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| Wednesday, 22 September 2004 |
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Pakistan-Windies game evenly poised Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from England Rose Bowl, Southamton, Tuesday, The second semi-final between West Indies and Pakistan at the Rose Bowl will be an even contest, but the team performing the basics in this style of game should enter the final. The weather here to say the least is atrocious. This venue has been affected by continuous rain and if it continues, the game will have to be taken into the reserve day. Why the ICC had to slate matches at the Rose Bowl will always be open for question. They were aware that this venue and area is prone to showers this time of the year and there is no excuse that they can adduce. Excuses however good will not be accepted. To the game and there is little to choose between the two teams. The wicket has been covered and as usual the moisture on it will prompt the toss winning captain to ask the opposition in. The toss will certainly play a vital role in this clash. West Indies and Pakistan had pleasing wins against South Africa and India. West Indies turned the form book up side down by sending the Protease home from the Oval. It was a gallant batting effort by the Caribbean batsmen that saw them get to the wining post by getting to the formidable South African total. Pakistan on the other hand had a few scares before pinning their bitter rivals India. Thanks to the intelligent strokeplay of Yousouf Youhana, the steady batting of skipper Inzamum ul-Haq and the belligerent blast by Shahid Afridi saw them through. In this game the two teams will be a bit tentative at the start. Rightly so because a dropped catch, a misfield, a run out or bad bowling could prove costly. The West Indies who had a bad tour of England, led by Brian Lara are determined to make their critics eat their own words. Undoubtedly they are the most eye-catching team with their cavalier strokeplay. Whatever the situation their batsmen go for their shots. Poking is not their style. They will throw their bats at everything hurled at them. If they connect the ball will fly to the boundary. They play for glamour and that is how they will continue and how they will go in this game too. Galye and Hinds will set the tone for batsmen of the calibre of Lara, Sarwan, Chanderpaul and Powell to pummel the opposing attack. Gayle if he could curb his impetuosity a wee bit can aim for a big score. Lara has to be a bit more responsible. Sarwan, Chanderpaul and Powell will add muscle and see them to a winning score. The bowling will be in the hands of Collymore, Bradshaw and Dillon if he has recovered. Spin will come from Gayle. The Pakistan bowlers - Rawalpindi Express-Shoaib Akhtar, Hassan and Malik did well to torment the early Indian batting, but allowed them too many runs in the slog overs. Openers Farhat and Hameed along with Malik, Ul-Haq, Razzack and Youhana must concentrate and bat with purpose. It was Youhana who with his correct temperament, super technique and lovely strokeplay who saw them win a match that at one time looked lost for them. Youhana is always a never say die cricketer and will give his all to try and see his side into the finals. Afridi can win a game with his lusty hitting. But he too must curb his impetuosity and bat for the team. The scene is set for a nail biter and spectators will hope that it remains that way with the better side playing the positive cricket getting on to the podium. |
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