With changes likely from the side that went down by two runs, even manager Intikhab Alam agreed that Afridi holds the key to Pakistan’s revival and chances of bouncing back in the series.
“I know Afridi is concerned about his performance because he needs to deliver and provide the much-needed boost to the team,” Alam told The Express Tribune. “It’s not like we’re not learning from the mistakes which, somehow, are being repeated. We’re noting everything down and conveying them to all the players but it’s up to them to understand these things and perform accordingly.”
Changes likely
“Although it was a narrow defeat, the ones who performed well will retain their place. We’ll decide after the training session and also after observing the conditions before the match.”
Batsman Umar Akmal has been ruled out of ODI series while Test captain Misbahul Haq was dropped four matches into his comeback due to poor performance. Afridi, though, hinted that changes were likely to be made in the spin department.
“I’m not satisfied with Saeed Ajmal’s performance,” said Afridi. “We are giving him chances but we have another spinner, Abdur Rehman, who is a good ODI bowler and can prove useful on these types of pitches.”
Testing conditions
With the ground-staff planning to use the same pitch for the remaining ODIs, Afridi envisages a repeat of the low scores witnessed in the third ODI as the strip wears out.
“It will be very difficult playing three matches on the same track. The ball will keep low and I think the totals will be very small.”
Ideal for the opposition
Johan Botha, South Africa’s stand-in captain, is likely to play a key role in the ODIs with his off-spin due to the deteriorating condition of the pitch, especially if his side is to clinch the series today.
“The pitch is not going to get any easier,” said Botha. “All three games are being played on the same strip so that is going to be interesting. It is going to be tough, but hopefully we can squeeze out a win to get to 3-1.”
Pakistan’s ODI record this year has been dismal: winning just four out of the 16 they have played, including the series-whitewash against Australia as well as failure to reach the final of the Asia Cup played in June. They now need back-to-back wins to seal the series, a feat they managed against England last month.
Shoaib Akhtar
Pakistan’s joint highest wicket-taker in the series so far, Akhtar has been lauded for his efforts with the ball. However, early inroads on a consistent basis are what Pakistan want from him in the absence of pace from the other end.
Hashim Amla
Highest run-scorer in ODIs this year, Amla continues to press his authority at the top of the order with his runs at a quick rate. With Pakistan’s less-than-menacing fast-bowling attack, Amla has remained steadfast throughout the series.
Jacques Kallis
En route full recovery, Kallis has not been able to make a huge impression with the bat or the ball. However, the experience the all-rounder carries with him makes him a potent weapon, especially given how poor Albie Morkel has been.
Saeed Ajmal
The mystery spinner is in a mysterious form of late. Unable to flux batsmen with ease witnessed in the past, Ajmal has managed just a brace in three matches so far. Much was expected of him in spin-friendly conditions.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2010.
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