Cause for optimism
As always, the Pakistan cricket team will be one of the more fascinating outfits during the World Cup. The 1992 World Cup winners always seem to have an intriguing subplot simmering underneath their words and actions. It is no different before the 2011 World Cup, with the team being ravaged by the spot-fixing controversy that saw them lose their Test captain Salman Butt, and star opening bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.
Adding to the intrigue is that the team often play their best cricket in these situations, making them impossible to write off. They come into the World Cup having beaten New Zealand away in the Test and ODI series, which will make the other teams wary of the most unpredictable side in the world. The team arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to play two warm-up games, against Bangladesh on February 15 and England on February 18.
“Conditions are good, weather is fine especially since we've come back from New Zealand. We have a good chance to prepare ourselves from the warm-up games,” said batsman Younis Khan at a press conference in Dhaka's Sheraton Hotel yesterday. When asked about the impending warm-up encounters, the former Pakistan captain said, “Bangladesh have a nicely balanced team. They have done well against New Zealand, and have a good chance in this World Cup. It would be nice for me and my team as well if I get two scores against the big teams.”
On Pakistan's chances in the global tournament, Younis was optimistic given the team's tribulations over the past year, and had an interesting prediction for the final. “I think we have a good chance. We play 5-6 games before the quarterfinal. I think India and Pakistan will play in the final, and Bangladesh as well in the semifinal.”
Sitting beside him was Umar Gul, the reverse swing specialist on whose performance much will depend. It is no secret that Pakistan's strength since the days of Imran Khan and Sarfaraz Nawaz has been the bowling. A big factor during this World Cup taking place in the subcontinent in early Spring will be the dew, especially for sides bowling second under lights.
“I think it is not just a problem for the fast bowlers but also for the spinners. The ball doesn't get out of the fingers properly and comes on to the bat very easily,” said Gul when asked about the dew factor.
Gul also stressed upon the importance and benefits of having a former great in Waqar Younis as coach. “I am working very hard with Waqar on the new ball. I think its always
good for the team when great fast bowlers are coaches of the team.”
Misbah-ul-Haque, Pakistan's Test captain during their series victory over New Zealand, believed that the side is gelling as a strong unit without any apparent weakness. “The main thing is that the team is gelling and we are performing as well. I think that will really help us. There's no weakness.”
Referring to the ordeal the side went through during the spot-fixing saga, Misbah said, “I think everyone is working hard to improve their performance. That's the way cricket goes on, life goes on. If the opportunity arises, I just want to make the best use of it. That's the way I'm looking at this World Cup.”
The batsman gave a simple answer to a query regarding what will motivate the side for good performances in the World Cup: “World Cup itself is the biggest motivation. It is a big event and everyone should want to perform well in this tournament.”
He also took heart from the youngsters' performance in New Zealand. “The way we've played over the last two months in New Zealand, I really like the way our batting going. Our youngsters are performing. For the first time, the team is performing like a unit. Everyone is doing their task, it is a good combination of youngsters and experienced players,” added Misbah.
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