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.

Their batting line-up stretches down as far as eight, combining a blend of youthful exuberance – think Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, and Asad Shafiq – with the cool, calm heads of experience like Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq. Their latest cricket scores heading into the tournament are pretty good, and they will be looking to shine on the biggest stage.

Bowling wise they are obviously weakened by the bans handed down to Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir but their strength still lies with the ball.

Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul are cricketing warhorses will plenty left still in the tank. Wahab Riaz is growing at international level and will be a useful post-power play back up while spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman have all the capabilities required to extract the maximum out of the sub-continent pitches.

They have all the tools therefore to go far in this competition, but like many Pakistan teams across the years, will they bring those tools with them when it matters?

An irresponsible captain is a bad captain

Earlier today we saw Pakistan lose the first of three Twenty20s to New Zealand, who got home with 2.5 overs to spare. Pakistan had got themselves into at least two good positions to make a game of it, only to surrender meekly.

Chief architect of the downfall was Captain Shahid Afridi. Whilst many would disagree and say he played well for his 20 of 17 balls, it was his gormless shot that triggered a signature collapse. Going at 10 an over after the first 4 overs, Afridi did not have the nous to take advantage of a fast start and begin to rein himself in, keep wickets in hand and then to accelerate later. It was as if he wanted to finish the game in that over. That was his intention, and his shot selection was even worse.

Were it not for Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz, who both made 30, Pakistan would not have ended up with a defendable total of 143. It was at the start of the New Zealand innings that Afridi made his second mistake by opening the bowling with Abdul Razzaq. Even at his best, Razzaq was an average bowler. Having aged and lost some pace, he has become easy pickings for batsmen. Any late good work done by Gul and Wahab was immediately wasted as Razzaq went for 15 off his first over. Suddenly, 143 off 20 overs became 128 off 19. A different game already and New Zealand’s tails were up.

The strange thing is that it wasn’t as if Afridi was limited in choice of who to open the attack with. Wahab, Akhtar and Gul were playing, and we had Ajmal, Hafeez and Afrdi himself to make up any overs remaining. There was no need to bowl Razzaq, even less need to open with him.

While there were a few faces missing from the side, Afridi remained the only real choice as captain. But With Younis back in all forms and Misbah doing well in Tests, Afridi should be replaced before the 50 0ver format World Cup begins in February. We cannot have the captain playing carelessly, not thinking of the team, and making bad choices especially in a tournament format where one bad game can mean the flight home.

The fortunes of Yousuf and Malik seem to be going in opposite directions

Shoaib Malik’s exclusion for the last Test against England came as no surprise but his exclusion from this limited over squad is slightly more surprising. With Fawad Alam and Mohammed Hafeez coming back in, maybe Malik’s role would have been seen as being covered adequately enough. Hafeez’s inclusion also means that there is no place for Imran Farhat, who strangely enough, is probably more suited to the shorter form.

Most interestingly, Mohammed Yousuf has completed his come back by being named also. One would think that he’d only be used in the ODIs but I for one am certain he could do a job in the Twenty20 see-ball hit-ball form of the game. Younis Khan was overlooked because, according to captain Shahid Afridi, he has not sorted out his dispute with the PCB. In what seems a very unsympathetic and ruthless statement, Afridi said: “I asked the chairman PCB about the situation with Younis twice. But the clearance wasn’t given by the PCB. I did what I had to do”. Make of that what you will.

An inclusion that I am certainly in favour of was that of Azhar Ali. With the absence of Younis Khan, Azhar should go straight into the ODI side to bolster the middle-order batting line up. He has all the attributes: technique, temperament, talent, to become a permanent fixture in our ODI side for years to come as I am sure he will be in the Test side.

As expected, Shoaib Akhtar also retains his place from the squad that faced Australia in the Twenty20s earlier in the tour. With Wahab Riaz also included and Akhtar’s level of fitness considered, it will be interesting to see if Akhtar makes the ODI team. If he does, it may well be a straight battle between Umar Gul and Riaz for the final spot with the other two taken up by Asif and Aamer. We must not forget Gul’s deadliness in the shorter form and that Wahab has been quite expensive in this form in the past. Although, with Abdul Razzaq and Saeed Ajmal also in the squad, and considering the fact that Afridi will bowl himself, it will be interesting to see how many pacers are included in the attack from the five of Aamer, Asif, Gul, Akhtar and Riaz. Certainly that’s one area in which we’re spoilt for choice.

All in all, it looks a very exciting squad with plenty to work with for captain Shahid Afridi ahead of the World Cup:

Squad for the five ODIs and two Twenty20s:

Shahid Afridi (capt), Salman Butt, Shahzaib Hasan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Asif, Mohammed Aamer, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz.

Reserves:

Sarfraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Irfan, Abdur Rehman.

'We're not dumb, we batted rubbish so that we could lose the Test early to give our bowlers a rest'

If just for the sake of our bowlers, then the PCB must react to the current batting situation even if it means sending out a call for Mohammed Yousuf, Younis Khan and maybe even Misbah Ul-Haq. The argument that we should persist with the youngsters would be a fair one in any other situation, but we need to get these youngsters out of the cauldron they are in because this is not helping them or our bowlers.

The longest our batsmen have occupied the crease thus far in England has been 90 overs. With only Asif and Aamer of the bowlers showing any form, and Aamer being just 18, there is a worryingly huge workload placed on the bowlers, in particular the aforementioned two.

Kamran Akmal: The ‘wicket-keeper batsman’
The other thing exacerbating the situation is the dropped catches and general fielding. It is as if the bowlers have to get the opposition batsman out twice for every one dismissal. The chief culprit in this is Kamran Akmal. I stated in my last post that enough was enough, that since Kamran is making the same mistakes and not showing any improvement, then he has to be dropped. The argument that we select him because of what he gives with the bat is a false one. If you look at his contributions with the bat, then there is no reason why he should remain in the side in place of a good wicket-keeper who is not a batsmen because Akmal doesn’t look like much of a batsman either. In his seven Test innings in England, he has managed an average of just 14.58.

Disappointment all-round, as the ground fails to swallow up Kamran Akmal

Team for the next Test
Whilst it is drastic, this is the side I would go in with for the secnd Test against England and it looks like a much more competitive one to me: Butt, Hameed, Malik, Younis (or Misbah lower down), Yousuf, Azhar/Umar Akmal,  Zulqarnain, Asif, Aamer, Gul, Ajmal.

Listening to Salman Butt’s after-match interview, it did not seem as if changes were going to be made and it felt as though they were going to stick with the same line up. Butt backed the young batsmen and the wicket-keeper Akmal. His argument was that after losing similarly to Australia in the first Test, we came back strong. Yet, our batting was still poor in that game and we were lucky to win that one in the end, and should not forget that after making just 88 in the first innings, Australia still managed to get back in the game, with our bowlers having to hit the winning runs under pressure on what turned out to be the last day.

And if we do stick with the same side as Butt indicated, what happens when we lose the next one in a similarly embarrassing manner? Knowing the media and ex-cricketers back in Pakistan, our young batsmen will get overly criticised. Both the players (current and those that are called up) and the backroom staff, need to forget the clash of personality issues, forget the character issues, it’s time to be professional and come work for the country.

UPDATE:
Danish Kaneria has been dropped for the remainder of the series and is now available for Essex. Mohammed Yousuf has been called up into the squad for the remaining games against England. Both positive steps in my opinion.

The good thing is that Test game is much slower paced than Twenty20 and will give Afridi time to think over any decisions and confer with other players. He would also be able to get the input of the coaching staff during drinks breaks, at the end of sessions and at the close of play.

Apart from Afridi, who else is there as possible Test captain? The only other likely candidate, Younis Khan, is still serving his indefinite ban and is waiting on his appeal to be heard. This hearing will definitely not come in time for for him to be considered for the ODI captaincy as his appeal has been adjourned until the 29th of this month with the Asia Cup captain to be named on the 25th. Chances are that the Asia cup captain will probably be Afridi, and this, along with Younis’ ban and Afridi’s desire to return to the Test side, may have made the decision to keep him as Test captain merely a formality. With Afridi’s request in the media of a quick resolution to the damaging allegations surrounding the Pakistan team, he is beginning to sound the part of captain at least.

As a player, I think his return to the Test scene will give us a much more potent and balanced side. The argument is that his batting is not up to Test standard but I have argued in the past that he could make our Test side on his abilities with the ball alone. Also, those critics will probably be surprised to learn that his Test average is a more than respectable 37.40, with 5 centuries in 46 innings. In the recent past we have struggled for the breakthrough and his attacking variety of spin would be perfect for such a situation. We have also had problems getting past 300 runs as a team and the option of Afridi’s spin could then give us the option of dropping Saeed Ajmal/Danish Kaneria for an extra batsmen.

I think he will make the Test side on merit, and be given the captaincy because there simply is no other choice. Nevertheless, with the likes of Shoaib Malik out of the way, he has a chance to develop into a good Test captain with a young team and two new coaches that are right behind him.

In general, Pakistan did not deserve to retain the World Cup even if they had squeezed into the semi-finals. Every team had either stayed at the same level from last time or improved, apart from us and maybe India. A major part of this was the loss to injury of Umar Gul before the tournament, leaving the pace department really weak. The performances of Abdul Razzaq with the ball, and Mohammed Sami did nothing to soften the blow from the loss of Gul. Razzaq started off the short and slow six balls from the beginning of the innings and was frustratingly poor, ending up giving 22 runs of just two overs. I think it is time up for both him and Sami.

With their run of defeats against the Australians, and the manner of the latest defeat, Pakistan will be left mentally scarred for some time to come. But they must show the positiveness they showed in their semi-final batting, and not fear the Australians but emulate them.

Hats off to Hussey, Mr Bevan+

Michael Hussey: Six machine

And now to give credit where it’s due: if there ever was a batsman in an innings who looked like he could do what ever he wanted, it was Hussey in the semi-final. Each time it got critical and he needed a six, he got it. His batting manner very much reminds me of Michael Bevan, though Bevan didn’t hit as many big boundaries. Credit must also go to Cameron White. Without his innings, Hussey’s improbable task would have been made an impossible one. White dragged Australia back into the game and Hussey duly finished it off as Mr Cricket showed us that he was also Mr Six-at-will.

Shane Watson’s Woes
By now you may be getting the impression that I don’t like this guy, and you’d be right. His swearing, and constant moaning at the umpires when he himself was bowling wides was really irritating. Watson has a history of behaving like a petulant child of course. How people see him as an all-rounder I do not know. His bowling was found out, quite beautifully, by England in the final, and soon, his batting will be too. The most pleasing thing was when he was knocked over by Haddin when they both went for the same catch. Forget picking him up, Haddin did not even look back at him so it just proves that not even his team mates like him. Watson needs to appreciate how fortunate he is. People like him need to be called to account so that the game does not slowly slip towards one where officials and players are pressured, abused and disrespected.

Catching's not easy when you can't see properly

It is a serious issue and Pakistan are beginning to pay the price for not taking these chances. Though they do have their new fielding and bowling coach Waqar Younis with them, it may have been better to have asked an optician to have accompanied the team to Australia. I think an eyesight test now has to be a must for each player, seriously.

You have to feel for the bowlers. Not only do dropped catches give the batsmen extra chances but they demoralise the bowlers and put the rest of the field under pressure. What a start to 17 year old Aamer’s first Test in Australia it would have been had Akmal held onto that catch? The last team in the world you should be giving opportunities to are the Australians. Katich was on 8* when he was drooped, Watson on 43*, they went on to make 98 and 93 respectively. It would not be too early to suggest that those two drops look to already have cost Pakistan the Test with Australia now in such a commanding position.

Having had my first real look at Abdur Rauf, I have to say I’m really disappointed and am quite shocked that he was picked over Sami, even more shocked that even an out of form Umar Gul was dropped for him. Rauf, a big strapping lad was just bowling apologies. He needs to put his back into it instead of bowling 6 sorrys an over. Shane Warne said on commentary that he was “just putting it up there” and I would have to agree. Even an out of form Umar Gul would have been much more useful than him with more pace and variation. There is still some way to go in the match so I do hope Rauf improves and proves me wrong.

One side issue which did disappoint me was the snide remark of commentator and big Pakistan fan (ahem) Mark Nicholas. When speaking about Mohammad Aamer, Nicholas remarked “if he is 17”. I do not dispute there have been age related issues with Pakistan players in the past but if Mark Nicholas cannot see that Mohammad Aamer is 17, he should join the Pakistan players for an eye test..

As for team Pakistan, they may rule the world when it comes to twenty20 cricket, but they’re not  exactly the best when it comes to 20/20 vision.

There was no Shoaib Malik or Rana Naved in the first ODI (not to mention Imran Nazir who wasn’t even in the squad). In the second ODI, Umar Akmal was dropped and Shoaib Malik was brought in. For today’s game, Mohammad Yousuf made way and back came Umar Akmal. Ask most Pakistan fans and very few would say we went in with our best side in any of these three ODIs.

Consistency in selection usually results in consistency in performance so why the need to make changes? These changes have basically all come about because of the conundrum that Pakistan are having with their openers. Khalid Latif, one of the openers brought in, has done very well averaging 43. His partner on the other hand, Salman Butt, averaged 28. Could we have done without bringing Butt back? Yes in my opinion, because it would have meant Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf were able to play in the same side. Kamran Akmal or Shoaib Malik opening with Khalid Latif could quite easily have given us the 28 runs an innings like Butt has, and evidently, by using fewer deliveries. It was surprising he was recalled in the first instance but to keep him and disturb a settled side was a big mistake.

Today was a big game for the Captain. Having scored 0 and 19 respectively, I was hoping he’d make a match winning century and do the honourable thing of handing over the reins to Afridi and then stepping down. Pressure is piling up on Younis Khan and some would say he brought it on himself with his resignation and subsequent demands for reinstatement. But having scored and excruciating 3 off 16 balls today, the chances are that he will not be going out like this.

Younis comes in at number three, a vital position where innings collapses are either born or die a slow death. Rather than stop a collapse today, Younis triggered one by running out a settled Salman Butt, and in the end, bringing more pressure on himself as was evident from the jeers he received at the presentation.

The final word must go to the two shinning lights of Pakistan cricket, Mohammand Aamer and Saeed Ajmal. Not only were they head and shoulders above the others with the ball, but they also were the two highest scorers in the Pakistan side, taking the game to the last over and almost snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Man of the match Aamer’s 73 not out made him the first Pakistani number 10 to reach a fifty in ODI cricket. His partnership of 103 with Ajmal (33), was the second highest overall for the tenth wicket in an ODI. They were deservedly applauded by the Kiwis.

The chief protagonists in the fight back for Pakistan were Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Asif and Rana Naved who bowled maidens in both the 45th and 47th overs of the Australian innings. This meant that not only had the Aussies have to worry about wickets but also the number of balls remaining.

Australia tied the game with a ball remaining which meant that India were out of the tournament at that point. Requiring one off the last ball they got there with a bye to keeper Kamran Akmal whose throw, had it hit the stumps, would have resulted in the game finishing tied rather than in an Australian win.

Pakistan again demonstrated why they have the world’s premier bowling attack. It had it all, spin, unerringly accurate yorkers…it was a joy to watch. Who said 50 over ODIs were boring? Well they certainly are not when Pakistan play them!

Pakistan will now play New Zealand in the semi-finals on the 3rd of October. Aamer will no doubt be back for that but Asif’s second spell would have got the captain and selectors wondering. He did well but expect Pakistan to go into the semi-finals with the side that beat India in the group stages.

Pakistan’s victory was set up due to a brilliant partnership of 206 between Mohammad Yousuf (87) and man of the match, Shoaib Malik (128). The pacing of the partnership left MS Dhoni scratching his head but you have to feel for the guy as only Ashish Nehra and Yusuf Pathan did anything of note with the ball for them.

It is a well held belief that if Pakistan’s batsmen fired then they’d be a force to be reckoned with as the bowling usually takes care of itself. Unfortunately for India, their bowling was their weak link and many of their bowlers looked devoid of ideas and played into Pakistan’s hands. The most frustrating of them for Indian fans must be Ishant Sharma. After bursting onto the scene he has flattered to deceive even though he posses all the attributes you’d need to be a top quality fast bowler. India’s main selection conundrum is the bowling all rounder spot. It means that their bowlers have to do their job and their batsmen likewise. If either fails, then it becomes difficult for them to make it up.

Of Pakistan’s bowlers, the normally reliable Umar Gul had a surprisingly off day giving many extras and conceding 55 of his 6 overs. It must be said that Younis should have dragged him out of the attack earlier as it was quite clear he was having an off day and there plenty of bowlers to make up his overs. The captain himself had a relatively poor showing after all the build up about him playing with a fractured finger although he must be given credit for persevering with an unconventional slip for the dismissal of the dangerous Yusuf Pathan in the 39th over of the Indian innings. A special mention must go to Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi who bowled superbly well in containing India at vital times and on a pitch where Harbhajan had a shocker.

But this day belonged to Mohammad Yusuf and mainly to Shoaib Malik with their match winning 4th wicket partnership which is the highest of the tournament thus far. Shoaib Malik has recently been criticised, some fair, mostly not, but I’ve always felt he has a mix of attributes that our other batsmen, current ones or those waiting in the wings, do not possess and therefore is a vital team member. The most obvious is his cricketing intelligence and ability to play according to the situation. The reassuring thing about Malik is that when he gets in he looks twice the player he looks early in his innings. If he could be more consistent then it may get some critics off his back but today he played the perfect ODI innings.

Congratulations to the Pakistan fans and commiserations to the Indian fans who are not yet out of it and still have lots to play for.