Depleted Pakistan take on Bangladesh

Shamik Chakrabarty

Dhaka

June 7: On the face of it, this tournament is just a warm-up for the upcoming Asia Cup. Delve deep and you will find there is more to it. For Pakistan, this Kitply Cup tri-series, that gets under way at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Sunday, appears to be a must-win affair. Their honour is at stake.

If Shoaib Akhtar’s case has left a scar, Mohammad Asif’s controversy has forced Pakistan cricket to walk the line.

News coming from Pakistan and Dubai is not encouraging.. Sunday would be the judgment day for Asif. It makes Shoaib Malik’s task all the more difficult.

The challenge is to forget the off-field incidents and focus on the match. Bangladesh are no pushovers at home. A good start is important.

In reality, it is a mismatch. Though the Pakistan team management is yet to decide who will open, a Salman Butt-Kamran Akmal combination seems likely. For the latter, the message is clear – perform or perish.

The middle order will revolve around the two Y’s – Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, and Misbah-ul Haq. And it’s time Shahid Afridi shows the faith in him is not misplaced.

Asif and Shoaib’s absence does make the bowling attack depleted. But then, there is Sohail Tanvir. With 22 wickets at 12.09 in the IPL, the left-arm quick will lead the charge. Umar Gul’s pace and accuracy can rattle the best of batsmen. That they are also very good death bowlers is a definite advantage. Rao Iftikar can be a handful as well.

Young Sohail Khan, a late replacement for Asif, may not get a look-in for the first match. But Wasim Akram rates him very highly and feels that he, along with Mohammad Aamir – an under-19 lad - are the future of Pakistan.

Malik said that the first match would be very important. The warm-up must be proper before the real test begins. India will open their campaign against Pakistan on Tuesday.

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Gony in for Sreesanth

Dhaka, June 7: Punjab seamer Manpreet Gony, who played for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL has got his maiden India call-up and will replace the injured Sreesanth for the tri-series in Bangladesh. Sreesanth was ruled out after suffering a side strain. Gony, 24, had 17 wickets in the IPL at 26.05.