Congratulations readers, for Pakistan making it to the semi-finals of the 2010 T-20 World Cup. I am sick and tired of listening to people saying its a fluke, we don't deserve to reach the final fours, we didn't play well, and it is because of Almighty's greatness that we've reached to the semi finals otherwise our team lacked the passion of even reaching to the super 8s.
Now it is very important for these people to understand the game of cricket. And also very important for them to understand that different teams have different strengths and different natures.
I'll start with South Africa, almost everyone said that they'll be the most dangerous team in this tournament and yes everyone was right. Even though they knocked out but on paper i still rate them far better team than England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka - I won't rate them over W.Indies particularly when the cup is being played in Carribean. However, the nature and weakness of the South African teams are they get choked under pressure. Despite of having the best side in the world they just can't pull things off when it is most needed. Hence, the bottom line is they just can't play under pressure.
New Zealand, never a formidable side in the world. But they have always been very good starters. They know how to pull things off in the beginning of the big tournaments. However, similarl to South Africa, they too cannot handle the pressure of big matches.
West Indies, a very weak team - weak side. Good individuals but never gels in as a team. However, when it comes to playing in West Indies, there traits get changed. They are my pick for the fourth spot for the semi finals.
Australia, always high on confidence. They kill their opposition by aggresion. Australian cricket is laid on the foundation of aggression. 67 for 5, the 7th man will come in and continue to plays aggressively and they end up scoring 180 for 5. There can be no other Australia who take things so professionally and so aggressively.
India, a good team. Their confidence, their strength, their game is their batting. Unfortunately, it is exposed big time to the short pitch bowling. And that has just shattered all the confidence India had. I don't see them making a comeback in this tournament.
Pakistan! Pakistan can never be the Australians. So all those who want Pakistan to perform like that, then i am sorry! Pakistan have always been the slow starters but once they get going no team in the world can stop them. Everytime Pakistan has won any major tournament they have struggled big time in the initial stages. And it is the Pakistan's mentality that everytime they are down and on the verge of being knocked out they strive back. This is the very original Pakistan. They are known to be the cornered tigers and they like repeating the tale of cornered tigers again and again. From here Paksitan by all means can win the World Cup 2010 and retain the championship.
As far Pakistan goes all i can say is:
"Its not about winning all the matches, its about winning the most important ones"
today was close!
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