Rivals fear Pakistan's talent

1.758439-2881465185 — Shahid Afridi, Pakistan skipper and one of the most fearsome all-rounders in the world, will be hoping his team live up to their potential in the World Cup, especially after their recent success in the one-day series against New Zealand. Image Credit: AFP

Dubai: Pakistan do not figure among the favourites to win the 2011 World Cup; but they are one team who everyone secretly fears. It is an open secret that Pakistan, on their day, can be unbeatable.

No one had given Pakistan even an outside chance of winning the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup. Critics had pointed out that since Pakistan do not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), their players would be out of tune with this format. But stunning everyone, they breezed to emerge champions.

This victory only reiterates the glaring truth that Pakistan can beat any team in any format if their players focus on the game. It is here that this team fail despite their players' immense talent. They have often got easily affected by off-the-field happenings. Unfortunately, their cricket administration too provides ample opportunities for distractions.

One such example was the recent delay in announcing their captain. The delay in announcing the captain was the most unimaginative act that any board could have thought of, especially on the eve of the World Cup.

Fortunately, the street fighter that Shahid Afridi is, he ensured he had garnered support of all players and went on to win the series against New Zealand.

Pakistan also have an experienced and sensible coach in Waqar Younus. He candidly expressed his views and sure enough was warned by the board; but he sorted out the matter with the team, which could otherwise have wrecked them into two warring groups.

Team effort

Pakistan need a sensible guiding force who can hold the team together. In 1992, Pakistan lifted the World Cup merely due to the charisma of Imran Khan. Fortunately for him Javed Miandad, another superstar in the team, provided him all the support. This gave no chance of divisions in the team and they fought in unison.

Pakistan have one of the finest bowling attacks suitable for the sub-continent conditions. If the wickets favour spin, they have Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Adur Rahman, who can exploit it to the hilt.

Pakistan's batting looks strong on paper, but does have a tendency to collapse. It is here that the experienced batsmen like Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal should play a vital role. If they can find form, it will lessen the pressure on youngsters like Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal.

Their pace is undoubtedly the best, starting from Shoaib Akhtar. His speed can wreck any team even if he may bowl only short spells. Umar Gul, with his line and length, can make life difficult for any batsman. With Sohail Tanvir and Abdul Razzaq, who can also play whirlwind knocks with the bat, Pakistan have a great combination.

Winning habit

Pakistan are likely to commence their campaign with a victory over Kenya; but should make sure to win the February 26 match against Sri Lanka at Colombo. Once they get into a winning mode, it can be difficult to halt their momentum.

For a nation that was removed as hosts for the World Cup due to security reasons, winning the event will give them back much of their lost honour.