WC 11 | Previews, Reviews and Analyses by Wasim Akram [The Mega-Thread]

[Nice-N-Fresh]

Shayan is right because ICC has announced that India will play the quarter-final at their home no matter what is their group position. So if India comes fourth, Pakistan can still play in India if they top the group. In other words, Pakistan has to avoid India if they don't want to play in India.

Source:
http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/36543/hosts-get-quarter-final-boost-at-world-cup

Oh, I didnt know that. Well, it seems BCCI have put pressure on ICC for changing the venues for their advantage.

[Shayan]

The venues for the QF, SM and the Final has already been named. Here´s the link http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/series/381449.html?template=wcfixtures

Wed Mar 23
08:30 GMT | 14:30 local
09:30 CET Quarter Final C - TBC v TBC (A1 v B4)
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur


Thu Mar 24
09:00 GMT | 14:30 local
10:00 CET Quarter Final D - TBC v TBC (A2 v B3)
Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Fri Mar 25
08:30 GMT | 14:30 local
09:30 CET Quarter Final E - TBC v TBC (A3 v B2)
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur

Sat Mar 26
09:00 GMT | 14:30 local
10:00 CET Quarter Final F - TBC v TBC (A4 v B1)
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo


Yes the venues have been named. However, India will get home advantage no matter where they finish in the group.

See link:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/501561.html

[ebikhan]

Oh, I didnt know that. Well, it seems BCCI have put pressure on ICC for changing the venues for their advantage.

Not exactly I think. ICC actually has given this advantage to all hosts. So all of the hosts will play their quarter-finals at home unless we have India vs Sri lanka quarter final. In that case, India will be getting of playing at home.

It also applies for semi-finals.

[Shayan]

Not exactly I think. ICC actually has given this advantage to all hosts. So all of the hosts will play their quarter-finals at home unless we have India vs Sri lanka quarter final. In that case, India will be getting of playing at home.

It also applies for semi-finals.


Yes all hosts have an advantage but India clearly has the most with them being rated higher.

[MRSN]

But we can still play in India if we finish at 2nd and 3rd....right??

[Shayan]

But we can still play in India if we finish at 2nd and 3rd....right??

Yes, as long as the match isn't against Bangladesh.

Lol, its strangely complicated.

[Muhammad Waleed]

Colombo, (AFP): Pakistan great Wasim Akram, the last captain to beat Australia in a World Cup match, says teams need a plan and "fire in the belly" to end the side's long run of success at the World Cup.

Australia, who play Group A rivals Sri Lanka on Saturday, have not lost a match at the showpiece tournament since going down to Pakistan at Leeds in 1999, and have stretched their unbeaten run to 31 matches.

The have won their past 25 World Cup matches since the tied semi-final against South Africa in the tournament held in England 12 years ago.

"You need a plan in the mind and fire in the belly to beat Australia," Wasim said. "Have a set plan and your body language should be like that of champions."

Wasim, who took 4-40 in the 1999 win against Australia, said Pakistan's body language was worthy of winners as they downed Steve Waugh's men by 10 runs.

"We had a successful run in the group stages and I remember we planned well for the Australia match, but sadly we lost the final when it mattered the most for the World Cup title and the Australians were better," said Wasim.

Pakistan lost a one-sided final at Lord's by eight wickets after being dismissed for just 132. Wasim said the toss would be important on a slow pitch in Colombo, where the co-hosts are planning to play all three of their spinners - Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath.

"What I have noticed at R. Premadasa stadium is that the toss is crucial, so winning the toss will be crucial for Sri Lanka, even if they were planning to play three spinners," said Wasim. "It will once again be difficult to chase for teams at the ground."

Wasim said Australia, with three quality pacemen in Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson, look strong. "Australia are still a force and with their three fast bowlers bowling over 145 kmh (90 mph), it's going to be difficult for teams scoring runs against them and keeping wickets in hand," said Wasim.

Wasim, who took 414 Test and 502 one-day international wickets, praised Pakistan's performances. "The way Pakistan are playing, it would be tough to beat them. I think Shahid Afridi is leading the side well, the sort of unity required for Pakistan team is brought by Afridi and it's good for them," said Wasim.

Afridi, who has 14 wickets in the tournament as a leg-break bowler, has led Pakistan to three wins out of three and they top Group A with six points.


ICC's

[AZ]

absolutely, you can't afford to 'sit back' against the Aussies.

get up in their face, make them squirm :akhtar

that's the only way to beat 'em.

[w8in_4_0402]

I hope players don't get carried away now. Everyone has tp put 100% effort in.

[w8in_4_0402]

I think team will not be changed anymore. Only bowler will most likely be rotated.

[pakistan_pride1]

i don't want Pakistan to beat aus
if they face them again Pakistan might lose

[sohailmm]

yes agree to wasim , although the fire can easily back fire also but there are no 2 ways to beat world champs.
U have to match fire with fire .

[Muhammad Waleed]

i don't want Pakistan to beat aus
if they face them again Pakistan might lose

This what happened in Mini Icc world cup...Everyday is not sunday :D

[devang]

Does wasim bhai wanted to say that

"Play with proper batsman instead of mindless sloggers "
:umarakmal:kami

[ace4rmspace]

I thikn Pakistan needs to raise it's game substantially to give Australia a good fight. As it stands, I don't our batting line up is capable of facing up against the Aussie pacers. Our bowlers will find a way, they always do but our batting really needs to come to the party.

[JellyBro]

when you play with fire and you're bound to get burned :allama

[Afridi_Fan]

Despite three wins out of as many games for Shahid Afridi & Company, Wasim Akram is a worried man!

By Abhideep Das

The Pakistan team may have got off to a great start in the World Cup, but the Men-in-Green need to iron out certain deficiencies before the big games ahead, feels Wasim Akram.

Speaking exclusively to Mobile ESPN on Friday from Colombo after Pakistan's 46-run-win over Canada , Akram said, "Although Pakistan came back well with the ball after an indifferent show with the bat on Thursday, they are a few grey areas. Openers Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez have failed to fire in this mega-event. Both of them are looking uncomfortable against the swinging ball. The ideal thing to do on such tracks is to play with the straight bat and see off the new ball before going for the big shots later on."

In three innings so far, Hafeez has managed only 52 runs for an average of just over 17. Shehzad is worse, scoring an abysmal 26 runs from an identical number of innings.

The Pak legend, however, was full of praise for the bowlers, especially Shahid Afridi. "The skipper is leading from the front getting wickets as and when the team requires. Confidence is oozing out of Afridi at the moment. His bowling has improved immensely over the last one year. I feel he is at his peak of bowling prowess."

Afridi is the leading wicket-taker so far in this tournament with 14 scalps from three games. This includes a couple of five-wicket hauls. With his performance on Thursday, the Pakistan skipper became the first bowler in the history of the World Cup to pick up four wickets or more in three successive games.

Umar Gul was given the new ball for the first time in this tournament against Canada and returned with impressive figures of one for 20 from 7 overs.

The ESPN-STAR Sports expert was happy with Gul's performance. "I don't understand why the Pakistan team-management is reluctant to use him with the new ball. I thought Gul was excellent Thursday night in the absence of Shoaib Akthar. Despite bowling with good pace, he was very accurate and got the ball to swing appreciably."

Akram added Abdul Razzaq needs to come good with the bat more regularly if Pakistan have to maintain their winning-run in the crunch games ahead.

"Against Canada , it was an ideal platform for Razzaq to come good. Around 10 to 12 overs were left when he came in to bat. He should have taken some time to get his eye in before going for the big shots. If he stays at the wicket for any length of time, he will get runs. To me, he is the key player for Pakistan in this tournament," concluded Akram.


http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/news/detail/item590635/Akram:-Openers-a-concern-for-Pakistan/

[cricket_fan_1]

Take an opener from our side and give an opening bowler from your side...not razzaq though :D

[Afridi_Fan]

Take an opener from our side and give an opening bowler from your side...not razzaq though :D

Thanks for the request, but really not interested. :rana

[Eagle_Eye]

Take an opener from our side and give an opening bowler from your side...not razzaq though :D

Please take Malik for free ... :)

[ace4rmspace]

Please take Malik for free ... :)

That could work. Does he not qualify to play for India now? Could be the fast bowler you've been waiting for all these years. Just kidding. Take Sohail Tanvir, we'll have Sehwag thank you.

[emclub]

Former skipper Wasim Akram on Wednesday said all-rounder Abdul Razzaq holds the key for Pakistan's success in the World Cup.

With three wins in as many matches, Pakistan are on top of Group B with six points. But the bowling legend said Razzaq needs to contribute with the bat as well if Pakistan have to maintain their winning streak.

In an interview to Mobile ESPN, Akram said: "Against Canada , it was an ideal platform for Razzaq to come good. Around 10 to 12 overs were left when he came in to bat. He should have taken some time to get his eye in before going for the big shots."


"If he stays at the wicket for any length of time, he will get runs. To me, he is the key player for Pakistan in this tournament."

Akram also said the opening pair of Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez have struggled throughout and it's high time they start performing.

In three matches, Hafeez has scored 52 runs while Shehzad has managed only 26.

Akram said: "Although Pakistan came back well with the ball after an indifferent show with the bat on Thursday, they are a few grey areas."

"Openers Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez have failed to fire in this mega-event. Both of them are looking uncomfortable against the swinging ball."

"The ideal thing to do on such tracks is to play with the straight bat and see off the new ball before going for the big shots later on."

The bowling legend, however, praised the bowlers, especially skipper Shahid Afridi, who is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 scalps.

He said: "Afridi is leading from the front getting wickets as and when the team requires. Confidence is oozing out of Afridi at the moment. His bowling has improved immensely over the last one year. I feel he is at his peak of bowling prowess."

"But I don't understand why the Pakistan team management is reluctant to use Umar Gul with the new ball."

"I thought Gul was excellent on Thursday in the absence of Shoaib Akthar. Despite bowling with good pace, he was very accurate and got the ball to swing appreciably."

[Theo_14]

"I thought Gul was excellent on Thursday in the absence of Shoaib Akthar. Despite bowling with good pace, he was very accurate and got the ball to swing appreciably."

I always thought Gul had the potential to be a quality opening bowler for Pakistan and infact I firmly believe he could have been Pakistan's opening bowler in the ODI's by now if he had not done such a good job with the old ball in the shortest format of the game.

Gul managed to swing the ball which is promising and I always thought he was going to leak runs considering it was the first time he had been opening the bowling for a long time so it's going to take time for Gul to have a different approach and adapt to a complete different situation.

[saamry]

Take an opener from our side and give an opening bowler from your side...not razzaq though :D
Malik ki ruksati hochuki hai India mai, you can use him. He can at least bowl as fast as munaf i am sure.

[nsaviguru]

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is right in saying that the team should top the group to avoid playing its quarterfinal match in India, feels former skipper Wasim Akram.

"I agree with what Afridi and coach Waqar Younis have said that they would not like to play their quarterfinal in India," Wasim said from Colombo.

The former fast bowling great pointed out that it would be better for Pakistan to play their quarterfinal in Sri Lanka or then in Bangladesh.

"In these two countries Pakistan will get a lot of support and many Pakistani supporters will find it easier to reach these countries to back their team compared to India," Wasim said.

He said there was always extra pressure playing in India for Pakistani players and that is why they were looking at remaining in Sri Lanka for their quarterfinal.

"But I don't think it will be a problem playing their semifinal or final in India because by that time the team would have played a knockout match and would be over their nerves," he added.

Wasim also advised the Pakistan team to avoid giving too many statements in the media.

"I think their main focus should be on cricket you don't need to discuss everything in the media. There should be an element of secrecy about which team you are playing or if any player is unfit. No need to discuss everything in the press," he said.

Pakistan's former captain Imran Khan also backed the policy of players giving minimum statements in the press.

"It also depends on who is speaking because when you come into the media you must be able to express your thoughts clearly many times I have seen that cricketers have landed up in trouble because what they wanted to say and what they eventually said was not the same thing," Imran stated.


Source:

[PakPosheeda]

Afridi should stop sharing Team secrets with the media
I thought Wasim was referring to this news piece:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?p=3524164

[GOAT]

What secrets? We're about as surprising as a person suffering from OCD.

[Down2Earth]

his tactics are predictable anyway

[insaaniyat]

^ Yes he has no secret:)

[emclub]

Link????

[MRSN]

I thought Wasim was referring to this news piece:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?p=3524164

:)) He is talking to Afridi not you .

[nsaviguru]

Link????

This was forwarded to me, I thought you guys might be interested so I shared it. I don't know the link.

[cricketnut]

The only secrets he is sharing are ones that anyone with half a brain knows will happen. Its all a mind game and any secrets remain secrets until used, if possible.

Give him a break, he is only telling things that are common knowledge to the other teams.Like Australia saying "we will hit them with a pace attack".

[kaalakawaa]

And Wasim should stop sharing secrets of swing/reverse-swing/fast-bowling with India

[Sledger]

It's from:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-should-not-play-quarters-in-india-akram/757338/


This has already been posted in this (http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?t=117656&page=3) thread though.

[Afridi_Fan]

So far there have been no secrets. Razaaq will open the bowling, Hafeez and Ahmed to open with Kami at No 3.

I don't see any secret in that.

[Gotham Cronie]

He's probably talking about when they will/when they won't send Akmal at 3. Also, how they don't want Misbah and Younus batting together.

[10sion]

Wasim bhai has cigarettes. I don't. -- Afridi.

[Theo_14]

Well I guess Wasim Akram should say the same thing to Inti as Inti is giving hints away too with the game 2 days away and it could affect Pakistan tactically or damage the morale especially if your in the shoes of Saeed Ajmal...

Abdur Rehman, who missed the game against Canada with a leg injury, did train with the side and will bowl on Monday, though Alam said, "It's too early to say with which combination we will go into the game against New Zealand."

[sam]

What exactly has Inti given away?

[Theo_14]

What exactly has Inti given away?

That's the point I'm making in a sarcastic way - if Afridi has hardly said anything then Wasim might as well express his issue to Inti.

[Gotham Cronie]

And now their are leaks that Razzaq might play at #3.

[Faizan Lakhani]

March 9: Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Wasim Akram has urged the cricket-crazy fans in the country not to overreact after the team’s big defeat against New Zealand.

“I would like to appeal to our people not to take any defeat or bad performance to heart and not react like the Bangladeshi fans did,” he said in a post match comment here.

“Our team is a good outfit but in sports, other team also win by playing superior game on the day. We must learn to be patient and back our players all the way.”

Wasim added: “I have never subscribed to this sort of reaction by the cricket lovers. They must understand that at the end of the day it is sports and even players can have really bad days but these same players also bring lot of joy and celebration for their countrymen.”

He also expressed disappointment over the stoning of the West Indies team bus in Dhaka by angry Bangladeshi cricket fans after
the hosts by a big margin last week.

“Wherever such incidents happen it is most unfortunate because players’ lives are at stake and the organizers must make security for the teams tighter,” he said.

Wasim, who himself has twice come under fire and had his home in Lahore attacked by angry cricket fans after the 1996 and 1999 World Cups when he was captain, said the most unfortunate part was that miscreants targeted families of the players which could not be tolerated.”

[Afridi_Fan]

Wasim Akram says that speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been a disappointment in the ICC CWC so far, but on contrary, Umar Gul has been a revelation.

By Joshua Nath

Shahid Afridi may be topping the wickets’ tally in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, but pace legend Wasim Akram feels Umar Gul has been the side’s best bowler so far.

With 10 scalps in 5 games, Gul is second on the wickets’ tally for Pakistan behind skipper Afridi. Man of the Match Gul picked up an impressive 3/36 against Zimbabwe on Monday night at Pallekelle. These were his second-best figures in an ICC Cricket World Cup. He has 14 wickets in the tournament so far.

“Umar is actually one of the best bowlers in the tournament. He along with Dale Steyn has been the best so far. Gul is bowling like a true match-winner. The way he runs in to the crease, his line and length have all been impeccable. Against Zimbabwe he was unplayable,” Akram told Mobile ESPN in an exclusive chat from Colombo on Tuesday.

While Akram is happy with Gul, Shoaib Akhtar has disappointed him. The fiery pacer was dropped against Zimbabwe. Akhtar went wicket-less against Kenya, bagged two against Canada and was all over the pitch in the humiliating 110-run loss versus New Zealand. Akram feels the Rawalpindi Express is struggling big time.

“I do not think he is carrying an injury. I feel he was dropped from the Zimbabwe clash. He is looking far from convincing. Especially in his second and third spells he is way less effective. I know him as a player, he has played under me and I know what he is going through,” said the 44-year-old Akram.


http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/exclusive/news/detail/item595902/Akram:-Gul-as-good-as-Dale-Steyn/

[ZenBowman]

Agreed with Akram. Gul is a terrific bowler. Akhtar is more of a gimmick these days, good for a few surprise wickets, but overall inconsistent and a one-trick pony.

[Down2Earth]

as far as i'm concerned, Gul's the best ODI and t20 bowler in the world.

[Rana]

Gul is indeed amazing on his day.

[asad100101]

Well we will see this wonder bowler against Aussies. Just after one good performance we start hyping people for nothing.

[desi_player]

Zaheer has been good so far as well.

[Eagle_Eye]

Gul indeed has picked up a yard of pace in this tournament

For me is not delivering enough yorkers ....

[talha3]

Agreed. 'Umar Gul is better than Dale Steyn' would have been too far, but this is a fair comment, especially on current form.

[lipton]

Well we will see this wonder bowler against Aussies. Just after one good performance we start hyping people for nothing.

lets not forget his T20 performanceS against Aussies.

[Shaheerthe2nd]

Umar Gul is really turning into a fine bowler, but he needs to be more consistent in tests before he can be compared to Steyn.

[cricmylife]

Well we will see this wonder bowler against Aussies. Just after one good performance we start hyping people for nothing.

Well..He hasn't done "bad" against any team so far ... if anything ..there were two back to back good performances!

[Patriot]

I hope that this is a turning point for Gul where he sheds his image of being inconsistent and starts becoming consistently good.

[Masterji]

He looks strong in this tourny, i hope he destroys India in the final.

[hur rizvi]

Gul needs to prove himself in tests to be compared with steyn ...

[TheHK16]

in odi gul> steyn

[TheHK16]

in test no contest

[w8in_4_0402]

Gul is proving all people wrong who didn't even include him in their WC teams.

[Khan88]

Gul is better in LOI and Steyn in Tests. Wish Gully was more consistent in Tests.

[Sledger]

I've said this for ages lol. Wasim blates read my posts on here.

(I mean on talent rather than performance though).

[ace4rmspace]

Gul, when he hits that killer rythm, is right up there with the best. He's cranked it up a notch this tournament which is great to see and he's opened the bowling too with a fair amount of success, something which he didn't like doing. He is improving as a package which is brilliant. Steyn, in ODIs, may be a touch behind Gul. In tests however, there is no room for discussion at this moment in time.

The thing is, when Gul loses that rythm, he can be a bit rubbish.

[attock]

Gul is our best odi and 20/20 bowler.... but he needs to open the bowling every game........

[Inswinging Yorker]

Gul is definitely a very good bowler esp at the death, however comparing him to Styne is taking it a bit too far.

[jusarrived]

Gul is miles ahead of Steyn in LOI's , Akram as usual stating the obvious

[desi_player]

How about Zaheer or Gul on current form?

[saeed-sohail]

Gul is definitely a very good bowler esp at the death, however comparing him to Styne is taking it a bit too far.

If we are talking limited overs cricket then yes Gul is up there with the best.

Btw long time no see IY mate.

[jusarrived]

How about Zaheer or Gul on current form?

Zaheer has always been a pretty avg LOI bowler like Steyn , though hes shown better skills in this tournament . In tests it different though , Gul is no where close to Zaheer , let alone Steyn

[pakistandiehardfan]

Zaheer has always been a pretty avg LOI bowler like Steyn , though hes shown better skills in this tournament . In tests it different though , Gul is no where close to Zaheer , let alone Steyn

Just compare the averages of Gul to Zaheer in tests and you will find your post being devalued. Gul is a devastating bowler, but one must feel for Zaheer - the only bowler of some class in the Indian team.

[jusarrived]

Just compare the averages of Gul to Zaheer in tests and you will find your post being devalued. Gul is a devastating bowler, but one must feel for Zaheer - the only bowler of some class in the Indian team.

whatever

[Sledger]

Just compare the averages of Gul to Zaheer in tests and you will find your post being devalued. Gul is a devastating bowler, but one must feel for Zaheer - the only bowler of some class in the Indian team.

What's more interesting is if you compare Zaheer's record after 34 tests to Gul's.

Zaheer is seriously over-rated as he is the ONLY competent seamer India have. Thus, he get's all the attention through the media and picks up the most wickets. Not saying that's bad or anything, but he's a new ball bowler who averages in the 30s. Hardly anything special. Conversly, Gul has bowled with the likes of Akhtar, Asif, Amir and co as a third change, is a better reverse swing bowler than Zaheer, faster and younger.

He'd easily open the Indian bowling and be praised as much if not more than Zaheer is now.

[BoomBoomCricket]

Agree with Waz.

[Sir_Afridi]

The old saying " Aandhon mein kaana raja" fits perfect on Zaheer Khan.

[emclub]

Zaheer Khan is underrated in Pakistan and overrated in India, Umar Gul is mixture of under and over rated in both countries

[*sallu*]

The title is very misleading

Akram is saying in this tournament, Gul and Steyn have been the best and as good as each other.

The author is trying to sensationalize what Waz said

[sully3]

gul when in form is unplayable, normally does well in ICC tournaments.
Though zaheer has bowled well in this tournament.

[percyman]

Gul is fantastic in the Odis but nowhere near the class of Steyn in Test Matches.

[BoomBoomCricket]

Umar Gul has notched up 27 scalps this year across all official formats in 12 matches respectively. He was awarded a grade "A" Contract too along with players like Younis, Misbah, Afridi, Akhtar and Razzaq to name a few. A senior bowler who has been producing the goods and leading by example.

[Digital]

Gul is class, the way he swings nice to watch.

[Jo_Don]

Gul is miles ahead of Steyn in LOI's , Akram as usual stating the obvious

Gul is currently better than Steyn in ODIs, but not by the margin that you make it out to be.

During this WC alone, in 5 matches, his average went from 29.65 to 27.79 and his SR went from 34 to 32.

The reason is because he's only played about 50 ODIs because he's usually rested after a test series. It's only a matter of time before he catches up to his test record.

[freelance_cricketer]

Oh dear, Steyn is far ahead.

[Prince_Pathan]

prob the only guy on this forum that dislikes steyn

gwan the gulldozer

never a truer word said

[shehzadd]

Akram himself is the best bowler in the world. he means in odi and t20s Umar is as good as Steyn. But his comments r not about test cricket. D steyn is way way better bowler than gul.


DALE STEYN IS ONE OF THE GENIUNE FAST BOWLER CRIEKET HAS EVER PROUCED.

[Syed Ali Imran]

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram feels retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar should be included in the team for the World Cup semifinal against India even though he conceded that having the temperamental bowler in the line-up is a "big risk".
"Maybe Pakistan will play Shoaib Akhtar against India. I feel he deserves a place for sure. Wahab Riaz is bowling well but he is nothing exceptional and Shoaib could take his place. Shoaib's only problem in this ICC CWC has been his second spell. I have advised him to warm up before the second spell and that will help him," Akram said.

The express bowler, who would retire after the World Cup, dismissed Sachin Tendulkar in the 2003 edition to deny the Indian a century. Akram said the 35-year-old Akhtar is at his best against India.

"Shoaib against the Indians is always very dangerous. I know it is a big risk, but luck favours the brave. Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are top-class players but against Shoaib it's a different duel altogether. He is an entertainer and he loves the big stage," said Akram

"Saeed Ajmal bowled well against Australia. Though Pakistan can even revert to Abdur Rehman for the semis. Probably Shahid will look at the Mohali pitch and then take a call. When a team is performing well, these are good problems to have," Akram said.

India have won all the four World Cup encounters against Pakistan since 1992 and Akram predicted a close game even this time when the two sides clash on March 30 in Mohali.

"I feel that India are the favourites against Pakistan. Though Pakistan are also playing good cricket. India are definitely strong on paper, are an experienced side. Pakistan have an edge in the bowling department, they have a better variety.

"India-Pakistan match is always a pressure-cooker affair, whether you play in front of an empty stand or in Timbuktu. It will certainly be a close game," said Akram.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Pak-should-include-Akhtar-for-semis-against-India-Akram/articleshow/7791935.cms

[sam]

:)) @ the spelling mistake in that article.

***** instead of assess.

[Down2Earth]

lol akram has advised him to warm up before his second spell? Well duhh, I'm sure he does warm up einstein

[Justcrazy]

It will be a risk. Shoaib does not have a good record against India. He is quick but if he is offline he will go for too many upfront. Wahab is better fielder and also can be called upon to hit a few lusty blows if needed.

[freelance_cricketer]

I want it, yes play him :D

Vikram Bhai just doing a favour to us.lol

[hur rizvi]

Shoaib should Play if we have any intentions to win

[PakWC'11Champs]

This should not be based on the past. The past Akhtar is finished. It should be based on the now. What is Akhtar capable of now? From what I see, he can bowl 6-7 quality overs, most of them at the first half of the innings. You can not use him in the start and then finish of an innings like they used to.

You have seen Umar Gul bowl fantastically in this world cup as a new ball bowler. Why change that? Umar is capable of bowling at the death and opening the attack. He is your spearhead, support him.

If you play Akhtar, play him in Wahab's role. Which is to come in first change and bowl some at that stage. Then maybe again a little later. If I played Akhtar I'd go with:

Gul/Hafeez
Gul/Akhtar
Afridi/Akhtar

Use that sort of bowling combo's in the first 15 overs. Get Akhtar bowling 5-6 overs then, and then maybe 1 more spell in the 25-30 over stage. Then get his butt off the field for someone who can actually field (Sub in Wahab or Shezad).

[hur rizvi]

This should not be based on the past. The past Akhtar is finished. It should be based on the now. What is Akhtar capable of now? From what I see, he can bowl 6-7 quality overs, most of them at the first half of the innings. You can not use him in the start and then finish of an innings like they used to.

You have seen Umar Gul bowl fantastically in this world cup as a new ball bowler. Why change that? Umar is capable of bowling at the death and opening the attack. He is your spearhead, support him.

If you play Akhtar, play him in Wahab's role. Which is to come in first change and bowl some at that stage. Then maybe again a little later. If I played Akhtar I'd go with:

Gul/Hafeez
Gul/Akhtar
Afridi/Akhtar

Use that sort of bowling combo's in the first 15 overs. Get Akhtar bowling 5-6 overs then, and then maybe 1 more spell in the 25-30 over stage. Then get his butt off the field for someone who can actually field (Sub in Wahab or Shezad).

I dont think opening the bowling with hafeez against India is a good idea ...

He will be smacked all-around

[PakWC'11Champs]

He may well be, but I think spin/pace combo always works. It gives batsmen variety and two big degrees of difference in pace. Which most batsmen do not like.

On one side you have Hafeez bowling those slower off breaks and on the other end you have Gul bowling 90 mph. I think for 6 overs it's worth it. We should stick with the spin/pace combo strategy.

Plus it's perfect that you bring in Akhtar right after that, as they'll have no sort of confidence yet in dealing with pace. Then Akhtar can bowl at 95 mph. I think that's the best way to rattle the Indians. If you go with Gul/Akhtar, I think the Indians may drop a wicket early but then they'll start to gain confidence against pace. Especially Akhtar/Gul as one of them always tends to bowl a few loose deliveries when they pair up.

I'd stick with a lot of spin/pace combo's. Indians play spin well, but they've yet to show they can play pace/spin combo's great. I mean the Aussies have great pace and look what happened there. They were quite comfortable throughout that innings.

[Kray_jackson7]

Right now Akhtar cannot do worse then wahab. Wahab has been bowling very average and has done nothing special. If akhtar is on form we could be in for a treat

[hur rizvi]

Right now Akhtar cannot do worse then wahab. Wahab has been bowling very average and has done nothing special. If akhtar is on form we could be in for a treat

+1

That is the point Akhtar is better than Wahab so he shud be in the team

and I am sure Shoaib will raise his game for such a big occasion

[Desi]

Right now Akhtar cannot do worse then wahab. Wahab has been bowling very average and has done nothing special. If akhtar is on form we could be in for a treat

exactly. wahab is a toothless cat

[Fireworks11]

Hope Wasim gives him tips.

[Ryankhan]

He should play he is a match winner and inshallah he knows well how to get rid of Sachin-Swehwag n odr new kiddo's. inshallah WE WILL WIN

[Sheikh_Chilli]

Against india, Pakistan should play it's fasts. Mediums
and spinners will be hit out of the park. We need at-
least 2 super fasts.

Akhtar and Gull, minimum.


Sheikh 'Astro Palmist' Chilli

[zains_rulez]

I want it, yes play him :D

Vikram Bhai just doing a favour to us.lol

yeh to 30th march ko he pata chalay ga favor hai ya ... balkay 30 march ko to app is forum per aogay he nahe darr k :)))

[smoothcriminal]

Wahab was so unimpressive against the Windies, and I am baffled as to why anyone would advocate him over Shoaib. Shoaib had a solid Sri-Lanka game and was doing well against NZ till the Akmal errors. His death bowling is an immense worry but surely he is STILL infinitely more effective with the new ball. Wahab has no swing, no seam position and not even that much pace.

[hasanmehmoodkhan]

i think there is a chance afridi will go with 3 pacers, Indian's play spin very well

[Faisalabadimunda]

Atm, the way wahab riaz is bowling shebby should play.

[Free Hit]

shoaib akhtar sould play

[mastermind_quad]

I am seeing all three playing [Gul,Akhtar & wahab]

we should be prepare for that too...& for Ajmal,Afridi & Hafeez as well

[waqar_ahmad]

Wahab is a one trick pony. He isnt a bad bowler, but not that good either.

We need Akhtar, and I would have him bowl first change instead of with the new ball

[KA$H]

this is teh 1st bit of sense that wasim has spouted in a long time

Shoaib is a big match player - experience of pressure cooker situations is gonna mean moutains in this game

wahab is fragile and looking off colour in the recent matches

[saad1024]

Can't see Wahab giving much trouble to Indian batsmen with the line he bowls to right-handers. Akhtar can be expensive, but he'll give us a shot at taking wickets...

[Hammad]

Wasim Akram, the guy who sat himself out of the QF in Banglore in extremely shady circumstances; the same Wasim Akram , Shoaib Akhtar duo who got humiliated by India in the world cup; he maybe the greatest fast bowler of all time, but he has done more damage to Pakistani cricket than any single individual. Shoaib Akther will be butchered by Shewag, Tendulkar, Gambhir, Yuvi combination; he never performs in a crunch match against indian, and now at this age, it is certain he would be a liability. Pakistan may lose without him, but with him in the team, they are bound to lose

[Gotham Cronie]

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?t=117656

[RehanG]

Shoiabaaaa has to PLAY else i WONT watch the match..

(ok that was bit harsh i will watch..)