Chances have to be read as Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi. Gul is the strike bowler, best exponent of death bowling and Shahid Afridi along with Saeed Ajmal, is the best spinning duo in the world cup. With one having the knack of picking up wickets and other is choking down the batsmen.
Younis Khan just cannot afford to have a bad day on the field as he would be the spine of Pakistani batting attack.
Semi-final could be the maximum they could reach but again unpredictability is what Pakistan cricket lives with.
Team West Indies:
Every time we refer to the West Indian team in an international contest, all we have to lament about is the lost glory. The invincible of the past have been even given the underdog status this time at the WC. They are unpredictable and vulnerable as well. Since June 2009, they have managed authentic wins only against amateurs like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Ireland etc.
After letting out Adrian Bharath and pitching in Sarwan at the last moment, the final squad is as follows: Chris Gayle (capt), Sulieman Benn, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Wavell Hinds, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor.
Strengths:
1.Gayle, Gayle and Gayle "All eyes are on this man." West Indies batting has the capability to explode if they have it their way. This largely depends on the way their captain, Chris Gayle plays, and if he goes after the bowling successfully, the side usually ends up with a total to defend.
2.The 'IPL' force - Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have proved their deadly skills in the recent IPL performances in India. Now this is another format of the game, but with their sheer talents they can unleash will be decisive for the team.
3.Final hook - The batting finally looks to be coming around with all holes being plugged and Sarwan & Chanderpaul's experience will be mightily useful in sub-continent conditions alias batting pitches.
Weakness:
1."Team" game - Their lack of taking it all the way with a collective effort is overshadowed. Whether they play as a united team or as individuals who impress is really bothersome for many.
2.Consistency - The only consistency this team has showed us recently is inconsistency. As things currently stand for the consistency level of bowling department, the West Indian bowling is rather fragile and easy to go after.
Opportunities:
1.Given the way the West Indian side has played in the last six months, it is difficult to predict how worse their performance level can go, which in turn, can surprise the opposition if they strike out unexpected blows.
2.Darren Bravo, who has impressed cricket followers all over will be keen to cement his place at no.3, despite the return of Sarwan and the rock solid Chanderpaul.
3.Benn and Miller will have a task up their sleeves to help the side win games and get the ball rolling or rather spinning.
Threats:
The West Indian squad looks the most unprepared of all teams, with no real openers to bat with Gayle and not too many quick bowlers coming through. Though spinners will play a role in the sub-continent, the quick bowlers will have a job too.
