The reason for Pakistan's timid and defensive approach against Canada is hard to fathom. Ahmad Shahzad is still unable to come to terms with a big stage like World Cup and has failed to express himself. He is one of aggressive players in the tournament, but has so far been the most subdued player on view in this World Cup. Mohammad Hafeez tried to be a little more aggressive than his natural capability, and could not last long. Kamran Akmal has not played his natural game so far. Kamran Akmal is least effective in the middle order. Kamran Akmal is more effective as an opener and in the late middle order, more so in the late middle order.
After the fourth wicket fell in form of Younis Khan, Misbah and Umar got together in rearguard action. You cannot blame Misbah for playing a sedate innings when the team was in dire straits. Pakistan is absolutely wasting Umar Akmal at #6. Pakistan should learn a few lessons from India and recently England. India has reaped huge rewards by promoting Tendulkar as an opener. England too realized the importance of having a talented and aggressive player like Kevin Pieterson at the top of the order. Pakistan should open with Akmal brothers or swap the positions the two Akmal brothers are batting currently. Umar will be more effective than Kamran Akmal at #3 where Kamran Akmal is batting currently. Whereas Kamran will be more dangerous at #6 where Umar is batting.
The best of Kamran Akmal has come when he batted in the late middle order. He has often provided Pakistan with killer punch in the late middle order that has won them many games. The second best of Kamran has come when he opened the innings. Kamran is least effective in the middle order and these facts should be realized by Pakistan before they cost them a possible World Cup title. Pakistan can swap places between Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal.
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