Looking ahead to the Morocco Cup 2002

The tri-nation event to take place in Tangier, Morocco in August is being eagerly awaited for several reasons. The fact that this brand new stadium in Tangier is hosting its first international event adds to the anticipation. Organizing cricket events in such venues has a two-fold effect, one being the globalization of the game and secondly a boost to the local cricket scene. No doubt, the ultimate example of such success is the flowering of Sharjah into one of the best international cricketing venues. Sharjah holds the record for the greatest number of one day internationals played on any ground around the world, boasting of more than 100 ODI's in the short time since its birth. The same can be said about Bangladesh, where things went upward immediately after the recognition of the stadium in Dhaka as an international venue and the country has now assumed full international status as one of the test playing nations of the world.

Getting back to the upcoming tournament in Morocco, the chance to view the three evenly matched sides, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka is a thrilling prospect. Pakistan has stamped its presence as one of the top teams of current one-day international cricket by beating Australia in the Super Challenge II series. After a significant break since that series, the Pakistan side should be rearing to go. The PCB has already named a set of 19 probables for the tournament and a full strength team will fly but minus Shoaib Akhtar, who has flown to England. Lots of conflicting reports have appeared about his absence but whatever the reason may be, fans will definitely miss out on the opportunity to see one of the fastest bowlers of the world in action. Although this may disappointment for Pakistani cricket fans, giving the "Rawalpindi Express" a break is a smart move on the part of the authorities. The Pakistan cricket team has a tough schedule after Morocco, with the series against Australia being of prime importance. It is important to preserve the likes of Shoaib Akhtar so that they can be fit for the more important commitments and ultimately the World Cup in 2003. However, the return of Razzaq and Saqlain will definitely boost the side. Razzaq is an indispensable all-rounder as far as the Pakistan team is concerned, his consistency in the past year being ample proof. He is one of those cricketers who can single-handedly turn a game around with bat or ball. Shoaib's absence will afford an excellent opportunity to the highly talented Mohammed Sami to make his mark in international cricket and confirm a place in the Pakistani squad. Another for whom this tournament is of prime importance is Saeed Anwar. He came back into the team in Australia after a long lay off, and one feels that this is his opportunity to reassure the selectors' faith in him. With Imran Nazir's success as an opener, and the good performances of Taufeeq Umar in domestic competitions, Saeed will need to give a good account of himself in the upcoming series.

The South Africans, who along with the Aussies and the Pakistanis, are regarded as one of the top three teams of international cricket, also have a point to prove. One feels that their performance has slumped a little recently, with a decline in their level of consistency. After a promising start to the year with victory in the World Series in Australia, after beating New Zealand in the finals, the South Africans seem to have lost the plot. After a crushing 6-1 defeat inflicted on them at home by the Australians in the one-day series, their confidence has surely been dented. Pundits claim the main reason for their decline is the lack of penetration in their bowling attack. While Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini are very consistent, the likes of Kallis, Klusener and Boje don't have what it takes to rattle opposition batsman. South Africa are obviously suffering from a lack of variety in their attack with the absence of a quality spinner. The batting order however is as impressive as ever, with Kirsten and Gibbs to start off, followed by the rock solid Kallis, the ever dependable Jonty Rhodes and the highly destructive Lance Klusener. Since they play a lot of all-rounders, their batting depth is remarkable, with the likes of Nicky Boje coming in at number 9. What sets the South Africans apart from the other two teams in the competition is their brilliant fielding. South Africa really have set the benchmark in that department and the Sri Lankans and Pakistanis will have to work very hard to match that.

The Sri-Lankans will also be looking to get back into some form. Their performance has dipped since their loss at the hands of Pakistan in the Sharjah Cup final. After a crushing defeat in their first ever test series in England, their performance in the Natwest one-day competition left a lot to be desired. With only one victory in their six matches in the tournament, a lot of hard work has to be put in if they are to match the brilliance of the other two sides in the competition. Their series against Bangladesh, currently in progress, is likely to give them the necessary boost in morale. The Sri Lankans will of course be looking at their batsmen to deliver the goods in the tournament. On paper, their batting order is very impressive, with the explosive Jayasuria at the top of the order followed by the likes of Atapattu, Sangakkara and Arnold. Their bowling however, apart from the magical Muralitharan, lacks penetration. Muralitharan of course, is a match winner on any surface, but the likes of Vaas, Zoysa and Dilhara Fernando will have to make some serious contributions.

Morocco certainly promises to be an exciting one with three highly competitive teams going for the handsome purse on offer. My favourites would have to be Pakistan on the back of their recent success, they look to be the in-form team who seem to be gelling under Waqar Younis. However, South Africa and Sri Lanka can never be counted out as they have the potential upset Pakistan's apple cart.