Published: Sep 12, 2014, 12:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 13, 2014, 07:14 AM (IST)
With six Pakistan internationals in their side, Lahore Lions are a major threat at the Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014. Mohammad Hafeez brings a good side to India for this event and they would want to be the first team from Pakistan to qualify for the main draw of the CLT20. Nishad Pai Vaidya previews Lahore’s chances.
Though they bring a “message of love” to India, the Lahore Lions also promise to entertain with some good cricket in the centre. On the field of play, it would be about serious cricket and nothing else. Given the amount of international experience in their side, they are amongst the strongest in the tournament and should be favourites to qualify for the main draw. Mohammad Hafeez has brought a side with good balance and they have the armoury to take on all sides.
Key Players: The international players in their side are Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jamshed, Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz and Aizaz Cheema. Needless to say, they would be the key players in this tournament and would form the crux of their line-up. The top four would be dynamic. Jamshed and Shehzad form a dangerous opening partnership and should be one of the most feared in the tournament. Hafeez at No3, would bring in a lot of calm and is the anchor. And, Akmal would be their key in the middle-order and a lot would be expected from him. Wahab and Cheema would form a good fast-bowling pair. But, we should also not count out the domestic players as who knows, which one would turn out to be a star. The Champions League T20 (CLT20) has often unleashed young talent to the world and this could be a platform for some of the unknown Lahore players to make a mark.
Captain: Hafeez is very experienced in this format and is said to be a thinking cricketer. He has led Pakistan in two ICC World T20s, and taken them to the semi-finals once. Though he has quit as Pakistan captain, his role in Lahore is very important as he is their senior-most player. Hafeez has to guide this team of young internationals and unknown domestic players. He remains calm on the field and that can rub-off on his teammates. He has a crucial role to play with both bat and ball.
Strengths: The batting is the biggest strength for this unit. Given the fact that they have four international batsmen, all of whom have played the three formats for Pakistan, they would want to make a mark here. The top four is solid, with a dash of bravado and that is something threatening for the opposition. They should capitalise on the powerplays and look to take more responsibility.
Weaknesses: The unpredictability factor is something that has plagued Pakistan sides over the years. Though they have four batsmen at the top, three of them can be quite erratic. Jamshed, Shehzad and Akmal can be brilliant on their day or disappoint on another. The other major problem is that their batting seems to be concentrated at the top. Thus, if there is a collapse, there would be too much pressure on the lower order.
Past Record: This is the first time Lahore will play in the CLT20. Pakistan sides played the last two editions but did not make it through to the next round. But, when compared to those sides, Lahore look much stronger and should change it this time around.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)
