“Pakistan fans should feel proud of the way their players applied themselves”
Australia haven’t yet been on the backfoot in this tournament and if Pakistan can contrive to put them under pressure, a shock is possible
Pakistan might not win this World Cup but this day in May will become legend in the history of Pakistan cricket. Improbable odds of qualification for the semi finals were lengthened when Shahid Afridi announced his team. Khalid Latif in, Mohammad Sami out. A batsman for a bowler, leaving one genuine pace bowler in the starting XI. Brave or bonkers? It was a gamble that convulsed Pakistan fans. It turned out to be a stroke of genius. When Latif played a lame stroke to end his innings, Pakistan’s innings was…
Salman Butt’s development as a Twenty20 player is a gain for Pakistan
“Shahid Afridi needs to loosen the shackles and lead with the passion, aggression, and guts that we all know he possess”
Choosing Mohammad Hafeez, a non-specialist spinner, to open the bowling against Australia was unwise, and it was worse to persist with him
A defence so soon is unfortunate for Pakistan’s wounded champions and finds them in another difficult moment. Last year, Pakistan rose out of adversity to conquer. It was an uplifting experience but the joy has been short lived. Now Shahid Afridi’s team face a make or break weekend. They could be out of the tournament by tomorrow evening, such is the danger in this group of death. Australia have spent all winter pummelling Pakistan, and Bangladesh are more than capable of pullling off a smash and grab raid. Pakistan have…