Our heroes, who are homogeneously armed with irrefutability and certitude of donating away unequivocal and absolute wins against tough teams, did it again in first ODI in Brisbane. The first ODI was played on 22nd January 2010 in Brisbane and was won by Australia as they chased Pakistani target of 274 in 48.3 overs for the loss of five wickets. Cameron White’s amazing match winning batting and his crucial drop catch by Salman Butt at a critical juncture in the match decided that with such poor fielding Pakistan are not going to be winners today. It was the second highest chase in this ground. Even the brilliant innings by Shahid Afridi was of no use. After the shameful defeat in Sydney test, it was hoped that team management will come up with some sound plan, but all hopes kissed dust. What we learn from history is that we do not learn from history at all.
Some eye-opening statistics babar azam vs virat kohli stats are here. It is worth noted that ICC cricket rating of ODI for Pakistan is now 7th place with 107 points and India is enjoying at second place with 121 points along with the top of the table, Australia with 131 points. In ICC test rating Pakistan has not done any marvel and is poorly placed at 7th place again with 80 points and arch rival India is at impressive first place with 124 points. The twenty 20 championship will be in grave jeopardy with the on going brilliant performance of Pakistan cricket team.
The captaincy of Mohammad Yusaf is nothing but a comic disaster of all key elements, including weak tactics, too laid- back approach, sudden surprising moves even for commentators, avoiding definitely winning approach, copying same blunders again and again and above all, a historic message to the nation in which he is appealing for no posters or comic sketches of him back home. This is an unbelievable performance by him and people as well as members of the selection committees are thinking seriously to bring back Younis Khan who was a much better captain than Muhammad Yusaf, a simple proof of t 20 championships is enough. The only problem with Younis Khan lies in his non-serious and emotional approach out of the ground and giving resignations is almost habitual to him now. The strong comment that Pakistan team cannot defeat anyone by the legendary cricketer Imran Khan translates the emotions, hopes and expectations of every Pakistani towards these great Pakistani heroes in Australia. The instant logical solution is making Shahid Afridi captain of Pakistan cricket team in ODI and t20 matches. Yusaf may keep the test captaincy.
It is easily observed that the great shining captaincy of Shahid Afridi up till now in all the matches in which he had led and is an unbeatable captain. He is a natural captain with aggressive and attacking game plan. He brings energy to the table and although Pakistan team faced a loss in first ODI, yet the team spirit and the energy can be seen. Shahid Afridi has played more ODI than any other in the team, including Mohammad Yusaf and this shows he has more experience than any other in terms of ODI. Had he be captain of Pakistan ODI, we are dead sure to expect better results? The nature and technique of both Yusaf and Younis suits test match cricket more than ODI. Abdu-Razzaq should be called back in ODI team as he is after all a great all-rounder. These are some bitter yet unavoidable realities and facts that PCCB needs to resolve immediately for a better performance of our heroes.