is this man.
Here are five things that we learned from the 50-over encounter:
Australia beat Pakistan by 92 runs in first ODI
1. Pakistan need to figure out how to chase
All those who say Pakistan are unpredictable should watch them chase targets. They are as clueless now as they were a decade ago. Scores of under 300 should not be this difficult to chase in today’s day and age. It just should not be!
2. Teams need big hitters
It was telling to see Australia play Chris Lynn ahead of the more traditional and reliable Usman Khawaja. The message was clear; they wanted a big score. While their usual suspects failed, both Glenn Maxwell and Mathew Wade showed why they are so dangerous. Pakistan, on the other hand, have few batsmen who can clear the boundary with such enviable ease.
Pakistan told to expect 'scary' totals from Australia in ODI series
3. Fielding makes a difference
The age-old adage of catches win matches continues to ring true even as cricket evolves at the rate of knots. Australia were superb in the field, both in terms of their catching and their ground fielding, while Pakistan were not.
4. Wahab is past his expiry date
The left-arm pacer is clearly no longer the impact player he once was. He was always expensive but never has he looked more toothless. The batsmen seem to have way too much time playing him; a worrying sign for any fast-bowler. Junaid Khan should be drafted in for the next game
Australia hand Lynn, Stanlake ODI debuts against Pakistan
5. Imad Wasim is Pakistan’s best player
How he was ignored in ICC’s ODI team of the year for 2016 is anyone’s guess as the all-rounder has been Pakistan’s standout player for some time now. Once again typically miserly with the runs, while also managing to pick two wickets, he also chipped in with a fighting 29, Pakistan’s second-highest score.
If anyone can feel hard done by to be on the losing side, then it is this man.