Pakistan eye perfect group finish

Even an entertaining clash can be overshadowed by a trivial matter that is the team-sheet.

COLOMBO:

Even an entertaining clash such as the one today between Pakistan and Australia can be overshadowed by a trivial matter that is the team-sheet.

More eyes will be on that piece of paper than the pitch, waiting to see what opening combination Pakistan go with or if Shoaib Akhtar returns to the playing-eleven two days after announcing he will bow out of international cricket.

The result will determine final positions in Group A and with the four quarter-finalists already confirmed, momentum, confidence and bragging rights will be carried forward into the knock-outs with neither team wanting to finish second best at the R Premadasa International Stadium.

While Akhtar remained optimistic about his return after being dropped for the match against Zimbabwe, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi presented a clearer view that may suggest that barring injuries, Akhtar might have played his last match for Pakistan.

“For now the combination looks good,” said Afridi on the eve of the clash. “We’ll use him if we need him.”

With Afridi expressing his reluctance to experiment with the playing-eleven or even the batting order, Saeed Ajmal looks set to miss out yet again, with memories of the Michael Hussey onslaught still fresh from last year. Afridi, though, did hint at a change at the top of the order considering Ahmed Shehzad has scored just 51 runs in five innings, dismissed mostly by rash strokeplay instead of a good delivery.

“We did a lot of experimenting before the World Cup and this isn’t the right time for it. I think we’ll go in with the same combination. Maybe we’ll do some changing with the opening partnership but not much else.”

With Shehzad likely to make way for the fit-again Umar Akmal, wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal may well be moved up the order to open the innings with Mohammad Hafeez leaving Asad Shafiq, with a steady half-century on World Cup debut, coming in at number three.

However, with just three wins in the last 22 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Australia, Pakistan go into the game as the underdogs, especially given their indifferent start to the tournament. They beat Kenya and Sri Lanka before grinding to a halt against New Zealand in Kandy but enjoyed a comfortable win over Zimbabwe coming into this final group match. However, Afridi repeatedly mentioned a ‘new plan’ that the team looks set to implement against the defending champions in a bid to halt their 24-match World Cup winning streak.

“We’ve made some plans against them. They’re very strong physically and mentally and have a very good combination. But we’ll do something new against them as the game is very very important for us. If we win this game, we go into the quarters with good, positive attitude.”

However, with a 90 per cent chance of rain interrupting, or ruining, today’s match, the teams may well need to be content with a point each.

Afridi backs Akhtar’s decision

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has lauded Shoaib Akhtar’s decision to announce his international retirement, a sight unprecedented in the country.

“Akhtar made the right decision. It was his own decision and he looked at himself, his fitness before confirming it. Pakistan have won many matches because of his bowling and he set a good example as normally in this country, the selectors kick you out.”

With fitness issues surrounding the fast-bowler, Afridi backed his selection in the squad, terming his experience vital for the team.

“He knows how to bowl with a new and old ball and he gets reverse swing in these conditions. He’s worked hard for the World Cup and he’s enjoying himself.”

Pakistan v Australia



ODI series 2009-2010 Australia win 5-0

5th ODI Australia won by two wickets                 Jan 31, 2010

4th ODI Australia won by 135 runs     Jan 29, 2010

3rd ODI Australia won by 40 runs                        Jan 26, 2010

2nd ODI Australia won by 140 runs                     Jan 24, 2010

1st ODI Australia won by five wickets                  Jan 22, 2010



ICC Champions Trophy 2009

Australia won by two wickets                               Sep 30, 2009



ODI Series 2009

5th ODI Pakistan won by seven wickets             May 3, 2009

4th ODI Australia won by eight wickets               May 1, 2009

3rd ODI Australia won by 27 runs        Apr 27, 2009

2nd ODI  Australia won by six wickets                Apr 24, 2009

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2011.