World Cup 2011 – Some Positive Aspects for Pakistan

Although after recent controversies, experts are not considering Pakistan as favorite for World Cup 2011, but still there are some positive aspects for Pakistan team. The first positive aspect is venue of World Cup. Bangladesh has defeated South Africa on a slow pitch in lost world cup. Record of Australia in Sri Lanka is not good also, where even Arvinda Desliva was enough to control Australian in Sri Lanka. So, therefore, because of conditions, Pakistan will enjoy edge on these favourite teams.  The second aspect is spin bowling. After exclusion of Asif and Amir  fast bowling attack of Pakistan is not looking strong  as Shoaib Akhtar is not fully fit, Junaid Khan is inexperience and Wahab Riaz is an average bowler. Only exceptions are from Umar Gul who can change situation in minutes through his reveres swing.  But spin bowling attack of Pakistan is looking good. Saeed Ajmal is a match winner bowler; Abdul Rehman is also quality bowler. Shahid Afridi and Hafiz have record of providing break through in crucial times. So according to conditions spin bowling attack of Pakistan is looking good and can provide positive results. In batting field, some batsmen of Pakistan team have good record on Asian wickets. Shahid Afridi can provide extra ordinary inning in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh any time.  So is Abdul Razaq. But the most crucial role will be of Kamran Akmal and Umer Akmal. Both are fighting players, especially Kamran Akmal has good record of playing in pressure as well as playing on Asian wickets. Young Ahmed Shehzad is also in good form and has the potential to rise like Inzamam Ul Haq through this world cup, so as Asad Shafiq. Hafiz is also in good form and he can provide some crucial wickets besides scoring runs. Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq are specialists batsmen of these conditions, therefore, Pakistan cricket fans are expecting anchor role from them during this world cup.

Although experts are not considering Pakistan as favorite, but infact ground realities are in favour of Pakistan. If Pakistan’s players concentrated on game and played their natural cricket, no reason that Pakistan can even win this world cup as she has done by wining T20 World cup in similar worst conditions.