5th ODI: India seem relaxed, Pakistan tense..
With the series secured by India, it isn't surprising that they seem very relaxed ahead of the final ODI today. Reports are mentioning that India would be resting key players including Ganguly, Harbhajan, Zaheer, and RP Singh to give their bench a game. This is how ODI cricket should be played I believe - it is the only way to groom youngsters and make them feel to be a part of the team.A 'weakened' side could give Pakistan the edge going into this match, but the players seem to look tense. The pressure is showing on skipper Malik who has been receiving ample criticism from former players and media persons. I think the criticism is uncalled for but expected from Pakistan. He's done well and made some mistakes too, but he's still very young on the job. Give the boy time and let him learn. This criticism will just put him under more pressure, and unless a captain is sure of himself, the team can hardly do well.
That is exactly why India has done better than Pakistan - Dhoni has been immensely cool on the field, confident while batting, and has led from the front. He looks like a natural leader, while Malik is showing signs of carrying a burden. He needs to be more relaxed and ignore the criticism. He needs to open again today and score big to regain his confidence.
Pakistan would want to win today to take some confidence into the test matches. A weakened India also provides that chance. But the Indian benchers would want to create an impression and India is going in with a lot of confidence with nothing to lose so it will still be tough for Pakistan.
Match gets underway in half an hour. Lets get the discussions rolling right here.
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Well well well, even Pakistan have given their bench a game.
No Afridi, No Younis, No Shoaib Akhtar, and finally NO KAMRAN AKMAL!!!
Sarfraz Ahmed is making his debut today and I hope he does well and rids Pakistan of the helpless Akmal.
The bowling looks very thin without Shoaib - an attach comprising of Gul, Tanvir, and Rao doesn't do it for me.
Imran Nazir opening with Butt. Pakistan have used 4 different pairs in the 5 matches. no openers will be developed like this. Malik should have stuck to the task.
Fawad Alam gets a game too. He's a promising youngster.
Pakistan has gone in a with long batting line up with Alam and Tanvir at 8 and 9, but the bowling looks very very thin, especially since Malik will be the 5th bowler.
I see India winning 4-1 already.
I agree with some of the changes. Its good to have Fawad and Sarfraz in the side. However Afridi should have been played.
I agree with you that India are the favourites for this game. Im not going to stay up to watch this game
Yeah i am also dissapointed with Afridi's exclusion. He should have played.
Praveen Kumar, India's debutant looks very very impressive. He troubled both batsmen who seemed at eas against sreesanth and Pathan. Another promising youngster for India.
India's luck mascots, Shahrukh Khan and Deepika are at the ground today. I guess BCCI finally found some security for them. Deepika is HOT!