MEDIA GAG

At least one of West Indies and Pakistan will be in the semi-finals of the World Cup. For all neutrals, this is something to be celebrated.

 

The ICC, like any other sports governing body, is much maligned. The image that they have cultivated, against their wills,  is that of the organization which staged the 2007 World Cup. Since that disastrously poor tournament though, the ICC has managed to organize (by design in some case, by accident in others) four consecutive tournaments which can be considered a success from a sporting viewpoint. These four have been followed by the current World Cup being held in South Asia,  an absolute joy to watch. Sure, less than a quarter of the matches can be considered close – but it proved that 50-over cricket can matter if the right amount of quality and desperation are there. Yet, even after this, the blog can expect an endless seven-match series.

The eight quarter finalists provide no surprises in their names, but their order has been somewhat a surprise. England has stuttered, West Indies have flattered to deceive, as have Australia. The rest have done what they are built to do.

 

Pakistan v West Indies

For Pakistan, the historic victory against Australia has calmed many a fan down. The questions regarding the configuration have slowly gone from demanding to whispering as Pakistan have built up the momentum through the tournament. Despite the fact that Pakistan’s bowling has been impressive in all but five-and-a-half overs of a single match, it is that facet which fans want to reinforce.

For Pakistan to win this, the middle order will have to fire, as it has been doing. The current quartet is reminiscent of the 90s, although not nearly as good in its application. The blog would prefer Umar Akmal to sandwich the two octogenarians, but it seems it is the XI from the match against Australia which will take Pakistan to wherever they finish. The key remains how West Indies can handle the Pakistan bowling, though. The spinners trying to choke the West Indies from over 2 to 42 will be crucial, and the absence of Gayle in this case would be necessary. And if Umar Gul can continue what can be described as the form of his life, then there will be a lot of antenna adjustments in Pakistan on the national day.

For the West Indies, Gayle must perform. He has been one of the few big-name disappointments in this tournament – and for Windies. They have no one else to counter the threat of the trio of Pakistani spinners, and particularly Gul. Smith might be in the purplest of patches, but he wouldn’t scare Pakistan. Nor will the slowly-getting-out-of-form Bravo. And Pollard still hasn’t done it against a bowling unit as good as Pakistan. But still, there is a reason the West Indies have failed to win an ODI against a Test side in the past twenty months: they cannot play good cricket for 100 overs.

If they are to win though – whether it is batting or bowling first – Roach will decide the game. Despite the performances of the middle order, the openers and the late order remain shaky. If Roach, with the support of Russel or Rampaul can make early inroads, Pakistan will be bogged down when one or both of Misbah and Younus are at the crease. Windies can then use their spinners to restrict Pakistan.

In conclusion, unless there is a classic innings from Gayle or Roach goes on a rampage, Pakistan ‘should’ walk this one. But considering its Pakistan, the Windies may end up winning, thanks to their lowest profiled players whoever they may be on the night.