Clash of even kind

West Indies are certainly planning to beat Pakistan with a Pakistani in their camp. Here former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mustaq (L) imparts some advice to Sunil Narine during training at Mirpur yesterday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Today's evening match is a virtual quarterfinal, and it may turn out to be a nail-biter as it is between two of the most attractive sides in the ICC World Twenty20 so far. Pakistan and West Indies will enter the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium for the evening match knowing that there is nothing that separates them as far as recent form goes. They have both been clinically beaten by India, have both beaten Australia narrowly and Bangladesh convincingly.
Dig a little deeper and there are some differences. West Indies bank on hitting the boundaries and getting the ball over the ropes as was seen during their victory over Australia. Pakistan, on the other hand, are equally comfortable working the singles early on before the likes of Shahid Afridi come late in the order to unleash some fireworks.
While both teams -- traditionally strong in the pace department -- are quite dependent on spinners in bowling; Pakistan are perhaps the more efficient when it comes to playing spin. West Indies, however, have an ace up their sleeve when it comes to playing the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi -- they have legendary Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in their ranks as a spin bowling coach.
"Saeed Ajmal has been playing for Pakistan for quite a few years, so with technology there was already information," said Saqlain during the pre-match press conference in Mirpur yesterday. "Obviously whenever a batsman comes to me and asks me about Saeed Ajmal, then obviously I have to speak about Saeed Ajmal -- what he does and how he does the doosra or off-spin or arm ball."
Saqlain seemed confident in West Indies' spin attack. "If you see No 1 and No 2 T20 bowlers, they are from West Indies. [Samuel] Badree and Sunil [Narine]," said Saqlain, who is a former Bangladesh spin bowling coach and so will also have valuable input about local conditions. "Badree is starting the innings. It's good news. Whenever the spinners do well, I feel good.
"We are working hard and we intend to cover all angles [bases]. Batsmen and bowlers are working hard on all aspects to take on the Pakistanis and how to give them a tough time and win the match."
While it may boil down to a battle of spin, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez -- speaking after their 50-run win over Bangladesh on Sunday -- was happy that their attack was a balanced one. "As a team you always try to know the conditions and spinners get help in these conditions so why not go with the best. [Pace bowler] Umar Gul has been exceptional in this format and also Sohail Tanvir," Hafeez said about his pace stock.
"They have Sunil Narine who is one of the best spinners but at the same time we also have some of the best spinners in the world -- Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Zulfquar Babar -- so I think we are blessed and I think our spin department is more strong," he added.