Re: 5th ODI: Pakistan v South Africa on 29 Oct 2007 @ Lahore
I would definetly pick Rao for this game. Hameed also needs the boot...I've been saying this for a while and I stil, stand by it, Hameed is not the answer to opening woes. He has struggled on these flat pitches against quality bowling, he will get murdered on SA and Aussie pitches. I'd play Nazir in this game...because he is a gamble but it'll be worth it considering the form of all our openers. If he clicks, that gives Pakistan a clear edge. I'd open with Nazir and Akmal and save Afridi for the lower order.
Rao is a good bowler and must be used as a second attack, Gul was good in the test series, he should be bring as a first change when the ball gets older a little bit.
Hameed technically a very good player should be given another couple of chances becoz our openers were struggling badly. His average is 38 ODI's, Since Imran Nazir has stuck on 24 which is not a very good average for any opening player.
rao is been economical and all but we need a wicket taker, a scare for batsmen. gul and asif to open bring shoaib as 1st change. seems awsome bowling lineup, now lets wait till they perform. and for batting who cares. swing the lumber boys.
Well I think Shoaib is wicket taking bowler, So he must be given the new ball. but have to wait and see how they perform, as we all know he is going to play after a long time. Asif is also remarkable with the new ball on seeming tracks.