Although Pakistan has won the match against Zimbabwe by 20 runs, it was not a convincing and promising victory against a weak opponent that ranks ten on the list of top-10 cricketing nations. Our batting side collapsed once again and that too against such a weak bowling lineup. It is an alarming scenario as Pakistan has to win all three of its remaining including South Africa to be in a good position to qualify for quarterfinals.
The batting side of Pakistani team has always been in a state of crisis. From a long time, Misbah ul Haq seems to be the only person who has to protect a complete collapse of the batting order through his slow but responsible batting. The top order of Pakistan team is worse than even the mediocre teams playing this world cup. How long Misbah as a solitary could lead the team for survival? Misbah for his tremendous efforts must be appreciating.
On the other hand, while batsmen of other teams are busy in setting various records of high scores and fastest fifties and centuries, we see Pakistani batsmen making worst records of humiliation. Pakistan has the record of having lowest scoring rate of mere 14 runs in 10 overs and that too against Zimbabwean bowling. Also here, the record of getting four batsmen out on only one run is now also, proudly, held by Pakistani batsmen.
The question that arises here is that why are they not performing up to the mark, given that they are provided top coaches for fielding, bowling, and batting? What’s still missing?
One big fault-line lies in the selection process. Often time, the selectors indulge in favoritism and disregard meritocracy. Many players in the world cup 2015 squad did not deserve a place in the national team but still were selected. They did not have a good first-class cricket record but were still given priority over those had a tremendous form and record.
Hence, to wish for a team that would perform, there is a dire need to select those players who are capable enough to play at the international level and represent Pakistan. However, for us to see that day, it must be ensured that merit and not favoritism is the yardstick to select players.
