Going into the first match Pakistan must be much more confidant than a few days ago. They now know with certainty what the team is and they have done well in their practice games. West Indies, on the other hand, had an uneasy win over Kenya and an annihilation at the hands of the Indians in their practice games: Not the best preparation.
The big three (Younis, Yousuf, and Inzamam) had a decent time out on the pitch; The bowlers for the most part had a useful workout. Naved's current bowling form and Nazir remain a concern.
If the wickets are anything like those for the practice matches Pakistan must also be second guessing their decision not to include Abdurehman. Also Azhar recently and Arafat have not been regular members of the team and as such there is concern over finding the right balance quickly enough.
What will be the playing eleven? Afridi still has a couple of games to go before he can play and with the pitches looking somewhat spin friendly Danish, Shoaib and Hafeez will be playing. The big three, Akmal and Gul are automatics. Naved's current form makes Sami a certainty. One spot will go to Razzaq's replacement, Azhar or Yasir. I think Azhar will start. The last spot is really up for grabs. If Pakistan want eight batsmen then Nazir plays but he has not done much. Naved might squeak by for his death bowling. I think they will go with Nazir.
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