This question, had it been asked a few days ago, would have raised many eyebrows but not now! The T20 format seems to have changed the old equations in the cricketing world.
No one is invincible anymore. With Australia out of the world cup, Bangladesh whipped by Ireland, it is quite possible that the match between Pakistan and Netherlands could spring another surprise.
The South Asian team is in disarray. Its star players are not performing and internal dissension is rife. The team is under severe pressure with captain Younis Khan and coach Intikhab Alam not seeing eye to eye on many issues. The resignation of Pakistan chief selector Abdul Qadir, on Monday, has further compounded the matters.
It also seems the Pakistan team has resigned to its fate as indicated by the statement of Younis Khan, who has been quoted as saying that T20 is a fun game and he does not accord much importance to this format of the game, much to the consternation of cricket lovers and managers in Pakistan.
Playing against the Dutch, who are upbeat after their win against England, Pakistan would need to exorcise the demons inside their minds and on the field, for they need to win convincingly in this match to stay afloat in the tournament.
The equation is quite simple, but it would need an all out effort by last year's runner ups to defeat a bullish Dutch team.
If Pakistan bats first, they need to win by at least 25 runs to pull through into the Super Eight. If Pakistan bats second, they need to win in 16.1 overs if the target is 80, however if the target is 200, then they need to make it in 17.2 overs.
If the match is affected by rain, then the Pakistan needs to win in 4 overs chasing 50 or if target is higher then 4.3 overs. If Pakistan bats first it needs to win the match by at least 30 runs to qualify for the next round.
The task is tough but Pakistan team has often come from behind to make complete turnarounds. The situation today reminds of the 1992 World Cup , when Pakistan was on the verge of ouster but rallied around under the charismatic Imran Khan and went on to win the championship. |