Only 13 more hours to go.
Now lets just hope Ehsan bhai finds way to broadcast so we can all enjoy 2 of the top 3 one day teams in the world play.
Our bowling is great but its the batting that I’m worried about.
On fast green pitches of South Africa it will be very difficult for our batsman, going by the recently concluded South Africa vs Srilanka series.
I think Waqar will go with this bowling lineup. Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Razzaq, Saqlain, Afridi.
Which I think is preety decent concerning that 3 of those can also bat preety nicely.
Its going to be tough decision for the opening spot specially after not having Anwar anymore.
Faisal Iqbal
Shahid Afridi
Yousuf Youhana
Inzimam ul Haq
Younis Khan
Abdul Razzaq
Rashid Latif
Wasim Akram
Waqar Younis
Shoaib Akhtar
Saqlain Mushtaq
In order for Afridi to stay in this team means that one of the opener should be booted out, I would pick Faisal Iqbal to stay rather than Saleem Elahi, though both are very good batsmans.
Afridi will open if he stays.
There is a chance of Shoaib not playing because of his behavior in Zimababwe tour in which he received a one match ban.
In that case, Muhammad Sami will be the ideal choice.
I would like Kamran Akmal to play but since Rashid is back, we are stuck with him. But we can try him later in the series if Rashid fails with the bat.
What Pakistan needs is a good opening stand as the middle order is very strong with, Younis Khan, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Yousef Youhana, Abdul Razzaq, and Shahid Afridi (if he doesnt open, which he probably won’t)
Openers should be Faisal Iqbal with Saleem Elahi(sadly since there is no Saeed Anwar) but I think the Captain will go with Saleem Elahi and Taufeeq Umer…smack:
Pakistan is unfortunate as far as openers are concerned. I dont think Faisal Iqbal will be romoved as he appeared trouble free from the extra bounce in the tour match. Afridi will probably be the best bet as it gives more variation in bowling department. Secondly I dont think its Afrisi's capabilities, I think its his attitude thats a problem. If he connects a few big ones then he gets too carried away and starts trying to hit even the good balls out of the ground. Still with some experience behind his back I think he sohuld be able to make it in the side. Shoaib will probably serve the ban in the first match and Sami will be in. He also seem to have a bright future. Bowls at a good length and with lively pace. If the team plays upto its potential I think we can hope for good results, frankly putting we can kick South Africa's or for that matter any teams ass as long as we play to our potential.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by UMAIR316: *
Yaasir, going by your logic, if both Saleem Elahi and Afridi play, than who will be the one booted out.
Faisal Iqbal, Saqlain Mushtaq, or Younis Khan?
I don't think so.
Saleem is the unfortunate, but if Waqar is stupid enough to play Taufeeq Umar in place of Faisal than he will be in high waters.
[/QUOTE]
Well I want Faisal to play instead of Elahi or Umer...but i think that for the first ODI, Waqar will play Taufeeq and Elahi and see how they do and if they don't do well...then he might bring in Faisal Iqbal...Thats just my feeling...but lets hope Faisal is playing!
YEah i tihkn yaasir was right. Waqar might go with Taufeeq and Elahi but FAisal should be allowed to earn that spot permenently coz he surely got the shots to open an oneday innings!
I think the folliwing team wil play!
Elahi
Faisal
Yousuf
Inzi
Younus
Razzaq
Afridi
Rashid
Wasim
Waqar
Shoaib/Sami Coz of one match ban!
I just can not see Faisal Iqbal not being picked in this series, specially picking Taufeeq over Faisal is a ridiculous idea.
I can see Taufeeq's future in test cricket but in one days, he doesn't have the ability to keep the pace run rate.
Taufeeq Umar, Saleem Elahi, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq,
Younis Khan, Abdur Razzaq, +Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram,
Saqlain Mushtaq, *Waqar Younis, Mohammad Sami
Why the heck wouldnt waqar play Faisal Iqbal and Shahid Afridi! Saleem Elahi and Taufeeq Umer seem to have done magic on Waqar...people who deserve to play don't play and peolpe who like Elahi keep playing over and over agian as he scored ducks in both tour matches!
smack: