Pakistan Leading at Half Way Mark by Arshad Chughtai

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2010/11

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DateLine: 10th March 2011

 

World Cup Group Matches:

 

At the half way mark in the preliminary round of the current World Cup, Pakistan is on top of the table in both groups with 3 out of 3 wins and 6 points.

 

Having already beaten Sri Lanka the other strong team in the group, their supremacy is yet to be tested against the defending champions, Australia and New Zealand. In all probability the four top teams to emerge from Group A to qualify for the quarter finals will be Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

 

The situation in the other group is different, interestingly more so, pretty dicey. So far South Africa is on top and sailing smoothly whereas much trumpeted favorites India and the other strong contender England despite creditable performances have both missed opportunities.

 

India after piling up a huge total of 338 were only fortunate to end the encounter against England in a tie and later England having amassed another big score of 327 were shocked by Ireland in a thrilling upset. However these are the two teams likely to bracket with the Proteas to head their Group table. Still it would be more interesting to watch further progress of both West Indies and Ireland in the remaining matches to determine the likely fourth position in the group.

 

Commenting on Pakistan's performance, it is heartening to note that the team so far has put up a commendable show. A team which had earlier undergone tremendous psychological pressure appears to have finally recovered. Hopefully they can maintain the momentum and the skipper continues to lead from the front.

 

1. Versus Kenya at Hambantota, Feburary 23.
Pakistan demolished the Semi-finalist of the 2003 World Cup with an outstanding and powerful display of all round skill. Electing to bat they hammered 315-7 in 50 overs. After early blows, having lost both the openers for only 12 runs on the board, the middle order later recovered admirably - four half centuries were scored: Umar Akmal (71), Misbah Ul Haq (65), Kamran Akmal (55) and Younis Khan (50). T Odoyo took 3-41. Kenya in reply were sunk for a paltry 112 in 33.1 overs. Shahid Afridi took a career best 5-16 in 8 overs. Umar Gul (2-12) also bowled superbly. Only C. Obuy (47) offered some resistance. Pakistan's margin of victory by 205 runs was their biggest in any other World Cup to date. Cheerfully Pakistan took off to a great start in the mega event.

 

2. Versus Sri Lanka at Colombo, Feburary 26
Man of the match skipper Shahid Afridi with 4-34 became only the 11th bowler in ODI history to claim 300 wickets. This landmark also helped Pakistan clinch the close contest by 11 runs. Electing to bat first, Pakistan piled up 277-7 with major contributions from Misbah Ul Haq (83*) and Younis Khan (72). Sri Lanka badly missed Lasith Malinga but Mutiah Muralitharan (1-35) bowled tightly. Chasing the total, Sri Lanka made a spirited reply and collected 76 for the first wicket. They were in with a chance until first Kumar Sangakara and later Chamara Silva were at the crease but then the Shahid Afridi spell completely changed the complexion of the game. Four wickets tumbled in the last 7 overs which sealed the fate of the match. Shoaib Akhtar (2-42) bowled splendidly and accounted for Mahela Jayawardene with a beauty.

 

3. Versus Canada at Colombo, March 4.
Pakistan appeared a bit complacent in this match after their victories over Kenya and Sri Lanka. Having elected to bat they were bowled out for a paltry 185 compared to the massive scores of over 300 being frequently scored by the top teams and even by a junior team like Ireland.

 

Only Umar Akmal (48) and Misbah Ul Haq (37) offered some resistance, unfortunately once again the top batting failed and proved unpredictable. Still one must not take anything away from the Canadian bowlers - HS Baidwan (3-35). Rizwan Cheema (2-33) and B Rao (2-50) who all bowled remarkably well. Defending a relatively small total, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afrdi again come to their rescue and bagged 5-25 (his second five wicket haul in the current World Cup) which steered Pakistan from a nervous situation to a position of strength. Pakistan won by 46 runs. Canada's fourth wicket partnership yielded 60 runs between Zubin Surkari (27) and Jimmy Hansra (43) and that gave Pakistan some anxious moments.
*Denotes Not Out

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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