“Pakistan has played par below its potential”, Waqar Younis says. But spectators did not believe and their version of the story is; “In matches between Pakistan and India, “Cricket Diplomacy” plays. It earned us water last time (Semi Final 2011) and will benefit us with peace this time. Pakistan played according to the plan given by the government according to Rehman Malik’s instructions.”
The question is; Does Zia-ul-Haq’s famous cricket diplomacy still play in Pakistan-India matches?
At first, we need to understand what cricket diplomacy means. Zia’s cricket diplomacy had nothing to do with the match or its results. It was all about having an official meeting between the highest authorizes of both the countries in an environment that could dissolve tension between two countries which were on the verge of war.
I strongly believe; this “diplomacy” was never practiced in recent days. A new conspiracy theory and a “Modern Cricket Diplomacy” talks differently. Very “Good Will” series of 2003 and matches played between Pakistan and India were never accepted as clean matches. Spectators would always find something “suspicious” in the game plan and the execution, be it World Cup 2011 Semi Final or an ordinary match of Asia Cup between these two teams.
Not to talk much about the “Diplomacy” and believing that the match was played without this external factor, we can analyze the match by keeping ground realities in mind.
Pakistan-India matches have always been a test of nerves instead of a test of skills. Pakistani team was, by all means, a better side than Indians. Their batsmen were not as good as Indians were but still they were able to put a fighting total on board against a proven below average bowling side. And Pakistani bowling is just outstanding and can bowl any side out under 100. But nothing happened actually. Both the departments (bowling and batting) played par below their potential as Waqar stated.
What else went wrong with Pakistan is; the captaincy. Captains, not the players play in cricket. Unlike many other sports, leader’s role makes real difference in cricket. It was an army of lions, led by a sheep, to say the least.
Problems with Hafeez’s Captaincy:
Reaction of Pakistani spectators was justified this time as they were not introduced to such a defensive side. Pakistani Cricket would always outclass India in almost every match because of the attacking body language of the captains in 90s. Even in recent days, when Afridi was captain in World Cup 2011, he did not show his nerves in the toughest match of the tournament. He was the most aggressive player of the side on that particular day. Pakistan has always played attacking cricket. They were never afraid of losing a match. Body language of Pakistani captains remained positive even in crucial matches. However, Hafeez looked nervous defensive and throughout. His body language affected his side.
Captain played with extremely defensive strategy. His batting (15 runs on 24 balls) and field placing set the tone of the match. He forgot that he had world’s three best bowlers in his side. Anyone of them could change the game in favor of Pakistan but no one could do that because of the prevailing nervousness.
A total 129 was could not be defended by saving runs. They should have planned for 16 overs instead of 20 and put the pressure on India by having a slip in all 16 overs. Fielders were placed to save doubles and fours instead of asking them to put their efforts to run out batsmen and avail the sharp catches. You can save matches with good fielding but to win matches, you need match winners and to utilize them, you need a captain with positive frame of mind. Pakistan was lacking a fighter captain on that particular day.
Public & Media Pressure Handling
IPL has trained Indian cricketers. They know how to handle media and public pressure. Pakistani cricketers have not been exposed to such a huge crowd and media wars. I am afraid, someone worked on players’ speaking ability but forgot to tell the tactics of handling media.
Too Many All-Rounders
Whenever I see too many all-rounders in a side, I recall a phrase, “jack of all trades and master of none”. Shoaib Malik, Yasir Arafat, Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Hafeez are just too good but can you really afford playing all four in one side and still asking for Abdul Razzaq who could show miracles.
You need to relay on specialists like Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshaid, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, and Asad Shafiq (who’s never used) and go in the ground by giving them a responsibility for which they could be held responsible. Or you need to have ONE Shane Watson.
India played well but Pakistan underperformed. They need to come back with the positive frame of mind against Australia who are playing to win the world cup. To reserve their seat in Semi Final, Pakistan needs to play according to its ability by making few important changes in the side and in the attitude.
Greens would not be having pressure of “Cricket Diplomacy” against Australia but will meet true professionals. They need to be true professionals to qualify for the Semi Final again and that is not a Mission Impossible.
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