Live Streaming: Pakistan vs Australia 1st ODI - Pakistan tour of Australia 2010

by Mansoor Ehsan on January 21, 2010

[CRICKET] After a 3-0 defeat in test matches, team Pakistan is expecting ’some thing’ in upcoming ODIs after they received reinforcement in the form of Boom Boom Afridi and Younis Khan. It is a common feel here (in Pakistan) that we will give them tough time in ODIs. But i think it is pre-mature to say any thing about the ‘bubbly’ team. In recent past engagements, Pakistan fought well in UAE though they lost the series with 3-2. Pakistan also put a big heart at Champions Trophy when they almost grabbed victory. We all have been putting up these statements time and again that …yeah, we came close and gave tough time but the question is, is it enough that we came closer?? Why don’t we WIN altogether! Let’s hope for the best for ODIs.

Team News and combination:

Afridi, Younis and Rana are available. Kamran Akmal is also back to give more power to batting department. Fast bowling is also all charged up with Amir, Asif and Gul posing threat to Australian line up. Yousuf will also have the services of Saeed Ajmal, the off-spinner. I am not sure but if Yousuf tries to be more aggressive he can drop Salman Butt and add Rana who entertained much in Big Bash with his fielding, batting and bowling. If you drop Butt, you can try Akmal brothers as openers, Younis at 3, Yousuf at 4, Shoaib Malik at 5, Afridi at 6, Rana at 7, and then 3 fast bowlers followed by off-spinner. This can serve as a vigorous unit with multiple all-round-options.