After all the furore of the spot-fixing scandal, Pakistan have been doing rather nicely, thank you very much. After running England and South Africa close in ODI series’, New Zealand were put to the sword only a matter of weeks ago. The more chaotic it gets, the better that Pakistan seem to perform. So just how do you predict the unpredictable?
Strengths
Despite the enforced absence of Aamer and Asif, Pakistan still has strength and variety in its attack with the brilliant Gul, backed up by Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Akhtar and the impressive spinner Abdur Rehman. The emergence of the talented Ahmed Shehzad more than compensates for the suspended Butt and Misbah and Younis Khan have brought much needed stability to the middle order. And then there is Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.
Weaknesses
Pakistan’s unpredictability can be a strength, but it also means that they habitually snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Kamran Akmal is a liability with bat and gloves and the fielding is shambolic at best.
Main man
Misbah-ul-Haq’s form has been a revelation since he came back into the side and he just pips Gul and Shehzad for this accolade.
Look out for…
Shahid Afridi, whether with bat or ball, directing his troops, eating cricket balls or pirouetting in the middle of the pitch, you just can’t keep your eyes off him.
Prediction
3rd in the group after a typically harrowing defeat against Australia, before bouncing back to beat serial chokers South Africa in the quarter-finals to set up the mother of all semi-finals with India. It is there that we predict that Pakistan’s World Cup journey will come to an end.
Where next?
Why Salman Butt commentating at the World Cup is a good idea
Exclusive: The New Ten Point Pakistan Player Code of Conduct
World Cup Team previews: Part 1 - India: Glory or effigies?
World Cup Team Previews: Part 2 - South Africa: Don't mention the 'C' word...
World Cup Team Previews: Part 3 - Bangladesh: Shock & Awe
World Cup Team Previews: Part 4 - West Indies: Calypso or Collapso?
World Cup Team Previews: Part 5 - England: How far can resilience take them?
World Cup Team Previews: Part 6 - Ireland/Canada/Kenya/Netherlands: Last chance for the minnows?
World Cup Team Previews: Part 7 - Zimbabwe - An army of spin
World Cup Team Previews: Part 8 - Australia: Four in a row?
Our XI to shine at the World Cup
Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes including Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan
If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep
Nooooooo. I was wrong! But then what do I know, I have a bet on the West Indies to win the thing!
I do hope we get to see a semi final between Pakistan and India though, that would truly be a momentous occasion and would make wading through the group stages worthwhile.
Posted by: MartDawg | Friday, February 18, 2011 at 09:46
India-Pakistan in the SF? Its gonna happen
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Friday, February 18, 2011 at 14:41
Pussies all the way....
Posted by: UTV Money | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 13:04