Pakistan pace quartet stand between winning and losing their first T20 World Cup – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sport Editor)
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads a Pakistan pace quartet that can dismantle England’s batting line-up and their chances of snatching this edition of T20 World Cup.
England looked invincible against India, chasing a par total. But they will be challenged if Pakistan wins the toss and invite them to have a first go with the bat.
Pakistan have a lethal pace combination that can destroy the best batting line-ups in the world, and a two paced MCG will give them the impetus to achieve just that backed by serious options with spin.
Pakistan’s batting has proved second to none. Skipper Barbar Azam leads a talented line-up that can score freely on their day. The return of Afridi after missing tha Asia Cup, has given them that extra edge that will be the Xfactor.
If England rides on their India demolition, and believes Pakistan is a pushover they may well be in for a harsh reality check.
Both teams possess a nucleus of talent that can unsettle the best. But whose day it wii be is wii depend heavily on a hungrier and consistent performance as to who runs away with this edition of the World Cup.
I’m hedging my bets, but with the clear knowledge that both are evenly matched and the day is dependent on how the cards play out.
As I said before, the toss will be key as to who will exploit the conditions and hopefully the weather will not make an unfair contribution to the outcome.
The ICC will be hoping for a massive turnout despite India’s exit. The love for the game should compensate for the the exit of hosts Australia, India, and other teams dreaming of making this final.
The future of the game and how it is marketed, plays a big hand in its development, immaterial of who makes the final two. The ICC has it in their hands to remedy this.
Although the cricket dished out throughout the tournament has been breathtaking, the Australian venture has not reaped the desired result from an organising perspective.
