Chasing Sri Lanka’s average score of 132, Pakistan must have been quietly confident despite having an inexperienced batting line-up consisting of experienced playing coming off some indifferent form; coupled with a couple of players making recalls. Losing two wickets, captain Hafeez and then debutant Shakeel Ansar, in the first two balls to the combination of Kulasekara and Dilshan was not in the script. Both Hafeez and Ansar both played identical cut shots towards the point region.
Khalid Latif, not only did he look a person looking nervous as a result of a comeback but also looked a player that looked out of place in International cricket. His 3 runs from 12 balls was a painful watch; throughout the innings you got the feeling that him getting out was just a matter of time. If Latif’s stay at the crease was bad, Shoaib Malik came out with no purpose whatsoever. He hardly looked to rotate the strike and keep the scorecard ticking. His lack of show of intent was atrocious for a person that has played International cricket for over a decade.
With the team in trouble and severely needing a inspiration; Umar Akmal tried to provide that with his typical no hold barred aggression. The ‘Akmal Swagger’ didn’t last for too long as he got out trying to take the game towards the opposition. In came Shahid Afridi and on his second ball played a ridiculous heave that truly belongs to tape ball cricket in the local park. In amongst all these batsman coming and going in, what can only be described as a, bad rash; one man was standing tall and trying his upmost to rescue the game for Pakistan.
Ahmed Shehzad opened the innings and saw partner come and partner go. Making a comeback after more than a year out, the twenty year old showed maturity that his game lacked thus far in his short career. He fought his corner and tried to rescue the game for Pakistan but was left too much to do by the nonsensical batting by his more experienced fellow peers. Shehzad had to curb his natural aggressive game and try to hold the innings together at one end, his approach was a quick reminder of the talent the youngster actually has.
Hafeez, getting out today for nought was his third consecutive duck, consisting of four balls. Not a record to be proud off, but his inconsistency is not the only cause of concern for Pakistan. With Nasir Jamshed out injured, Pakistan lacked something different. Someone that would be solid, as well as play his strokes at balls that are there to be hit. Jamshed also gives the team something that was missing in the top 7 here and that was a left-handed option. It is a simple, but reliable strategy that a left-right combination can put the bowler of his line.
It’s time for Team Hafeez to be pro-active and make the appropriate adjustments to the team. Haris Sohail, had a wonderful tournament for Sialkot Stallions in the recent Faysal Bank Super Eight. Haris, being a left hander, gives Pakistan that extra option too. His inclusion over Khalid Latif would make perfect sense, especially as he is in the ODI squad too. Also, all-rounder Hammad Azam must come into the line-up. Hammad is a good batsman that can rotate the strike or hit the ball big, depending on the situation of the game. His inclusion could mean dropping the out of sorts Shoaib Malik; though I don’t see that happening. We can expect one of Mohammad Sami or Umar Gul paving way for the lad from Attock.
Though it was disappointing start from Pakistan, it was not be all and end all. Though with the World T20 Championship in the same country only four months away; the preparation is essential. The problem is not just this set off players not performing to their ability but the selection of the wrong players within the squad. It is quite easy to fall into the trap that a T20 squad should only consist of hitters, though that is a necessity; 120 balls is still a lot of time. For that reason you still need a player or two that can occupy the crease and make others bat around him. What this Pakistani squad lacks is the most elegant player in the country. I can assure one thing, even Ahmed Shehzad whilst batting today would have hoped to have a Asad Shafiq batting with him.
GeoSuper