Looking ahead hopefully (7 June 1999)

7 June 1999

Looking ahead hopefully

Brigadier (R) Salahuddin

Now that the first stage fo the World Cup 1999 contest is over and the standing of all teams is known, there is time to review and reassess the emerging scenario and make strategy for the Super Sixes round.

We are the leader in group B by winning all our matches. There is a famous saying that 'Nothing succeeds Like success'. Notwithstanding our emphatic victories ant not under early the teams' performance, there is always room for improvement. Our success so far is creditable and the team can truly be proud of it but should not rest on its laurels. Our goal lies ahead.

Most of our victories are attributable to our bowlers. Perhaps, Pakistan has the most balanced and aggressive attack amongst the participating teams, having world class pacers as well as spinners. Their performance spear headed by skipper Wasim Akram is praise worthy. There is no reason why this momentum be broken.

The same cannot be said about our batting. In this field we have vast areas for improvement. Top order batting is still struggling against moving deliveries.

A big opening stand is yet to be seen. The top batting line up has not come out of, "English wickets-cum-weather" syndrome although tougher days are lying ahead. Lower down batsmen cannot be expected, always, to come to the rescue and repair the damage.

The fielding department has shown improvement during the initial stage of the contest. Catching is good but ground fielding and throwing is not up to desired standard. Lot more effort is needed in improving running between the wickets and reducing the extra runs.

We have to face three top teams of group A - Zimbabwe, India and South Africa. None of them is going to provide us smooth sailing. Analysing and assessing their strength is going to help us in planning our strategy to remain on top even in this phase of the competition.

As the encounter between Pakistan and South Africa will be over before this piece appears this analysis is confined to Zimbabwe and India.

Zimbabwe: This team got a surprise upward jump after their victory over South Africa. They are now having high morale and lot of enthusiasm. Against Pakistan they will have psychological advantage in view of their success during their last tour. Their strength lies in good fielding and abundance of all rounders who are young and highly motivated. They are capable of causing upsets against any team. Neil Johnson, Heath Streak and Whittal are the players to watch. For Pakistan, there is no room for complacency against Zimbabwe.

India: By now Pakistan has played enough one day matches against India to know their strength and weakness like the back of ones' hand. Without underrating Tendulkar, Indian batting strength lies in Dravid and Ganguly on their present form in this competition.

They have to be stopped before they build up a long partnership. Tendulkar will, however remain the mainstay of Indian batting. Recently their fielding has shown marked improvement. Their bowling, with Mohanti added, is no push-over. Srinath and Prasad are difficult bowlers on English wickets.

A realistic appraisal of opposing teams in the Super Sixes stage indicates a very tough battle ahead. One expects that Pakistan team's management is fully aware and they are going to work out a sound strategy to meet the challenge. However, as a regular follower of the game I venture to make a few suggestions;

Fitness of players must be given top priority as we still have a long way to go. The team cannot afford dropouts at this stage. Fitness of our stars must be ensured.

Maintain the momentum and determination to win irrespective of the opposition and their big names.

Saeed Anwar appears in need of self confidence and motivation. He could be a match winning factor if he plays to his full potential. The coach and the captain must ensure this.

Allow Shahid Afridi to remain 'Shahid Afridi'. There is no point in curbing his style and approach.

Impose discipline among bowlers to reduce extra runs given as wide and No balls. Captain himself should set an example.

Pakistan's present cricket team has definitely the capability and right approach to come out at the 'BEST' in this World Cup. This opportunity should not be lost. Go ahead Wasim Akram and win the 1999 World Cup for Pakistan. God be with you.

The writer is a former first class cricketer and has been manager of Pakistan B team which toured Zimbabwe and Kenya in Oct-Nov 1990. This piece was written before the defeat of Pakistan against Bangladesh.

Source :: The Dawn (www.dawn.com)