Its 23rd March, 2011. The day I was thinking about writing something about the ever worsening situation, both politically, as well as economically, of this pak land, Allah has bestowed upon us. Instead, I found myself watching the entire length of the quarter-final game, Pakistan cricket team played in Bangladesh, against the West Indies.
It’s been a long time, longer than I can remember, when I actually watched a 50 over game in its entirety. There were some obvious reasons behind the fact and some not so obvious, of why I turned my back to the game I loved playing at a younger age. Having said that, it was a certain feeling of inner happiness that made me sit in front of my desktop and watch the game. THIS time, the reason was obvious, and if anyone still doesn’t know, Pakistan won the game with ease, and as a certain well-known cricket website mentioned, “stormed” into the semis. Allah is great, and He holds the power to take us on top of anything if He wants to. All thanks to Him, and all praise be to Him.
I won’t go into the details of the game, instead I’d suggest some things for the Pakistani captain as well as the management to think about before they step into the semi-final. As opposed to the friendly conditions (the crowd) in our previous games (played in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), the semi-final takes us to Mohali, India, where we are either going to play against defending champions Australia, or the host nation, India. Either way, it’s not going to be a walk in the park. And the team should prepare itself for the onslaught not only ON the field, but also OFF the field.
Wahab Riaz has got his entire life ahead of him to play in the Pakistani team. He should be make it only to the bench in the upcoming game. Shoaib is playing his last few games. He is a natural choice not only for a better farewell chance, but also for the experience he carries with him. Please, whatever issues the management has with Shaoib, let him play. I guarantee, he won’t let you guys down.
The opening spinner option has worked, so far. Afridi should start with his wicket taking spinner, as that is what the opening bowlers do. And that opening spinner is, Afridi himself. He is the leading wicket taker in the tournament so far. He has the ability to take that new ball and use it to his full advantage. Don’t use the lesser options, go for the kill, trust in your abilities, and demolish the top order alongwith Umar Gull. God knows the speedstar can do with a better partner at the other end,(no pun intended at either Hafeez or Abdul Rehman).
Use Shoaib sparingly. Don’t blow up the guy in one go. Only three overs at a time. Think how Australia used Glenn McGrath.
These are just a few things they should do. Apart from these, don’t listen to anything the media says about you guys, (it will be negative for the most part………..considering the comments I have heard from Ian Chappel or Pat Symcox, these guys just can’t digest Pakistan routing the opposition, not to forget Mr. Lorgat who’d be tearing his hair out with frustration.)
Buck up now, don’t let us down. Go for the kill. God knows you guys need it, Pakistan needs it, and we, the nation need it.
God bless, and good luck.
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