The first match of Asia cup 2010 is being played between Pakistan and SriLanka. Both Shoaib’s made a return to international cricket, Pakistan also played Umer Amin and Shahzaib Hassan, there was only one noteable omission and that was of Saeed Ajmal who has been an integral part of Pakistan limited overs team, the team management probably wanted to give some depth to the batting line up.
SriLanka has set Pakistan a target of 235 which is quite decent on this pitch where the ball is holding up and the seamers are also getting some movement. Shoaib Akhtar’s return was quite impressive he bowled quite fast even though he looked a bit bulky and was struggling to run fast but he took three wickets and was easily the best pakistani bowler in this match, Asif and Aamer both are going through a lean patch both of them were unimpressive Asif should have caused more problem for the Lankans on this pitch than any other Pakistani bowler but he went for too many runs and took only one wicket clearly looks out of form.
Aamer has become one dimensional he hasn’t added more variety to his bowling, at times he can’t control his line and goes for runs, he can be very dangerous but it seems he doesn’t apply himself and doesn’t plan his spell.
Pakistan are in huge trouble right now chasing a relatively small toatal of 235 they are 33/4 after overs.
Salman Butt Pakistan’s man in form got out on a duck, Umer Amin struggled for his 7 runs, and Shahzaib played a very uncharacteristic knock and scored just 11 from 33 balls, he ;looked under pressure and perhaps wanted to score a big innings but his biggest flaw is that he can’t work the ball through gaps and blocks too many balls. Pakistan should not dump these youngsters after one poor performance they should persist with them through out this tournament.
SHoaib Malik failed miserably in this match and scored just 8 runs from 14 balls, it will take time for him to come back to form.
Right now Afridi has launched a counter attack he struck to consecutive sixes on the bowling of Mahroof, the partnership between Umar Akmal and Afridi can only rescue Pakistan.
SriLankan team looks to be in form they just returned home after winning the triangular series between Zimbabwe, India and SL, it will take time for the Pakistani players to adjust they havent played international cricket since the T20 WC.
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