Good luck, Pakistan

The ICC World Cup 2015’s group stage is nearing its end with the line-up for the quarter-final stage almost complete. However, two games on March 15 will determine the fate of three countries, including Pakistan, as they face giant-killers Ireland in what would be the national team’s last match of the group stage. Pakistan would be confident of a victory after winning three games on the trot. In their last match, fans saw the traditionally aggressive — but mercurial — side edge out South Africa. But, as all followers of Pakistan cricket know well, one can never be sure what kind of Pakistan turn up for a particular game. On any given day, their brilliance and talent can only be overcome by their own self-destructive tendencies — something that all Pakistan fans have become accustomed to but are not ready to accept, especially in a World Cup.

A win against Ireland will see Pakistan advance to the quarter-final, while a loss might still see them through to the last-eight, provided the West Indies lose to the UAE or Pakistan edge out Ireland and the West Indies on net run-rate. However, it is important that the players and team management do not contemplate a scenario where the team is reduced to qualifying for the quarter-final on the basis of net run-rate. So far, Pakistan’s five matches have exposed several weaknesses. Of the 31 centuries scored so far in the event — up till the game between New Zealand and Bangladesh — Pakistan’s contribution has remained zero. No player even features in the top-10 list for highest scorers. Pakistan also feature prominently in the tournament’s dropped catches segment. It is now time to put these issues behind and hope that the team’s stalwarts contribute in the game against Ireland. Memories of the 2007 World Cup defeat against the same side need to be repressed. Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Younus Khan are due for a contribution. It is crucial for Pakistan’s match-winners to rise to the occasion with a berth in the knockout stages beckoning. Anything less than a place in the next stage would be unacceptable.

Published in The Express Tribune, March  14^th,  2015.

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