Pakistan, WI meet in cutthroat battle

Winners of clash to qualify for World Twenty20 semi-finals.

KARACHI:

A mercurial Pakistan side will take on the unpredictable West Indies in the last Group 2 battle in Mirpur on Tuesday, with the winner set to seal its berth in the World Twenty20 semi-finals.   

So far, both teams are locked with four points from two victories. They have faced similar fortunes, losing to India and winning their respective matches against Australia and Bangladesh. West Indies, the defending champions, are ahead of Pakistan on run-rate, + 1.223 against Pakistan's +0.893, which means if rain prompts a wash-out, the Caribbean team will go through.



But given the prediction for clear skies, Mohammad Hafeez’s team will most likely be spared this misfortune.

The winners of the game will join an unbeaten India to complete the pair from their group for the semi-finals.

Interestingly, both opponents known for working miracles and inviting debacles have not met much in the slam-bang format. Out of their three previous T20 internationals, Pakistan have won twice, with Darren Sammy’s side having a solitary victory to its credit.

Pakistan bowlers prepare for Gayle & Co

Although Chris Gayle is yet to explode the way he is known for, Pakistan bowlers are not going to be complacent against the swashbuckler or his teammates such as Dwayne Smith, who can be quite lethal.

According to an official close to the Pakistan team management, the bowlers spent most of their time looking at visuals of the Caribbean batsmen on the eve of the crucial contest.

“The bowlers are ready to face the West Indies batsmen,” said the official.

“The team is equally banking on its fast-bowlers and spinners. Of course, a lot is expected from Saeed Ajmal too.”

Shehzad wants to excel again

West Indies spinners under the supervision of former Pakistan spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq, have made their presence felt — particularly Samuel Badree and ace Sunil Narine.  However, the Pakistan batsmen looked unperturbed with their form.

“We are used to playing our world-class spinners,” said Ahmed Shehzad, who became the first Pakistan batsman to smash a T20 century in Sunday’s game against hosts Bangladesh.

“We have the world’s best bowlers — Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Hafeez, and we have played them a lot. We are not feeling any pressure of facing the West Indies spinners.”

‘Pakistan must fire in all departments’  

Former coach Mohsin Khan has cautioned the team to perform in all departments.

“The West Indies are tough opponents,” said the former Test cricketer.

“The team needs to perform in all departments and avoid mistakes. Our fielding has to be up to the mark.”

On another note, Mohsin praised Shehzad’s form, hoping the opening batsman would play a key role in the game to lay a strong platform for the team’s batting.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.