Pakistan v West Indies - Brisbane

[Zainub]

BBC reports Pakistan team think tank are tempted on bowling first if we win the toss sighting cloud cover and induced early movement off the pitch and in the air , the Windies' Aussie coach King however says it does get very brigh and sunny by 9, and the Gabba is usually a good wikcet to bat on, I don't have a clue of what the local conditions must be like, but I hope, we don't try and be too smart. In one-day cricket, I have always opined, runs on the board, is always the safest and easiest way (in theory at least) to win a game.

Full report here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4180451.stm

[Shaka]

In all honesty, even if the conditions were favourable, I don't think we have the bowlers to exploit the conditions...they certainly haven't looked like doing it so far this series. I hope it's not a case of being more worried about how their bowlers will do with first use of the ball. The only reason for bowling first should be a genuine belief that the conditions are favourable. In that case, Rana might get his away swingers going and Shoaib could do some damage...otherwise you are right Zainub, on a good batting track, get the runs on the board and let the other side do the chasing.

[Zainub]

Glad we agree.

Bob Woolmer on his website said they are considering recalling Kaneria if Malik is not cleared to bowl his offies. More on that here

We're favorites, at least on paper, for this game:

Originally Posted by Bet 365.com

West Indies 11/10 outsiders to beat Pak in VB Series clash Pakistan 4/6 favourites

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

the paper is always wrong

[Zainub]

I think Rdno1 it might all come down to the batting you know, because both sides are at the moment weaker in bowling, you would expect side batting better and taking more advantage of the oppositions weaker bowling to come out on top with a win. We'll have to make sure we get rid of Gayle, Lara, Sarwan and Chanderpaul early - these guys are going to be key.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

i 100% agree. batting will be the key. windies are great at chasing usually.... but the odds are stacked against the chasers. i don't know the exact stat but the team batting first usually wins at brisbane. and inzy wants to bat second dosn't he, if he wins toss.

Im happy gayle is back to strengthen our lineup and it should be a great contest. we just get inzy, youhana and butt out early, ill have high hopes. but then afridi 9my fav pak player btw) will then go and rain on my parade i bet!


anyway should be a great match because these two teams are not very good in tests, but they are great ODI sides for sure.

[Zainub]

Yeah, one-day cricket suits our style more, Woolmer calls it the "impact player affect"

Anyway, I hope we lose the toss, u guys are probably going to bat first, what do you think will be a good score? We got 270 odd against Aus the other day, but that was batting first, it would be fair to say still though that we're in some decent bit of form - I think anything in excess of 250 will be a good score, regardless of the wicket.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

id say 270 will be a good score. but im always pessamistic. whenever india score over 300, i still get worried that its too low anyway

yup i know about the impact player effect you do have lots of good impact players. razzaq is like one, although i have to say i pretty much *hate* razzaq. his bowling is atrocious most of the time. he used to be a good bowler aswell!

[Shaka]

I get the feeling we might struggle with the bat. We haven't done as well as a lot of other teams against the Windies bowling. I have a feeling that Afridi might prove awkward for them though assuming Lara doesn't take him out of the game.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

if afridi manages to just mistime one shot and it dosnt go all the way, he should be out. hopefully