'One Of The Asian Teams Will Lift The Title' : Mohammad Akram

by Ahmed Zulfiqar

15th February 2011

With the 2011 edition of the biggest event in international cricket - the ICC Cricket World Cup - just days away, PakPassion.net got in touch with ex-Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Akram for his views on Team Pakistan, and other contenders for the coveted trophy.

When asked to rate the Pakistan team’s chances at the 2011 World Cup, Akram stated, ’The way the Pakistan team played versus New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series, I feel they have every chance to get to the semis. The conditions will suit Pakistan, and the way the boys have gelled together, they look good at the moment, especially since what happened in last year or so.’

‘They look like they want to prove a point to the world, and if not the final, they have every chance to make the semis.’

The WC squad has a significant mix of seasoned campaigners and young players determined to make their mark, and the lanky pacer from Islamabad was pleasantly surprised to see them performing so well so soon, and liked the balance of the squad.

‘Amir and Asif were a big loss, but the way they [the team] are recovering, it is amazing, and was completely unexpected. The conditions will suit our fast bowlers, the ball will reverse, and I’m sure they will do well over there.’

Ahmed Shehzad is one of the youngsters in the side that has really made a mark, with 2 blistering 100s against New Zealand and recently against Bangladesh in Pakistan’s first warmup match. Akram was glowing in his review of Shehzad and stated ‘He’s really impressed me and is a very good cricketer. You need someone ruthless up the order, and both Hafeez and Shehzad seem to be forming a really good partnership.’

Akram was then asked to predict his good friend Shoaib Akhtar’s performance in WC 2011, and the veteran of 9 Tests and 23 one day internationals was cautiously optimistic.

‘I’m not too sure about his fitness, although I wish him all the best. He will always give 100% and try to bowl quick. If he can play 5-6 games at the WC, I think he will make a big difference to the Pakistan team, He is Mr. 100%, and always gives his best.

Resting Akhtar in the matches against the lesser teams was suggested, but Akram quickly shot that idea down. ’He would be eager to play against them,’ said Akram. ‘Shoaib will get more wickets and gain confidence. In my opinion, Shoaib Akhtar should play every game.’

Abdul Razzaq’s role in the side is also one that is quite unclear. Many keen followers of Pakistan cricket have suggested that he is wasted at the no.7/8 position and should bat higher up the order, but Akram did not seem convinced of that strategy.

‘We all know Razzaq is best suited to those kinds of match conditions. I would bat him at 7.’

Misbah-ul-Haq and T20 World Cup winning skipper Younis Khan now form the backbone of the Pakistan batting lineup, yet their similar styles and cautious approach have been a cause of concern for the Pakistan team. Akram though, did not feel it was such a big issue.

‘At this stage, you need that experience in the middle. I would have both senior players in the middle order. It is a very young side, and the team will bat around them, and you need these kind of guys who can stay at the wicket and occupy the crease.’

The 2011 World Cup promises to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory, and Akram named two teams that he felt were the main challengers for the coveted title.

‘India’s doing very well; they’re number 1 for me. One also cannot rule out Sri Lanka. I think that one of these Asian teams, India or Sri Lanka, will lift the title.’

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