Pakistan and South Africa are going to face each other in the first semi final of twenty20 world cup 2009 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham tomorrow (18 June). Cricket fans are now waiting for a highly-competitive match between two cricket powerhouses. South Africa is the only semi finalists who have not lost any game so far in the tournament, while Pakistan has gone through many ups and downs over the last five games they have played so far in the tournament.
Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Semi Final, Twenty20 World Cup 2009
Date: 18 June 2009
Venue: TrentBridge, Nottingham
Kick off: 16:30 GMT (17:30 Local)
Live TV: Star Cricket, Super Sports
Pakistan cricket has suffered a lot over the last couple of years mainly because of two reasons: uncertain security condition and discipline. However, there is no doubt, the losing finalists of inaugural twenty20 world cup are now gearing up to retain their lost pride through this tournament. If Pakistan can win the tournament, it would be their first major title in cricket after their triumph in 1992 world cup. Before the tournament got underway, Younis Khan said that it would be a huge boost for Pakistan cricket if they can win the title of twenty20 world cup 2009.
Pakistan won their last two games over Ireland and New Zealand and ensured their place in the last four after losing the first game to Sri Lanka in the super eight. Pakistan’s never say give up mentality has once again been proven now. Younis Khan has also focused on this fact.
In the preliminary round, the enigmatic Pakistanis had shown a similar never-say-die attitude by thrashing England-conquerers Netherlands by 82 runs after losing their opening match against the hosts.
"We are slow starters but we never give up," said Pakistan captain Younus Khan. "If we lose a game we regroup fast and go out and prove ourselves."
Pakistan have been lifted by a sensational display by seamer Umar Gul, who claimed five wickets for six runs against New Zealand at the Oval last Saturday, the first five-wicket haul in Twenty20 internationals.
In fact, Pakistan squad got a huge boost since Abdul Razzaq joined the squad to replace Yasir Arafat who picked up an injury during the group stage. Razzaq’s inclusion has increased their batting depth and bowling options for Younis Khan. In the middle overs Razzaq could produce some good spells which would allow Younis to save some overs for Umar Gul to use towards the end.
I would say that Pakistan has got a very balanced bowling line up in the presence of Umar Gul, spinner Saeed Ajmal and some others. In fact, Gul and Ajmal are the leading wicket takers in the tournament at this moment. Young pacer Mohammad Aamer has also showed his potential so far in the tournament. I think, he is a real future for Pakistan who can produce excellent Yorkers and bouncers in the dead overs. Shahid Afridi has grown into a excellent spinner over the years.
Let us focus on Pakistan batting, Pakistan has at last solved their opening problems as Shahzaib Hasan and Kamran Akmal are doing their job excellently well. Afridi also got some runs in the last two games, while other middle order batsmen like Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik got back to form in the last two matches.
For South Africa, they just need to continue the momentum they are carrying at this moment. The most important thing is that they have got some excellent young players over the last six months including JP Duminy, RE van der Merwe, Wayne Parnell who all have been pretty much successful in this tournament so far.
What I think is the biggest strength of South Africa side is the presence of a number of quality all roudners like Duminy, Roelof van der Merwe, Johan Botha alongside Albie Morkel and experienced Jacques Kallis. They have some big hitters like Graeme Smith, Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Albie Morkel, Duminy, van der Merwe and Botha. Their bowling attack features much-needed variety. They have some quality pacers in Dale Steyn, Kallis, Morkel and most importantly Parnell who has been a biggest force for South African pace attack in the tournament. They have a left arm spinner in Roelof van der Merwe as well as right arm off break in Botha and Duminy.
Online Live Score and Updates
You can get the live score and updates of the match from different cricket related websites including Cricinfo, Cricbuzz, Cricket Next etc.
Overall, South Africa might be a bit ahead of Pakistan, given their recent dominant form. However, you can not write off Pakistan yet. In fact, they have every chance to make it to the final again if they can play according to their merit and talent. One thing is that Pakistan middle order need to be up to the mark if they are to bring out a result in their favor, while South Africa just needs to keep the momentum going.
