As 2011 started all I had hoped for was a controversy free twelve months and I got them all-right. Along with being controversy free, Pakistan cricket also saw a sense of consistency as well. Winning more ODI's than any other side, 24 to be precise and jointly winning 6 Tests along with England. So what now for, 2012 and the twelve months ahead?
Pakistan start the year with England in late January. The world number one side will be a test but a Test that Pakistan will hopefully rise to. In all three formats Pakistan have a strong bowling line-up and that will be the key. Whether the batting lives up to the standard and can perform is another matter. Though I stand confident of a positive result.
Bangladesh will, depending on security, become the first team to tour Pakistan since 2009. International cricket returning to Pakistan is a relief, you can play in the UAE, England or anywhere else but home is home. I get shivers with the thought of the team in 'Green' walking out in Lahore or Karachi after so long; simply magical.
The Asia cup takes place in March with Bangladesh being the hosts. The eagerly awaited tie between Pakistan and India will take place on the 18th of March. Expect the roads to be quite and shop traders mourning sales as the clash of all clashes takes place, nearly a year after they last played in Mohali 2011. The lack of games between the two great nations, is a travesty and should be rectified.
Apart from agreed series with Australia and Sri Lanka (dates and games to be finalised) they have the small matter of the World Twenty20 championship. Pakistan have been paired with New Zealand and Bangladesh in their group. In the last three additions, Pakistan have been a finalists, winners and semi-finalists. This is a format that comes naturally to many in the team and a successful campaign should beckon.
There also has been talk of a potential series against India in India and a few other series are bound to be agreed in the coming months. The fixture list is to be bound to be full and exciting, but its not just the seniors that are in action but the Under 19's have a important year ahead. They start with a triangular series against South Africa and Zimbabwe before the Under 19's World Cup later in the year. Promising batsman Babar Azam has been named Captain with Usman Qadir, son of Pakistan great Abdul is his deputy. Left Arm pacer Fawad Khan is a typical Pakistan breed quickie, a wicket taker taker. The Under 19s have been successful in the last 6 years and will go into the tournament firm favourites.
Consistency breeds greediness and I am no less. Now that I have seen the side having the a solid 2011, I want the same in 2012. Would like to carry on winning games but want to see a major trophy in the bag. Would settle with a consistent year, with either the Asia Cup or World Twenty20 won along with the Under 19's World Cup.
Players to watch out for:
Tests:- Saeed Ajmal
Ajmal had a wonderful 2011 and will look to continue in the same vain. I personally can see him dominating the World again in the coming twelve months.
ODI:- Umar Akmal
The youngest of the three Akmal's that have played for Pakistan had a fantastic first year in International cricket, though didn't perform last year. His dropping from the Test squad seems to be a blessing in disguise as 'Chotu' became Man of the Series against Bangladesh. Now back in Test cricket, watch him go.
Twenty20:- Umar Gul
On flat surfaces in Sri Lanka, if Pakistan are going to win the tournament then Gul will be the key. He seems to have got his MoJo back and his ability to bowl yorkers makes him a match winner.
Emerging Cricketer:- Hammad Azam
Quality all-rounders are at a bare minimum in World cricket, but in Hammad Pakistan have a genuine one. He can bat at six and bowl more than useful medium pacers, Hammad needs to be drafted in both limited over squads now.
GeoSuper