Winning Against India Vital for Pakistan's Semi-Final hopes for the ICC T20 World Cup

[fight_club]

You can already sense it in the air. The build up for the most eagerly awaited Encounter of T20 World Cup has already begun. Given the Tension and lack of dialogue between two countries one can be sure that Media barons will try to drum up the hysteria to get maximum eyeballs.

Pakistan, is coming into the WC without much Real Match practice and opportunity to test and find the best combination. No Team struggle to find its winning combination as much as Pakistan do. It usually takes couple of setbacks before they experience Eureka Moments.

Pakistan will Play India and Kiwi's within a gap of three days and it's a scary possibility that Pakistan WC dream might well be over before it gets a chance to say "Hello Eureka".

For Pakistan big word is "Adaptability" which comes with an "Open Mind".

For me, Pakistan biggest Problem is its openers.

Under normal cirumstances world best Opening Pair will be consider as Key strength but Pakistan has such a fledgling Middle order that you suspect if any of these openers goes cheaply rest of the batting will already crumble and lose direction.

Pakistan can only do well if someone from the middle order comes to the party otherwise for Pakistan Fan's This world cup might become an affair to support there second best team.

In Hafeez, Malik and Sarfaraz Pakistan has three batters who can function perfectly in the middle order and play Spinners with ease while keeping the scoreboard ticking. However they all have been very ordinary off late
and at the wrong side of youth.

Fakhar Zaman, is the only other batsmen apart from Babar and Rizwan who has the capability to turn the match on its head but untill the last T20 International Pakistan played they didn't have any Idea about correct his batting Number, Well they just have one Warm up left to find many answers.

If their is a department Pakistan would feel more at ease then it would be bowling. Hafeez late Summer with ball has certainly given a lot of depth and flexibility. Pacers are also well aware of their roles though 3rd pacer spot is still up for grab but overall it will be considered stronger discipline.

Pakistan beating India would be an upset but Mark my words their are no tournament favorites and we will witness far more upsets than usual owing to the short format and tricky surfaces.

Pakistan is fast learning that Cricket is no longer isolated from Geo political dynamics and it has been at the receiving end of it. The game against India is like a layered cake and this tournament has many invisible dimensions.

I wouldn't be surprised to See Pakistan Crashing out within three ordinary days or they can shock the world and put out a Ninja show. They do possess the quality on these pitches and I am sure they wouldn't lack any motivation either.


Fight_Club

 

[Firebat]

Fakhar is key I reckon. A game-changer when he's on it, the only left-hander and the one who can help Pakistan keep the scoreboard going through the middle order so we don't collapse after the powerplay.

We have gone from 55/0 after 6 overs to 81/2 after 10 overs far too often, after which it just goes downhill.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The “Hello Eureka” moment is the game against Afghanistan?

Well, good luck with that one too.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Fakhar is key I reckon. A game-changer when he's on it, the only left-hander and the one who can help Pakistan keep the scoreboard going through the middle order so we don't collapse after the powerplay.

We have gone from 55/0 after 6 overs to 81/2 after 10 overs far too often, after which it just goes downhill.

Perhaps Babar is our key on the batting line. He is a world’s top batsman backed up by real credentials to clock a high possibility of making the difference.

And then Shaheen Shah is your best bet in bowling.

 

[Kaddy]

Indian batsmen usually murder leg spin bowling.

Should we play Shadab against them?.

Or may be a chance should be given to Nawaz, who is in better form as well.

 

[Afzal_K]

I wonder how many more threads about this India match?

 

[Babeikh]

Don't think it is particularly vital - everyone is assuming India will win, India are favs. Game is almost a free hit for Pak. New Zealand game is much more important in the 'will we reach Semi final' context.

Obviously Pak v India has the added historical context and rivalry so in that sense it is always important but I don't think it is that important in the context of whether Pak reaches Semi finals or not.

 

[NoBallZombie]

I am sorry but we can’t beat India. It’s not even a matchup. With other teams, we stand a chance. For me the kiwi game would be far more important as the india game is a far gone conclusion

 

[YousafTheBeast]

If I was the coach right now, I’d go up to Shoaib Malik and tell him to get the doosra’s ready for the 24th, it’s his last WT20 so who cares if he gets banned after that.

 

[fight_club]

Indian batsmen usually murder leg spin bowling.

Should we play Shadab against them?.

Or may be a chance should be given to Nawaz, who is in better form as well.

Off late, Kohli has been clearly struggling against Leggies and You would still need a wrist spinner on these tracks. Nawaz can only fit in the place of Imad or the third seamer.

I wonder how many more threads about this India match?

It's not just about India match but about the. first two opening encounters of Pakistan and there challenge owing to uncertain and unsettled line up.

Don't think it is particularly vital - everyone is assuming India will win, India are favs. Game is almost a free hit for Pak. New Zealand game is much more important in the 'will we reach Semi final' context.

Obviously Pak v India has the added historical context and rivalry so in that sense it is always important but I don't think it is that important in the context of whether Pak reaches Semi finals or not.

I am simply looking beyond all the hype and dissecting the unique sceneio Pakistan Cricket find itself.
Normally, One would say that Even after losing to India Pakistan can make a comeback but I don't think so as the loss will further increase self doubts and uncertainity plus the pressure will on Pakistan to beat Kiwi's to sytay in the hunt for Semi-final spot.

Pakistan has always been a late bloomer in ICC tournaments whenever they have won it, This time they don't have that luxury.

 

[Pakhs]

I am not sure its vital, they can afford to lose one game seeing NZ v India will mean one team will lose and only one team can go unbeaton.

Most of Pakistan famous tournaments wins followed a lost to India in group stages. Its tournament cricket just keep giving your best until you are out and see what happens.

 

[fight_club]

I am not sure its vital, they can afford to lose one game seeing NZ v India will mean one team will lose and only one team can go unbeaton.

Most of Pakistan famous tournaments wins followed a lost to India in group stages. Its tournament cricket just keep giving your best until you are out and see what happens.

Not sure what you are talking here, Pakistan play Kiwi's on 26th Oct and in case they lose to India they will be under huge pressure

 

[Pakhs]

Not sure what you are talking here, Pakistan play Kiwi's on 26th Oct and in case they lose to India they will be under huge pressure

And? its WC tournament there will always be pressure. The first game is never end all be all.

 

[Barragan]

No it isn't, the NZ game is far more crucial.

Beat them, then just beat the rest or hope NZ get beat by one of the other teams (aside from Ind) and that is all.

Afg is just hype and Pak shouldn't lose to them.

 

[fight_club]

And? its WC tournament there will always be pressure. The first game is never end all be all.

No it isn't, the NZ game is far more crucial.

Beat them, then just beat the rest or hope NZ get beat by one of the other teams (aside from Ind) and that is all.

Afg is just hype and Pak shouldn't lose to them.

Oh, I got it now. You mean its no problem, just like any other pressure game. Pakistan may lose to India and then they will beat Kiwi's easy peasy. After this they will also find there best combination, middle order etc... I wish, I had half of that sense of humor.

 

[Varun]

Don't think it is particularly vital - everyone is assuming India will win, India are favs. Game is almost a free hit for Pak. New Zealand game is much more important in the 'will we reach Semi final' context.

Exactly. Pakistan have nothing to lose and this may as well be their best chance to end the streak!

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan will probably face India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland, and Ireland.

So, if Pakistan beat India, they should make it to semi-final.

 

[cricketInsight]

I completely agree that Pakistan's schedule does not allow for late-blooming which has been our path to success. We haven't been a consistent enough team to stay on top of our game throughout a tournament and so late-blooming helps us win a tournament with the shortest possible successful run of victories.

While Pakistan's loss to India is likely, what would matter more is how much of a fight we put up. If its a close finish with a strong fight, the team would retain some confidence to go strong against NZ. Otherwise, its unlikely that we would turn things around quickly against another top team in a couple days.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Indian batsmen usually murder leg spin bowling.

Should we play Shadab against them?.

Or may be a chance should be given to Nawaz, who is in better form as well.

Haha you must be kidding. Kohli is a bunny of Moeen and Adil Rashid. I have seen him getting bamboozled against quality spin so many times. Those days of Indian batsman being great at playing spin are long gone.

 

[Kaddy]

Haha you must be kidding. Kohli is a bunny of Moeen and Adil Rashid. I have seen him getting bamboozled against quality spin so many times. Those days of Indian batsman being great at playing spin are long gone.

Well to be honest, I wasn't talking about the spin bowling in general. I mentioned Leg spin bowling only. Generally, Indian batsmen are much more comfortable against Leg spin as compared to left arm spin or off spin (excluding Sehwag) so example of Moeen or lyon is not good. Yes Kohli is not great against leg spin but others can be.

Moreover, I fully agree that their current generation is not as good as the previous ones but still they are big threat and I have a doubt that Shadab will be effective against them but if does, I will be more than happy and jumping with joy, to be proven wrong.

 

[proud_pakistani]

India game to me is not so important. It's the first game of the tournament. We are always a team which starts slow and picks momentum as the tournament goes on. I wouldn't be surprised if we lost on 24th by a big margin and that causes us to really improve the performance as the tournament progresses. It's hard to say what will happen. We have no preparation with Eng and NZ backing out to play us. India on the other hand have played IPL in same conditions. For now it's a David vs Goliath situation with all odds heavily favoring India.

 

[Coolcapri]

I think this match is all about how well Pak bowling do against India top 3, If they knock them over quickly than Game on.
PAK need to bowl 1st and restrict India below PAR or pressure of chasing in big match will be to much for there fragile batting lineup.

Also why the 2 big match are within 1 day gap, I smell scheduling also have favoritism in it. ??????

 

[Coolcapri]

India game to me is not so important. It's the first game of the tournament. We are always a team which starts slow and picks momentum as the tournament goes on. I wouldn't be surprised if we lost on 24th by a big margin and that causes us to really improve the performance as the tournament progresses. It's hard to say what will happen. We have no preparation with Eng and NZ backing out to play us. India on the other hand have played IPL in same conditions. For now it's a David vs Goliath situation with all odds heavily favoring India.

Lower the expectation better for Pak team.

 

[OMB]

I think this match is all about how well Pak bowling do against India top 3, If they knock them over quickly than Game on.
PAK need to bowl 1st and restrict India below PAR or pressure of chasing in big match will be to much for there fragile batting lineup.

Also why the 2 big match are within 1 day gap, I smell scheduling also have favoritism in it. ??????

I smell fear

 

[Kaddy]

Indian batting is too strong

 

[shamaan]

If Pakistan best India they will make the semi but if they don't then they must beat New Zealand

 

[Coolcapri]

I smell fear

Not fear, Being realistic, but this Pak team can upset on given day any team, Its matter of clicking together.

 

[Coolcapri]

If Pakistan best India they will make the semi but if they don't then they must beat New Zealand

In 3 days we will know if Pak heading to semis or out of tournament, Such is the format, which should have been more spread out,

also why the 2nd, 3rd and 4rth ranked team are group together?

 

[sam_ahm]

Thinking about semi final scenarios for team team right from game 1 is a long shot.

Take it game by game, if you keep winning you are good, rather than thinking ahead and getting stressed. As of now the focus should be on India game for Pakistan rather than worrying about what will happen if we lose, what more to do if we win and all those Complexities.

 

[Saj]

Pakistan's fixtures in the Super 12s:

v India - 24th October
v New Zealand - 26th October
v Afghanistan - 29th October
v Namibia - 2nd November
v Scotland - 7th November

The bottom line is Pakistan has to beat one of India or NZ. If they lose both their first 2 matches then if results go as expected and there are no shocks then Pakistan will finish 3rd.

 

[wasim-fan]

There is no comparison between two teams. Man to man this should be no contest. But one off T20, anyone can pull off.

 

[shamaan]

In 3 days we will know if Pak heading to semis or out of tournament, Such is the format, which should have been more spread out,

also why the 2nd, 3rd and 4rth ranked team are group together?

Something drastically has to happen for Pakistan not to reach semi.becouse it was based around the groups for the first stage rather than rankings

 

[fight_club]

Something drastically has to happen for Pakistan not to reach semi.becouse it was based around the groups for the first stage rather than rankings

Agreed, Still Afganistan should be considered a genuine threat. Now Pakistan can close it tomorrow itself
would be bit difficult to stop

 

[silentkiller187]

Interesting Pakistan will play their 3rd game before India's next game against NZ, if pak carry on and win 3 out of 3 that could be a potential knock out game.

 

[shamaan]

Agreed, Still Afganistan should be considered a genuine threat. Now Pakistan can close it tomorrow itself
would be bit difficult to stop

Pakistan need to win tomorrow then they virtually throw.but yes afganistan are a threat if they get a decent score on the board.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Fakhar is key I reckon. A game-changer when he's on it, the only left-hander and the one who can help Pakistan keep the scoreboard going through the middle order so we don't collapse after the powerplay.

We have gone from 55/0 after 6 overs to 81/2 after 10 overs far too often, after which it just goes downhill.

Perhaps Babar is our key on the batting line. He is a world’s top batsman backed up by real credentials to clock a high possibility of making the difference.

And then Shaheen Shah is your best bet in bowling.

ahem ahem, can I act like an “all knowing mama ji” for a sec? That’s by default every desi cricket fan’s trademark style when we render our prophecies

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Something drastically has to happen for Pakistan not to reach semi.becouse it was based around the groups for the first stage rather than rankings

Would you be surprised if Pak wins the toss tomorrow and elects to bat first?

This team can do anything - even the unthinkable. As Nasser Husain said after the victory against India, “Pakistan won this game in a very unpakistan way”.

 

[fight_club]

Missed out large part of the match was just able to catch final 8 overs of Pakistan inning today.

Pakistan Will reach Semi's and what a tremendous and heartwarming display it has been especially the
bowling and fielding. Pakistan must utilize last few matches to test few batting combination. Fakhar
should be made to open and Babar to come down at no.3 and give other batsmen more time on the
pitch to gain confidence.

Match's against Nambia and scotland can be used for these variations.

As suspected If Babar or Rizwan goes early the team does come under tremendous pressure and middle
order is still jittery. The chase today was horrible and it was atrocious to wast PP.

Wow, This will take some time to sink in but Pakistan has turned tough schedule on its head and blast past the qualifiers to strom into Semi's. Now they have the favorite tag and huge chance to lift the cup.

 

[The Googly]

I take the opposite view. I think it was important for the middle order to win the game and not depend on the top 2. Ultimately, that is what happened. It is better they come through after a tense chase rather then a 8-10 wicket romp. This is a long tournament and there will be ups and downs. It is better to have situations that prepare you for the difficult scenarios.
Would you rather the middle order not have a bat at all until the semis and get exposed? In the end, it was an easy win with 5 wickets and 8 balls left.

 

[shamaan]

Agreed, Still Afganistan should be considered a genuine threat. Now Pakistan can close it tomorrow itself
would be bit difficult to stop

Afganistan will be tough we know if they get a par score they can beat anyone in these conditions.

 

[shamaan]

Would you be surprised if Pak wins the toss tomorrow and elects to bat first?

This team can do anything - even the unthinkable. As Nasser Husain said after the victory against India, “Pakistan won this game in a very unpakistan way”.

I would not bat first against afganistan but I would bat first against Scotland and Namiba.