Re: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Twenty20 International @ Colombo - Wednesday, August 12
Just finished watching the highlights, here's what I noticed:
Pakistan's batting was pretty bad. Shoaib Malik, and Imran Nazir looked horrible. None of their shots had any cricketing merit. I understand T20 is all wham, bam, bang, but there should be a bit of aesthetics involved in batting. Afridi looked decent though, considering the way he usually bats. He jumped out of the crease a few times, leaving the stumps wide open, yet Muralitharan couldn't beat his bat to have him stumped.
I know Mohammad Aamir is young, but he's starting to look ordinary. He's bowling around 135k, and his action is not exciting, and certainly doesn't appear to be a second Wasim Akram. But Akram himself regards him highly, so I still have faith in him.
When did Rana Naved ul Hasan get hair?
Rao Iftikhar Anjum, I have always felt, goes much unappreciated. He's a pretty good ODI and T20 bowler, keeps his seam position upright, swings ball both ways, and good line and length. Plus he isn't too slow either.. around 138-139K.
Rana Naved is a pretty good bowler. He has a beautiful action, a natural outswing, a devastating slow ball, and nice pace. Plus he's a genuine all rounder now, and doesn't even look that old with some hair on his head. The only thing is, he sometimes gets into a zone where he gets thrashed all around the park.
Mohammad Ajmal is a nice addition to Pakistan's bowling lineup. He has been a regular since the Australia series, and with him around, Pakistan doesn't really need Shoaib Malik. Especially when Malik's batting isn't clicking.
Afridi makes a good captain. He should use the next few years to solidify his place in the Tests, so he's ready to fully take over the mantle afer Younis Khan retires.
I think smaller boundaries in T20 demean cricket. There's no sense of accomplishment when a slight jab can result in a six.