Friday, February 29, 2008

Will Pakistan Make it a Repeat of 2006?

India are through to the final of the U-19 World Cup and Pakistan is looking to make it in what would be a rematch of the 2006 U19 World Cup Final.

Pakistan is currently playing its Semi Final against South Africa and the Protea youngsters are off to a very good start - 64-1 off 14 overs.

As Straight Point mentioned in one of the comments section of another post, Pakistan has taken a huge gamble bowling first. Their batting has been their weakness in this tournament and putting that under pressure in a crunch game is a big risk. However, the reasoning behind that was the expected rain, which if happens would make it easier for the chasing side as it makes it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball - this was evident from the 1st Semi, in which India chased down New Zealand's total relatively easily despite the minor collapse near the end.

The Pakistani bowlers, who have been outstanding in this tournament didn't get any swing this morning, and if it doesn't rain, Imad Wasim's decision to bowl first could backfire.

But the younger Pakistani lot does have a few brilliant batsmen who haven't yet fired during the WC - it could be their day today if SA gets a huge total, which looks highly likely as of now.

Pakistan skipper Imad Wasim and wicketkeeper batsman Ali Asad were both part of the world cuo winning team of 2006 and played instrumental roles in Pakistan's victory in the Semi Final against Australia in 2006 and the Quarter Final against Australia 2 days ago. So they have the experience on their side - Can they grant the Indian boys their wishes of a repeat final?

I sure hope so.

I have my own match in the afternoon, so I won't be able to watch the entire match or cover it. But till then - EYE!

Make your pitch on this post...



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7 Pitched:

  1. straight point said...
     

    i am also looking forward to ind-pak final good for game...good for us...

  2. Viswanathan said...
     

    Q,

    If it is Ind-Pak final. It should be one hell of a match.

  3. Q said...
     

    It definitely will be if it happens.

    SA look like getting a huge score. If they do, we need Umar Akmal to fire, otherwise it will be difficult for Pak.

    This bowling first may look like a very absurd decision if it doesn't rain.

  4. straight point said...
     

    somehow i feel that in crunch games like this one should always try to bat...its always difficult to chase in pressure situations like this...

    when you put up total on board...couple of wickets and you see panic starts creeping in like what happened in ind-nz match...we almost lost the match...

  5. Anonymous said...
     

    They are dangling with the duckworth syndrome with raining pouring... beautiful shots scored... mindblowing

  6. straight point said...
     

    how i was hoping against but my fears came true!!

  7. Q said...
     

    Pak crumbled as always. I agree SP, one should always look to bat in crunch games. I told u what Pak's thinking was, but despite the rain the huge total was always going to be big for them.

    South Africa look like a strong team and it'll be a good final against the unbeaten Indians.

    SA have lost only to India in during the tournament.

    Good luck to you guys :-) I'm with you.

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