ISLAMABAD - Sohail Tanvir shut his critics' mouths with his match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in the first T20 International to give green caps 1-0 lead in two-match series.
Sohail was long facing undue and unwanted criticism from a certain media group. But with his sensational bowling which ensured a comfortable 29-run victory for green caps, Sohail proved his inclusion in the squad right. Once again the team management was very harsh against wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed and despite being vice captain of the T20 team and performing exceptionally, Sarfraz was dropped from the playing XI just because of personal grudge of head coach Waqar Younis against him. It was totally unjustified and uncalled omission of Sarfraz, who deserved a place in starting XI. Rizwan had played in the One-day Internationals as fielder and specialist batsman, a role he fulfilled quite brilliantly. Sarfraz should have started the match as a regular wicketkeeper, instead of playing with liability like Ahmed Shahzad, who, despite giving not more than average performances, still very much enjoying the selectors and head coach's blessing. Ahmed should have made way for Mukhtar.
Pakistan team management is well known for taking biased decisions and they had already deprived a number of genuine players in the current series as well. Umar Akmal also came up with all cylinders firing, it was purely a treat to watch Umar batting in his natural style. Despite having gone through rough treatment from the selectors, Umar never showed any signs of pressure, in fact, his innings was the best among Ahmed and Shoaib Malik, while Afridi, once again, flopped miserably with both willow and leather. Having played hundreds of matches, Afridi failed to understand one simple fact that runs will start to come thick and fast if he prolongs his stay at the crease but his impatience costs not only him dearly but also puts team under enormous pressure.
Pakistan could have easily posted total of 200 runs on the board, had batsmen not wasted to many precious deliveries. Pakistan could only manage to post 46-1 in power play and failed to took advantage from first six overs. Had Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal not played aggressively, Pakistan could have ended up well short of the actual total. Sohail was superb with the bat so as Anwar Ali, who, after a long time, looked impressive with the ball and managed to pick two crucial wickets.
Sri Lanka was not the same side which they were once when Jayawardene and Sangakkara used to play. Sri Lanka gave debut to four players. Fernando looked most impressive and could be the future star, although he failed to pick enough wickets yet he showed the potential and could soon become a super star. Losing early wickets was the main reason Sri Lanka failed to achieve 176 runs target. Even then they managed to gather 146-7.
Now first task of winning the first T20 is achieved but green caps must not get relaxed as complacency can cost Pakistan dearly. With the amount of talent and keeping in mind senior players’ presence, it will not be difficult for men in green to impose whitewash on the hosts. Pakistan must enter the second and last T20 with positive frame of mind and only with one objective that is to win the match. Pakistan team management must not repeat same mistake of dropping Sarfraz from for the starting XI, who is a genuine match winner. Pakistan team badly needs a player like Sarfraz, who can bat at any given number and is more than capable of smashing any given bowling attack with his lusty hitting.
Momentum is very much with the green caps. Malinga is suffering worst bashing of his entire career and under tremendous pressure both as front line bowler and as T20 skipper. He looks a completely different bowler, than he was known for and well short of confidence. Pakistan must cash this opportunity with both hands. Although Afridi is also facing similar kind of situation, yet he is blessed and has genuine match winners at his disposal, who can turn the match around with in no time and can carve out victory single handedly.
Any lenient approach can cost green caps dearly so they must be aware of Lankan threat. Despite not having senior players and match winners in their ranks, Sri Lankan can utilize home advantage and crowd unconditional support to best of their abilities. Pakistan look favorite to clinch the series, if they enter the match with positive frame of mind and with winning mentality. It will be almost impossible for the Lankan Lions to stop Pakistani Eagles from registering thumping victory.