Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Zahid gave his views and reviews on the World Cup thus far.

by Mohammad Zahid (2 March 2011)

With the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup well underway, many teams have made their initial claims for the coveted title. Some have hit the ground running, whilst others are very much a work in progress.

Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Zahid gave his views and reviews on the World Cup thus far.

Discussing which teams had caught his eye and impressed him the most in the tournament so far, Zahid stated ‘England has impressed me a lot, as has South Africa. India is also good, but I am concerned about their bowling. Their batting lineup is outstanding, but their bowling is a big concern.’

Zahid felt that the Indian bowling lineup would be the Achilles heel for the much lauded host nation.

‘They lack an express bowler and a genuine strike bowler, whether a fast bowler or a spinner. Even Harbhajan is just alright, he's not a wicket-taking bowler. Zaheer Khan is not a genuine fast bowler who can knock over the opposition in a 2-3 over burst. Piyush Chawla is just mediocre; he has no world class qualities. Overall though, India is playing good cricket, they are a very fit and experienced unit.’

India’s fast bowling woes continue to hamper their World Cup aspirations. In their two World Cup matches so far, the Indian seamers have failed to take early wickets and make full use of the new ball. The absence of a genuine quick bowler appears to be genuinely felt, and Zahid shares these concerns.

‘This has been a long running debate for more than 20 years now. In my opinion, it is because they have a lack of role models. We had Imran Khan and even Sarfraz Nawaz to look up to and inspire us. India has never had any body of that sort. Physique and diet may also be factors; we are naturally taller and more well-built.’

The Indian batting is an entirely different matter altogether. The star-studded batting lineup has come to the party with typical style and aggression. Opening batsman Virender Sehwag has been especially devastating, with 210 runs in just 2 innings in the tournament so far, including a breathtaking 175 against fellow host nation Bangladesh in the opening match of the tournament.

Zahid, however, felt that he would have got the better of run-machine Sehwag if they had ever come face to face in Zahid's playing days.

‘In my opinion, he [Sehwag] struggles against a genuine fast bowler. You have to be careful outside the off-stump against him, you can't give him room, and you must bowl stump to stump. I was a natural inswing bowler, so a good inswinger would get him, as he has poor footwork; a good in-dipper would dismiss him. Also, pitch it short to him in the first 10-15 overs, as he hits anything over pitched or when he gets room.’

‘At my peak, I would have had no problems against him.’

The 2011 edition of the World Cup boasts a battery of genuine fast bowlers, with the likes of Shaun Tait, Shoaib Akhtar, Dale Steyn & Kemar Roach all involved with their national teams.

Zahid was a tearaway fast bowler in his prime, and was considered by many, including by Akhtar himself, to be a yard or two faster than Shoaib Akhtar – even though the latter holds the all-time world record for the fastest delivery ever bowled.

When it comes to the art of fast bowling, Zahid is therefore no slouch. He named two pacers who he thinks would be the ones to watch out for during the World Cup.

‘There are only two genuine quick bowlers in the World Cup who can change the game. First one is Shaun Tait - he's in good nick, good rhythm and his fitness is top class. The other one is Dale Steyn of South Africa. Shoaib Akhtar, he is not fit enough; he can hardly bowl above 140k consistently. Even Brett Lee is not express anymore.’

‘You cannot become a world class team without world class fast bowlers. If India with this batting lineup had a bowler like Tait or Steyn, they would be untouchable.’


The Pakistan team has had a very positive start to the World Cup, brushing aside Kenya in their first match, followed up by a magnificent triumph over hot favourites Sri Lanka. It was the first ever home defeat inflicted on the Lankans in a World Cup.

Zahid though did not get caught up in the hype and would prefer to keep things in perspective.

‘Pakistan was lucky that they batted first. Under lights it was swinging around quite a lot, but Sri Lanka still chased well.’

Zahid highlighted the key factors that may make Pakistan a force to be reckoned with at the World Cup.

‘Pakistan was playing as a team and as a unit, which was very unusual for Pakistan! They were playing with heart; they were playing for the country. Lack of unity has always been our biggest problem. Also, if our batting keeps making 260-270 and our fielding gets a bit better, nobody can beat us.’

‘Shoaib is not fit enough, but even then we have Gul, Afridi & Rehman who are bowling well, and Hafeez is quite useful.’

The role of two star players though has yet to be fully understood. The effectiveness of middle order batsman Umar Akmal and star all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is a hotly debated topic amongst fans and pundits alike.

Zahid also weighed in on the matter.

‘Umar Akmal is not in particularly good form, I have doubts over him. Against Sri Lanka that day with so few overs, Razzaq should have gone ahead of Umar and Afridi. The team management have to think about this, it is clear to see Umar is not in good touch.'

'If there are 15-20 overs left then Umar is fine, but anything less, then Razzaq and Afridi should be promoted.’

Discuss!