Sunday, April 12, 2009

4 Years Later...

Pakistan last played Australia in an ODI way back in February 2005, in what was the 2nd final of the VB series that also involved the West Indies.

4 years and a couple of months later, Pakistan and Australia will once again lock horns in an ODI at the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, when the series kicks off on 22nd April.

In these days and times, 4 years is a very long wait for any 2 international teams to come up against each other again.

Unfortunately such have been the circumstances that Australia has stayed away from touring Pakistan, while Pakistan haven't exactly had the opportunity to tour Australia due to the ICC's FTP.

The last time they played each other, Australia beat Pakistan 2-0 in the finals to clinch the VB series, while in the group matches Pakistan managed 1 win out of 3 games.

Only a few familiar faces will be on show again from that series in 2004-05.

Micheal Clarke, who is captaining Australia this time round, Brett Lee, who is making his comeback, and Shane Watson, who is also coming back from injury are the only survivors from 4 years ago,

Ponting is being rested, while Katich is no longer an ODI probable, and McGrath, Gillespie, Martyn, Lehmann, Hayden, Gilchrist, and Hogg are long retired.

For Pakistan, Younis Khan, the skipper, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, and Iftikhar Anjum were there in 2004-05.

For many Aussies, it will be the first time they come up against Pakistan.

And Australia are not the same superpower they were when they played against Pakistan the last time.

Though Australia are the firm favourites going into the series, Pakistan cannot be counted out.

In fact, I feel that Australia might have already underestimated them be announcing a weakened squad that's missing Ponting, Hussey, and Johnson.

If they underestimate them any further, it could prove to be fatal, for Pakistan are quite a dangerous side (no pun intended).

I believe Pakistan has a great chance to win the series, a win that will go a long way in bringing a smile back on some Pakistani faces.

Make your pitch on this post...



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7 Pitched:

  1. Gaurav Sethi said...
     

    Q, be surprised if pak don't win it. though without ricky, oz have only improved their chances.

    4 years, shame on the ftp

  2. Amy said...
     

    I still think Australia will win. Now, whether I'm still stuck in the Golden Era remains to be seen.

  3. Q said...
     

    Serious shame NC!

  4. Q said...
     

    No chance Amy..

  5. Abdullah said...
     

    Sorry to be negative but this is a re development period for Pakistan cricket and therefore as Mr Abbasi has underlined some on field heroics and a series with out any controversy will be a victory for the nation. Despite the pathetic selection I back Pakistan to win the series 3-2 ( relying on captain Khan and Tanvir).

    Younis: Pakistan will win 5-0.

    Either this is a “slip of tongue” or failure to convey across the wanted message. Or this is an exaggerated optimistic approach. In that case he’s talked the talk, now walk the walk Mr Khan.

    Modh Aamer is 16 and Shehzad is 17 ..............!!!!!!!!!!

    As regards to this age tendency of blooding in teenagers to play for the national side has been morale of the nation. However, this is unreliable data. The nation’s sports industry has been one with many fake birth certificates and age misreading due to lack of awareness on the subject matter. As a matter of fact wrist tests were conducted in both the U15 and U19 WC’s and several players were found overage. Furthermore the player’s physical appearance always looks suspicious from an age perspective.

  6. Abdullah said...
     

    LOL at Waqar Younis remarks about ICL players betraying the bounty of national pride. That is quite frankly nonsense. Most international sides will openly recognise, utilise and support such talent with both hands as a god gifted blessing. PCB needs to get a grip and consider the wider picture for the benefit of players, fans and team morale as a whole. They need to appeal against this policy otherwise it will be a mighty regret of formidable talent lost.

    As highlighted by many bloggers already on internet forums the inclusion of the likes of Rana and Nazir will certainly make Pakistan a grand attraction in the T20WC with the potential to go the distance in terms of restoring cricket pride in the nation and winning the tournament. This just underlines the influential impact these names can bring on the nations fate.

    Without these iconic names Pakistan will lack the ego, credentials and experience to succeed on the international stage.ICC should clear up this petty regulation once and all otherwise our T20 glory hopes could be a distant dream or will be shall I say.

  7. Abdullah said...
     

    Q ,can u email me at abdh@hotmail.co.uk

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