All in all, not too bad. Pakistan played 3 matches, tried out around 16 players and had an overall positive experience. Shoaib Malik, if not spectacular, showed himself to be capable to the task of being captain. Fielding changes, using the power play and bowling changes were all appropriate and lived up to his promise of being aggressive and looking for the win. He also seemed to be well settled at the number 5 position, and interestingly enough only gave himself a bowl in the second match. I think this does speak to the overwhelming concern many have had about the large number of all-rounders in the squad. How many will get a bowl, and how will circumstances allow everyone to get overs in. I mean it is kinda silly when the only people who didn't get a bowl in the series were Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Imran Nazir, Salman Butt and Yasir Hameed. Fawad Alam didn't impress with the bat, but a young all-rounder could have been given a shot if it wasn't for the presence in the squad in the third ODI of no less than SEVEN effective bowlers.
Shahid Afridi can be welcomed back to the squad, and this time not just as an aggressive batsman, but as a truly modern, effective all-rounder. Salman Butt scored the most runs for Pakistan after Shoaib Malik, in a welcome return to form. Akmal also batted well when given an opportunity, while Sami, Umar Gul and Asif, although not spectacular, were effective and showed an ability to make a dead wicket work for them. Abdul Razzaq also suffered from the surplus of bowlers, and only got one match where he bowled at all. Abdur Rehman continued to impress in his one outing, bowling economically and threateningly ala a Pakistani Panesar.
This young squad, if Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar are able to make a return, will continue to demonstrate all the talent that every one is sure that they possess. All was not lost in the World Cup loss, and Inzamam and Woolmer's legacy is not all religiosity and indiscipline.
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