Hanif Mohammad: "Akhtar has a psychological edge over Tendulkar" by PakPassion.Net

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2010/11

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DateLine: 29th March 2011

 

With the impending titanic clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in perspective, *www.PakPassion.net* spoke with one of Pakistan’s most outstanding, legendary and decorated cricketers.

 

Hanif Mohammad, the true and original Little Master, spoke about the upcoming semi-final at Mohali, Shoaib Akhtar, and his overall view of the World Cup so far.

 

The semi-final clash between India and Pakistan has captured the imaginations of cricketing fans the world over. No match between these two bitterest of rivals has ever had so much at stake, with a berth in the World Cup final in Mumbai up for grabs.

 

Hanif gave his take on the highly-anticipated match at Mohali, and the chances of victory for both India and Pakistan.

 

'Pakistan has played with a lot of spirit in this World Cup. There's a very good combination, understanding and a fighting spirit in the team, and the credit for that goes to [Pakistan captain] Afridi.'

 

'India is playing at their home ground, and has local support. The Pakistani team has arrived early in Mohali, so I am sure they will be acclimatized and used to the conditions by the time of the game.'

 

When pressed to choose one winner out of the two, the 55 Test veteran remained typically stoic and resolute.

 

'I think it will be a very close match, and winning the toss will be important. Whoever bats first and puts 250 plus on the board, the pressure on the other team will be huge.'

 

'Both are capable of beating each other.'

 

Big game, big game players. Shoaib Akhtar is one name that is being discussed incessantly by cricket fans and pundits alike. The Rawalpindi Express has been forced to sit on the bench as left-armer Wahab Riaz has overtaken him for a spot in the starting line-up. Akhtar's class and big-match temperament is unquestionable, yet the Pakistan team think tank has preferred not to use him since the group stage loss to New Zealand.

 

Hanif gave his views on whether Shoaib should or should not make the cut for the clash with India.

 

”I think that depends on the wicket. If it’s a wicket that is conducive to spin, then I think they won't play him, as that fear factor will not be there. Otherwise he should play as Akhtar has a psychological edge over Tendulkar”

 

The 2011 edition of the cricketing mega-event has seen some truly remarkable performances from all teams across the board. The likes of England, South Africa, and even Associate teams like Ireland have given some outstanding performances. Yet when queried on which team has impressed him the most in this World Cup, Hanif stated a different side altogether.

 

"Sri Lanka has been playing very well, their all-round combination - batting, bowling and fielding - is very good. Even the other day [vs England] they did not field that well, but still won by ten wickets. India and Pakistan as well are very good. New Zealand have not impressed me that much, but they are still there in the semis."

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