This Group A clash is very much a joust to decide where they qualify for the quarters.The Pakistani’s aiming to stay top and the Kiwis just aiming to restore some lost pride.
So it looms as a mismatch going on how dreadful New Zealand have been this Tournament.Though it’s Pakistan,so we have seen a consistent Pakistan Team here,but still influenced by the ‘old’ Pakistan.Where a game like this could represent a banana peel.
So here are the Keys
New Zealand
1.New Zealand Pride
In a word the Kiwis in this World Cup have been rubbish.They are a very proud Odi side that always had a reputation of upending bigger Teams and performances that belied their ability.So in the wake of the tragedy in New Zealand recently and for the sake of the heritage of New Zealand cricket and in truth the pride of the individuals in the Team.After the truly insipid performance in a game that meant so much to their fans against the Aussies.Here against the Pakistani’s they need to lift.They might even if they gel together pull off a remarkable upset.For although their bowling is very weak.Their batting can be dangerous.
2.The Big Names In The Batting Need to Perform!
A few names-Brendon McCullum,Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder……..
All very accomplished and dangerous Odi batsmen that have been very average at this World Cup.Which belies their ability for their all very talented players.They all can have a marked influence on a contest in a match winning manner.So all who have been very disappointing so far.Can they turn up in this contest and make the Pakistani’s be in a real battle?
3.Tim Southee
I must admit ive liked this young bowler since seeing him as a 17 year old.For he has skill in regards to being able to swing it both ways.Also with enough pace to make that swing when he gets it right be very challenging.Here against the Pakistan batting that has been a bit fragile.If he can get a few early break throughs.It will give his Team an outside chance.
4.Why isn’t Kane Williamson in This Side?
This young player is class with a capitol C.So why in Gods name is a player like James Franklyn in the side ahead of him is beyond me.For you could bat Williamson anywhere in the top 6 and he’d provide a bit of sturdiness and in truth common sense to the batting.For he bats in a conventional manner rather than the keystone cops manner of his team mates.Plus hell never give his wicket cheaply like others in the Team.
Plus his off spin is very useful especially for an Odi and he’s a great fielder………..
His omision to me belies belief and can only be due to injury………
Pakistan
1.Kamran Akmal-In Or Out!
I must admit im the hugest critic of Kamran.For see him as an accident waiting to happen on the ground especially when he ‘keeps’ and off the ground.For see him as a potential trouble maker in a unified Pakistan camp.For me he would have even been in the squad and be told your never going to play for Pakistan again…
Though that’s my take……………..
The Pakistan fans are always torn over whether to keep him on the basis of his potential with the bat and forgive his keeping blunders
Or discard him give the gloves to his younger brother Umer and include and extra batsman or bowler….
I know what id do with the young Asad Shafique a ready made replacement in the top order….
Though you the readers decide whether you’d have Kamran or not?
2.Awesome Bowling But Batting needs To Step Up!
The bowling has been awesome…
Though the batting on paper looks good but has been a bit down on performance.The key is young Ahmed Shehzad finding a bit of form at the top with Mohammud Harfeez.Then id re jig the line up a bit by dropping Kamran Akmal.Having Younis Khan bat at 3 and Asad Shafique at 4.Then Misbah and U Akmal and the hitters.This line up has the class and all round threat to devastate attacks, but just haven’t clicked as yet.If they do they can win the World Cup.
3.Thank You Shahid Afridi And Misbah ul Huq For The New Pakistan!
In truth the feeling in this camp is inspiring.For they have the new found unity created by Afridi’s inspiration and Misbah’s evenness.Then you have in the back of all the members of the squad of as Shoaib Ahktar stated in a recent interview
‘Of wanting to make Teams pay……….’
For the pain felt by the players and all Pakistani’s in the wake of the regrettable Match Spotting convictions.
So when you combine unity with a sense of a price needing to be paid by others in the form of a subtle grudge
You have a Squad of young men that would face Hells fury to get their ultimate desire!
4.Bat First And Crush New Zealand!
This all depends on how the coin falls.Though New Zealand at present are fragile in the mind and very weak in bowling.So if you can bat first and run up a huge total against weak bowling.You can’t see the Kiwi’s having the mental strength to be able to muster a fighting reply.
Prediction
Pakistan by a good wide margin!
