Stani Army

Like their near neighbours on the sub-continent Pakistan will head into the cricket World Cup with the voices of their huge passionate support ringing in their ears.

Cricket is a religion in those parts, and while that has enormous benefits it also brings with it the pressure of expectation and the glare of the media spotlight with almost everyone in the country keeping an eye on their latest scores.

Pakistan have had more than their fair share of media attention in recent months, but upon their arrival in Bangladesh the players seemed quietly confident and content to concentrate on matters on the pitch.

Certainly the mood of this Pakistan team is key to their success. They possess the talent but it is their tendency to blow hot and cold that infuriates their passionate support – they know what the players can do, they just don’t always show it.

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Pakistan succumb to their second loss in a row after a brilliant performance by the Indian opening batsmen.

It was a very good start to the innings by Ahmed Shehzad (25 off 19), who is fast looking the part, and Kamran Akmal (19 off 9). Though the rookie  Shahzaib Hasan went for a second ball duck, I’m sure he will get another chance during the tournament.

After the good start, wickets were given out like money on Eid and the run rate plummeted. Afridi didn’t help with a suicidal shot.

There was a good recovery with a vital partnership between Misbah (37 off 30) and Arafat (25 off 16) in the middle and latter part of the innings. Awesome back of the crease stuff from Misbah. At least they showed some fight unlike against South Africa where they just rolled over.

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With Pakistan’s bowlers starting off poorly, it seemed like a big score was on the cards and South Africa obliged. Pakistan have a very good Twenty20 record but were well beaten today.

Few plus points were the bowling of Saeed Ajmal (2 for 24) and the promising little innings from Ahmed Shehzad (33 off 27).

Afridi (2 for 34) and Ajmal aside, the other bowlers need to step up and the batsmen really need to give more value to their wicket.

Typically awful in the field aside from a couple good run outs and were also typically generous with the extras. Lots to work on.