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Pakistan under-19s will lock horns with India earlier than both teams would have expected and hoped for at the quarter final stage on Monday at the Tony Ireland stadium. It will be televised. India failed to win their group whereas Pakistan won all 3 matches with comfortable ease. The most awaited game of the tournament should be a cracking contest. Both of these two teams were strong contenders for the title and they would have wanted to avoid each other before the semis, but the sad reality is that one of them will be knocked out and fail to reach the semis on Monday. Between them they have featured in 5 finals at the U19 CWC since 2004, winning 3 of them. Both teams come with a strong history and reputation at this level and they will want to protect and strengthen that here.

The last 3 times they have met Pakistan haven’t lost a single encounter, but all encounters have gone down to the wire and been close fought games. The margins of victory are as follows:-

- 2 wicket win in a rain reduced game with 3 balls to spare at 2010 U19 CWC QF
- 1 run win in U-19 Asia Cup on 24th June
- Last ball tie in U-19 Asia Cup Final on 1st July

Just like in 2010 they will be meeting at the quarter final stage at the Under 19 World Cup. Will India be knocked out again or will they get their revenge?

India’s Strengths

Exposure of playing on television in front of the cameras
Exposure of playing at the wicket here at the Tony Ireland Stadium
The ’Unmukt Chand’ factor
Defensive play of their batsmen who all have sound techniques
Playing Spin

India’s Weaknesses

Attacking the short ball, a clear area of vulnerability
Lack of depth and explosiveness in the batting
Hesitancy in the running between the wickets
Heavy over reliance on Chand

Pakistan’s Strengths

Opening combination
Finishers
Late order hitting
Spinners

Pakistan’s Weaknesses

Seam attack
Conditions/venue
Lack of television exposure
Lack of a 6th bowling option
One dimensional spin attack

Potential MOMs

Chand – big match player, in form captain, most prized Indian wicket

Baba – made a significant score with the bat against Pakistan in the last match and bowls off spinners which will be useful against the many Pakistani left handed batsmen and all-rounders

Sharma – experienced customer with ball in hand

Babar Azam – already has 2 MOMs in the tournament, in form captain

Sami Aslam – player of the tournament in SA triangular series and U19 Asia Cup 2012

Ehsan Adil – bowled heroically in the tied encounter, taking 3 wickets and holding his nerve in the final over

Prediction

As Pakistan topped their group and have the winning momentum behind them, they will be bitterly disappointed to lose, perhaps even more so than India. They have the edge over India at this level in recent times. I am backing them to win, but they’ll have to play well and it won’t come easily. Runs on the board will be important; the pressure of chasing in a knockout game can easily get to the chasing side and it will be no different here.

How well Pakistan adapts to the conditions at this particular stadium and the pressures of playing under the cameras which will be a new experience for several of these players will be a decisive factor.

Both teams have a consistent and established opening pair. Whoever puts on a higher opening stand and goes on to make a bigger score will probably determine the outcome of the game. It’s the As (Aslam, Azam) vs. the Cs (Chand, Chopra). Both have scored 3 50+ scores between them for both sides in the pool matches. Both have put on a stand of over 100 for the 1st wicket during the pool matches. Both bat well in partnership and a have a sound understanding of each other’s games.

Key Battles

Sharma vs. Azam – Sharma nips the ball about both ways with not a great amount of pace. He has been likened to Praveen Kumar. With 2 new balls, mirroring international cricket, he could cause the right hander a few problems. Azam has been dismissed by Sharma in the previous U19 CWC quarter final in New Zealand when he was bowled through the gate by an inswing delivery. Azam will need to be cautious and try to see him off.

Adil vs. Chopra – Another opening bowler vs. opening batsmen battle where games are decided so often, but particularly relevant here with two gifted opening combinations for both sides. Chopra looks extremely susceptible to the short pitched delivery from the 2 games we have seen India play live in this tournament. With Adil’s height one would think he’ll bowl back of a length and try to bounce him out.

Pakistan spinners vs. Indian batsmen – Pakistan play 3 front line spinners, 2 left arm spinners and one right arm leg spinner. They are a spin dominated attack, bowling around 30 overs in the innings combined more often than not. India will need to play them well to get a decent total. It’s a big part of the game.

Aim For 2015 says Warner and Amla

David Warner and Hashim Amla have urged the current crop of U19 cricketers currently in Australia for the World Cup to aim high and set their sights on targeting participating in the 2015 World Cup in less than 3 years’ time which will also take place in Australia/New Zealand as it returns to the Oceania continent after 23 years.

From the 2008 U19 CWC, Virat Kohli, the winning captain played his part in India’s triumphant 2011 campaign 3 years later. Similarly Ahmed Shehzad who played in the 2010 edition was part of the Pakistan squad for the 2011 50 over world sub continental world cup. Junaid Khan was also part of the 2008 edition and found a place in the Pakistan 15 man squad for the world cup in 2011.

Many of the current crops of players are bound to represent their countries in the next 50 over world cup and a strong showing over the next 3 weeks could play a vital part in making a successful transition from the youth to the senior side, even if it is not to be in the immediate future, but the youngsters can be rest assured that their performances will be followed and observed closely from some important figures in their respective cricketing institutions.

Qasim Has got it All Wrong

Iqbal Qasim recalled Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal and Imran Nazir for the series against Australia and the World T20 which follows as so called specialist selections for the shortest version of the game. All of these players bring natural talent; entertainment and match winning ability to the party or in Kamran Akmal’s case even more match losing ability than winning with all due respect.

Twenty20 format should encourage specialists, but if they are young enough to develop, evolve and have a future in the more important formats of the game to provide long term benefit to Pakistan Cricket. Alternatively they could play the other two formats and still play Twenty20 cricket because more often than not test cricketers are ‘complete products’ who have a wider range of skills and attributes to transfer their abilities to the easier formats whereas it doesn’t work the other way round. Also, maintaining that sense of team togetherness by being around the same camp over more days and series in different formats should bring flourishing results across all versions of the 22 yard business. There will be more unity, understanding and bonding that way.

Abdul Razzaq, Imran Nazir and Kamran Akmal do not have a future in any other format other than Twenty20 cricket in the short term, but naturally when a player is performing well in this format, particularly on a well watched scale like a global T20 tournament, they tend to earn recalls and promotions to other formats as well. This could be detrimental to Pakistan’s future as all are past it or have little to offer where it really counts in the more serious proceedings.

Specialist selections of ageing players in Twenty20 cricket have little benefit for Pakistan’s long term development, planning and hopes.

Hammad Azam, Ahmed Shehzad and a specialist wicket keeper like Jamal or Safraz would have been wiser choices. We want to do well in Twenty20 cricket, but not to the extent that we take it so seriously that we are satisfied with short term glory for long term pain, or in other words making short term sacrifices as opposed to considering the wider picture. Qasim’s choices send out the wrong message. The odd specialist selection of an ageing player is okay, but not as many as this. It’s important to get the balance right.

Pakistan Shoud Win 3-0 vs Australia

Pakistan will be playing Australia in 3 one day internationals in late August. Pakistan should fancy their chances of winning the series 3-0. Australia in their last two ODI series have drawn 2-2 vs. West Indies away and lost 4-0 vs. England away, even though they did win the commonwealth bank triangular series earlier in the year at home against Sri Lanka and India.

When Australia last toured the Emirates in the first part of 2009 they came out on top 3-2. Dav Whatmore will be up against his home country during this series which initially was set to become the longest ever Twenty20 international series compromising of as many as 6 matches, but that of course has been changed now with the tour consisting of 3 of each, 50 and 20 over internationals.

Pakistan’s home record in ODI series at the Emirates is surprisingly poor:

Lost 3-2 vs. Australia 2009
Lost 2-1 vs. New Zealand 2009
Lost 3-2 vs. South Africa 2010
Won 4-1 vs. Sri Lanka 2011
Won 1-0 vs. Afghanistan 2012
Lost 4-0 vs. England 2012

Pakistan have lost both of their ODI series this year against England and Sri Lanka. However, they are still a strong one day side, winning the most one day internationals in 2011 with 24 out of 31 victories and winning the Asia Cup this year for just the 2nd time in their history. A strong side should bounce back. Australia are still officially the number 1 ranked side, but in these conditions Pakistan should be settling for nothing less than a series win and winning all 3 of the games. Pakistan have won each of their last Test, ODI and T20 against the Baggy Greens.

Test Series vs South Africa should be the Long Term Vision

Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka was disappointing on several fronts. Just like in 2009, they come home beaten in both the major formats of the game. However, there were some bright individual performances and players who caught the spotlight this time. Encouragingly, for Pakistan it was the younger players in the side. Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Junaid Khan all boosted their reputation as the future of Pakistan cricket. Pakistan’s 7 series unbeaten streak in test matches finally came to an end, however Misbah ul Haq maintains the highest win/loss ratio in history of the game after captaining in now 17 tests. Technically, one can perhaps argue that he is still unbeaten in series given he did not play at Galle during the 1st test (which was lost & decided series outcome) due to somewhat of a questionable suspension. Despite losing the series, Pakistan have now entered the top 4 in the ICC test rankings, the highest position currently by an Asian side.

The current England – South Africa series is one that must be eagerly followed by the Pakistani fans & management. For one, you have Pakistan further strengthening their position on the ICC test championship if England wins. For two, Pakistan will be touring South Africa at the beginning of next year and therefore they will want a thorough look at the opposition they will be up against. Thirdly, given that Pakistan whitewashed the world number 1s, their finest hour in their history up to now, they will want to see how phenomenal the achievement is or if they had started the beginning of a declining period for Strauss and co.

England were outclassed at the Kia Oval during the series opener. After dominating the first day with Vice-captain Cook reaching his 20th test century for the three lions, the visitors bounced back and in the end sealed an innings win over a side that are a formidable force on home shores. Hashim Amla became the first South African to achieve a triple century, and it was unbeaten too. The artistic batsmen made the English attack toil and rather made them look very ordinary. Kallis eased his way into the series with an unbeaten century in an unmoveable 3rd wicket stand between the two big right handers. Smith celebrated his 100th test in the best fashion possible, bringing up 3 figures as his unorthodox play irritated the life out of the English attack. Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir then came to the party and showcased their skills on a wearing track as the hosts not only lost the test match, but in the process failed to make South Africa bat again when Asad Rauf raised the finger to an ever-passionate Imran Tahir appeal.

One wonders if Smith and South Africa will see the back of a 3rd long term England leader. We’ve had Nasser Hussain in the 2003 summer, Michael Vaughan in the 2008 summer and now Andrew Strauss could be under the firing line in 2012.

England have had a mixed year. They have won 3 of their 4 Twenty20 internationals, looking in good form ahead of their defence of the world title in September. In the 50 over format they have been unbeaten, won 10 of their 11 ODIs this year with one wash-out. The change in playing regulations which were implemented last October has worked wonders for them with the 2 new white balls at each end as they have the bowlers to exploit it up front and the stodgy complete product batsmen who play test matches regularly to overcome the period without too many a hiccup through a solid technical basis and clear method of operating. However, in the main format, they just have not been putting in the standard of performances which are worthy of their status as the best side in the world and many would say best English side of all time, although admirers of Mike Brearley and Vaughan may have something to add here, losing 5 of their 9 tests this year with a draw at Edgbaston during the rain affect dead rubber West Indies 3rd test. It’s difficult to achieve sustained success across all 3 versions of the game, but if you had to pick one, test matches surely will be at the top of the wish list with success in this format
forming the foundation for limited over success as well and not at the expense of it.

South Africa have got everything. All bases are covered - A left-right hand opening combination, a powerful experienced middle order capable of attritional grind, inventiveness and assertiveness, a potent and highly threatening seam attack and now also have the services of a journeyman leg-spinner in the form of Imran Tahir. Finally, an athletic fielding unit and reliable slip cordon. They have a knowledgeable bowling coach in Donald who knows the tricks of the trade better than most and a head coach in Gary Kirsten who is well respected & highly successful. On paper, they are the best test side out there. That of course can become a reality once this series has concluded and there is every chance Pakistan will be up against the World Number 1s to commence their calendar year in 2013 as well when they will tour the African continent for the first time since early 2007.

Pakistan will have their work cut out to compete in South Africa. Traditionally, they have struggled in this part of the world. Statistically and consistency wise which are two key ingredients in measuring the success rate of a side, Captain Misbah’s Pakistan for many of us is the best Pakistani outfit many have seen in our lifetime, a chapter of unimaginable stability, professionalism and on field discipline in what is renowned to be a chaotic environment to manage. However, it will surprise few if they are walloped on the green tops next year. Take a
moment to consider the reaction if they manage to draw or win against them. How highly that would be regarded both in terms of the achievement itself and the overall rating of the team which will only get more impressive than it already stands.

Conquering South Africa has to be a long term vision for Mr Whatmore and Misbah ul Haq. They must start planning and preparing for that series soon if they want to give them a chance. It has to be at the top of the priority list.

The lack of potency in the seam attack is an area of concern. Umar Gul was out of sorts in Sri Lanka as the spearhead of the seam attack, sending down 62 overs for the solitary wicket. He will definitely need to lift his game and be at his best if Pakistan is to stand any chance. Usually 3 seamers is the way forward in South Africa, but does Pakistan possess the quality to follow the formula and bench one of their key performers in the side’s resurgence, Abdur Rehman?

I do believe the batting will do alright; their patience and discipline levels are that high that they will find a way of sticking it out, coming through and putting totals on the board. If you are temperamentally unflustered, the occasional technical deficiency will be overshadowed with sheer grit and determination. Taufeeq Umar has fond memories in this part of the world. Azhar Ali and Younis Khan come to mind when talking about batsmen who are technically well equipped to score consistently everywhere. Misbah ul Haq used to captain Imran Tahir at the Pakistan “A” side and the effectiveness of the wrist spinner should be limited against a middle order who know the bowler and play spin well.

Pakistan unfortunately does not play much high profile test cricket between now and the 3 tests in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Centurion next February, but they need to start thinking seriously about this series and planning accordingly. Priding and protecting their top 4 status in the real business is a wiser long term priority for a side with the 3rd highest win/loss ratio in the 5 day game after Australia and England.

7 Key Names at 2012 U19 WC

Background

The 9th youth World Cup will be held in Australia from the 11th-26th August 2012. The format is the standard one which has been used for this competition for some time with 4 initial groups of 4 teams followed by the knock outs starting with quarter finals, semi finals & a final. Specific matches are televised, including the ones from the semi final stage onwards. There is also 3rd & 4th place play offs & 5th & 6th place play offs once a side has been eliminated. Over the years many players have represented their countries at the under-19 level that have gone on to make their name at the very top level. Examples include Mushtaq Ahmed, Inzamam ul Haq, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and Hashim Amla to name a few who have made the transition. From the previous tourney names such as Mitchell Marsh, Ben Stokes, Hammad Azam, Danny Briggs amongst others have gone on to be awarded international caps, although that has been restricted to limited over matches. Below are 7 players that are worth keeping a close eye on in the forthcoming youth world cup.

7 To Keep an Eye On

Chand - INDIA

Highly rated talented top order batsmen & also holds the responsibility of skippering the Indian u-19 national side. Chand led India to the quadrangular series win against Australia in Australia in April where England & New Zealand also competed. Despite losing all 3 group matches in a 4 team competition, India went on to win the competition by winning the semi final & final. In both the semi final & final Chand won the player of the match award & led from the front when it really mattered. During the Asia Cup, Chand scored 121 in the final against Pakistan in a difficult chase & was adjudged the player of the match, carrying the innings through till the 50th over in a 280+ chase during a tied encounter. No stranger when it comes to playing in front of the cameras as Chand has played for the Daredevils in the IPL which should give him an advantage going into the youth world cup. With the world cup also happening in Australia, Chand will be full of confidence knowing he has performed in this part of the world already this year.

Aslam - PAKISTAN

Reliable left handed opening batsmen. Sami was the Player of the tournament during the triangular series in South Africa earlier in the year & carried the bat with an unbeaten double century during a televised match vs. British Universities in Lahore in April. The 16 year old made his first youth ODI century in his 2nd international, in alien conditions & never looked back since. Aslam has formed a mouth watering opening partnership with captain Babar Azam with both tipped to make it to the top level in the not too distant future. The opening combination is an area where Pakistan will be relying heavily on & has been the key to their success in under-19 cricket in recent times. Sami’s batting inspiration is Suresh Raina. In the recent Under 19 Asia Cup in Malaysia Sami Aslam was the player of the tournament & also got the award for the best batsmen in the tournament, memorably scoring back to back centuries against India in his first 2 games against them, including in the final where he was awarded the player of the match award alongside Chand. Might only be 16 on paper, but one of the key names on the team sheet, achieving 6 man of the match awards during his first 6 months as an under 19 international cricketer. From an interview I conducted with him he came across as an ambitious & confident person in general. On a technical note, Aslam has a range of scoring shots & has the capabilities to build an innings from what was mentioned in the same interview. We will see how accurate his self-assessment is, but if his record is anything to go by it seems like he has a steady head on his shoulders, fully aware of his strengths & overall game plan. Away from the field of play, Sami is still carrying on with his studies at GC University, taking challenging subjects & despite missing large parts of the year to cricket he manages to perform well in examinations. This shows he is a well-polished individual which is something Pakistan players traditionally lack, barring a few exceptions & therefore is clearly one that needs to be taken care of in order to be the best possible sporting role model down the line that he can be. There is little doubting that he will play for the national senior side within the next 5-7 years if not sooner.

Topley - ENGLAND

Left arm fast bowler with a gigantic height of around 6’8. Reece plays club cricket for Colchester & has represented Essex at first class cricket, making his county debut last season at the age of 17. He was once struck brutally in the face to a KP straight drive when netting as a net bowler in his early teens. As a result Reece was out of action for some time, but recovered well & in April 2011, Paul Grayson, the Essex coach, confidently handed him over the chance to debut. Reece didn’t disappoint, but academic commitments limited his chance to play on a regular basis.

De Knock - SOUTH AFRICA

I have been in touch with quite a few of the Pakistani U-19 players & all of them rate this South African captain, wicket keeper & destructive hard hitting opener highly. During the triangular series earlier in the year De Knock dispatched the Pakistani bowlers all over the park in some of the games. The wicket keeper batsman has played quite a lot domestically already in South Africa with a promising start to his career. Sounds like an exciting prospect & a dangerous one too.

Cummins - AUSTRALIA (injured)

Surely you have heard of him? Cummins got an early test debut at 18 last year during the tour of South Africa. He bowled with heart & hit the winning runs during the 2nd test of the series where Michael Clarke’s side bounced back to level proceedings. A handy lower order basher as well, scoring a half century in 24 deliveries during the course of the quadrangular series in Australia in April. Batsmen will have their work cut out to handle his pace, movement & bounce on pitches he is familiar bowling on.

Dockrell - IRELAND

The Irish left arm spinner who has been an integral part & a front line performer for the senior side over the years. Dockrell possesses a wealth of experience for someone of his age, travelling & performing all around the world in a variety of competitions at the international level. Logically, he was the obvious choice to lead the Irish under 19 side while he is still eligible to represent them. George who plays for Somerset has all the craft, guile & subtle variations to keep things tight & get breakthroughs in the middle passages. George has voiced aspirations to play test cricket for England down the line.

Kraig - WEST INDIES

He was found wanting at test level, regularly troubled in the corridor of uncertainty by Ben Hilfenhaus’s outswingers, but he would have learnt plenty from the initial taster of international cricket. To his credit, he did show us glimpses of his potential. It is debateable as to whether he was thrown into the deep end too early in the piece. One moment that will last in his memory is knocking over the man universally known as the ‘Wall’ in his penultimate test series as a player by disturbing his furniture as a bowler. Kraig is primarily in the team as a top order batsmen, but also useful in other aspects of the game. West Indies youth side could really benefit from his presence & will be looking for him to put in exceptional performances. At this level he is capable of dominating & stealing the headlines as a more recognised name.

Prediction

I expect Australia, Pakistan, India & South Africa to win their respective groups during the preliminary stages & therefore win an easier quarter final tie. Barring South Africa who I feel will be beaten by England via A2 v D1; I see the following teams making the final 4. Any of these 4 teams can go on to lift the title; there isn’t much to choose between them. All of these 4 teams are the only 4 holders of this trophy & I suspect one of them will go on to lift it again. If I had to choose I would say that Australia & India will make the final will Pakistan coming home with victory in the 3rd place play off. What the Pakistanis have going in their favour is they have members in their squad who played in the last one of these World Cups in New Zealand 2.5 years ago who would have learnt plenty from the experience & would be determined to go one better this time around from being finalists. Australia as defending champions, hosts & the most successful side in this competition with 3 of the 8 titles going to them are the favourites. It would be unfair to dismiss West Indies & Bangladesh who are two tough teams at this level & both cannot afford to be underestimated. West Indies were 3rd place winners in the last one whereas Bangladesh defeated England 5-2 when they came over for a tour not so long ago.