Champions Trophy 2009: How Will Pakistan Fair?

As the Champions Trophy is around the corner, and teams are announcing their final roster, I decided to preview their chances in the tournament.

First, I'll look at Pakistan.

The most unpredictable team in international cricket. Their chances are 50-50. After a humiliating loss against Sir Lanka in Odis, many people may have written them off.

But their chances are open.

Their first encounter is gonna be with a troubled West Indies team. With the absence of key players, the West Indies will not be a difficult opponent to beat.

Pakistan will next face arch rivals India, on 26th Sept, Pakistan have never lost to the men in blue in this tournament. So the match will be an interesting affair, with Record supporting Pakistan.

Next, they'll face the world champions. It will be the first time that Australia will not be going in as world No. 1 in any 50-50 tournament. It is hard to pick the winner of the match, as both teams have never faced each other in the tournament, but the record suggests Australia will win.

Conditions will be difficult for the Pakistani batsmen...bowlers will enjoy bowling! Pitches will be fast and bouncy, which is both an advantage and disadvantage for the team.

The disadvantage is that batsmen will struggle with the bouncy and fast wicket, whereas the advantage is bowlers will love the wicket and may make wicket hell for other teams!

The Best possible team in my opinion is:

Salman Butt

Imran Nazir

Younus Khan (C)

Misbah-ul-haq

Shoaib Malik

Kamran Akmal (WK)

Shaid Afridi

Rana Naveed

Mohammed Amir

Omer Gul

Saeed Ajmal

The reason for selecting this team is that you'll start with two very different openers; where Imran Nazir will try to pace up his innings. In the meanwhile, Butt will play an anchor role.

Third up will be Skipper Younus Khan, currently Pakistan's best ODI batsmen, he will continue his good run with the bat and will be followed by the likes of Misbah and Malik.

There will be nothing for Misbah and Malik to lose so they'll try their level best and will be followed by Kamran Akmal, Shaid Afridi, and Rana Naveed who will pick up the run rate.

The bowling attack will be headed by Omer Gul, with the support of young Amir and the experienced Rana. The spin partnership of Ajmal and Afridi can also do wonders.

Verdict: Semi-Finalists

Note: This Is My Opinion, Give Yours too!

Group A - Pakistan v West Indies
New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Sat Sep 26          
14:30 local | 12:30 GMT
18:30 PKST Group A—India v Pakistan
SuperSport Park, Centurion