England V Pakistan, Can Pakistan beat England
The game of twenty twenty is always believed to be unpredictable, but when you consider the performances of the two teams in question today Pakistan and England unpredictable even becomes a lesser word. As England who amassed 191 runs against the formidable attack of West Indies could only mange poultry score of 121 against the inexperienced bowling line up of Ireland. While Pakistan who were finalist in 2007 and champions in 2009 produced a convincing win against Bangladesh in their first match, but were outplayed in all departments against the mighty Australians. So considering these facts it is only fair that the last time these 2 teams faced each other in t20 matches the 2 match series ended 1-1 in Dubai earlier this year.
Considering South Africa’s inconsistent form, Group E in super 8 is up for grabs, and the pitch and conditions at Barbados should suit Pakistan and England more then South Africa and New Zealand. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi who has just not been able to express himself as a leader in the first 2 games as a captain, looks out of sorts as a leader to a degree, but there is no doubt that he had the ability to lead from the front and inspire players around him, and the star all rounder will have to bring his A game to the fold if Pakistan are to have any chance of making it to the final 4 this time round.
While England have not had a proper day out as far as the bowling attack is concerned, do not look to have the killing instinct in the line up, James Anderson is expected to be the key on the bouncy Barbados track, while Eoin Morgan once again will be the man to watch when it comes to the batting side of things, the formally Irish player has been Mr. Consistent for England and his ability with the bat may be the key for England’s chances.
In Pakistan’s match against Australia the experiment of opening the bowling with Muhammad Hafeez did not come off, but Saeed Ajmal continued to impress with his calculated line and length and off course his most potent weapon the other one will be a key against the English batting line up, who are prone to fall prey against quality spin bowling. England’s star batsman Kevin Pietersen who just ended a somewhat successful IPl campaign, was set to be the mainstay of the English batting line up, but is yet to impress in the world cup.
The late replacement for Umar Gul, Muhammad Sami was simply torn apart by the Australians, which in result may make way for the 3rd seamer in the squad Muhammad Asif.
Pakistan and England have so far played 4 t2o internationals so far, with both the teams sharing the spoils with one win each, which makes it clear that there is not much between the 2 teams, and with the Barbados pitch being the best in the Caribbean, there should be true bounce for Batsmen to make use of, while the bowlers will also enjoy a good responsive pitch, so a high scoring match is to be expected in the first encounter of the super 8 stage of the t2 world championship.
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