"Skilled rabble" was a term used by Ian Chappell to describe Pakistan in 1992 before the World Cup. They are like an armed militia competing against professional armies. However, it's these sorts of fighters that can power revolutions; so too, Pakistan's asymmetric warfare can be effective against more organised cricketers, but the weaknesses tend to become more obvious the longer the battle must draw on. If anything consistent can be observed of Pakistan, it's that they have an uncanny knack of ambushing opponents at the start and and losing in the dying moments.
This is highlighted by Pakistan's rivalry, or lack thereof, with Australia in the last 8 months. They have enjoyed a painful 12 consecutive defeats in all formats, not because of incomparable skill, but because Australia are so difficult to rout. Though there have been thrashings, around one third of the games have been decided in the last over. Australia have been able to hold their nerve in the face of defeat until Pakistan are out of answers.
There have been a few times when Pakistan have appeared to excel above this, but it takes incredible leadership. For Pakistan in their current state to be the best in the world, it surely means that they haven't been offered enough competition.
With the two teams in this year's final, we definitely see some sleeping giants being awakened. For Australia, it's White and Nannes finally being able to convert their domestic T20 records into international ones. For England, Morgan, Lumb and Kieswetter have revitalised the batting, while Yardy and Bresnan have provided honest support to the main wicket takers rather than trying too hard. Both teams have learned from defeat at the hands of very low opposition. They have worked hard on creating roles for players rather than just turning up with 11 and taking the results for granted.
The door is still ajar for yet more teams to get serious. South Africa and India are both having a bit of internal turmoil at the moment, but they are both stocked with the resources that could be more competitive. The West Indies and Sri Lanka would also argue that they could play better. The question is which teams will heed the warnings and which teams will like India this year, allow their problems to go unchecked.
