The balance in Pakistan's favour

Pakistan are confident, they are even favourites for yet another tournament semi-final against New Zealand. One simple factor puts them in that position. It is the same factor without which Younis Khan would have been unable to lead this resurgence in Pakistan cricket. Right-arm, left-arm, legspin, offspin, Pakistan's attack has it all. An almost perfect balance that makes them challengers in any contest. But balance isn't enough. All the elements must be performing optimally. And here, just as in the World Twenty20, that is the happy circumstance. Such has been the excellence of Gul, Aamer, Rana, Ajmal and Afridi that Pakistan can resist their usual knee-jerk reaction of recalling their most famous bowler. This exquisite balance should prevail again, provided the wicket is not unfairly balanced in favour of the side bowling first.