The first quarter final will be played in Mirpur between Pakistan and West Indies. West Indies started off effervescently but fizzed off towards the latter half of their group matches. Pakistan, on the other hand, are extremely high on confidence after beating all the odds (including mine!) to defeat Australia comfortably in their last group match. Both these teams are exciting in their own regard. Let’s take a glance at what we should look out for.
Most runs scored
Pakistan’s batting has come together a little bit after the inclusion of the level-headed Asad Shafiq. He has come into that top order and made an instant impact and the stability of the batting order has looked better than when Shehzad was in the squad. Shehzad’s tournament looks like it is over and Kamran Akmal and Hafeez have had experience opening together in the past. Younus Khan looked confident as well. It is still that lower middle order that is suspect with Umar Akmal being the only string that is holding Pakistan together after they’re 4 wickets down.
West Indies missed Gayle in tremendous proportions against India. But their reluctance to play Chanderpaul has been surprising everybody. It doesn’t look likely that he will play in the next game either. So, a lot depends on Devon Smith, Darren Bravo and Sarwan to hold West Indies’ batting together. Pollard continues to give sceptics food for their questioning of his ability at any level other than the T20 and Sammy at number 7 is just not enough quality. Lot of work for West Indies.
Available odds: Hafeez/Younus Khan @ 5.00; Kamran Akmal/Shafiq @ 5.50; Umar Akmal/Misbah @ 6.00; Gayle @ 3.75; Smith @ 5.00; Sarwan/Bravo @ 6.00; Pollard @ 7.50
that_guy’s picks: Younus Khan @ 5.00; Sarwan @ 6.00
Most wickets
Pakistan’s bowling line-up seems to have settled to a particular combination and there probably won’t be a change to that. Gul has looked extremely lively and has been their best bowler, without a doubt. Afridi has been a little off-colour after his brilliant start to the tournament, but looking at the West Indian batting line-up, there seems to be very less chance they will survive his bowling. Riaz, Rehman and Razzaq complete this bowling perfectly and Hafeez adds an extra dimension. West Indies have a few concerns with respect to their bowling. Benn has looked woeful and Kemar Roach’s fitness is still in doubt. Andre Russell and Bishoo did well, though and Ravi Rampaul showed that he is no pushover. But there is still something about the West Indian bowling that is volatile. Will they produce the goods?
Available odds: Afridi @ 3.25; Gul @ 3.75; Riaz/Rehman @ 5.50; Roach @ 3.25; Benn @ 4.00; Bishoo @ 4.50; Rampaul @ 5.00
that_guy’s picks: Afridi @ 3.25; Bishoo @ 4.50
Match result
This match will follow the general pattern- win the toss, win the match. Even otherwise, I would fancy Pakistan to take West Indies down pretty comfortably.
Available odds: Pakistan @ 1.53; West Indies @ 2.50
that_guy’s picks: Pakistan @ 1.53
[All odds taken from 888sport]
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