As predicted Pakistan the dead rubber champs are back in their groove. It’s a strange pattern which is continuing for quite some time now Pakistan loses the series comprehensively but wins the dead rubber matches comprehensively.
Pakistan dropped Fawad and Malik and brought back Yousaf and Misbah unfortunately both batsmen failed to capitalize on this face saving opportunity provided to them.
Umar Akmal scored a magnificient 102 from just 72 balls, it’s not easy to score big batting at #6, Umar scored a brilliant knock of 66 in the third ODI and also scored a 100 in the side match batting at #8. The #6 slot belonged to Malik whose batting form has been pathetic in this Odi series, the other contender for this spot was Fawad Alam who after scoring 168 on his debut could not perform in any other match and serious doubts have been raised by experts on his technique and range of shots.
Umar’s capability to score aggressively and play big innings lower down the order make him the Ideal candidate for the #6 spot, both Malik and Fawad bat to slow and have a higher failure rate.
Pakistan piled up 322 on the back of Umar’s 102 and Younis Khan’s 89 on a flat track, SriLanka started off well but after Sangakara’s departure none of the lankan middle order batsmen could provide any support to Tharanga.
Rao and Ajmal ran through Srilankan batting line up, Rao again proved that he is a better bowler than Rana Naveed, I wonder why Rana was given preference over him.
Rao has been performing well for Pakistan in Odi’s but he is one of those players who do not have any star value and no matter how they perform are always under appreciated.
From Jan 2008-09 Rao has played 20 Odi’s for Pakistan he took 34 wickets @ 5.34 and his bowling average has been 24.76.
Where as Umar Gul who enjoys a star status also played 21 matched during this period and has taken 41 wickets @ 5.02 with an average of 21.09.
The difference between the performance of the two players is not as big as much as the difference between their status in the Pak team, Rao is always in and out of the team and has never been able cement his place in the team.
Younis Khan and a few ex players have continously been blaming the domestic set up for Pakistan’s inconsistency at International level.
The domestic set up is OK in Pakistan the only thing which they need to improve is the standard of the pitches and the selection should be made on merit, the domestic setup is consistently producing players like Ahmed Shehzad, Aamir, Khurram, Fawad, Umar Akmal and many others who are being ignored, these players have minor flaws which can easily be removed if proper attention is focused on them.
In fast bowling Naveed Arif, Mohammad Talha, Sohail Khan, Irfan and a few others desperately need some expert advice to move on to the next level it is the duty of PCB to appoint Waqar or Wasim as fast bowling consultant.
The left arm pacer Naveed Arif impressed me the most in the recent RBS T20 tournament he is quite fast and can move the ball both ways.
PCB should let go of some of the older players and should aim at rebuilding the team for the World cup they should give younger players enough time to prove themselves at the International level.
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