For a batsman with so much talent from a young age, AHMED SHEHZAD has underachieved in the ongoing World Cup. Pakistan has so far struggled to put substantial totals in their defeats against India and West Indies because of lack of runs from their top-order batting.

Shehzad, who mustered just 44 runs in five matches at the 2011 World Cup, started promisingly in Adelaide but after reaching 47 off 73 balls, he threw away his wicket rather lazily. And then in the Christchurch carnage, Shehzad scored the one run Pakistan had made when he was fourth out.

He has a tendency of flirting with danger a number of times and was one of eight players fined for breaking curfew by the Pakistan team management just before the World Cup started.

One of major problems afflicting England in this World Cup is the lack of bowling penetration. After losing badly to Australia and New Zealand, they need to win their remaining matches to each the knockout stage. Therefore, it is imperative that JAMES ANDERSON has to lead from the front with the white ball.

Anderson’s one-day career has also been more productive than at one time seemed likely as he gradually became adept at bowling in a more defensive fashion.

At the 2003 World Cup, Pakistan were the sufferers when Anderson swung the ball prodigiously to take 4-29 in 10 overs in ideal conditions at the Newlands.

With the conditions in Wellington almost not dissimilar to those found in Cape Town, Sri Lanka could a big challenge if Anderson fires today.

Published in Dawn March 1st , 2015

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