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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Childhood Heroes of My Generation

Childhood Heroes of My Generation

1. Jahangir Khan

Squash is not our national sport, but Pakistan was once identified by this game all over the world. We have ruled the globe since the 1950s, beginning with the success of Hashim Khan to Jansher Khan in the 1990s.

The period from 1981 to 1996 was the era of unparalleled Pakistani supremacy, in which Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan ruled the world of squash and won almost every title. No one even came close to dethroning them. When I was growing up, Jahangir Khan was the man I adored the most because he made my country proud.

Jahangir Khan was born in Karachi in 1963, though his father, Roshan Khan, a 1957 British Open champion, belonged to Nawan Kili (or Nawakille), Peshawar. In his early days, he was so lean and physically prone to illness that doctors advised his father not to let him play.

At the tender age of 15, he won the World Amateur Tournament after being ignored for the World Championship as the selectors deemed him physically too frail to play at the highest level.

The death of his elder brother, Torsam Khan, a renowned squash player, broke his ambitions to play, but later, motivated by his father, he decided to make a name for himself in the game as a tribute to him.

Australia's Geoff Hunt was the champion player at that time. Jahangir Khan stunned the world by beating him at the 1981 World Open to become its youngest ever champion.

Jonah Barrington, a squash legend, had predicted that Jahangir would win the World Open by the age of 21. So he was only partially right, as Jahangir defeated his prophecy by four years. Quite remarkably, he had improved his world ranking from 26 to number 1 in just over a year and a half at the tender age of 17.

Under the coaching of Rehmat Khan, his lean body was turned into a steel frame with immense bodily stamina and mental toughness that were unmatched in that era.

With this win, an unprecedented epoch of dominance began for Jahangir, in which he remained unbeaten for five years and eight months, winning 555 matches in a row.

Ross Norman ended that era in the 1986 World Open final. He had waited for five long years in the hope that Jahangir would be below par one day.

Jahangir also participated in the hardball version of the game played in North American continent. He shone there as well, so much so that the hardball game eventually died, being replaced by the original softball version.

Then the world saw one of the greatest rivalries of the game. Another squash wonder boy emerged from the same village, Nawan Kili, and challenged Jahangir’s dominance. Jansher Khan initially was beaten by the original Khan, but in 1987, he defeated him nine times in a row, including the World Open.

Both players then shared the world titles between them until the end of the decade. Jahangir Khan won the World Open six times and the most coveted British Open, a record uninterrupted 10 times from 1982 to 1991.

All this was achieved through sheer hard work and determination. After waking up at five, he toiled at the gym, then used to run miles and then train in the court for hours. 

His technique was to sap his rivals mentally and physically with a clever waiting game using long rallies, and then either a cross-court thump or a deadly drop shot from deep in the court deceived his opponents all ends up. No wonder he was Muhammad Ali of the ball game.

Win or lose, he remained a humble gentleman throughout his career. As a result, he had more allies than haters.

He retired after winning the World Team Championship in Karachi for Pakistan in 1993. 

After quitting the game, he served as elected chairman of the Professional Squash Association and later as vice president of the Pakistan Squash Federation. He was twice elected president of the World Squash Federation, in 2002 and 2004.

He was given several awards by the Pakistani government, including Pride of Performance, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and the title of Sportsman of the Millennium. Jahangir Khan was named by Time Magazine as one of Asia's heroes in the last 60 years. A sports and youth award was granted to him by France in 1990. 

He is also in the Guinness Book of World Records for his amazing record of successive wins. He was conferred an honorary PhD from the London Metropolitan University in 2007. 

He was awarded the "lifetime achievement award” as well as the “hall of fame” by the World Squash Federation in 1993.

The great Khan was also voted the greatest ever male player by the World Squash Federation in 2002 through a poll. He is called, and rightly so, the king of squash.

Nicknamed ‘The Conqueror,” he truly is a reflection of his name, Jahangir, which means master of the world. 

I personally met him at the 17th World Open, which was held in my hometown of Wah Cantt in 1993, and found him to be a very nice and down-to-earth man. I proudly hold his autograph in my collection.

Jahangir Khan is truly a living legend, a true Pashtun, a real patriot, and a role model for every sportsman in the world. He showed us how we can achieve success through sheer hard work if we are sincere and passionate about our goal. In my opinion, he is the best-ever athlete born in Asia.

Long live Jahangir Khan!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

New India Too Strong For New Zealand

First One Day International – Post Match Review


After the white wash at the hands of Bangladesh in the ODIs New Zealand has shown tremendous character during the 1-0 loss to India in the 3-test series. Coming into first match of the ODI series they lost their skipper Daniel Vettori through a minor injury while Gautam Gambhir was captaining his country for the first time.  Stand-in captain Ross Taylor won the toss for New Zealand and elected to bowl first in a hope to get advantage of early moisture in the wicket.

Gambhir and Murali Vijay started cautiously but soon got measure of the wicket and increased the run rate to above run a ball. Both laid a solid foundation of 44 runs in 7 overs but departed after getting in. Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh joined hands at 92 for two in the 16th over and gave India the partnership which would decide the out come of the match. With senior men like Sehwag, Tendulkar and Dhoni not playing onus was obviously on these two and the man to come, Suresh Raina. Kohli continued his dominant form of the year in which he has been the leading run getter for India. Yuvraj was out done by a Tuffey out-swinger at 179 in the 35th over. He made 42 off 64 balls, a patient knock by his standards. It was a crucial breakthrough as wicket started to slow down and run scoring was not easy from the outset. Raina did not last long.

Kohli continued to bat fluently and cut, drove and occasionally pulled his way to a run-a-ball century. It was his second consecutive hundred. He was eventually out caught off a slow bouncer by Andy McKay after making 105 off 104 balls including 10 boundaries. The come-back boy Yusuf Pathan threatened for a while but fell to a full toss off Mills after making a quick-fire 29 in 19 balls with 3 fours and a six. India was all out for 276 in 49 overs. Andy McKay took 4 and Kyle Mills 3 wickets. They could have made over 300 runs easily but credit to New Zealand bowlers and fielders who restricted them to a manageable target.

New Zealand needed a solid start but Jamie How got out early after mistiming a pull off Nehra in the 7th over. New batting prodigy Kane Williamson joined Martin Guptill at the crease and both slowly started laying a foundation for the coming batsmen. Despite having a reprieve Guptill could not go on for a big score and was lured into a lofting shot by Ashwin and was caught at mid on. He made 37 and in came Ross Taylor to resurrect the innings once again. To keep the asking rate under check Taylor opened up a bit and hit two sixes in Yusuf Pathan’s 1st over. Both shared 67 runs for the third wicket before Williamson was caught at the wicket off Yuvraj for a slow 25 runs.

At the half-way stage they still required 164 runs at 6.6 to the over. Some impetus was needed and Scot Styris was definitely capable of it. Meanwhile Taylor brought up his 50 off just 58 balls and was looking set to get his team to the target. But then came a mini-collapse for New Zealand which turned into a disaster when Ross Taylor too departed after making 66 trying to hit a second successive six of Ashwin.  New Zealand ware reduced to 157 for 7 in the 34th over. It soon became 169 for 8 with 107 runs required off 87 balls. Barring a herculean effort from some one it was a difficult task for them now.

With defeat looming nonetheless Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills went for their shots to try their luck.  Both by batting brilliantly got close enough to make things interesting. Gambhir clearly wore a worried look on his face when they got within 40 runs of the target in the last five overs. But he himself took a stunner of a catch to get rid of McCullum and wiped-off this last New Zealand resistance. It was all over when Sreesanth got last man Mills the very next ball. They were all out for 236 handing India an easy victory by 40 runs. McCullum and Mills made 35 and 32 runs respectively. Sreesanth, Ashwin and Yuvraj took 3 wickets each. Virat Kohli was named player of the match for his ton. With India 1-0 up New Zealand has a task ahead.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Lingering Legacy

Hopes after Green Shirts’ Daring Display at the XVI Asiad

Field Hockey is Pakistan’s national sport. We have a proud tradition in hockey since independence. Apart from introducing some of the best players to the world of hockey we have given new ideas and innovations to the world governing body, International Hockey Federation (FIH). Like all other sports hockey is on a steady decline in Pakistan. We last won a major tournament way back in 1994 when we lifted the world cup in Sydney, Australia. Now having won the Asian Games Gold in Guangzhou can we hope for a revival in hockey and its bequest?

In the latest hockey rankings released in August 2010, Pakistan was placed in 8th position just behind New Zealand and one place above India. Under the tenure of current president PHF (Pakistan Hockey federation) Qasim Zia, a former Olympian and a leading Pakistan peoples’ party politician hockey declined steeply and every one lost hope of its revival in the near future. Constant changes in the team management, corruption, shoddy selection policy and poor performance of the team meant some miracle was required to put the things back in place.  The secretary Asif Bajwa was particularly under the scanner of former players, media and public for undue indulgence in selection matters and allegations of financial mismanagement.

After Pakistan finished last in a disgraceful manner in the twelfth Hockey World Cup in Delhi. The whole team management was sacked but Bajwa remained untouched. All the team members stunned every one by announcing retirement after the humiliation. PHF started looking for a foreign coach and requested the players to carry on. Due to uncertain security situation hiring a foreign coach was a difficult task. Eventually a deal was struck with a Dutch Michael van den Heuvel for a hefty amount in Euros.

In a controversial manner the Dutch coach made the PHF accept his demand that the training camp for the Commonwealth and Asian Games should be held in the Netherlands. Pakistan finished poor sixth in the Commonwealth games in New Delhi, India. The Dutch coach immediately was under severe criticism and almost all the foreign greats slammed his appointment and his decision to hold the camp in his native country. In this background and atmosphere Pakistan departed for China to participate in the Asian Games. Veteran and record goal scorer Sohail Abbas was recalled in a bid to improve chances for a medal.

Pakistan trounced Hong Kong, Japan and Bangladesh in the pool matches but lost a nerve-wrecking close battle to India 2-3. It was their third successive defeat at the hands of the arch enemy. Pakistan faced the defending champions South Korea in the first semi-final. It was a tough match and Pakistan was the second favorite. Pakistan always plays well in china and with a gold medal in sights played like cornered tigers. Pakistan was put in to lead by Waqas Muhammad in the 22nd minute and ended half at 1-0. Kang Moon-Kyu drew level just after four minutes into the second half. Both teams tried their level best to score and seal the win but match ended 1-1. Extra time passed without a goal being scored. Pakistani defense played brilliantly and goal keeper Salman Akbar made some strong saves. Initial penalty shout-outs remained inconclusive at 3-3 and tensions mounted before sudden death penalty shots. The crowd was vociferous and TV audience in Pakistan was eagerly glued to their TV sets. Sohail Abbas of all people missed his shot but Jang Jong-hyun also saw his shot saved by Akbar. Haseem Khan put the ball in the post to put Pakistan 4-3 ahead. It was all resting on the shoulders of keeper Salman Akbar very much reminiscent of Sydney World Cup, 1994 where Mansoor Ahmad had saved the last penalty shot to win the world cup against the Dutch. Ang Jong-ho pushed the ball but it was not forceful and Salman Akbar was up to it. Pakistan had reached the finals. Every one in Pakistan was over-joyed and hopes for a gold medal became realistic.

An India Pakistan final was expected and there was an opportunity to avenge the previous defeats. But in a shock display India was eliminated by rampaging Malaysians who booked a date with Pakistan for their first ever final at the games. In the final Pakistan was all over Malaysia and scored through Sohail’s penalty corner in the first half. Rehan Butt virtually sealed the win by scoring off a cross from Shafiq Rasool. Malaysians missed many penalty corners and tried their best to score but it remained 2-0 till the final whistle. Players and officials burst in to delight when the match ended with many offering sajda thanking the Almighty.

Fans back home as well as hockey fraternity was all praise for the team. Former players congratulated and admired the players but stopped short of acknowledging the role played by Michael van den Heuvel. Soon they may realize that it was a right decision to appoint a foreign coach to bring new ideas in our hockey. There is a renewed hope for a hockey revival and surge in its popularity. This win should make the administrators work hard even more rather than sitting back and exploiting it for their political and monetary benefits. I hope the fans and the media will keep a close watch to ensure that.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Gratifying Draw for Pakistan

Pakistan vs. South Africa – Second Test Match Review
 
 
After drawing the first test bravely Pakistan came into the second and last test match of the series with an expectation of winning rather than just competing with South Africa. A win here would have meant first series triumph since 2006 and more significantly would have put back the bitter memories of recent controversies including the match-fixing saga.

Day 1

Pakistan won the toss and contrary to the general perception about the pitch put the Proteas in to bat. Misbah’s decision was a gamble based on the fact that pitch had enough juice to help the seamers early on. Pakistan went into the match with an extra seamer dropping Saeed Ajmal for Muhammad Sami. It was his 13th comeback having taken only 84 wickets in as many as 35 matches at 50.73 per wicket. Tanvir Ahmed after warming the bench for six months was at last given an opportunity to prove he can replicate his first-class form into the international arena at the age of 32 years. Once tipped as the next big thing Umar Akmal was dropped for his lack of form and temperament in favor of another debutant Asad Shafiq. South Africa made no changes.

Umar Gul started well and got an edge in the very first over off Graeme Smith which landed short of first slip. Debutant Tanvir shared the new ball and he was to make history soon. His 3rd delivery gave him his 1st test wicket when Petersen edged one to Misbah at first slip. His gesture was as if he was suggesting something to someone. One wonders to whom but he had become 6th bowler for Pakistan to take a wicket in his first over on debut. This was interestingly his 400th first-class wicket too. Next over he made a world record when on his 8th delivery he got Hashim Amla caught behind to take two wickets in his first two overs of test cricket. Amla clearly had missed the ball as the edge came off the thigh pad. Bad umpiring continued from the fist test and it was not the first howler of the day either. Two plumb LBWs and a clear nick evaded Umpires’ eyes and ears and reminded every one how badly UDRS was being missed.

Tanvir soon jumped in joy again in his sixth over as he got one to nip away from an extra careful Smith taking the edge and giving Tanvir his third wicket. What a start to the career for Tanvir! But that was it for Pakistan for almost the rest of the day as Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers launched a counter attack aided by ineffectiveness of Sami and flatness of the pitch as the early morning moisture dried away. Kallis was uncharacteristically scoring fast as de Villiers took time to settle. Kallis hit Abdur Rehman for two sixes either side of the lunch break and raced to his fifty in just 58 balls. After surviving a plumb LBW shout from Sami he continued in the same vein to complete his 37th hundred off 135 balls. He looked all set to go on and break his double century jinx this time. But Tanvir returned and got him played-on off a beauty that nipped back sharply from short of a length. Ashwell Prince joined de Villiers who was going briskly at the other end. De Villiers made his 11th century and was looking hungry for more. Despite the loss of Prince to a half-tracker from Hafeez South Africa continued to dominate Pakistan. Things were looking not too good for Pakistan at 311 for 5 at stumps on first day.

Day 2

Pakistan started the second day in a hope to get the remaining five wickets cheaply especially in unexpected overcast conditions early on. Half an hour passed safely before Boucher was castled by an Imranesque in-dipper from Tanvir which moved and seamed in so sharply that he was left completely bamboozled.  At 341 for 6 Pakistan had a chance to wrap up the tail but AB de Villiers was determined to not give Pakistan a taste of this batting paradise before burying them under a truck load of runs. Adnan Akmal made a mess of a chance offered by Botha off Sami who for a change was looking the most threatening of the bowlers on second day. With the tail de Villiers upped the tempo and raced towards his second double hundred. Botha, Steyn and Harris made solid contributions from the other end which helped de Villiers play fearlessly.

At 477 for 9 he started playing as if power-play was on and for the last wicket with Morne Morkel added 107 runs in 13.4 overs. This is the new 10th wicket partnership record for South Africa in tests. After getting past his highest individual score of 217 he took 17 runs off an Abdur Rehman over with two huge sixes. He gave a difficult chance on 248 at deep midwicket but raced to become the highest individual scorer for South African in tests surpassing his captain Graeme Smith’s 277. Amid applause and expectations of a triple century Smith declared the innings at 584 for 9. de Villiers remained not out on a glorious 278 and Morkel on quick-fire 35. He left the field happily acknowledging that his captain wanted to have a go at the opposition in the dusk under tremendous psychological pressure. Imagine Tendulkar being deprived of a triple when 25 overs are still to play in the day! A huge controversy off-course would have resulted ensuring MS Dhoni was to be cursed for the rest of his life just like Imran Khan who had once declared when Javed Miandad was on 280. For Pakistan Tanvir took 6 for 120 the second best figures for a Pakistani bowler on debut.

Pakistan needed to bat normally without looking at the task ahead but lost a wicket in the very first over. Hafeez played across a Steyn delivery and umpire ‘unfortunately’ for Pakistan upheld the LBW shout. Azhar Ali joined Taufeeq Umar and looked set from the word go. He played more freely in this innings hitting a few good boundaries. One of his drives though cover was a treat to watch.  Both ended the day without further damage with him being on 34 and Taufeeq on 16. At 59 for one Pakistan was looking at a mountain to climb come the third day probably the defining day of the match.

Day 3

Third day was predictably the best day for batting and both overnight batsmen ensured that with sticky batting display. South Africa tried every thing to dislodge them but to no avail. Even Johan Botha reverted to his early state days by bowling seam up for his first spell. Azhar Ali cracked two delightful pull shots off Steyn when he tried to intimidate him too much. At 64 he gave a tough chance to de Villiers at backward short leg off Paul Harris who was given more overs today keeping in view the weakness of Pakistani batsmen against left arm spin. The pair had added 119 when Taufeeq holed out to Amla off Kallis mistiming a pull shot for a patient 43. Younis Khan joined Azhar and played safely till lunch. Younis however fell to Steyn as he tried another away from the body cover drive off a tempting off-side delivery one too many. Azhar Ali trying to repeat the same shot gave a loopy catch to Smith who gleefully accepted it in Steyn’s next over. Two quick and vital wickets suddenly opened the door for South Africa. Azhar made enterprising 90, his second nervous nineties dismissal.

Debutant Asad Shafiq and captain Misbah had a huge task ahead. They still needed 197 to avoid follow on. Misbah as usual started sedately but Asad played as if it was another match in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. He looked so assured at the crease especially against spin that Pakistan’s middle order problems seemed to have solved for the near future. A cracking cover drive by Asad off Morkel brought the 100 partnership and smiles in Pakistani camp. Asad was looking all set for a debut hundred barring a mistake. And he fell on 61 by making a mistake of playing a Harris delivery on front foot rather than waiting on it. He was snapped by Kallis in slips. Now the onus was solely on Misbah to save the follow-on for Pakistan by playing with the tail sensibly. Adnan Akmal probably playing his last test did not last long and perished after making 17. By the close Pakistan was on 317 for six with Misbah on 77 and Abdur Rehman yet to score. If Pakistan somehow could avert the follow-on the next day we would surely hope of carving out a draw from them.

Day 4

The penultimate day started dramatically. Misbah who looked so assured the previous day was hit plumb in front on the back pad on the very first ball from Dale Steyn. Suddenly it looked like Pakistan would collapse and South Africa would force the follow-on. But Pakistan found a far-fetched hero in Abdur Rehman who riding on luck stayed long enough to take Pakistan to a position of relative safety. Initially playing waiting game he put on a 36 runs crucial stand with enterprising Umar Gul. Then came the partnership which took Pakistan past the follow-on mark and then past 400 for the first time this year. With Tanvir he put on 59 runs in 18 overs. Tanvir fell soon after lunch having contributed significantly with the bat after grabbing a 6-for on debut. Abdur Rehman took Morkel on for three consecutive boundaries and in the process brought up his maiden test fifty. A valuable knock indeed. Pakistan was all out for 434, exactly 150 runs behind South Africa.

The Proteas had lost one opportunity to dent Pakistan but still they had other options. One was to play aggressively and declare before close of play to have a go at Pakistan for a few overs. And they started aggressively with Amla and Petersen. Graeme Smith had fractured his third metatarsal bone in his left hand and was not able to play. Both put on 81 runs in 15 overs before Petersen fell to the trap laid by Abdur Rehman giving a catch towards packed off side field. Expectedly de Villiers was promoted to continue in the same belligerent mode. At 113 Amla was comprehensively bowled by a classic left arm bowler’s delivery by the same bowler and he went shaking his head while the bowler was all joy. They slowed down considerably thereafter and reached 173 for 4 at close losing de Villiers to Abdur Rehman and Kallis to Hafeez in the process. With the lead at 323 the question for Smith was when to declare. In all possibility they would bat for some overs tomorrow but a great team would have declared by then as the ball had started turning and keeping low as well.

Day 5

Final day meant a lot for both teams. Pakistan had to show the world their dogged effort to save the previous match was not an aberration but a sign of rebirth as far as test cricket is concerned. On the other hand reputation was at stake for the Proteas. Despite playing on a docile track they were expected to win the series easily. Fearing that Pakistan may try to chase riding on someone’s individual brilliance they opted to continue batting towards safety before declaring. Umar Gul had Boucher played on in the second over to claim his first victim of the match. They declared after setting a target of 354 off 82 overs to Pakistan for an improbable win.

Pakistan openers started solidly and got to the lunch break safely and a draw seemed likely barring a collapse, a Pakistan specialty of late. Soon after lunch South Africa chose to go with twin spin attack and immediately got the reward. Pakistan lost three quick wickets on the same pre-lunch score of 66 including that of the man of crisis Younis Khan. Shivers ran down the spine of Pakistan camp and in came Misbah under pressure second game running to become the savior again. Along with dependable Azhar Ali he put his head down for the next 45 overs and sailed his team to safety. They answered every question asked by the Proteas bowlers and negated all tactics of their stand-in captain Jacques Kallis. Vultures around the bat, pleasantries from Steyn’s front and an occasional slip in concentration did not distract them from their job. Morkel induced an edge off Azhar’s bat which flew between Boucher and first slip but there were no drop catches this time from South Africa. When the mandatory overs started steam had evaporated from their bowlers and fielders were mentally and physically worn-out. Kallis offered, Misbah obliged and umpires called the match off. Pakistani players left the field heads high while South Africans might well have been still pondering about their spinners’ future and the pointless batting display of the last evening. Misbah made 58 his third consecutive fifty of the series and Azhar a patient 28 off 135 balls. Misbah had certainly redeemed himself. Kallis was named man of the match.

The match and the series ended in a tame draw leaving cricket pundits wondering what more needs to be done to make test cricket more purposeful, attractive and result-oriented. Sporting pitches, UDRS and colored clothing are a few points to look into. All in all it proved to be a successful series for Pakistan with renewed ambition and hope for a better test future and unearthing of two talented cricketers in Asad Shafiq and Tanvir Ahmed.

An AB de Villiers’s Archetype

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is a fast rising star in the strong South African batting line-up. At 26 and having played 62 test matches he has established himself as an attacking batsman providing an intimidating look to a solid middle-order. As a reliable wicket-keeper and an outstanding fielder he offers more options to his skipper and adds flavor to the Proteas team.
At Abu Dhabi in the second test against Pakistan he played a magnificent innings of 278 not out. It was his second double century and highest personal score. It was also the highest score by any batsman on a neutral venue. Although he was aided by some umpiring favors and flatness of the pitch and the Pakistani bowling, the way he applied initially and then imposed himself on the Pakistan team was a testament to his talent as well as mental toughness.
He began cautiously as Tanvir had caused havoc on his debut reducing South Africa to 33 for 3 after being put in to bat. Soon he found his groove and started timing a few shots to the boundary. In Kallis he found an astute and reliable partner and they both started resurrecting the innings. He completed his fifty by glancing Abdur Rehman for four. On 60 and 65 he survived two close LBW appeals off the bowling of the same bowler. After sensing that luck was on his side he opened his arms a bit and started using his feet more freely. A few overs later he added to the frustration of Abdur Rehman by lofting him over long on for six. While others played Tanvir with some restraint he carved out several cover drives for four off his bowling. While in the nervous nineties he became more sedate as Pakistan put pressure and bowled a tight off-stump line. But Gul gave him a huge respite by gifting him four over throws and helping him on to 99. Next ball he took a single and brought up his 11th century and first against Pakistan.
Job, for him, was not finished here. Like any good batsman he took a new guard and started again as if a new innings. Meanwhile South Africa had lost half their team at 268. On a wicket as placid as this they needed a big first innings score and AB had to ensure that by playing sensibly with the lower order. Initially he played normally but later he opened up and hit three delightful boundaries off Tanvir. In the one-nineties he did not waste any time and reached his double hundred with two consecutive boundaries off Gul separated by a wide ball. Celebration this time was that of a man who had done the job assigned to him with distinction. He played well not only himself but took others along as well  and put on decent partnerships of 73, 42 and 59 runs with Boucher, Botha and Steyn respectively taking his team to 477 for 9.
At this point playing with number eleven Morne Morkel he started to use the long handle. He showed his class as an all-round batsman by playing like the last overs of an ODI innings. He hit two towering sixes and collected 17 runs off an Abdur Rehman over. Although he was dropped again on 244 but it was too late for the opposition and he retaliated by hitting Hafeez for six the very next ball to go past 250. Morkel also played freely and they put on 107 off just 13 overs and four balls for the last wicket. AB was on course for a triple hundred as he was set at the crease like an immovable object and the bowlers deflated and out-classed. But his captain Graeme Smith decided to declare at 584 for 9 with AB on 278 not out to have a go at Pakistan openers in the wee hours.
Although many would argue that giving a few overs to AB would not have mattered as 25 overs were still left to play in the day but the Proteas we know always play to win. In the post match interview de Villiers reiterated that a win was all he wanted while playing for his team and he had no regrets for not being allowed to score triple century. It would have been a huge landmark as he would have been the first South African ever to score a triple. That being said this innings still would go in the record books as being one of the best for South Africa. AB de Villiers once said he wanted to be number one batsman in the world. Surely he has everything in him to achieve that one day.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Well Done Pakistan – Pakistan vs. South Africa 1st Test Review

Going into the test series Pakistan was never a threat for the mighty South African team who are ranked number two in the world in this format. In limited overs cricket Pakistan’s unpredictability gives them a chance every time they enter the field of play. But test cricket of late has not been their cup of tea. The betting scam, absence of four key test players through various reasons and having a new captain made them look vulnerable and many thought test series will be a walkover for the Proteas.

South Africa won the toss at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and opted to bat first. In the third over Umar Gull produced a beauty of a leg-cutter which Alviro Petersen guided in the hands of debutant Adnan Akmal only to be denied by a deaf and dumb Darrell Harper. UDRS was not available thanks to the ineptness of PCB who could not manage to bring it for the series. An early wicket would have instilled belief in the new-look bowling attack. Smith was also lucky early on when Adnan Akmal showed shades of his elder brother Kamran Akmal by missing a stumping opportunity and later Azhar Ali made a mess of a run-out chance too. Both added 153 for the first wicket before Petersen was caught off Abdur Rehman by Younis Khan of a free-to-hit delivery. Graeme Smith departed soon after bringing up his 22nd century when he was caught at the deep midwicket boundary by Taufeeq Umar off Wahab Riaz. The inform Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis looked like taking the game away from Pakistan on the very first day before Amla nicked a benign Wahab delivery behind to give the debutant Akmal his first test victim. Wahab Riaz soon left the field limping and Kallis ended the day unbeaten and threatening. Proteas finished on 311 for the loss of just 3 wickets at stumps.

Second day began while things were looking ominous for Pakistan but Umar Gull with his spell of 3 for 15 in eight overs aided ably by the two spinners pegged the Proteas back. They collapsed to 380 all-out having lost their last 7 wickets off just 73 runs. Pakistan started brilliantly with Hafeez continuing the ODI style of his batting and Taufeeq Umar looking solid against Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. They put on 105 in no time and it seemed Pakistan would get a decent first innings lead. Just before the stumps Pakistan lost both openers but Younis and Azhar Ali made sure Pakistan ends the day on a high note at 144 for 2.

After competing bravely so far Pakistan needed to bat solidly on the third day. Having negotiated the early moisture safely they collapsed from 172 for 2 to 248 all-out. It was a familiar story for Pakistan who have imploded on so many occasions in the last two years that a collapse is not a shocker for them any more. Both Hafeez and Azhar made fifties and Morkel took a 5-for.  A lead of 132 meant that Pakistan was chasing South Africa for the rest of the match unless they got the opposition blown away in the second innings. South Africa started solidly again and after losing both openers with 72 on the board Kallis and Amla carried them safely into the 4th day. South Africa ended the day with 139 for 2 with the lead already swelled up to 271.

On the 4th day Pakistan needed to repeat the performance of the 2nd day but South Africa ensured that they bat Pakistan out of the test match. With Wahab Riaz out of the match and series onus was again on Gull and spin duo of Ajmal and Abdur Rehman to produce goods. They failed and Kallis shared an authoritative 4th wicket stand of 242 with Amla to give Pakistan a daunting target of 451 runs in just over four sessions. Amla remained unbeaten on 118 and Kallis on 135, his 36th ton off just 218 deliveries with 8 fours and 4 sixes. Pakistani openers again started confidently but could not convert their starts into innings of some substance. Muhammad Hafeez was looking all set for a big one but was out-smarted by Dale Steyn for a well made 34 off 47 deliveries. Pakistan was 75 for 2 but Younis and Azhar again ensured they keep Pakistan afloat and fighting for another day.

South Africa began the final day with firm belief of an easy win. They knew that they needed to dislodge a couple of batsmen early in the morning to get the ball rolling for them. Every one was anticipating a victory for the Proteas as Pakistan’s batting has been their weakest link especially on the fourth innings. On average they lasted only 60-odd overs in their second innings of test matches in the last year or so. But Pakistan was to defy all odds this time. Younis and Azhar showed tremendous temperament and patience and put on a brave 82-run partnership despite having to survive a few blows on the body. Azhar was undone by a beautiful leg-spinner from Paul Harris and departed after a spirited 63 with 7 fours. Misbah joined Younis Khan and was put under pressure immediately by the Proteas captain with fielders surrounding him all around. He was under pressure not only as captain but as a batsman too after failing in the first innings. His failure here would have jolted Pakistan big time before the next test. But he showed his prowess against the spinners and his experience helped him putting up a fight and a match-saving stand with Younis khan who was going smoothly at the other end. Both survived initial chances spilled by the Proteas fielders. Younis again was dropped by Kallis in slips though it was a difficult chance. They mixed defense with controlled aggression brilliantly. At one point it seemed they were threatening to go for a win but the target was too big and the confidence was still so shaken by the recent history that they decided wisely to bat out the day.  Younis was at his fluent best specially against Botha whom he dispatched for all of his four sixes. Misbah also went after Botha for consecutive fours and then a six to remind him of the fact that he is still far from being a test-class spinner. Younis khan celebrated his comeback by completing his 17th hundred with a huge six and a banner in the crowd read, “shame on you Ijaz Butt and PCB”. Younis remained unbeaten on 131 and Misbah on 76 when both captains decided to end the match.

Would the decision-makers in Pakistan cricket pay heed to the message Younis khan has written on the wall for them by showing them the mirror by his superlative comeback? Will this match bring the confidence back and the team regroups for a better future? Will the consistency return? One hopes the answers of these questions are in affirmative and a change in fortunes is imminent. By playing defiant match-saving knocks both Misbah and Younis have rekindled the hopes of a cricket-crazy nation once again. So the next test match may well turn out to be an important mile-stone in this regard. Lets wait and see and be optimistic.

Friday, November 12, 2010

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back


Pakistan is taking on mighty South Africans in a two-test series in Dubai just in a few hours. Fourth captain in the year and innumerable controversies aside my concern is the mindset of the cricket administrators. You learn from setbacks and aim to improve with a renewed vigor each time. But brave and visionary people do that not the cowards and clowns who have low aims and vested interests. Like every institution in my beloved country PCB is being run by those who are inept and corrupt to the core. Those who should be the custodians are behaving like robbers and when we turn towards those who are there to patronize and take note of any misconduct, well we are left regretting ourselves how dare we. They are the walls to strike our heads against.

While we all wait for a miracle to happen and a savior to come, we cannot but resist backing our team yet again in the toughest of situations. Misbah-ul-Haq is not a man for the future but fate has given him an opportunity not only to redeem himself but accomplish something for the sake of Pakistan cricket. Some say there was no choice for Pakistan cricket board except to appoint him skipper as Younis was out of favor and both Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt were unavailable due to various reasons.  The sensible and insightful cricket brain would differ because Younis Khan is the natural choice and the man to go to. He has the character to gel together a team. He has the knowledge to make a good captain. And foremost his integrity is beyond any shadow of doubt. He is brittle-minded but not cold-hearted. He can be unpredictable as a person but he is trustworthy. In a team where Imran Farhat is selected but khurram Manzoor is not, where Hafeez makes his place but Asad Shafiq has to wait for former’s failure to sneak in, where Azhar Ali is a doubtful starter despite his recent performances but Taufeeq Umar is a surety on the back of his remote brilliance against Proteas, Misbah has a real job in his hand especially when his own place in the team is under a serious scanner.

Batting on paper is the best for a while but the bowling is the weakest in decades. There is no single match-winner in the bowling line-up. Two finger spinners will play along side two fast bowlers in the hope to take twenty South African wickets on docile tracks of UAE. If they accomplish this we may see some close games otherwise our batting will have to perform to make this even a contest. Once again cricket lovers are banking on miracles and prayers. Long live Pakistan cricket!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sri Lanka’s Historic Win Down Under

Sri Lanka had never won a one day international series Down Under for 26 years. They have put the kangaroo’s plans for the Ashes into disarray by handing them a thrashing on their home soil. Aussies were desperate to knit together a winning combination for the all important Ashes but losing six international matches on a row is no where near a good grounding to face rejuvenated England. On the other hand the Sangakkara’s men are in perfect shape for the world cup as they will only improve on the sub-continental pitches.

Prior to the start of the 3-match ODI series Sri Lanka had won only 8 matches out of 40 against the Aussies Down Under. Australians were favorites to win at home despite being on a losing streak. They rested their captain and tried different combinations but the Sri Lankans came hard on them to knock them down 2-0 before the 3rd game.  Sri Lanka was in a hopeless position in the first match at MCG but Angelo Mathews had other plans. Together with enterprising Lasith Malinga he put on 132 for the ninth wicket to mark one of the outstanding recoveries of all ODIs. They eventually won by one wicket when Muralitharan flicked one past fine leg for four to start rapturous celebrations in front of stunned Aussie faces both on and off the field.

Sri Lanka came into the second match in Sydney all confident. Onus was on the Aussies to fight back and level the series. Ricky Ponting came back to lead but surprisingly Xavier Doherty was left out in favor of Nathan Hauritz. Doherty had made an impressive debut the previous match with figures of 4 for 46. In a rain shortened match Sri Lanka gave them a testing target of 244 in 39 overs which was later revised to 240 in 38 overs. Aussies were reduced to 80 for 4 in the 16th over and were left gasping for a miracle from either Hussey or White. None of the remaining batsmen could hit boundaries regularly and they were all out for 210 in the 38th over. Sri Lanka won by 29 runs through D/L method thanks to man of the match Upul Tharanga who made a composed 86.

Australian media was crying loud joined by former players in criticizing selection policy regarding the build-up to the Ashes. In particular Michael Clarke was in the firing line for his declining ability as a player and suitability as the captain-in-waiting. There were questions raised over the form of Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz. In the final match the ‘Australianism’ was at stake though the series and pride ware lost already. As predicted Aussies came hard at Lankans who were a bit complacent and could not handle the pace at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. They were bundled out for a paltry 115. Clint McKay took 5 for 35 and promising Mitchell Starc 4 for 27, best career figures for both. Aussies chased down the target in 22 overs losing just two wickets despite a sizzling spell from Dilhara Fernando. Sri Lanka took the series 2-1. Lasith Malinga was named man of the series.

Now looking back is not the way for both these teams. Sri Lanka must rejoice the historic series victory but they will will be facing tougher and better prepared teams at the world cup like India, England and South Africa. There is no doubt Lions would be one of the favorites for the world Cup.  On the other hand things are looking not so bright for Australia. Ashes plans are in tatters. Their batsmen are not in form and bowlers lack depth and confidence. Captain is under strict scrutiny and future looks bleak unless they turn the things around fast. If Australia comes out triumphed in the Ashes it will not only lift them again for the World Cup but put a halt to their downward slide as a world cricketing power for the moment.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Adieu to Makhaya Ntini – An Idol for Black African Community

When we talk of South Africa the rainbow nation we talk of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, gold, apartheid, nuclear weapons, picturesque countryside, crimes, HIV, vuvuzela, Lesotho, Hansie Cronje and Makhaya Ntini. My focus here is on Ntini the first black African to represent his country in international cricket. He rose from a very modest background to become a vital and distinctive part of a very lethal South African attack at one time. Although he has hanged his boots but he has left a legacy for his native Africans as well as every cricket lover to follow. And that legacy is an inspirational account of hard slog, success against intimidation, and never-say-die approach.

Makhaya Ntini styled his bowling action on legendary Malcolm Marshall and was spotted at a very young age by the selectors after a brief spell for Border. He was picked for the tour Down-under and played his first One Day International (ODI) in Perth in January 1998 and his first test match against visiting Sri Lankans two months later. His humble start soon looked promising when he took four first innings wickets in the final test of the series in England in August 1998. But he fell victim to a big controversy when he was accused and then convicted of rape in early 1999. This brought bad name not only to him but his community and his budding career came to a halt. He did not lose heart and won back his innocence through a hard-fought legal battle.

He came back and became part and parcel of the Proteas attack in all forms of the game. History was created when he took a 10-for at Lords in 2003 by becoming the first South African to do so in the home of cricket. He has distinction of having the best bowling figures for a South African in both the ODIs and tests. He was nominated as the most popular sportsman of the year for South Africa in the BMI Adult SportTrack Report in 2005 and 2007. His career spanned over 13 years in which he took 300 wickets in 101 test matches at 28.82 and 266 wickets in 173 ODIs at 24.65 apiece. In later part of his career he was not an automatic choice in ODIs but remained potent in test matches till he was dumped for good in December 2009. He played in his 100th test match at Centurion in December 2009 against England which was celebrated across the nation. Although he wowed to fight back his place but realizing that his time was over he announced his retirement from international cricket on 2 Nov, 2010.

After retirement he is planning to wholeheartedly focus on his academy for upcoming cricketers especially of color. Makhaya Ntini Cricket Academy is located at Willows Cricket Club in Mdantsane, a town adjacent to Ntini's own village of Mdingi in East London. We shall no longer see his in-dippers and leg-cutters delivered from wide of the crease and his broad smile after taking a wicket but we will definitely hear the name Ntini from every one who loves cricket in general and Proteas in particular for a long time to come.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Razzler Dazzles - Second ODI Review

Pakistan Levels Series 1-1 Against South Africa Thanks To Abdul Razzaq's Heroics At Abu Dhabi

Nothing was going right for Pakistan till the start of the second ODI. But Abdul Razzaq decided to change their fate single-handedly. He won the match on the penultimate ball of the last over by hitting listless Albie Morkel for a cracking four to cover-point. It was in fact a day-light robbery because for 99 out of the 100 overs South Africa were clasping the match by the throat. After being white-washed in T20s Pakistan came into the ODI series without any momentum or confidence. First ODI proved the frailty and insipidness of the batting line-up once again. Going into the second ODI Pakistan needed the senior men like Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib and Ajmal to come good and instill some confidence in the team.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat despite losing the services of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis through injuries. Pakistan started dreadfully with 14 runs being taken of Shoaib’s opening over and 9 runs from Abdul Razzaq’s over. Hashim Amla who is in the form of his life was hitting even good deliveries for four. Pakistan got respite when Abdul got Petersen who played across the line and was bowled. Colin Ingram the new batting sensation for South Africa was promoted to one down position but did not look settled initially against the quicks. He started off with a lucky boundary between keeper and first slip but grew in confidence without taking too much time. They put on 84 runs before Hashim Amla missed a ball from Afridi which did not turn and got LBW on 65 off 62 balls. AB de Villiers started cautiously but by this time Ingram had settled into his innings after enjoying some lucky moments. He nicked through the first slip on four or five occasions as the ball was turning but Afridi was too defensive in his approach. Ajmal was bowling well but was handicapped by poor captaincy from Afridi. A slip could have got Ingram and put Pakistan on top. Both increased the scoring rate during their vital partnership of 86 runs. Pakistan got the breakthrough in the 37th over when de Villiers yorked himself off an Afridi delivery. After 38 overs South Africa were 200 for 3 and on course for a total beyond Pakistan’s reach.  After completing a good hundred Colin Ingram had luck going against him for a change when Aleem Dar of all people gave him out LBW on a reverse swinging ball going down the leg stump. At this juncture Pakistan pulled the things back a bit by taking some quick wickets. They were 246 for 6 after 46 overs. JP Duminy changed gears and took South Africa to a commanding 286/8 after 50 overs with a quick fire 54 off 43 balls including 3 fours and a six. South Africa would have wished 300 at one point but were not too unhappy with the total they got and now the onus was on Pakistan to show some fight.

Pakistan started off in a bad fashion when they were reduced to 31 for 2 in 8.1 overs. Younis Khan was looking in good touch but got a shocker from Rod Tucker when he gave him LBW despite a big nick. Younis had hit four delightful boundaries and was looking good for a big innings. Misbah’s hit-or-block approach did not last long and Hafeez despite being in form again proved that he at best is a mediocre player as he could not build on a start once more. Pakistan was reeling at 70 for four in the 19th over with Fawad Alam struggling to rotate the strike and Afridi coming in with a huge task ahead. 217 runs were required off 31.3 overs and indeed another defeat was looming.

After starting sensibly this time Afridi got his game going by hitting a four and a six off two consecutive Petersen deliveries. Pakistan reached 100 in 24th over with an air of expectation in the stadium now. Just when it seemed all was going well for Pakistan Afridi lost his mind and tamely holed out to Ingram off Tsotsobe at mid-on for a well-played but insufficient 49 off 40 balls. Pakistan were 136 for 5 in 29.2 overs and asking rate was 7.5. The dressing room at this point was displaying the scenes of a quiet court-room as if some one had been handed a capital punishment.  Abdul Razzaq who had not achieved a score of more than fifty in four years started cautiously. Fawad Alam was now showing more intent and together with Razzler’s six here and a six there hopes for a miracle win resurfaced. Batting power-play was taken at a very opportune time with 87 needed off the last 10. Abdul stole eleven of the Botha’s over and the ball was rolling for Pakistan. Alam who was cramping for most of his stay perished after a sensible 48 off 68 balls. Next three batsmen tried their best to gift the match to the opposition by playing like retards and running like toddlers. Zulqarnain, Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal ran themselves out leaving Abdul wondering at the other end but with a reinforced belief that he will have to do it all himself. Sensing this he started to farm the strike and refused several singles. He was in such a hitting form that he knew he could hit two or three sixes every over till the very end. He kept his cool without showing any nerves or emotions when he unleashed the fury of his bat on Charl Langeveldt and collected 20 runs in the 47th over with three colossal sixes. Method was simple, backing away a little, clearing the front leg and hitting the ball in the arc between cover-point and deep mid-wicket. It came down to 33 off the last 3 overs a manageable equation but the loss of Ajmal through preposterous running meant South Africa had regained belief as the last wicket could fall any time.

25 off two overs but most importantly Shoaib played out the last ball safely to ensure the strike was with Razzler for the 14 run-requiring last over. Abdul Razzaq missed the yorker which went between his legs but it seemed as if he knew the next ball would go for six which it did actually. Third ball also went a long way taking Abdul to his third ODI hundred and arguably the best of the best ODI knocks of all time. Razzaq you beauty Waqar would have screamed on air. The fifth ball went screamingly to the cover boundary and Razzler ran screaming to a thankful dressing room. Waqar hugged him, Afridi thanked him and all the Pakistan supporters had either tears in their eyes or were looking up towards heavens to say “Thanks Almighty”! Quite magnificently Abdul Razzaq had collected 62 off the last 65 runs required to square the series at 1-1 and reviving hopes of a nation just before the all important world cup.