Pakistan get ready for the showdown

The Pakistan team has just left for South Africa, all geared up for their campaign against the rest of the world. There is a lot at stake, for this 15-man squad carries the hopes and aspirations of the 150 million passionate cricket fans in Pakistan. They must be feeling inspired after a sensational and emotional send-off at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. They certainly left with all the good wishes and prayers of the Nation.

Waqar at press conference Photo © PCB

The Pakistan team is a well balanced outfit and really reflects the best possible selection from the existing pool of players.

Thus, it's high time the fans stop debating about what should or could have been but concentrate on support to bring out the best from the resources we have at hand.

Although there will always be differences in opinion on the omission or inclusion of some players in the squad but effort would be better served by thinking about what combination Pakistan intend to field in their opening encounter. The Aussies have sent out a clear warning to all the teams in the competition, by crushing England in the first final of the VB series. One must not forget they were missing their frontline pacemen, McGrath and Gillespie in this match and at full strength they will be simply awesome in every department.

Pakistan has gone early, with time to settle in and work their way into the tournament but they clash with Australia in their opening match. One can't help feel that this match is likely to set the tone for the remaining tournament, as far as Pakistan is concerned.

Most would regard a victory by Pakistan, going on present form, as a serious upset but there is reason to believe that this team can pull it off. This squad, minus the services of Saqlain and Razzaq did better the Aussies twice in the Super Challenge II through teamwork and a superb display of pace bowling. That is exactly what needs to be discovered yet again.

The main issue is ofcourse the playing eleven to be fielded for the first match. Saeed Anwar has not played international cricket for some time, but leaving him out would be foolish. Taufeeq Umar and Saleem Elahi will fight it out for the other opening berth, and to choose between them is not an easy task.

The main problem, or rather debate, is how to draft in Afridi? If Pakistan were to go in with two specialist openers, an all-rounder will need to be sacrificed and that means either Afridi or Razzaq.

In consider the most effective team combination for the first encounter to be: Saeed Anwar, Saleem Elahi, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam ul Haq, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif (wicket keeper), Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

However, Afridi is considered a necessity by many because without him, Pakistan have no sixth bowler to turn to if one of frontline bowlers have a bad day. An option could be to include him at the expense of Younis Khan, but this would weaken an already fragile batting order. This crunch decision will have to be taken by the team management on the spot but I personally believe that against Australia, Afridi will have to sit out on the bench.

Having done with the opening game, it is necessary to discuss Pakistan's chances in the tournament.

Simply put, on paper the team has the potential, but its time to deliver on the playing field. Pakistan has arguably, the best pace attack, a quality spinner in Saqlain and highly competent all-rounders. So that leaves us with the batting, which has three big guns, in Saeed Anwar, Youhana and Inzamam. One or more from this trio shall have to put their hand up to be counted, something they have lacked to do consistently in the recent past.

Saleem Elahi and Younis Khan have been up and down, brilliant one day but worryingly, quite ordinary the next.

Razzaq's role must also be clearly set out, especially as a batsman. He has been the sacrificial lamb for too long, being shuffled up and down the order and its time to establish is place at number 6. The number 3 position requires the most competent batsman in the side, and Youhana fits that role perfectly.

A tough pool, alien conditions, bouncy and seaming pitches are just some of the problems that this team shall encounter, but they have managed it in the past and there is no reason to believe they can't do it again. It's time to put an end to the discussions, and get down to some action.

The Nation shall do the praying, worrying and well-wishing but Boys, its now up to You!

Ed: If readers wish to correspond with the author, please email Taha Noor.