[EXCLUSIVE] Yasir Arafat "The win against Sri Lanka can do wonders for Pakistan's confidence at the World Cup"

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan all-rounder chats to Saj about areas of improvement for Pakistan's bowlers, Pakistan's top-order concerns, Babar Azam's recent performances in major tournaments, the brilliance of Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan against Sri Lanka, Saud Shakeel's ability to play spin and pace-bowling well, Indian fans cheering for Pakistan, looking ahead to the match against India, any changes for the match against India and more.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The performances of Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan against Sri Lanka have been commendable, showcasing their brilliance on the field. Saud Shakeel’s ability to play both spin and pace-bowling well adds a great advantage to the team. These 3 have become the most important member of the team as we have to face India in the next match.

 

[Abdullah]

Don't be so reactionary. Babar is the key player, though I expect imam to be the one to make big runs Vs India. He owes the team after he was bailed out yesterday

 

[gazza619]

We have peaked too early though. Our players cant handle confidence very well.

 

[pakistani pride]

What will do wonders is, if we drop Shadab and Imam. For Pak in order to reach semis winning the games against NL & SL were a must. Now the next 2 games are against better team and you cant afford to play the likes of Shadab and Imam. Mainly Shadab has become a club level cricketer. He has no control and bowls full tosses.

 

[pakistani pride]

We have peaked too early though. Our players cant handle confidence very well.

LOL if beating NL & SL is peaking the team could better stayed home. Winning these 2 games was a absolute must!

 

[Saj]

So far so good:

The positives for me are Saud Shakeel's form, Abdullah Shafique's great debut, Hassan Ali's good form and Mohammad Rizwan's brilliance.

Negatives - Shaheen looking off-colour, Babar's form, Imam looking like a walking wicket.

 

[Asad T]

Good interview, Saj. Yasir has some very good insights. I agree with him that Shadab should play against India ahead of Mir. Sherry has been bowling horribly, but in a high-stakes game, you have to back him. And if he fails against India, then they can try Mir out

 

[pakistani pride]

Good interview, Saj. Yasir has some very good insights. I agree with him that Shadab should play against India ahead of Mir. Sherry has been bowling horribly, but in a high-stakes game, you have to back him. And if he fails against India, then they can try Mir out

He cant even bowl 2 balls at the same length. He is all over the place. Rohit Sharma will smash him.

 

[Abid Z]

I think Abrar will have to come in for Shadab or Fakhar with everybody moving up the order. It’s an absolute liability to have shaheen and Shadab bowling badly. At least shaheen can be ok in overs 40-50 but over 1-10 he’s been horrible.

 

[Saj]

I agree with Yasir regarding Usama Mir.

Too big a risk to bring him into the side in place of Shadab.

I think they'll stick with Shadab for now.

 

[Farah Sohail]

I agree with Yasir regarding Usama Mir.

Too big a risk to bring him into the side in place of Shadab.

I think they'll stick with Shadab for now.

Indians will thrash Shadab, as they did to our spinners in recent games.. with Usama, atleast theres some novelty and surprise factor.. Also, he doesnt have past baggage, with respect to India..so theres more chances of Usama doing well against India, as compared to Shadab and Nawaz.. plus Usama seems to be in much better form than Shadab..
but I agree with you.. theres no way, babar and Mickey will drop Shadab against India..

 

[Coolcapri]

Pakistan needs to win both power plays to have a good match against india.

 

[Saj]

Indians will thrash Shadab, as they did to our spinners in recent games.. with Usama, atleast theres some novelty and surprise factor.. Also, he doesnt have past baggage, with respect to India..so theres more chances of Usama doing well against India, as compared to Shadab and Nawaz.. plus Usama seems to be in much better form than Shadab..
but I agree with you.. theres no way, babar and Mickey will drop Shadab against India..

It will be safety first.

It's too big a game to take risks.

Expect the same XI that played against Sri Lanka.

 

[shamaan]

They will most likely pick the same xi.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Yes i agree with Yasir Arafat, it was record chase for Pakistan in World cup history. It has definitely boost the confidence level of Pakistani camp. Now the matter of fact is to see how they utilize this confidence in upcoming matches.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan failed miserably to learn from the mistakes and assumed they were superior when they had glaring weaknesses in their batting approach.

 

[Saj]

Beating the weaker teams is much easier than facing strong sides.

Mediocrity will only get you so far.