Expert Speak: Virat Kohli Best T20 Batsman, Anam Amin Impresses

After Pakistan’s defeat at Eden Gardens, and the Kiwis’ victory over the Aussies, here’s what the experts have to say

Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the T20 format, says Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo: AP)

Fast Tracked to Pakistan Side, Anam Amin Quickly Makes an Impression

Anam Amin is revelling in her maiden trip to India. Off the field, the 23-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of Delhi. On the field, she has walked away with two back-to-back player of the match awards. Her biggest admirer is none other than Captain Sana Mir, writes Vishal Menon in The Indian Express.

Opening the bowling in both the matches, Amin not only managed to stem the flow of runs, but has invariably given her side early breakthroughs. It is her pin-point accuracy and her amazing energy levels on the field, which has won her several admirers.

A spot of camaraderie: Pakistan’s Anam Amin ties India’s Harpreet Kaur’s shoelaces. (Photo: AP)

Kohli is the Best T20 Batsman Right Now

The first week of the ICC WT20 has has seen some fantastic cricket: glorious run-fests and impeccable spin bowling. In India’s encounter with Pakistan at the Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli really came through for the team, writes Kumar Sangakkara in The Times of India.

Virat Kohli, the best T20 batsman in the world right now, is India’s talisman and he was the difference between the two sides at Eden Gardens.The way he calmly marshalled a tricky chase in difficult batting conditions was outstanding. What is so special about Virat is the way he always is able to adapt. While others might panic when confronted with unusual or difficult conditions, he just coolly recalibrates his strategy and works out the lowest-risk way of scoring runs.

Virat Kohli celebrates after India beat Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (Photo: AP) 

Fragile Pakistan in Need of a Leader

New Zealand vs Pakistan will be an exercise in watching how Pakistan can play, writes Harsha Bhogle for the Times of India. Not because the Kiwis are a boring side to watch, but to see how Pakistan recovers from its loss to India.

Pakistan’s issues are unique because rarely is the team lining up against them their only opponent. Already it is being suggested that Shahid Afridi may be beginning his last week as a Pakistan player, his relationship with the coach is reported to be stormy, his most talented batsman has complained to Imran Khan about his batting position and Afridi has responded in anger and we are reading about how the selectors will be sacked.

Kiwis are Big Guns in Their Own Right

Three very confident teams have matches in the next three days, writes Stephen Fleming for the Times of India. One of them is New Zealand, who will march into their encounter against Pakistan at Mohali.

As for New Zealand, I think it is time the cricketing world accepted the fact that they are no longer `giant killers’, but big guns in their own right.The victories against India and Australia are further proof of the fact that this is the most skilful New Zealand team we’ve had for decades, and the term `surprise victory’ no longer applies to a Black Caps win.

New Zealand celebrates after beating Australia in Dharamsala. (Photo: AP)

In This Big Hitting Format, India’s Insecurity Doesn’t Augur Well

The “poor, helpless” bowler has been reduced to a mere prop in this format of the game, writes Pradeep Magazine in The Hindustan Times. However, even in this mayhem, there are matches where batsmen become clueless once the ball begins to seam, swing or spin.

The curtain-raiser, instead of showcasing the wonderful striking abilities of Indian batting, became a disappointing display of its lack of skill in countering the turning ball. The wicket, that was designed to help them win, instead turned against them. At Kolkata, a similar result could have been repeated, had Pakistan not misread the wicket and instead of an all-pace diet, served India an extra helping of spin.

Script Goes Awry for Pakistan’s Evergreen Hero Shahid Afridi

Watching Afridi out on the pitch or behind the microphone, one gets the feeling that there are other pressing issues that require his attention, writes Daksh Panwar for The Indian Express. He resorts to witticism to deflect criticism.

Pakistan are now 11-0 against India in the last 24 years in limited-overs cricket’s showpiece events. As a player, Afridi has been part of nine of those. He has seen defeats to India at the World Cup become from a stray case to a streak to now a full-blown jinx. He has himself failed in all nine of those matches. Against India in four ODI World Cups, he has averaged 14 with the bat and 140 with the ball. The corresponding record in the five World T20s has been 7.40 with the bat and 50 with the ball.