NEW YORK: Pakistan’s cricket team is capable of winning the World Cup provided it improves its fielding, The Wall Street Journal said Monday in a commentary, which called Kamran Akmal’s work behind the stumps “clumsy.”“The throwing was wayward and Kamran Akmal should be kicking himself for some clumsy wicket-keeping, including two missed stumpings. Abdur Rehman, meanwhile, looked like he wanted to crawl into a deep, dark hole after fumbling a sitter of a catch off Chamara Silva,” the daily newspaper wrote while assessing Pakistan’s chances as bright after its 11-run victory over Sri Lanka.It is not usual for The Wall Street Journal to comment on a sporting event, especially cricket, because it basically deals with developments in financial and investment field. “You never know what you’re going to get with Pakistan , but this team, led by the wonderfully charismatic Shahid Afridi, managed to click and beat a fine Sri Lankan side,” WSJ said.“(The Pakistan team) looks capable of upsetting any team in the tournament, at least if the players sort out their fielding, which was littered with errors and made the job of victory far harder than it should have been,” the newspaper said. “Luckily for Pakistan , two of its superstars “Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi” were in sparkling form. Afridi, following his 5 for 16 against Kenya , once again snagged majestic figures of 4 for 34, while Shoaib toiled and sweated his way to 2 for 42.Sri Lanka fought hard,” the Journal said, but the hard work of their batsmen “proved in vain.” “Man-of-the-match Afridi gave Pakistan its major breakthrough with the wicket of Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who was caught by Ahmed Shehzad for 49.
It was Afridi’s 300th wicket in one-day internationals, and it came at just the right time, piling on pressure that the remaining Sri Lankan batsmen were unable to handle,” WSJ said. “Afridi also had a mini-cameo when batting, unleashing a couple of vicious shots for his 16 at the end of Pakistan’s innings, which was anchored by Test captain Misbah ul Haq, who scored 83 not out. Younis Khan’s contribution of 72 was also key to Pakistan’s cause.“It’s still early days, but after emerging victorious from its first major challenge, Pakistan has sent out a strong message that it might just be in the mood for World Cup glory this year – APP
