Game 2 # CWC2019
Game 2 of this tournament. Pakistan and WI are 2 very unpredictable sides showing sparks of brilliance at times and are quite ordinary sometimes. Inconsistent is the word that is often associated with these 2 sides. Pakistan won CT2017 here in England against arch rivals India and did so in some style. WI have shown sign of improvements in recent months. WI won the toss and decided to chase. Overcast conditions and WI quicks were ready to go. Tall bowlers and more than decent bounce drew the collapse earlier than expected. Andre Russell. Talk of the town and rightly so. He looks hungry. He looks determined. His best is ahead of him. This is a big stage and he is adamant to make a mark. Pooran has shades of Chanderpaul. Not the most pleasant strokes but effective nonetheless. I have a feeling that Gayle has devised his own scientific calculator. First 10-12 overs. Play 30 odd balls with a target of 5 sixes. An odd 4 here and there and then either go berserk or hold one end without much running and let the 5th bowler take all the pounding. The formula may well work for him and WI. WI are going to win more matches than many pundits think they will.
Pakistan on the other hand have a lot to think about. Their opening pair has been reasonably consistent. Their approach towards middle overs is a bit wayward and a bit unclear too. Zaman is known to score freely and it seems that is given the responsibility to up the ante. He is no SaeedAnwar though. Anwar and Sohail were quite a pair. While bowlers didn’t really have anything in the bank and can not be blamed for the final outcome. Amir ensured that there was a silver lining. Last time when a World Cup was played among 10 teams with everyone facing everyone. Pakistan had somewhat similar start. Imran Khan and his boys ended up lifting the trophy in Melbourne against England. They would be hoping for somewhat similar finish.
Pakistan on the other hand have a lot to think about. Their opening pair has been reasonably consistent. Their approach towards middle overs is a bit wayward and a bit unclear too. Zaman is known to score freely and it seems that is given the responsibility to up the ante. He is no SaeedAnwar though. Anwar and Sohail were quite a pair. While bowlers didn’t really have anything in the bank and can not be blamed for the final outcome. Amir ensured that there was a silver lining. Last time when a World Cup was played among 10 teams with everyone facing everyone. Pakistan had somewhat similar start. Imran Khan and his boys ended up lifting the trophy in Melbourne against England. They would be hoping for somewhat similar finish.
Very disappointed with yesterday's match.
ReplyDeleteThe charm of T20 seems to be overwhelming the batters of today .
The entire match getting over in 35 overss be a matter of concern for Pakistan.
In addition, WI batters need to play with more responsibility. The kind of shots played yesterday do not reflect of a team, entering the World Cup with a purpose.