Showing posts with label Pakistan vs Zimbabwe ODIs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan vs Zimbabwe ODIs. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2015

ICC World Cup 2015: Pakistan must recognize they are the better side against Zimbabwe & Associates


Posted by Q at Saturday, February 28, 2015 Pitched (1)
This article first appeared on DAWN.

After a break of over a week, Pakistan will take the field once again in this World Cup on Sunday, which will be the start of a crucial week for Misbah-ul-Haq's side, one that will decide its fate.

In a period of seven days from March 1 to March 7, Pakistan will play against Zimbabwe, UAE, and South Africa. After two big losses, Pakistan could not have asked for a better schedule. The matches against Zimbabwe and UAE are ideal for Pakistan to find some form and rhythm and finally open their account.
However it will be no easy ride given the way Zimbabwe and UAE have so far performed in the World Cup. The coaches of both the sides, Dav Whatmore and Aaqib Javed respectively, are well versed with the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistan; therefore, one can expect Zimbabwe and UAE to be more prepared for Pakistan than they have been for other teams.
Pakistan will also have to contend with Ireland on March 15, in their last group game. The first round exit at the 2007 World Cup, courtesy the Irish, will play on Misbah's mind for sure.
Pakistan's players and fans, though, need to also take inspiration from the past. Their record against the likes of Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and associate nations in World Cup matches has been largely horror-free. Since 1996, Pakistan have played 12 matches against these countries and have lost only twice.
The key to Pakistan's success against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the associates has been their bowlers' dominance.
While Pakistan have typically batted well in these matches, always posting a total in excess of 250 (except for two instances), it has always been their bowling that has enabled them to dominate the relatively weaker teams in World Cups.
Here are some interesting statistics for these matches, barring the two games that Pakistan lost to Bangladesh in 1999 and Ireland in 2007.
167 The highest score by an associate nation in a World Cup match against Pakistan.

130 The average score for associate nations in World Cup matches against Pakistan.

151 The highest score by Zimbabwe in a World Cup match against Pakistan.

130 The average score for Zimbabwe in World Cup matches against Pakistan.

3 The number of wins Pakistan has against Zimbabwe in as many completed matches in World Cups.

There is no doubt that bowling is going to be the key for Pakistan in their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe, UAE, and Ireland. The attack has conceded over 300 runs in both their World Cup matches and they will have to improve significantly starting this Sunday. We have already discussed how this is Pakistan's most inexperienced pace attack ever in a World Cup, but Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Khan, and Wahab Riaz have looked good in bursts. They will just need to sustain their performance over the duration of 50 overs.
Shahid Afridi, who was supposed to be Pakistan's strike bowler, has struggled and he will definitely need to pick himself up and be the potent force with the ball that he has been in the past. In hindsight, it was a mistake leaving Yasir Shah out against the West Indies, considering the damage Imran Tahir caused against them. He must play in Pakistan's remaining games as he can undoubtedly be the key with the ball against teams who will most certainly struggle against quality leg spin bowling.
Pakistan have dominated Zimbabwe and associate nations in World Cups thus far, and there is no reason why they can't repeat the dose.
The players can get on to the field on Sunday with some degree of confidence knowing that the Zimbabweans have never beaten them in a World Cup match. They should look to seek momentum with good wins over Zimbabwe and the UAE, which they can then take into the all important encounter against South Africa.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , ,


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Kamran Akmal is Preparing for another Birthday Party


Posted by Q at Thursday, March 10, 2011 Pitched (2)
With contribution from Atif Butt

Pakistan plays its next match on 14th March against Zimbabwe and Kamran Akmal was seen training hard for the game.

When questioned on whether he expects to be in the playing XI on the day, Kamran said he was sure he would be playing since he's taken on the responsibility to provide opposition batsmen with the best ever playing experience possible on their birthday.

He managed to fulfil his responsibility very well against New Zealand when he made sure that Ross Taylor got the best birthday gift ever.

And now Kamran is gearing up to provide the Zimbabwe captain, Elton Chigumbura, with a similar experience on Monday to celebrate the Zimbabwe skipper's 26th birthday.

Elton Chigumbura is really excited to play against Pakistan on his birthday on 14th March and is looking forward to some dropped catches from Kamran Akmal and an ultimate birthday experience.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , ,


Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Didja Notice?


Posted by NAzhar at Tuesday, February 05, 2008 Pitched (8)
Now isn't this strange that Pakistan just completed a cricket series and there was no discussion - no mention on this blog. Nobody reflected on the series with inflated kudos on heroic performances or harsh criticism on subpar efforts. Have the Well Pitched authors stopped caring about Pakistan cricket?

I feel actually the fact that nobody even so much so as whispered anything about the series or even unconsciously let out an approving clap proves that actually all of us care a lot about Pakistan cricket and are not paying much attention to a meaningless series! I have full respect for Zimbabwae and feel for their cricket going through an extremely rough patch - gone are their heyday of cricket with the Flower brothers and Streak/Strang. But at the same time I think that Pakistan cricket has the danger of getting an inflated ego and a false sense of calm with this 5-0 victory. I would have liked to see Pakistan go in with all youngsters in the series and then even a 3-2 victory would have been significant.

There are a couple of promising openers in Nasir Jamshed and Khurram Manzoor who passed their first test and may be the openers for the side in the future.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , ,


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

More New Pakistani Faces


Posted by Q at Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Pitched (3)
Pakistan maybe playing a weak team but the series has been an important one for them after facing heavy defeats from stronger opposition. Before the series began there were talks of trying out new faces, especially openers, a keeper, and some pacers. Pakistan granted 3 debuts in the 3 ODIs thus far and you can expect more over the next 2 ODIs.

Nasir Jamshed has thus far impessed in all 3 outings and in the 3rd ODI he showed that he can also play a waiting game and is not only a smasher. Samiullah disappointed in both the ODIs he played, while the 3rd debutant, Kamran Hussain, impressed with both bat and ball in the 3rd game.

With Pakistan securing the series, the PCB have drafted in some more new faces in the squad for the last 2 ODIs. Khurram Manzoor, the leading opener of the ongoing domestic season, has been included at the expense of Salman Butt who failed in all 3 ODIs. Khurram will be vying for the openers slot with Khalid Latif. Sarfraz Ahmed also comes back into the squad as Kamran Akmal is 'rested'.

The last new face to be included in the squad is Wahab Riaz who is the 2nd highest wicket taker this season after Sohail Khan. He comes in place of Rao Iftikhar who had a very disappointing series. Surprisingly Yasir Arafat was dropped after only 1 game as the squad was trimmed to 14 for the last 2 ODIs.

Pakistan will grant atleast 2 more debuts tomorrow with one of Khurram or Khalid partnering Nasir at the top of the order and either of Sohail Khan or Wahab Riaz coming in instead of Yasir Arafat. Both of them could also be drafted into the XI if the selectors decide to include the other instead of Kamran Hussain.

Fawad Alam who has been in the squad for the last 3 ODIs has still not got a game and many people have criticized the fact that he has been in the squad for 2 years now and has only played 2 ODIs. The problem is that Fawad, being a spinner allrounder is a direct replacement of skipper Malik and Afridi, neither of whom can be replaced at the moment. Fawad cannot play instead of an opener nor can he replace one from the middle order. However, he is expected to play tomorrow with probably Afridi rested. I would rather rest Mohd. Yousuf as bringing in Fawad instead of a batsman brings more balance to the side who have thus far relied on only 5 bowlers, 1 of which is a part timer.

If I was chied selector, my XI for tomorrows game would be:

1. Nasir Jamshed
2. Khurram Manzoor
3. Younis Khan
4. Misbah ul Haq
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Fawad Alam
7. Shahid Afridi
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Kamran Hussain
10. Sohail Tanvir
11. Sohail Khan

However, I sense Sallu will instead go for Khalid in place of Khurram and Yousuf instead of Afridi. I hope he grants Sohail Khan a game as I have been dying to see him bowl. Lets wait and watch.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,


Saturday, January 26, 2008

Misbah Elevated, Shoaib Akhtar Relegated...


Posted by Q at Saturday, January 26, 2008 Pitched (8)
The test series of the decade is winding up in Adelaide and Shaun Pollock is playing his last ODI series in South Africa against a listless Windies. On top of that Adam Gilchrist, the greatest ever wicketkeeper batsman announced his retirement from all cricket at the end of the days play today. He's playing his last test at the moment and the CB ODI series will see him bow out of the game forever. The fact that he will retire as the keeper with the most dismissals in Tests and ODIs is only apt for a man of Gilchrists stature.

Now that I have briefly discussed the world news that has been doing the rounds I'll move to the news from the cricket world in Pakistan, which has taken a back stage owing to the excitement generated by the IPL and the Adelaide test.

PCB's governing board made two huge decisions yesterday, which will mark out the path that the Pakistan cricket team will follow during the rest of 2008.

Firstly they decided to appoint Misbah ul Haq as the Vice Captain of the team. This is a great decision IMO due to several reasons.
For one Misbah has cemented his place in the XI in all forms of the game. Secondly, on current form, he is definitely Pakistan's best batsman. He has a sound head on his shoulders and has ample captaincy experience which runs over 7 years with Faisalabad. He is not fighting for his place in the team and being a permanent member, the Vice Captaincy will only add to his confidence. He shares a very good relationship with skipper Malik and has been very much part of the senior think tank along with Yousuf, Younis, and Afridi.

The Vice Captaincy has been juggled around for the last year since Malik became captain. From Asif, to Butt, to Younis. Finally it is with someone who is not continuously fighting injury, trying to cement his place in the XI, or trying to decide whether he wants to be captain or not.
The other decision that the board took is a very controversial one IMO. Shoaib Akhtar's central contract was cancelled and he was relegated to a retainership decreasing his monthly earning from Rs 200,000 to Rs 75,000. I heard that Talat Ali gave a very negative report regarding Shoaib in his manager's report for the tour of India. On the other hand, Lawson apparently gave very positive reviews on him. The PCB has publicly stated that they have had enough of Shoaib.

But do they not realise that without him Pakistan's bowling looks toothless. The Zimbos have treated Pakistan's new ball attack comprising of Tanvir, Samiullah, and Rao like club bowlers. Samiullah who made his debut in the 1st ODI has already been dropped after 2 very poor peformances giving away 6 runs an over in his 20 overs without picking up a wicket. Rao has looked aimless and I still don't understand how he has managed to play ODI cricket for Pakistan for 2 years now. Sohail Tanvir is promising but he is a support bowler at best coming in at 1st change after the likes of Shoaib, Asif, and Gul.

With the latter 2 injured were the PCB wise to cancel Shoaib's central contract and treat him like a fringe player? What exactly do they hold against him? That he is pursuing a bolly career? That he is injured too often? Or that he doesn't show commitment to the team's cause? In the tests against India, Shoaib looked like the only Pakistani bowler who was playing.

Sadly, I think this decision by the board has numbered Shoaib's cricket career. Being the egoistic maniac that Shoaib is, he will not take this lightly. I haven't heard of a reaction yet but it will come soon and I wont be surprised if he doesn't play for Pakistan again.

On a brighter note, Sohail Khan, Pakistan's latest pace sensation is all set to make his debut against the Zimbos in the 3rd ODI tomorrow. He has replaced Samiullah in the squad and will be sharing the new ball in the morning with his namesake Sohail Tanvir. I hope he can transform his domestic success into the international arena and I hope he can spearhead Pakistan's pace attack for a long long time. Maybe then I won't miss Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

Khalid Latif was also drafted into the squad for the 3rd ODI but I'm not sure if he will be playing tomorrow. Nasir Jamshed has done very well scoring 61 and 74 in the 2 ODIs and Salman Butt seems to be a management favourite to be dropped despite 2 failures. Lets wait and watch if Pakistan gives another opener a try.

I expect the same team to play with Sohail Khan instead of Samiullah, although I hope that Rao is dropped as well and Yasir Arafat given a game.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Demise of Pace and Changing of the Guard in Pakistan Cricket.


Posted by Q at Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Pitched (8)
As many as eight 50s were scored in the 1st ODI between Pakistan and the Zimbos. Thats an ODI record. The 5 half centuries in Pakistan's innings is also a record. This doesn't say much about the batting but actually highlights the low quality of the bowling that was on display.

Debutant Samiullah Niazi went for 6 runs an over and was treated like a club bowler by Vusi Sibanda and the other Zimbos. Opener Sibanda hit as many as 11 boundaries in his innings of 59 against a Pakistani new ball attack - even half as many boundaries would have been a far fetch for him had Pakistan's 1st choice (Asif, Gul, Sohail Khan) been fit.

At the post match ceremony Prosper Utseya, the Zimbo captain, said that he thought 300 was a chaseable target if they had managed to restrict Pakistan to that. With the Paki attack that was on display today, I don't doubt him. The stronger teams would be licking their lips at the prospect of facing these bowlers from Pakistan. Is this the same country that in the past produced some of the best pacers in the world!

Where have the Wasims, Waqars, Shoaibs, Imrans, and Razzaks disappeared? It has always been the bowlers who have won Pakistan matches. The decline in the pace battery has been the key reason behind Pakistan cricket's recent demise. Pakistan will not return to its winning ways against stronger opposition unless quality pacemen emerge or come back from injury.

The 3 pacers that Pakistan played today gave away 126 runs in 22 overs and took 2 wickets. Against a team like Zimbabwe that is hardly flattering.

The other debutant, Nasir Jamshed, had a promising start to his international career. He played with a lot of aggro and showed that he possesses all the shots in the book. But then there have been too many 18 year old openeres who have impressed in their initial outings before returning to the jungles around Pakistan. Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Hameed all fall in that category. I hope that Nasir doesn't follow the same route.

Finally a word on the most important story from the match - the possible changing of the guard in Pakistan cricket. The XI that played today was the same XI that the chief selector had wanted but the captain did not. I had written about that in my previous post. Historically the captain and senior players in Pakistan have always had more power than the cricket board, however this incident might be what I call the changing of the guard with the power shifting to the PCB.

The current captain is no Imran, Wasim, Waqar, or Inzi, thus it it is very possible that he has no option but to do as the PCB tells him to. That is exactly why Younis Khan is not captain today.

If this can prevail I think it will go a long way in improving the state of Pakistan cricket. Player power has been a grave concern in Pakistan cricket since I've followed it. If the current PCB management is able to cure this cancer with a young captain and team, it will only provide positive results in the future.

I hope my observation is accurate and I hope our young captain remains the modest man he is and isn't affected by the root cause of all evil in Pakistan - power!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , ,


Monday, January 21, 2008

The Promise of Better Results


Posted by NAzhar at Monday, January 21, 2008 Pitched (10)
Pakistan and Zimbabwae ODI series has started. The Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has promised better results. Frankly, I do not understand what he is trying to say. Is he implying that Pakistan will do better than the 2-3 performance in India? Or perhaps he is saying that Pakistan will do better than they have been doing in the past in general?

Honestly, this is a ridiculous statement to make. Anything less than a 5-0 result will be a disappointing result for the home side. Even a 5-0 result would not be something to celebrate. This series should be used by the home side to try some youngsters and give them sort of a cricket entrance test to see if there is any potential. Hopefully, we will see the team selections in the ODIs to reflect this strategy.

Historically, however, we have a habit of making meaningless and trivial victories and treating them as pivotal turning points in Pakistan cricket. We did this after the last World Cup when we beat Sri Lanka in an ODI series in which Sri Lanka played their 'C' team and we hailed that as a momentous victory that reflected reversal of our cricket fortunes and thats what continued the troubles in Pakistan cricket. We need to learn that winning and losing is important but not the end all; you need to see what the situation, opponent and skill level of the opponent is. It is my hope that we do not treat a victory in the ODI series versus Zimbabwae as nothing more than just uncovering some 'potential' talent. But I think our press, public and the players themselves are going to hail this as an impressive and awesome victory!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , ,


Sunday, January 20, 2008

Who Will Open for Pakistan?


Posted by Q at Sunday, January 20, 2008 Pitched (6)
Pakistan's squad for the first 2 ODIs against Zimbabwe was announced over the weekend.

I was disappointed not to see Sohail Khan in it. Initially I thought that the selectors had made a blunder but the next day reports of an elbow problem did the rounds. Apparently the problem is not when he bowls - he hurls the ball down at 85mph. The problem is with throwing the ball, which he cannot do due to an elbow injury. Pakistan's newest pace prospect is out with an elbow injury even before playing an international game. I remember AMKs comment when I did a post on Sohail Khan - didn't take long for him to break down did it?

The uncapped 18 year old Nasir Jamshed beat Kalid Latif and Khurram Manzoor to the opener's slot due to his magnificant 182 in the 4-day practice game against the Zimbos. The selectors are keen to have him open the innings with Salman Butt but I hear that Shoaib Malik wants Kamran Akmal to open.

I don't know why Kamran Akmal is in the squad in the first place. Sarfraz Ahmed is in the squad as well but apparently as an understudy. 2 wicket keepers in a squad of 15 for the first 2 ODIs? It doesn't make sense to me. Sarfraz should play all 5 matches.

I don't like makeshift openers and Akmal is just that. He should be on the bench.

The reason Malik wants him to open is so that he could play an extra bowler, which only shows how much confidence Malik has in his own ability as a bowler. According to the reports I've read the selectors would like to play the following team:

1. Salman Butt
2. Nasir Jamshed
3. Younis Khan
4. Mohd Yousuf
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Misbah ul Haq
7. Shahid Afridi
8. Kamran Akmal
9. Sohail Tanvir
10. Rao Iftikhar
11. Samiullah Niazi

Shoaib Malik on the other hand wants Kamran Akmal to open and either of Fawad Alam and Yasir Arafat to play instead of Nasir. Alam, a top order batsman and a left arm spinnner, and Yasir Arafat, a fast bowler who can bat a bit, are both ideal for the ODI game. Both deserve a place in the team but not instead of a specialist opener.

The selectors along with Malik and Lawson will be sitting down today to decide on the final XI. Lets see whose vote prevails - Malik's or the selectors.

If I were chairing that meeting I would ask Malik to open with Nasir, drop Butt, and play Alam or Arafat instead of him. Malik is not a make shift opener. He has done it for Pakistan, Sialkot, and PIA before. All his ODI hundred have come from that position too. Why he has moved down from even the number 3 position since becoming captain is anybody's guess.

Sadly I am not Chairman of Selectors for the PCB.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , ,


Thursday, January 17, 2008

Stranger Days...


Posted by Q at Thursday, January 17, 2008 Pitched (2)
The rains in Dubai finally stopped yesterday after 5 continuous days of downpour. I thought those were the strangest days ever as it hardly rains in this part of the world. But then Matthew Hayden missed a test match after 7 years. That was stranger. He played 80 odd test matches on the trot - Gilly I think has played close to a 100 on the trot. What do these Aussies smoke?

Rahul Dravid moved back to his favorite position and got out in the 90s playing an unlike-wall type of stroke. Strange? Not more than Matty Hayden missing a test. What was though was the Aussies going into the test with 4 fast bowlers after 16 years. What is this? A week for records?

Hogg and Harbhajan, the 2 spinners who were trying to be thrown out of the 3rd test due to appeals for bans by the opposing teams were dropped from the line up. What was all the fuss about during last week. I doubt anything was stranger than that.

An 18 year old Pakistani opener hit 182 against the Zimbos in a practice match. Thats not strange, Rameez Raja's great granny could have done that.

Shoaib Malik said he may sit out a few ODIs due to the ankle injury. Media reported Younis Khan will captain. Nasim Ashraf said its all speculation till we announce the team. Meda said Younis Khan will not captain. Afridi said he would not say no if he was asked to captain. Media reported Afridi as likely candidate and Misah as dark horse for ODI captaincy. Nasim Ashraf requested for the speculation to stop. Shoaib Malik said he's fit and ready to captain. Strange? Nah just Pakistan cricket!

Shane Warne announced that he is becoming a poker professional! He wil be touring the US and many other places to take part in professional poker tournaments. And what more he says that cricket and poker are very similar. Always knew he linked betting to cricket! And I thought he just gave a weather forecast to the bookie man. Strange? Definitely. After phone sex, drugs, affairs, and match fixing charges; add gambling to the list as well.

Nasser Hussain asked the English cricketers to toughen up as they had gone soft. Not strange, typical English.

Ian Chappel claimed he's not exactly best friends with Geoff Boycott. Aussies not liking the English is not strange at all.

An unnamed PCB official leaked to the media that Shoaib Akhtar's days as a Pakistani cricketer are over. Again hardly strange - these things have been said before.

So what do you think was the strangest cricketing story of the past few days? For me it was this morning. The Indians got to 330 on a 1st day Perth wicket and the Aussies were 4 down for 40 odd. It will be stranger if the Indians stop the Aussie's 16-match winning streak for the second time!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Clowns, Jokers, Puppets and the PCB.


Posted by Q at Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Pitched (3)
Shoaib Akhtar makes himself available for ODI series against Zimbabwe. Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul dropped from ODI squad to face Zimbabwe. Shoaib Akhtar asked to prove fitness by Cheif Selector. Shoaib says his aim is wickets and not bollywood. Nasim Ashraf asks Shoaib to choose between cricket and movies.

These are the headlines that have been doing the rounds in the Paki dailies for the past few days. Either the Paki media has been taking "Sensationalizing News 101" from their Indian neighbors or the PCB has been doing what they do best - acting as clowns.

Shoaib Akhtar seems to be the centre of controversy as always and despite Ottayan thinking that I'm jumping to his defense again, I'll just say that I'm telling it as it is. Both Ottayan and Soulberry and other bloggers know that I have been claiming for well over a month now that a 2nd string Pakistan team is going to play the ODIs against the Zimbos. This is what the PCB insiders had been talking about since the Zimbabwe series was announced early December. Shoaib, Gul, Asif, Akmal, Yousuf, Younis were all going to be rested / rotated.

In my view Shoaib and Gul were not going to feature in the series whether they were fit or not. Thus all the news reports claiming that the 2 have been dropped are just ridiculous. I also think that it was plain stupid of Shoaib Akhtar to come out and say that he was available for the series when he should have known better that the selectors were going to try out some new bowlers. Did the PCB not tell you that Shoaib? I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't. Or are you just trying to stay in the headlines? Again I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

My other problem is with the the Chief Selector, Sallu Saahib. For months he has been claiming that he will be trying out Pakistan's bench against the Zimbos and the moment he announces the squad he says that Shoaib and Gul have been dropped cause they have not proved their fitness. Stick to your statements Sallu Jee. You always knew that you were never going to pick Shoaib; so why are you creating controversies by asking him to play domestic cricket to prove his fitness? Especially when the next set of domestic matches start only after the ODIs against the Zimbos are over! How do you expect Shoaib to prove his fitness?

Moreover, if you are saying that he has been dropped cause he hasn't proven that he is fit then why is the other Shoaib, the skipper, in the squad? Didn't he miss the tests against India cause of an ankle injury? He hasn't played any domestic cricket since the India tour, so how did he prove his fitness to you? Same goes for Mohammad Yousuf - he has not played since the India tour so how do you know that he is fit? Shoaib Akhtar played the last test against India as did Yousuf. Shoaib was busy trying to build his future in Bollywood while Yousuf was away preaching religion. One finds himself in the squad and the other out of it - what is your criteria?

The latest in the acts of stupidity by the PCB is the comment made by their boss, Nasim Ashraf. What is the point of you, Mr. Ashraf, asking Shoaib to choose between Bollywood and Cricket? It is obvious to me that cricket is his current priority, while bollywood his future. Shoaib has not signed any movie, he rejected one 2 years ago so that he could concentrate on his cricket career, and he has even made himself available for Pakistan duty. So how can you ask him to choose when his choice is clear?

It should not be a problem to anyone if Shoaib meets some producers to discuss his future. He hasn't even signed a movie that will keep him away from cricket. So what exactly is your problem with him Mr. Ashraf? Shouldn't you be asking him to choose between his night life and cricket cause that is what effects his performance and not a meeting with a Bollywood producer? Will you ask Mohammad Yousuf to choose between preaching and playing cricket?

Atapattu made a comment about the Lankan selectors being puppets headed by a joker or something to that effect. I believe the PCB falls in the same category. Or rather a bunch of old clowns, headed by a retired circus joker, and overseen by the president's puppet.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , ,


Sunday, January 13, 2008

Pakistan's Bench.


Posted by Q at Sunday, January 13, 2008 Pitched (3)
What has been surprising about the current domestic season in Pakistan, has been the number of openers that have excelled. Majority of the leading batsmen this season has been openers or number 3s and all of them have been included in the squad for the 4-day game against Zimbabwe.


Khurram Manzoor
The only player to score over a 1,000 runs this season. 1,025 runs in 12 matches at an average of 54 with 3 centuries and 4 fifities. The 21 year old PIA opener was this season's most succesful batsman. He has been around the domestic scene for 4 years now and looks set to be tried out as opener against the Zimbos. He has been included in the patron's squad for the 4-day game.

Shoaib KhanThe 22 year old opener from Quetta amassed 884 runs in 10 matches at an average of 52 with 3 100s and as many 50s. He would feel harshly treated as he has not been included in the squad for the pratice match despite being the 3rd highest scorer of the domestic season. He should get a game against the Zimbos.

Umar Akmal
The 17 year old brother of national wicket keeper Kamran Akmal has been one of the most succesful batsmen this season. He notched up 855 runs in 10 matches at an average of 78. In his debut first class season, the boy posted a 248 and an unbeaten 186. In addition he scored 4 half centuries batting at number 3 for the domestic champions SNG. Umar has not been named in the squad for the 4-day match and he probably will not be granted a match in the ODI series as he was named in the u-19 squads for the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the World Cup in Malaysia. But one for the future. He's touted as the most talented batsmen out of the Akmal brothers and he showed his potential this season.

Nasir Jamshed
The 18 year old left handed batsman scored 800 runs while opening for National Bank of Pakistan in 10 matches at an average of 53. Knocked 3 centuries and 2 half centuries. He has been included in the squad for the 4-day practice match.

Afaq RaheemAnother opener, he scored 801 runs this season with the help of 2 centuries and a fifty at an average of 47. He has also been included in the squad for the 4-day match.

Khalid Latif
The 22 year old, former U-19 world cup winning captain, had his most succesful first class season where he scored 633 runs in 10 matches at an average of 37. There were more succesful batsmen than him on the domestic scene but he has impressed the selectors with his strokeplay during the 3 centuries he scored this season. Also an opener, he is expected to open in the ODIs against Zimbabwe. Also included in the squad for the 4-day practice match.

Considering that so many openers created an impression during the current domestic season, I wonder what happens to all of them after their international debuts.

There were a number of pace bowlers who caught the selectors' eye this season and leading the pack was none other than Sohail Khan. I have already done a post on him in detail and I'll say it again that its been a long time since a fast bowler has risen to fame so quickly in Pakistan. There were some other bowlers as well who did extremely well.


Wahab Riaz
The 22 year old right arm fast bowler was the 2nd highest wicket taker this season with 51 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17. He had the best average during the season and picked up 4 five wicket hauls and 1 10 wicket haul. He will be sharing the new ball with Sohail Khan in the 4-day game.


Rauf Akbar
with 48 wickets he was the leading bowler behind Sohail and Wahab. At 30, it doesn't look like te right arm medium pacer will be granted a chance in the ODIs but he has the chance to impress the selectors further in the 4-day game.


I believe the selectors stopped there as the next 2 fast bowlers on the list with 46 wickets apiece, Samiullah Khan and Junaid Zia, have not been included in the squad for the 4-day game. They probably will not get a game in the ODIs either with Sohail Tanvir, Yasser Arafat, and Rao Iftikhar expected to share the new ball along with Sohail Khan.


The other players to make the Patron's XI squad are Naumanullah, Kamran Hussain, Rizwan Ahmed, and Yasir Shah. Naumanullah was the 2nd highest run scorer in the domestic competition and has duly earned his place in the practice game, however at 32 and having played first class cricket for the last 11 seasons, his best years are behind him. Or can he do a Misbah?


Kamran Hussain is a 30 year old allrounder who opens the batting and bowls medium pace. He has also been around for a long time and had a failry successful domestic season scoring 568 runs at 38 and picking up 35 wickets at 18. I oubt he would get an ODI as the allrounders are aplenty with skipper Malik, Afridi, and Fawad Alam in the ranks. Rizwan Ahmed and Yasir Shah are unknowns and are probably there to make up the 14 member Patrons XI squad. The former is a middle order batsman, while the other is a left arm spinner. Don't expect them to play much.


With hardly any middle order batsmen being tried out in the 4-day game, its quite apparent that Pakistan are set to try out new openers against Zimbabwe. Khurram Manzoor and Khalid Latif seem to be the favorites at the moment but performances in the 4-day game will probably count. Pakistan is expected to announce their squad on the 16th and I expect both these plyers along with one from Nasir Jamshed and Afaq Raheem making it. Shoaib Khan will feel hard done by but then how many openers can you fit in? I also don't expect two new opener playing each game with Salman Butt holding on to one position and other being rotated. Fawad Alam is expected to get more games so expect Younis and Yousuf to be rotated in the ODIs as well. Kamran Akmal is expected to sit out with Sarfraz Ahmed taking the duties behing the stumps.


I would see the following XI with rotation playing in the 5 ODIs against the Zimbos.


1. Salman Butt
2. Khurram Manzoor / Khalid Latif
3. Mohammad Yousuf / Younis Khan
4. Misbah ul Haq
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Fawad Alam
7. Shahid Afridi
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Yasir Arafat
10. Sohail Tanvir / Rao Ifitikhar
11. Sohail Khan / Wahab Riaz

That should make up the 15 member ODI squad with either of Yasir Hameed, Nasir Jamshed, and Afaq Rahim coming in as the 16th member if the selectors go in with a 16 member one. Lets see how much the selectors agree with me.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: ,


Zimbos Arrive..


Posted by Q at Sunday, January 13, 2008 No Comments
In the final of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy that I mentioned in my previous post, SNG won the domestic title due to their first innings lead in a drawn match. What stood out was Misbah-ul-Haq's 161 in the 2nd innings - The man has carried his international form on to the domestic scene. I don't remember any of Pakistan's key batsmen who have done that in the past. How many times have you seen an Inzamam or a Mohd Yousuf or a Younis Khan score a big 100 for their domestic team?

The Zimbabweans landed in Pakistan yesterday with their captain, Prosper Utseya, claiming that they are capable of beating any team. After what the Irish did to the Pakistanis, it makes even the Zimbos confident. Have they forgotten that they just lost to the 3rd worst ODI team 4-1 recently? Surely the Pakis are not at their strongest currently but anything less than a 5-0 sweep in the ODIs would be unacceptable.

The tour kicks off tomorrow with a 4-day game against a Patrons XI, which will be led by Shahid Afridi and includes a number of players who have done well in the current domestic season as well as internationals Fawad Alam and Sarfraz Ahmed. Someone please explain the point of a 4-day practice game for a 5 match ODI series? I would have liked 2 or 3 ODIs instead as It would have given the Zimbos proper practice for the series as well as given the PCB a chance to test more players.

Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that he is ready to play but I doubt he will get more than 1 game as the PCB intends to try out their 2nd string pace attack especially with Asif and Gul still injured. Pakistan is also expected to test several openers who have done well on the domestic circuit and there have been many of them.

Watch this space for my next post, in which I'll briefly tell you about the new players that Pakistan is expected try out against Zimbabwe.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , ,


Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)