Paktel Cup Preview

Sami
By Amjid
September 28 2004

Amjid previews the forthcoming Paktel Cup to be played between hosts Pakistan, the powerful Sri Lankans who probably start as marginal favourites and struggling Zimbabwe.

The Paktel tri series cup kicks off on Thursday 30th September with hosts Pakistan playing Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka is the third team in the tournament.

This tournament sees three teams with different agendas in mind. For hosts Pakistan its an ideal opportunity for the team to win there first piece of silverware under coach Bob Woolmer. It also gives the opportunity for new and old players to book their seats on the flight to Australia for the VB series early next year. Newcomers such as Bazid khan, Rao Iftikhar and the recalled Misbah ul-haq have all been given the chance to break into the Pakistan regular team. Pakistans Batting will be led by Inzamam ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana and Yasir Hameed. The bowling threat will come through the in-form Shoaib Akthar.

Sri Lanka after flopping in English conditions in the ICC trophy will be happy to return to the slow, flat and low tracks of the subcontinent where they are a formidable outfit. Sri lankas overall record in ODI cricket in Pakistan is not the greatest. However their recent record v Pakistan is a good one. Sri Lanka has won the last 6 games in a row played in Pakistan against the hosts and they will be looking to extend that good record. Sri Lankas powerful batting line up will be led by Sanath Jayasuria, Kumar Sangakarra and Mahela Jayawardena. Seamers Chaminda Vass and Nuwan Zoysa will provide Sri Lanka with its fire power in the bowling.

For Zimbabwe its another chance for their youthful side to gain more experience. A side which has been decimated by internal politics is expected to just make up the numbers. As a side they may not create too many problems for Pakistan or Sri Lanka. However young batsmen Elton Chigmubura, Brendon Taylor can enhance their growing reputations. Young keeper batsmen Tatenda Taibu is expected to carry the bulk of the batting. Young Seamers Douglas Hondo and Tinashe Panyangara will provide the main threat with the ball.

Pakistan v Sri Lanka is the expected final. But for so many players in this tourney its a question of grabbing the opportunities to go onto bigger and better things.