Pak have “certain chance” in World Cup after win over Lankans: Sohail
By ANISunday, February 27, 2011
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan “have a certain chance” in the ICC World Cup 2011 following their 11-run win against Sri Lanka on Saturday, former captain Aamir Sohail has said.
Pakistan beat a powerful Sri Lankan side for their consecutive second World Cup win as skipper Shahid Afridi came up with another superb bowling performance after his five-wicket haul in the previous match against Kenya.
“It was a fantastic win for Pakistan… And I can say without any doubt that Pakistan have a certain chance in the World Cup,” Sohail wrote in The News.
“Pakistan’s victory can label them as one of the favourites as they move forward in the World Cup, thus creating a good chance for them to play a weaker opposition like West Indies or Bangladesh in the quarter-finals,” he added.
Sohail, however, criticised Pakistan for not taking ‘powerplay’ around 39th over. “Why it was not taken was beyond me. When it was eventually taken, it baffled my cricketing knowledge,” he said.
“I have time and again stressed over the usage of power plays at crucial times. I hope that in the future, Pakistan choose the right time for the batting power play,” he added.
On a pitch where the ball was keeping low and turning, 277 was indeed a fighting total for Sri Lanka, but Pakistan needed to get some early wickets to ensure the match tilted in their favour.
“An early breakthrough was vital but unfortunately for Pakistan, the new ball bowlers started to huff and puff after just four overs,” Sohail rued.
“Slips were removed and Pakistan suddenly went on the defensive. This is another area where Pakistan need to look into,” he noted.
Pakistan will play Canada in their next world Cup match on March 3 at the same Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where they defeated Sri Lanka. (ANI)
