29 October 1998
Battle of the unpredictable
Rabeed Imam
Two of the most popular teams in the world - West Indies and
Pakistan, meet in the quarterfinal of the Wills International Cup
today with a mind to knock each other out of the competition. But the
two equally inconsistent and unpredictable rivals have a lot of
mutual respect for each other as was evident in their pre-match
thoughts yesterday.
"They are an excellent side," said West Indies manager Clive Lloyd
about their opponents. "One of the best in the world."
Skipper Brian Lara was of similar opinion. "I think Pakistan are a
brilliant team. They are a bit inconsistent sometimes like any other
side,but when they play well,they can be a very difficult team to
beat."
Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail considered the Caribbeans an extremely
tough proposition. "They are very, very competitive.They have beaten
us on a number of occasions.It won't be easy for us",said Sohail.
The West Indies practised at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium in the
morning and as was the case during their last two outings, they had
long sessions at the nets.
"Obviously we had some solid practice and the players are looking
forward to tomorrow's match with immense interest", said Lloyd.
About the possibility of Pakistani spinners creating problems for his
side, Lloyd said, "I do not know them,so it's not of any concern."
Brian Lara admitted that they would miss the services of fast bowling
ace Curtly Ambrose,but he has reasons to believe that his team could
have the better of Pakistan. "Naturally our expectation is to win. We
definitely would feel the absence of Ambrose,but the guys are eager
to show their worth.I believe if we can perform up to our
capabilities, we should be coming out on top."When his attention was
drawn to the fact that all the captains have contributed handsomely
to their team's causes and how he intends to play in today's game,
Lara diplomatically declared, "my personal expectation is to see my
team win. However I am very much aware that I have a contribution to
make."
The West Indies will follow a conventional approach in
batting.Aggressive specialist openers Clayton Lambert and Philo
Wallace have established a fine understanding and will try to give
their side a blistering start.But the impetus has to be taken by Lara
and vice captain Carl Hooper,who according to Lloyd has become more
consistent these days and is playing, "..up to 30 per cent of his
potential."
Both Lara and Lloyd believes that fielding is a significant feature
of their team.The bowling, unlike the traditional pace dependence,
has a lot of variation with the raw pace of Nixon McLean,Marvyn
Dillon and Reon King,spin of Raul Lewis and Hooper and the medium
pace of Phil Simmons.
Pakistan coach Javed Miandad promised they would play positive
cricket despite the absence of two world class batsmen in Saeed Anwar
and Injamam Ul-Haq. "I dont think about who is playing or not. I am
happy with yhe side I have and we will play to win."
Skipper Sohail vowed to start afresh after the Test series defeat to
Australia. "That loss is history now.This is a different ball game.
We want to prove ourselves."
Pakistan's will depend heavily on the explosive genius of the
swashbuckling Shahed Afridi. In the absence of experienced
compatriots, Sohail has the added responsibility.
Salim Malik and Ejaj Ahmed are battle hardened professionals and
should relish the opportunity of cutting lose on the batsman-friendly
Bangabandhu Stadium wicket.
The incomparable Wasim Akram with his destructive pace and movement
leads the bowling department. Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is a class
apart.Aaqib Javed has the experience to rise to difficult situations.
Statistics favour the West Indies.In 83 one day international matches
between the sides,the Caribbeans have won 55 times, losing 26 in the
process.They have played two tied games.
Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)