MOHALI – “Pakistan team against India at Mohali with and without Shoaib Akhtar?” is the most discussed topic since India set their semi-final clash against Pakistan after beating Australia.
Pakistan have won every game since Shoaib Akhtar was left out, after the match against New Zealand; but Wahab Riaz, who replace him in the team, couldn’t able to produce threatening effects for the opponents and above all he has little experience of pitches in India.
On the other hand; Shoaib Akhtar, a veteran of 163 one- day matches , has taken 17 wickets in 10 matches in India, 14 of those against the host country.
In my last article; I also analysed the ‘Shoaib Factor’ that can haunt Indian batting line-up with his fast and bouncy stuff multiplied by his natural aggression. I mentioned earlier that many of the legendary Pakistan cricketers, including Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, are in favour of playing with Shoaib Akhtar in the March 30 Semi-final at Mohali.
Former captain Imran Khan began the calls for Akhtar to be recalled even before India won the quarterfinal against Australia.
Wasim Akram, legendary all-rounder and part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, admitted that it might be a risk to include Akhtar but that his love for the big occasion would make it a risk worth taking.
Umar Gul, the frontline pace bowler for Pakistan after Akhtar, has also backed the inclusion of Shoaib Akhtar in semi-final squad against India. He said Shoaib Akhtar’s presence in the team will ease up the burden on his shoulders.
As per the latest news from team management; the importance of Shoaib Akhtar has been acknowledged by the captain Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis and hopefully replace youngster Wahab Riaz. We wish good luck to Pakistan and Shoaib Akhtar and hope he will end his career on high note that will be remembered for decades to come.
Waiting anxiously the deadly encounter at Mohali tomorrow …. Fingers crossed!
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