The second match in the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday is a dead rubber to round off the Super 12 phase for both Pakistan and Scotland when the two teams meet in the penultimate clash of this stage in Sharjah.
We already know that Pakistan have won Group 2 and will face Australia in the semi-final later in the week and Scotland have known their fate for a while. They have one last chance to show what they can do on this stage and try and claim a huge scalp.
Pakistan
Pakistan have been easily the best team in this group. Along with England they have been the best team in the tournament and on the pitch there doesn’t look like a whole lot that can trouble them. The one thing which might be something they need to consider is they played a bunch of their matches early on in this group but they have only played once in the last nine days so there is a chance that complacency can set in after an extended spell of inactivity.
Usually that wouldn’t necessarily be an issue but when you consider players are in bubble life in this tournament hanging around for so long between matches might be sending one or two a little crazy so it is something to bear in mind. When you also consider there is nothing on this match it wouldn’t be the greatest surprise if Pakistan can’t get up for this match. This is one where they just want to get through without any injuries or anything like that and if they can get a few fringe players involved then so much the better.
Scotland
I have repeatedly stated that Scotland have struggled to get going after the euphoria of making it through to this Super 12 stage and that remains the case. We shouldn’t ignore the fact that they are still a little out of their depth at this level either given that they don’t get to play the elite nations as often as they would like, but I think we saw enough in the first round stage to suggest they are better than what they have delivered in this second part of the competition.
Their campaign will end after this match and when they depart the scene they will be left to reflect on a tournament where they haven’t really done themselves justice with the bat. Even in the high of their win over Bangladesh they found themselves 50-6 so their batting hasn’t really delivered. They will need to address that before the next T20 World Cup but the fact they know they have qualified for the event in Australia next year means they can do that without the pressures of having to win matches for a while.
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Key Men
Scotland have been undone by quality bowling in this tournament and there might not be anyone better in the event than Shaheen Shah Afridi. If he can rip out a couple at the top of the innings the Scottish shoulders might soon slump.
Mark Watt has been used in a number of positions for Scotland in this event and he even opened the bowling against India last time out. He is one of the most economical bowlers in the tournament so if he can put some pressure on Pakistan cracks might just appear.
Betting
I’ve said throughout the tournament the perils of betting on the match outcome in these later games but when you throw in the dead rubber factor here this one is even more volatile. You would think Pakistan will make a few changes to give those who need some time in the middle ahead of the knockout stages that luxury and much like England here on Saturday there is even chance the Pakistan eyes aren’t quite on the ball.
With that in mind I’ll stick with a man who has served me well in the competition so far in Michael Leask. His performance line hasn’t moved from 20.5pts and when you consider he has covered that with the bat alone in the last three matches the over looks a solid proposition. His bowling should be effective on this ground as well, especially if the match is played on the same pitch as the England game was on Saturday. Leask looks like he is reading the spin well and I see no reason why he can’t reach 21 points once again here.
Tips
Back M.Leask’s Performance – Over 20.5pts for a 3/10 stake at 2.20 with Bet365
