One of the positive that came out from the group stage from Pakistan’s perspective is Asad Shafiq. Pakistan wanted a strong middle order batsman to give back bone to Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq. Their middle order was looking vulnerable as one wicket of either Younis or Misbah could open up the tail.
Game against West Indies in Quarter Final at Mirpur, lot will rely on how Pakistan middle order performs. Both West Indies and Pakistan rely heavily on their bowlers to perform. This quarter final will not see more than 500 runs in a day but there is a good chance, we might see close to 20 wickets fall down in a day. Roach and Benn (west indies is more likely to open bowling with Benn) have given them early wickets. Neither Kamran Akmal nor Mohd.Hafeez looks solid at the crease which means Pakistan middle order will be in within first 15 overs. From 15th Over to 40th Over; Pakistan’s middle order has to play cautiously to win the game for them.
If West Indies can take wickets in the middle order and expose likes of Afridi and Razzaq before 35th over; match will be drift towards West Indies.
On the other side, Pakistan also has bowling line up which can defend target of 200. Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz are attacking bowlers but their spinners and specially Afridi (who is the highest wicket taker in the tournament so far) are their best chance to go through any line up.
West Indies’s best chance to perform better relies on how well, Gayle and Smith performs. If they can actually stay there for first 10 overs or so, rest all pieces of puzzle will fall perfectly for them. Bravo and Sarwan are capable to handle pressure and dig them out but not if they start their inning in first 10 overs. It would be too much to ask from only 2 middle order batsman to play for than 30 overs and West Indies opening partnership is critical.
Neither of the side was picked as one of the favorite to win this tournament (India, S.Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka were favorite to reach to Semi Final). Both this sides are fancy to call themselves as “Underdogs”. They thrive on their ability to cause an upset. Both this team has unique “FLAIR” to offer. Both sides has monster hitters with likes of Gayle, Pollard, Afridi and Razzaq. Both sides are not naturally good fielding side. Both the sides are naturally “Attacking” Side. Both this side however crumbed under pressure, so, the game will be decided between West Indies Opening Pair vs Pakistan’s Middle Order Batsman because rest assured both team’s bowling line up will perform at their best. Gayle/Smith vs Younis/Misbah, the combination which can hold their nerver, will be presented with the Victory.
Pakistan normally are confident side when they enter the ground. We need to see whether victory over Australia gives them more confidence or over confidence.
My Prediction says: Pakistan will cause an upset; by playing rash and give away victory to West Indies.
Pakistan Probable Playing XI:
Kamran Akmal, Mohd.Hafeez, Asad Safiz, Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz.
(Too many left handed batsman in west indies and hence Saeed Ajmal in place of Abdul Rehman)
(Shoaib Akhtar is probably not fit and lefty Wahab Riaz gives variety in bowling attack).
West Indies Probably Playing XI:
C.Gayle, D.Smith, D.Bravo, R.Sarwan, K.Pollard, Sammy, Brown, Benn, Bishoo, A.Russel, Roach.
Probable Turning Points of the game:
1)Bishoo and Russel taking wickets in the middle overs
2)Gayle/Smith's opening partnership.
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