Pakistan Safely Progress to Phase 2

Maiden Century
By Saj
July 19 2004

Centuries from Younis Khan, Yasir Hameed and Shoaib Malik, a nice cameo from Inzi against Bangladesh, wickets for Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar, as well as a couple of decent performances from Sami are the highlights of phase 1 for Pakistan.

As expected Pakistan comfortably won their 2 group fixtures in phase 1 of the Asia Cup 2004 against Bangladesh and Honk Kong. Whilst many Bengali fans were predicting a close match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, I think this was more in hope than anything else.

Pakistan whilst certainly not at their best during both games can generally be satisfied with their overall performances in both games, given that they have had quite a long lay off from international cricket. Some of the players have been playing County and League cricket, but others have basically had no competitive cricket since the Indian series.

Winning the toss in both matches and batting first was a bonus that the team enjoyed and the opening stand against Bangladesh was the perfect start to the tournament for Pakistan. Individually Shoaib Malik, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Akhtar, Inzamam ul Haq, Younis Khan and Mohamed Sami have enjoyed success in at least one of the matches.

The only negatives to come out of the 2 group matches are Abdul Razzaqs and Naved ul Hasans bowling and Imran Farhats batting. Abdul it must be said no longer seems to possess the zip that he once had and the effort ball which surprised even the best in the world seems to have deserted him. His bowling form must be a worry for Inzi and Bob Woolmer. Imran Farhat has had 2 low scores against poor opposition, but is the sort of player who could come good at any time and there is no better time than phase 2 of this tournament. Imrans bowling however must have given him some confidence which he can hopefully carry into his batting. It must be difficult for Rana Naved ul Hasan, knowing full well that he is a squad player in this tournament, behind the likes of Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq. However 8 overs for 45, including 4 no balls and 3 wides against Hong Kong is simply not good enough.

Most Pakistani fans were looking to see what ideas, innovation and immediate changes Bob Woolmer brought to the table with him and he has not disappointed.
Bob, it seems identified the number 3 position as the “problem” position in the batting line up and has surprised many a Pakistani fan by promoting Shoaib Malik up the order. Shoaib has the ability to nudge the ones and twos and is normally a quick runner between the wickets and he also has the ability to play the big shots. Bob has also looked at the bowling of both Sami and Shoaib Akhtar and cut down their run ups in an attempt to install more control in their bowling. So far the same horrendous number of no balls and wides has not been evident which must be seen as some sort of immediate success.

The format of the Asia Cup this time around means that Pakistan now play a further 3 games against Sri Lanka, India and then Bangladesh again. The top 2 teams from the 2nd phase group then proceed to play the final.

So far so good for Pakistan, but the real challenges lie ahead and only then can we judge them properly.