Here we go, our round up with Asif Mujtaba before Pakistan’s all-important Quarter Finals with the hosts Australia.
Kamran: Your thoughts on Pakistan’s victory against Ireland? You already predicted that Pakistan will win convincingly in your previous interview.
Asif Mujtaba: As you said it, I already predicted a convincing victory for Pakistan against Ireland in my previous interview and that’s how it went. The key is the confidence, Pakistan is carrying over after defeating SA in a low-scoring match along with the superb demonstration of wicket-keeping by highly skilled Sarfraz.
Faraz Ishaq: Four wins in a row so far, do you think we can keep the momentum going or do you think we are already worn out after the 4 very tough games?
I am expecting them to keep the same momentum but we all know Pakistan cricket team is very unpredictable. There shouldn’t be any excuse for being worn-out after 4 matches. They are professional players representing a strong cricketing nation and they have to display that.
FI: What are your thoughts on Sarfraz’s batting?
Spot on. I did hear a few things from some experts about his batting in his nineties and that was not convincing to me at all. He has played a wonderful innings but he needs to improve on his communication while running between the stumps.
KM: Do you think that it was our bowling effort which won us the game?
Bowlers did a splendid job by restricting Ireland to a low total as compared to the trend of big scores in the current World Cup from the sides batting first. All credit goes to the bowlers as they worked really hard to achieve this feat and also we can’t ignore the guidance and hard work of coaching staff.
FI: Do you think our training stuff should be careful from hereon for the effort they expect from our players? We had Junaid, Hafeez, and Haris and now Sohail injured in last 2 months, do you think they are putting in more effort than they naturally can?
I think the training staff is professional they must know the strength and durability of every player and I don’t think they got injured due to the effort they were asked to put in by the trainers. Injuries are part and parcel of every sports.
FI: Now our QF is with Australia on 20th, as you mentioned previously that any team who has qualified for the World Cup Quarter Final, has a chance to win it all, who do you think has the better chance?
I think Pakistan can win the World Cup from here and surprise all cricket pundits.
KM: Is there a weak link in Australia’s bowling that we should capitalize on?
Australia is a well-balanced team and they are enjoying it. There is no weak link.
KM: Should Pakistan go with 4 seamers or 3 seamers and two spinners?
3 seamers and 2 spinners
FI: Do you recommend any changes in the lineup? Younis in place of Sohaib?
I don’t think there is a need for any change in batting line up. Regarding Sohaib’s fielding, we all already knew that he needs improvement in fielding. He could only be dropped in the previous match but the management opted to ask Younis to sit out. I won’t suggest any changes at this point.
FI: What score would be defendable?
Pakistan has to restrict Australia under 250. If Australia manages to score 300 then Pakistan would be in huge trouble. Australia’s batting is very compact but I would like to tell you here that they will give the chances and it is up to fielders to capitalize on those chances.
KM: Your pick? Pakistan or Australia?
I am a Pakistani, so Pakistan. But in reality, Australia is favorite.
KM: Key player from both teams?
Michael Clark and Misbah ul Haq
Here’s a question from one of our readers:
Murtaza Kumail Abbas: Thoughts on possible India Pakistan semifinal? Would Pakistan bowlers prevail over the Indian batsmen?
If Pakistan beat Australia then Pakistan will win the WC and we will go through India as well. The key is beating Australia.
Thank you once again for your thoughts, hope to talk to you again in a couple of days time about Pakistan’s Semi Final line up 🙂