BATTLE OF THE UNPREDICTABLES

The first of the quarterfinals is here and we have the battle of the two unpredictables at Mirpur. Pakistan and the West Indies face off at Mirpur in the first of the quarterfinals. The winner of this match would face the winner of the India vs Australia match at Ahmedabad.

Both these teams come into this game with contrasting fortunes in the group stages but all that doesn’t matter now. What matters is what will happen tomorrow when they face each other at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan have a very well balanced side and have come of a very good group phase in this World Cup. The win against Australia would have boosted their confidence even higher and the mood in the camp would be upbeat. Most of their key players have performed in this tournament and this would be a huge plus going into this game. They are known to be very unpredictable as they can be brilliant on one day and absolutely opposite the other. They are likely to retain the same side that took on Australia which means Shoaib Akhtar may not feature tomorrow.

Probable XI: Shahid Afridi (captain), Misbah Ul Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammed Hazeef, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Abdul Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul

There is some speculation that Pakistan are mulling the inclusion of the extra spinner in the form of Saeed Ajmal. West Indies haven’t looked very good against spin thus it may not be a bad idea to make this change. This would mean that Wahab Riaz may have to sit out and the bowling duties of Abdul Razzak would increase.

Their batting order should remain the same but since their openers haven’t been performing off late they can promote either Misbah or Younis to number three to provide more stability and solidity.

STENGTHS:

1) Well balanced bowling attack with Gul, Rehman, Riaz and Afridi in top form.

2) Solid middle order comprising Misbah, Younis and Umar Akmal

WEAKNESSES:

1) Unpredictability: Against New Zealand nobody imagined they would concede so many runs in the slog overs. The unpredictability factor is something they should guard against and try to maintain consistency.

WEST INDIES

West Indies cricket has been going through a very rough period. They have shown some sparks on quite a few occasions but it has dies down with time. In the group stages they brushed aside the minnows but against the strong teams they didn’t perform.

Against England and India they lost from a position where they looked really dominant. This has been something that has plagues the West Indies over the years where they have lost matches which they should have won. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter now as they have the capability to do well but the question is can they do it tomorrow?

There has been quite a lot of chopping and changing in the West Indies line-up and thus I will present my pick of the eleven that should play tomorrow.

My XI: Darren Sammy (captain), Chris Gayle, Devon Thomas, Devon Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Devendra Bishoo, Keiron Pollard, Andre Russell, Kemar Roach, Sulieman Benn.

West Indies have a few tough choices to make. The exclusion of Chanderpaul hasn’t helped them and they have to drop Darren Bravo who has had a string of low scores. For a big game like the quarterfinal I back experience to do the job and Chanderpaul is my pick.

Rampaul’s five wicket haul the other day has created a few selection dilemmas for them. Roach will come in and will be partnered by Russell who has shown speed and penetration. They can drop Benn and play Rampaul but on a slow surface like Mirpur, Benn is a better option.

STRENGTHS:

1) Return of Chris Gayle: Chris Gayle’s return would certainly boost their confidence. Devon Smith is in good form and thus they have a strong opening pair.

2) Roach, Bishoo, Russelll and Benn have been impressive. Rampaul may not play but has one good performance. Thus, the bowling is in good shape.

WEAKNESSES:

1) Collapses: They have shown a tendency to collapse anytime even within touching distance of victory. Thus, Gayle, Sarwan and Smith have to score to put pressure on Pakistan. They have to agree on a set batting order so that each player knows where is is supposed to bat.

2) Weakness against spin: The batsmen haven’t shown comfort against spin and if Pakistan unleash their spinners, the Windies may find it difficult.

PREDICTION

Pakistan should win on the basis of their overall balance but you never know with the West Indies. If Gayle and Pollard fire anything is possible for them.