Dubai: Pakistan did the impossible and emerged champions when the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 was last held in Australia and New Zealand. It is but natural to expect Pakistan to repeat that performance again when the event returns to these two countries again.
To expect a repeat in performance by a new set-up players who grew up inspired by the performance of the Imran Khan-led team in 1992 understandable. However, the circumstances are very tough — unlike in 1992 because their opponents this time are better prepared than the green shirts.
Pakistan are a team who have been playing in exile ever since international teams stopped playing in their country due to security reasons. Thanks to the UAE, they have been able to play their home matches here but still most of their senior players have been away from home for months together.
Cricket is often played in the mind and especially in the World Cup, players are supposed to be in the right frame of mind to do the impossible. Years back, Imran had called upon his players to fight like cornered Tigers and his players responded. In a way, the present Pakistan team too are like cornered Tigers, deprived of international cricket at home and with some of their star bowlers out of the reckoning for a variety of reasons. The question is: even if Misbah-ul-Haq orders to fight liked cornered Tigers, do they have a team to do it?
The late withdrawal of experienced and specialist opener Mohammad Hafeez is a big blow. Nasir Jamshed has been flown in as replacement but Ahmed Shehzad may open the innings with Sohaib Maqsood. They are capable one-day batsmen but what would be needed is a consistent start from them. The batsmen to follow have experience, starting from Younis Khan, Misbah, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmad and Haris Sohail. On paper they look fantastic but on field each one of them will have to deliver.
The bowling strength is still impressive despite the absence of some key bowlers. For the seven-feet-tall Mohammad Irfan, if he can mix up his deliveries, the conditions are very suitable for his bowling. Australian and New Zealand wickets offer huge bounce and movement and if he can generate bounce from a good length, he will be able to pick some early wickets early.
Another big blow was the loss of in-form paceman Junaid Khan. However, their left arm pacer Wahab Riaz can be deadly on his day. The spin department will not be strong as in the past with Shahid Afridi having to play the matchwinner to be supported by promising leg spinner Yasir Shah and left arm Sohail.
Pakistan’s biggest advantage is having a former player with huge experience Down Under as their coach in Waqar Younis. He not only knows the conditions in Australia and New Zealand but also has an intelligent approach. He has already remarked that “I am happy that we are not favourites. To be very honest it’s a big pressure of being favourites.”
However, a lot will depend on their first match against India. A winning start can carry them a long way. Right now they are like cornered Tigers and if they rise to the occasion, they will not only be the most exciting team to watch but they will add sheen to the whole tournament.
