Imran, Wasim want revised strategy for the quarter-finals
Former captains call for Ajmal’s inclusion.
KARACHI:
Despite Pakistan’s victory over defending champions Australia, former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram believe the team management is not utilising the resources optimally and need to make amendments in their strategy in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Pakistan ended Australia’s winning streak of 34 matches to top their group but both the members of 1992 World Cup winning team were not convinced by some of the decisions made during the triumph against Australia.
‘Batting order should change’
Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in 1992, stressed on the need for a change in the batting order in the quarter-finals. Despite Pakistan calling up Asad Shafiq at one-down and his defiant 46-run knock, the former captain felt the team’s experienced middle-order batsmen should be sent up the order instead.
“Pakistan need to change their batting order despite their momentous win over Australia,” said Khan.
“Younus Khan and Misbahul Haq should come up the order and Shahid Afridi should come after Abdur Razzaq.”
The legendary all-rounder was also not convinced by the decision to prefer Abdul Rehman over Saeed Ajmal.
“The strategy to use Rehman to stop the flow of runs is incorrect,” said Khan.
“Ajmal should be used in place of Rehman as he is a wicket-taking bowler. The runs stop automatically once you start taking wickets,” he insisted.
Khan, however, lauded Afridi’s captaincy tactics during match against Australia.
“Afridi led the team well and made wise decisions during the match,” he said before praising Umar Akmal who was named the man of the match for his clinical innings of 44 runs.
“None of the sides in the tournament have a player of Umar’s calibre as he possesses huge natural talent.”
Wasim unhappy with Afridi’s batting
Meanwhile, former captain Akram also echoed Khan’s comments over the team selection.
“I think Ajmal should replace Rehman in the upcoming matches as he is a strike bowler,” said Akram.
The former captain was not happy with Afridi’s batting display who was dismissed at a crucial stage in the match after playing an irresponsible shot.
“What can one say regarding Afridi’s batting? He’s doing this since the last 15 years. Razzaq should come before Afridi.”
Akram, however, felt the victory against Australia was a huge morale boost which will help Pakistan in the knock-out stages.
“No doubt a win against the Aussies is always special and it will definitely boost the team’s confidence in the coming matches.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2011.
Despite Pakistan’s victory over defending champions Australia, former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram believe the team management is not utilising the resources optimally and need to make amendments in their strategy in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Pakistan ended Australia’s winning streak of 34 matches to top their group but both the members of 1992 World Cup winning team were not convinced by some of the decisions made during the triumph against Australia.
‘Batting order should change’
Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in 1992, stressed on the need for a change in the batting order in the quarter-finals. Despite Pakistan calling up Asad Shafiq at one-down and his defiant 46-run knock, the former captain felt the team’s experienced middle-order batsmen should be sent up the order instead.
“Pakistan need to change their batting order despite their momentous win over Australia,” said Khan.
“Younus Khan and Misbahul Haq should come up the order and Shahid Afridi should come after Abdur Razzaq.”
The legendary all-rounder was also not convinced by the decision to prefer Abdul Rehman over Saeed Ajmal.
“The strategy to use Rehman to stop the flow of runs is incorrect,” said Khan.
“Ajmal should be used in place of Rehman as he is a wicket-taking bowler. The runs stop automatically once you start taking wickets,” he insisted.
Khan, however, lauded Afridi’s captaincy tactics during match against Australia.
“Afridi led the team well and made wise decisions during the match,” he said before praising Umar Akmal who was named the man of the match for his clinical innings of 44 runs.
“None of the sides in the tournament have a player of Umar’s calibre as he possesses huge natural talent.”
Wasim unhappy with Afridi’s batting
Meanwhile, former captain Akram also echoed Khan’s comments over the team selection.
“I think Ajmal should replace Rehman in the upcoming matches as he is a strike bowler,” said Akram.
The former captain was not happy with Afridi’s batting display who was dismissed at a crucial stage in the match after playing an irresponsible shot.
“What can one say regarding Afridi’s batting? He’s doing this since the last 15 years. Razzaq should come before Afridi.”
Akram, however, felt the victory against Australia was a huge morale boost which will help Pakistan in the knock-out stages.
“No doubt a win against the Aussies is always special and it will definitely boost the team’s confidence in the coming matches.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2011.