This is a do or die game for Pakistan. They absolutely must win, and win big. I think Pakistan will revamp their lineup. Salman Butt has been atrocious, and he should be replaced by Ahmed Shahzad. Sohail Tanvir and Fawad Alam were both pretty useless, so either one should give way to Abdul Razzaq. I had considered Tanvir to be a decent batsman, capable of a few quick runs, but he looked absolutely useless yesterday. And so did Fawad Alam… he never looked like he could hit a four, let alone a six, even if he connected with the ball. Tanvir should be given one more chance, because between him and Alam, Tanvir has a better chance of coming good.
Afridi’s batting woes continue, but he’s in the team as a bowler now, and one of these he’s bound to come good for a few quick runs. Shoaib Malik looks awful and ugly when batting, but he did get some quick runs, so he’ll stay. So all in all, I think Butt and Alam will be out, Shahzad and Razzaq will be in.
New Zealand has some big guns, and they are the in-form team, but now is the right time for Pakistan to spring a surprise.
Frankly it was a pathetic display by our team yesterday, first we bowled extra two overs mainly courtesy of Tanvir and than batted like morons. Whoever thinks Salman is a batsmen needs their head examined. I hope the torture comes to an end today by us losing to NZ.
