Wednesday, March 6, 2002 Before the game, there was a lot of talk in the air that the Pakistan team was concerned about its batting form. This is understandable because although Pakistan have won their last two series, they have done this despite the top order looking vulnerable.

Younis Khan and Younis Youhana have been the only front line batsmen to find any real form and they have been supported by the lower middle-order. Younis Khan was the only player to apply himself in the first innings and even Youhana played a bad shot, which is unusual for him. The batsmen look shaky and nervous.

As I have said before, it is the opening slot that is the weakest link. Saeed Anwar is being missed more and more at the top of the order. Pakistan need him back quickly. Inzamam, the rock of the middle order, has two problems. First, he is struggling for form. Second his technique has slipped. Top players can overcome technical failings when they are in form, but when form and technique go at the same time it is sensible to rethink your whole approach.

With big series coming up against the best teams from the southern hemisphere, Pakistan do not have much time to iron out their batting problems. But they must if they are to be serious in their ambition to be the world's best team. Australia and South Africa, for sure, will be even less forgiving than Sri Lanka.

Pakistan are also under a great deal of pressure because of their poor showing in home series over the last few years. Waqar Younis has promised to end that run but it is clear that recent victories have flattered to deceive.

The wicket had some moisture on the first morning but it didn't play badly enough for Pakistan to collapse in the way that they did. This is not the kind of wicket they have been playing on in Bangladesh and Sharjah, but it is still a good track. It is typical for Lahore, offering some help to the bowlers in the first session but better for batsmen as the match goes on.

Easy days are over for Pakistan and the real test of Waqar Younis's captaincy begins here.

Javed Miandad, Pakistan's most prolific batsman and later their coach, was talking to Kamran Abbasi. His column appears every Wednesday.

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