Pakistan in hot seat to go all the way despite big upset

It is hats off to Bangladesh, as their victory can only help their cause of striving towards gaining future Test status in International cricket. When Middlesex played the Bangladeshi's before the start of the tournament I was impressed by a number of the batsmen who played with the same aggression and traditional 'wristiness' of their sub continent counterparts. Wielding big heavy bats they were never afraid to hit the ball over the top of the infield and their running between the wickets was very positive. What they missed in pure bowling talent they made up in enthusiasm in the field and I thought at the time that this could be the team who causes the one inevitable upset of the competition. With Zimbabwe upsetting the South Africans, Bangladesh have caused the second big upset and they deserve to enjoy their historic victory with the same festivities of a Christmas party.

One positive for Pakistan was the return of Waqar Younus to the first eleven. If he is fit and in form the entertainment value of the Pakistani bowling attack will be incomparable. With two genuine fast bowlers storming into the crease like Olympic sprinters and superstar Wasim Akram causing more headaches than a dozen bottles of red wine, their line-up looks simply awesome. Add Saqlain Mushtaq and this team, as unpredictable as they are, can cause more sleepless nights for their opposing batsmen than any other team. A mishap like today is always on the cards with this team but after eighteen days of competition they look to be the only team certain to reach the semi-finals. With their run equation they are certainly in the hot seat to go all the way.

With the Super Six round now sorted out, the odds from the bookies shows Pakistan and South Africa as favourites. The business end of the World Cup now kicks off, the team who can handle the growing pressure will be the team who progresses to the final on June 20.

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