In 1992, Imran and Miandad played important roles, but it was Inzamam who sparkled at the right time to ensure Pakistan lifted the trophy.
Sri Lanka had had Arjuna and Aravinda for years, but it was the arrival of Murali, Vaas and Kaluwitharana that made them world champions. Experience is no doubt important, but no team can win if it lacks young blood. We take a look at the young players who can make their teams the world leader.
Umar Akmal is a typical Pakistan cricket case. He entered the international stage with a half century and a century in his second and third games, respectively, giving people hope that finally Pakistan has got a dependable batsman in the middle order—someone like Yousuf and Younis. But his form declined soon afterwards, as is usually the case with Pakistanis introduced at the highest level in their teenage. Selectors kept faith in him, however—something very unusual in Pakistan. He was not dropped despite a poor showing in England and failures against South Africa. In New Zealand, he finally started making runs once again. Although the squad announced for world cup includes Younis and Misbah, he remains the key to Pakistan’s batting success. If he manages to repeat what he did in the third one-day against New Zealand, the pressure on Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq for hard-hitting will be reduced and Pakistan’s chances of success will multiply.
Sri Lanka has always had good all-rounders. The latest addition to their arsenal is an exciting young cricketer, Angelo Matthews. Â He may be the Chris Cairns for Sri Lanka: an effective medium fast bowler and a clever lower-middle order batsman. His presence increases the depth of Sri Lankan batting and bowling. Kumar Sangakara will certainly bank on him.
When Wahab Riaz was included in Pakistan’s test team in England, the decision was criticized because it deprived Tanvir Ahmad, the highest wicket-taker of Pakistan’s domestic season, of a test debut. But his performance silenced the critics. He excelled against South Africa in UAE and continues to impress against New Zealand. Although he sometimes fails to control his line and length, Pakistan expects a lot from him in the world cup. He is likely to open the bowling with Abdul Razzaq, which means Shoaib Akhtar will be out.
Yousuf Pathan arrived at the international cricket scene three and a half years after his younger brother. But now he is in and Irfan is out. In his centuries against New Zealand and then South Africa, he demonstrated what a monster he can be. You can expect a few more like those in the world cup. His presence in the lower middle order will keep Indian fans’ hopes alive in case of a top order collapse.
Martin Guptill is no less flamboyant than Yousuf Pathan. This young cricketer can turn matches around within a few overs of his arrival at the crease. His ability to hit the ball is amazing. He will have to perform well if New Zealand have to do something greater than they have done in the past world cups.
Cameron White’s one-day average of about 37 doesn’t tell you much about his talent. He is capable of going much higher. He can tear apart any bowling attack in the world with his brutal hitting. If he gets going on the subcontinent pitches, Australia’s chances of retaining the cup will multiply.
Can you imagine anyone hitting an almost full-length delivery for a six over slips? This is what Eoin Morgan can do. His ability to improvise will be a challenge for every bowler in the world cup and a booster for a fragile batting lineup.
With 65 wickets from just 38 one-day matches, Morne Morkel has cemented his place in the South African team. He is also inexpensive, with an economy rate of 4.85 runs per over. He demonstrated his skills recently when he, together with Dale Steyn, tore apart the Indian batting attack more than once. He will be the key bowler for South Africa in the subcontinent.
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