Bangladesh vs West Indies – Fidel Edwards destroys Bangladesh

Match Report – Day 2: 2^nd Test, at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, 29 Oct - 2 Nov 2011

After posting a decent first innings total, West Indies were on top of Bangladesh thanks to a ferocious opening spell by Fidel Edwards. The home team recovered well after being 59 for 5, but still there is a gaping gulf between the two sides.

West Indies started the day cautiously but confidently and it was Marlon Samuels who took the initiative to move the score along with couple of good shots for four. Kirk Edwards looked edgy as he neared his hundred. He was dropped by the keeper off Nasir as soon as he entered nineties. After getting life he hit two crushing fours to reach 98 in the same over.

As Shuvo flighted the ball, Kirk Edwards ceased the moment by jumping down and getting to his second Test ton – in 3 Tests – with a lofted four. With partnership between these two going strong, Nasir lifted Bangladesh by removing Samuels with a lovely return catch. Samuels made 48.

From 319 for 6, West Indies slumped to 355 all out as Shakib al Hasan ran through the tail. He dismissed Carlton Baugh and Captain Sammy in the space of three balls, latter being hit wicket in a bizarre fashion. Edwards was eventually out for 121, his highest Test score, soon after Lunch. He hit 14 fours and 2 sixes in a 273-ball knock and was given LBW to Shakib.

Bangladesh needed to have a bright start and it seemed so when Tamim Iqbal started hitting his customary boundaries. After hitting three fours against Kemar Roach, his uninhibited flurry was halted by Fidel Edwards. As he deflected a quick rising delivery towards leg, Bravo leapt in the air to snatch at short leg. It was a bad start by the hosts which could have become even worse had West Indies hung on to two catches in gully, one each off Edwards and Roach.

Shahriar Nafees then perished in a similar fashion to Tamim as Fidel Edward was proving a handful for them. Imrul meanwhile continued to try his luck by playing freely, hitting Roach for a four and a six. But Bangladesh soon were reeling at 59 for 5 as Edwards’ menacing burst continued. He was on hat-trick at one stage after dismissing Raqibul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim with two contrasting balls. Raqibul was set up for a fuller ball while Rahim feather a rising one to the first slip.

Imrul Kayes eventually succumbed to his indiscretion for 29 as Bangladesh were clueless against the pace and aggression of Fidel Edwards who had taken all five wickets to fall. After starting aggressively, Shakib played for Tea as possibility of an ignominious follow on loomed.

After reaching 50 in 46 balls, he came hard on Sammy whom he carted for three fours in an over. With Naeem Islam giving him good company, Bangladesh’s hopes were revived for a decent total. But that hope took a massive blow when Devendra Bishoo went through Shakib’s bat and pad. He made an entertaining 73 off 74 balls with 9 fours.

Nasir got an early life when Sammy spilled a sitter, but then he and Naeem made good recovery for their team as batting became easier with the older ball. They shared a fighting stand of 52 for 7^th wicket and at one stage looked to close in on the day on high. But unnecessary run out of Naeem Islam in the last over of the day spoiled the show. Naeem made 45 while Nasir was unbeaten on 34 at stumps, coming at numbers 7 and 8 respectively.

The day belonged to West Indies and particularly Fidel Edwards whose pace and bounce troubled Bangladeshi top order, giving his team an edge which might prove decisive in the end.


Summarised Scores:

Bangladesh 204/7 (Shakib 73, Fidel Edwards 5/58) trail West Indies 355 all out (Kirk Edwards 121, Kieran Powell 72: Shakib 5/63) by 151 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

Hero of the Day: Fidel Edwards

Flop of the day: Mushfiqur Rahim

Disappointment of the Day: Tamim Iqbal

Click for SCORECARD

Credits: AP (photo), CricketArchive (scorecard)

Bangladesh vs West Indies – Openers make it Windies' day

Match Report – Day 1: 2^nd Test, at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, 29 Oct - 2 Nov 2011

Openers gave West Indies an early edge by posting an exact 100 after Sammy had opted to bat first. Bangladesh squared the honours somewhat by claiming three wickets in the last session through their spinners. Left-arm slow bowler Elias Sunny, who debuted in the last match, was out injured making way for another southpaw to make debut, Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Lendl Simmons’s back injury meant another chance for Kieran Powell, while Kemar Roach came in for Ravi Rampaul who was hamstrung. The wicket was bare and batting friendly, but promised a balance of power between spin and seam.  

After a cautious start against Shahadat Hossain and Rubel Hossain and then Shakib Al Hasan, who was brought as early as 6^th over, Powell opened his arms by hammering two back-to-back fours off Shahadat to relieve some pressure. On a flat deck, Bangladesh relentlessly continued to bowl on a tight line and length keeping Windies in check.

Braithwaite, in particular, and Powell then hit a few crispy shots for four as Lunch approached with the pair unbeaten on 88. There were no real scares for them in the morning session. Although Bangladesh bowled well, their use of short balls was met with ease by the batsmen as the pitch had no pace in it.

Braithwaite, after reaching his 50, played a loose shot and lost his wicket, caught at Gully off Rubel. Powell went into a shell but new man Kirk Edwards started positively, hitting Rubel for two pulled fours. Edwards had a scare against Shakib but survived a close stumping call.

Powell, who had reached his 50, was looking set for a big one as Bangladesh was running out of ideas. After getting a life at 71, when Rahim dropped a sitter off Naeem Islam, Powell was cleaned up by Shuvo a run later for his first Test scalp. His 72 came off 150 balls with 10 fours.

At 160 for 2 at Tea, West Indies were ideally placed as real batting strength was yet to come. Darren Bravo did not last long as he fell LBW to Nasir Hossain for 12. Chanderpaul came at number 6 and nudged along as usual. Kirk survived an open run out chance as Nasir’s throw went too wide.

Edwards celebrated his 50 by launching Nasir for a straight six. The new ball was taken an over late and was thrown to Nasir after Shahadat had bowled an over with it. The move reaped fruit as Chanderpaul edged his first ball behind to a delighted Rahim. Shakib then disturbed the stumps of nightwatchman Kemar Rach but Edwards and Marlon Samuels ended the day safely with West Indies on 253 for 5.

West Indies would look to extend their lead towards 350 at least before they have a go at Bangladesh. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will try to bundle them out as early as possible so that their spinners could come into play in the second innings if their batsmen are able to give them a sizeable lead.


Summarised Scores:

West Indies 253/5 (Powell 72, Edwards 71*; Nasir Hossain 2/31) at Stumps on day 1 against Bangladesh

Hero of the Day: Kirk Edwards

Flop of the day: Shiv Chanderpaul

Disappointment of the Day: Shahadat Hossain

Click for full SCORECARD

Credits:AP (photo), CricketArchive (scorecard)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka pull off morale-boosting draw

Match Report – Day 5: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

The much anticipated final day turned out to be a near farce as Pakistan opted to play safe in the end. Sangakkara and Prasanna played gems to help their team come to level terms before quick fall of wickets left Pakistan to chase 170 in 21 overs. The result, however, was a disappointing draw.

Umar Gul and Aizaz Cheema started proceedings for Pakistan but got nothing off the wicket or in the air. Apart from Gul having a confident LBW shout against Sangakkara and a run out opportunity, there was nothing to cheer for Pakistan in the morning session. Junaid again impressed with his variations and determination. The match has been a break out one for him as he has been below par in international cricket so far.

At Lunch, Sri Lanka had extended their lead to 50 and Sangakkara (185*) and Prasanna Jayawardene (66*) were not looking to get out any time soon. Prasanna was let off soon after the break when Hill refused a plumb LBW. Cheema bowled a couple of stunning deliveries more but Sri Lanka kept Pakistan away successfully to the point that frustration was visible on the faces.

Sangakkara got to his 8^th double hundred by glancing Cheema down the leg. He took his guard again, a dreadful gesture for the fielding team. It was a great back-to-the-wall knock, especially after his first 100 runs when he was in total command.
Prasanna Jayawardene too was celebrating a while later as he lofted Ajmal to bring up his hundred, a match-saving effort with his captain.

With match running away from Pakistan, it was Azhar Ali who brought some life by trapping Sanga LBW, his first Test wicket. He made a magnificent 211 off 431 balls with 18 fours. Pakistan needed to blow away Sri Lankan tail, but Rangana Herath was dropped by Gul at extra cover – 6^th drop by Pakistan in the innings.

Aizaz Cheema removed Prasanna with a beauty that left him to get an edge as the 3^rd new ball was taken. His innings of 120 was vital for his team as along with Sangakkara he had added 201 runs for the 6^th wicket. Cheema would have had Welegedara too but Rod tucker turned down the LBW appeal.  

Gul, who was not given the new ball this time, came on to knock off Welegedara and Lakmal quickly before Pradeep was run out. Sri Lanka were all out for 483, leaving Pakistan 170 to chase in just 21 overs. Umar Gul was the most successful bowler with 4 for 64.

On a wicket that had improved with each day, Pakistan should have gone for the target by playing in the T20 mode, at least initially before opting for safety. Disappointingly they chose to shut the door early by showing no intent what so ever.  Taufeeq fell to Welegedara before the match was called off with mutual consent of the captains 11 overs before time.

The match which started on a high note for Pakistan ended up boosting Sri Lanka’s morale as they were the team who got most of the accolades on the final day. After defying Pakistan in the second innings, they made sure the match, which should have been won by Pakistan, ended in a draw.

The next Test starts in four day’s time in Dubai and both teams have some time to think about their weaknesses. Pakistan needs to inject some intent in their batting and improve their fielding which has once again denied them a Test win. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have some genuine concerns in their bowling department.

Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 21/1 and 511/6 dec (Taufeeq Umar 236, M Hafeez 75, Misbah 46; Herath 3/126) drew with Sri Lanka 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) and 483 all out (Sangakkara 211, Prasanna Jayawardene 120; Umar Gul 4/64)

Man of the Match: Kumar Sangakkara

Heroes of the Day: Kumar Sangakkara and Prasanna Jayawardene

Disappointment of the Day: Saeed Ajmal

Flop of the Day: The pitch

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Credits: cricketArchive.com (scorecard), AP (photo)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Butter fingers hurt Pakistan as Sanga makes merry

Match Report – Day 4: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

The match which could easily have ended today was dragged into the final day due to some atrocious fielding by Pakistan. Sri Lanka, riding on Sangakkara’s big ton, have lived for another day. There is now prospect of an intriguing final day ahdead.   

Sri Lanka started with an earnest desire not to lose a wicket in the morning session, and that wish was granted by Pakistan who dropped as many as 4 chances including two half chances and a debatable 3^rd umpire decision. Sangakkara and Thirimanne started cautiously as Pakistan attacked from the outset.

After a few overs from Gul and Cheema, Ajmal was introduced and he immediately had huge impact. Thirimanne first survived a close LBW shout and then was close to get stumped. The real disappointment for Pakistan came when first innings destroyer Junaid Khan was introduced into the attack.

Hafeez dropped Thirimanne twice at second slip on successive deliveries from Junaid, the second one a dolly. It did not end here as it was Sangakkara’s time to survive. Junaid bowled a beauty that came in and left Sanga who could only poke at it and saw Younis pouch it by diving forward. He stood his ground and looked at Younis who waved as if he too wanted a 3^rd umpire’s verdict. After several replays umpires gave it in favour of Sangakkara.

Thirimanne then tested Hafeez again who couldn’t hold on to a sharp chance off Ajmal. Hafeez came back to try to redeem himself and immediately had Sangakkara to edge behind, but Younis overdid his dive resulting in another drop, a tough but catchable chance. Sri Lanka ended Lunch at 125/1 with luck firmly behind them and both batsmen having crossed 50.

The lady luck changed sides after Lunch as Pakistan broke through in the form of a run out. Thirimanne deflected the ball towards backward point and called for two. Azhar ran several yards and the throw was perfect for Adnan Akmal to break stumps with Thirimanne half a foot short. He made 68 but importantly shared 153 runs with Sri Lanka's former captain.

Pakistan made use of the opportunity and got two more in quick succession. First, in the form of Mahela Jayawardene who tried to cut Saeed Ajmal but played on, and then Dilshan who had no clue against Junaid khan who castled him from around the wicket ala Wasim Akram.

In between the two dismissals Sangakkara reached his 26^th ton in Tests with a cut shot for four. It was an important innings for his team, albeit a lucky one. Angelo Mathews and Sangakkara saw off the Tea safely, still 112 runs behind.

Gul again repeated his first innings feat, getting Mathews out immediately with the new ball with a vicious inswinger. He was denied another wicket when substitute Wahab Riaz dropped a sitter as Prasanna Jayawardene pulled awkwardly. That wicket could have hastened Sri Lankan collapse as he was the last recognised batsman. On top of that Tony Hill’s nightmare continued as he gave Prasanna not out when he was plumb in front. The bowler again was a disconsolate Junaid.

A lucky edge got Sanga to 150 as Sri Lanka neared to erase the deficit. At close Sanga remained not out on 161 while Prasanna was on 25. Pakistan had created enough chances to skittle Sri Lanka out but after avoiding a batting collapse they could not stave off catching horrors. Junaid Khan and Ajmal were unlucky not to be among handful of wickets. 

On the other hand Sangakkara enjoyed fair bit of luck but has revived his team’s hopes with a marathon knock. First session tomorrow may well decide the fate of the match.


Summarised Scores:

Sri Lanka  298/5 (Sangakkara 161*, Thirimanne 68; Umar Gul 2/49) and 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) trail Pakistan 511/6 dec (Taufeeq Umar 236, M Hafeez 75, Misbah 46; Herath 3/126) by 16 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the 2nd innings

Hero of the Day: Kumar Sangakkara

Disappointment of the Day: Mohammad Hafeez (for his dropped catches)

Flop of the Day: Tillakaratne Dilshan

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Credits: cricketArchive.com (scorecard), AFP (photo)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Taufeeq’s double hurts Sri Lanka

Match Report – Day 3: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

 
Pakistan’s endeavor to bat Sri Lanka out of the Test match continued on the third day as Taufeeq Umar dug deep on his way to a maiden double hundred. He was helped by Misbah who played a breezy knock, and Umar Gul who struck first ball when Sri Lanka came out to see off the day.

The day started on a positive note for Sri Lanka when Welegedara got one to nip back hitting Azhar’s off stump. He scored 70 - this is the 10^th time he has failed to convert a fifty into hundred. Younis Khan strolled out and he too started sluggishly, sign of a sluggish pitch. On 16, he got a tickle down the leg side off Dilshan but Prasanna could not hang on.

Taufeeq reached 150 soon after Pakistan had resumed post Lunch session at 336 for 2. Welegedara gave Sri Lanka hope by getting Younis LBW for 33 as Misbah walked in with Pakistan 163 ahead. Misbah injected much needed urgency into the innings by playing freely from the outset.

He started by launching Herath over his head and then continued to find boundaries at regular intervals with a picky liking for Herath. He survived a close LBW but Herath got lucky the second time when Tony Hill gave Misbah caught behind although the ball had missed the edge. His made 46 off just 52 balls. Tony Hill definitely would like to forget this match.

Asad Shafiq came at number 6, the only place up for grabs in the middle order. He replaced Umar Akmal for the spot with Shoaib Malik waiting in the wings. 

Clearly under pressure he got stuck at the crease which resulted in a boring passage of play. Pakistan needed some quick runs prior to declaration but Shafiq at one point was scoreless for 33 balls.
Taufeeq meanwhile got to his maiden double hundred by pulling Lakmal for four. It was a vital knock spanned over almost 11 hours, consuming 459 balls, 16 of those were guided to the boundary. After reaching the milestone he took a fresh guard and never looked like getting out.

A message was sent out from the management, most likely regarding the rate of scoring, but Shafiq despite intent could not execute as he was in such a defensive mode. He had a lucky break when he was caught in the slips, but replay showed Pradeep had overstepped as Umpire went upstairs to check. It was heartbreaking for the debutant.

Taufeeq carted Herath for his first six and then took a couple each on the first four balls off a Dilshan over. With declaration looming, he tried a quick single but had to hurry back as Shafiq refused to move. He was given run out after several replays, a sad end to a magnificent knock. His innings of 236 with 17 fours and a six was a model of concentration and a bit of luck along the way. It was first time a Pakistani opener had scored a double century since Amir Sohail’s 205 in England in 1992.

To make use of the remaining balls of the over, Gul was sent out but his lofted heave off Herath was snapped superbly by Mathews at deep square leg.

Pakistan declared at 511 for 6, giving Sri Lanka 314 to avoid an innings defeat. Only two bowlers were among wickets. Herath bowled 61.4 overs, maximum that he ever bowled in an innings, and took 3 for 126. Welegedara picked a couple.

Sri Lanka had to negotiate just 11 overs, but Umar Gul struck first ball. The ball moved in and then nipped away after pitching hitting Paranavitana on the back leg. Tony hill thought for a while and gave him out, probably right on this occasion. Sangakkara joined Thirimanne and both survived the day unscathed, though had a few anxious moments.

Sri Lanka have a mountain to climb on the 4th day. The first thing they need is to negotiate the new ball and the first session, and then once set they have the ability to bat long. Pakistan, though, are in the driver's seat and will look to wrap up the match tomorrow, preferably by an innings.


Summarised Scores:

Sri Lanka  47/1 and 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) trail Pakistan 511/6 dec (Taufeeq Umar 236, M Hafeez 75, Misbah 46; Herath 3/126) by 267 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the 2nd innings

Hero of the Day: Taufeeq Umar

Disappointment of the Day: Asad Shafiq

Flop of the Day: Tony Hill

Click for full scorecard

Credits: cricketArchive.com (scorecard), AFP (photo)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka - Taufeeq hundred gives Pakistan huge advantage

Match Report – Day 2: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

Pakistan achieved what they wanted by batting out the day, albeit sluggishly, after having dismissed Sri Lanka cheaply on the first day. First, Hafeez cruised along for a stylish 75, and then Taufeeq scored an old-fashioned Test century to give Pakistan real chance of a big first innings lead.

The second day too belonged to Pakistan by a mile as Sri Lanka struggled to penetrate Pakistan’s top order on a docile surface. The bowling was unimaginative as was the captaincy by Dilshan who concentrated solely on restricting Pakistan. They did not learn any lesson from Pakistani pace bowlers who had bowled aggressively using every trick up their sleeve to get something out of the wicket.

The ploy did not work against in-form Mohammad Hafeez who played like he was strolling in the park. His 127-ball 75 included 8 fours and a six off Herath. Pakistan cruised to 115 for no loss in Hafeez-dominated morning session. Taufeeq, on the other hands, was a complete contrast as he struggled for timing and looked short of confidence. His fifty came off 144 balls and two out of his three boundaries were edges.

It was Herath, Pakistan’s nemesis of late, who broke the 115-run opening stand just after Lunch, when Hafeez failed to read a knuckle-ball and was trapped in front. This was all what Herath could achieve on a struggling morning. Dilshan too created some oos and aaws but was largely ineffective.

Azhar Ali joined Taufeeq and the two, quite strangely and partly because of tight bowling, moved along at snail’s pace. Mahela dropped him early in the slips. In the middle session both collected just 59 runs in 30 overs. But importantly they did not give any chance to Lankans to come back into the game.

At one point Azhar played 38 scoreless deliveries, but later found his footings and scored a few nice-looking fours. Sri Lanka opted for the new cherry straight away after it became due. Chanaka Welegedara created an opportunity immediately, hitting Taufeeq on the pads as the batsman shouldered arms. It was mighty close but Tony Hill gave it to the batsman saying it hit him high.

Taufeeq’s path from 50 onwards was a lot smoother as he looked to use his feet against spinners and cut and drove the seamers. His stay in the nervous nineties was short-lived as Lakmal gave him width to hit two fours en route to his 6^th hundred. Taufeeq, who has made several comebacks in his short Test career spanning 10 years, once again showed importance of a proper batsman at the top.

Soon after reaching hundred he had a lucky reprieve when a clear edge off Welegedara eluded Hill’s ears making Sri Lankans furious. At stumps, Pakistan had a lead of 62 runs with 9 wickets still remaining. Taufeeq and Azhar were unbeaten on 109 and 60 respectively.

Apart from two lucky escapes for Pakistan and an occasional edge falling short in slips, Sri Lanka did not look threatening. Pakistan are on course for a huge lead tomorrow and Sri Lanka should start thinking how to cope Pakistan’s bowlers in the second innings on a fading pitch.


Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 259/1 (Taufeeq Umar 109*, M Hafeez 75; Herath 1/55) lead Sri Lanka 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) by 62 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the 1^st innings

Hero of the Day: Taufeeq Umar

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Credits: cricketArchive.com (scorecard), Associated press (photo)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka - Brilliant Junaid makes Pakistan’s day

On a day of surprises, Pakistan put Sri Lanka under pressure by dismissing them under 200. In reply both openers got themselves settled down aiming for a big lead. Junaid Khan came to terms with Test cricket by bowling his heart out on an unfriendly surface.

Match Report – Day 1: 1^st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue),18 - 22 October 2011

After winning the toss, Misbah’s decision to put Sri Lanka in was a surprise one, and in fact defensive. On top of that the Pakistan management chose Junaid Khan ahead of Wahab Riaz. Abdur Rehman was ignored on the flattest of pitches, perhaps rightly as the heat of UAE necessitated third seamer.
 
Asad Shafiq, replacing Umar Akmal, got the nod over Shoaib Malik. Sri Lanka gave Test cap to promising Nuwan Pradeep Fernando and Tillakaratne Dilshan kept himself at number 5.

After dismissing Sri Lanka for 197, Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar made sure the day stays Pakistan’s by cruising to 27 without loss. Taufeeq was tentative but Hafeez played three crispy boundaries on the off-side to make his intentions known for the second day, when the batting would become easier.

Sri Lanka started cautiously and intentionally so to deny Pakistan seamers early breakthrough which their captain needed after opting to bowl. The tactic backfired as slow scoring helped Pakistan snuggle down into the match and the seamers found their line and length.

Umar Gul, coming back after a lay off, bowled well without looking threatening. Aizaz Cheema, on the other hand, showed hostility and bowled a few cracking deliveries. The breakthrough, though, came through Pakistan’s go-to-man Saeed Ajmal - Thirimanne guiding a straighter one into Younis’s lap in first slip. The Lunch arrived at 50 for 1, a very sluggish first session.

Cheema then came back and got rid of the big prize, Kumar Sangakkara, with a beauty that left him and got the edge through to Adnan Akmal who took a nice diving catch in front of first slip. He then hit Mahela Jayawardene with a ripper, who later top-edged a bouncer for six. Umar Gul accounted for Paranavitana for a patient 37.

The wicket of Dilshan, who was looking good during his short stay, proved to be a vital breakthrough. He was beaten all ends up by an Ajmal doosra but never touched it as Umpire Tony Hill raised his finger. Dilshan walked back slowly after standing shell-shocked for a while.

Then came the over which broke the back of Sri Lanka’s batting. Junaid Khan had looked innocuous in his first spell but third over of his second spell rocked the Lankans. He removed both Jayawardene’s in that over. First Mahela edged tamely to second slip where Hafeez took a juggling catch and then, three balls later, Prasanna could not keep a perfect yorker away. On the first ball of his next over he was on a hat-trick, when Rangana Herath was caught plumb in front. Junaid had reduced Sri Lanka to 114 for 7 on a flat deck.

Angelo Mathews did what he is known for – rescuing his team with a 50-run partnership alongwith Suranga Lakmal. He played intelligently using aggression in between compact defense. After Gul broke the stand, Junaid hurried Sri Lankan collapse by taking the last two wickets to bag his first 5-for in Tests. Brought late into the attack he may well have been an unlikely hero but showed his potential for which he was talked about before he came to the national side.

Although the day belonged to Junaid Khan who took 5 for 38, Mathews made an important 52 not out for his team. The wicket would play even better on the second day and Sri Lanka should be prepared for a long toil unless their spinners led by Herath create rapid inroads.

Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 27/0 trail Sri Lanka 197/10 (Mathews 52*, Junaid 5/38, Gul 2/37) by 170 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

Test debut: Nuwan Pradeep Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Hero of the day: Junaid Khan with 5/38

Click for full scorecard

Credits: CricketArchive.com (scorecard), AP (photo)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Chance for both teams to bank on youth

Test series preview: Sri Lanka v Pakistan at UAE (Neutral Venue) >

Pakistan is ‘hosting’ Sri Lanka for a full series at the neutral venue of United Arab Emirates. Last time these two teams contested in a Test series was in Sri Lanka in 2009 where hosts thumped Pakistan 2-0.
Over-all Pakistan has had the upper hand over Sri Lanka in Test cricket, winning more matches and more series in nose-to-nose encounters. Pakistan has won 15 and lost 9 Tests against them in all matches between them.
 
Pakistan has played most Tests against Sri Lanka (37) and have also won the most (15) among all nations. Pakistan has won 8 matches to Sri Lanka’s 6 at home, while the only previous Test at neutral venue too was won by them, at Sharjah in the Asian Test Championship in 1999.

In the Tests played in Sri Lanka, again Pakistan has had better of Sri Lanka, winning 6 and losing just 3. But since 1995, the equation has become somewhat evened out. Sri Lanka has, quite remarkably, dominated Pakistan in their backyard, winning 6 against just 3 matches by the hosts. And Pakistan, on the other had, won more against them at their home but the margin has decreased from 6-3 to 3-2.

Of late Sri Lanka has been a far better team than Pakistan, as currently they are the 5^th ranked team in Tests. They were in the top 3 not long ago, but the retirement of the champion bowler Muttiah Muralitharan coincided with their decline. Pakistan have lurked at number 6 or thereabouts for quite some time now.

Both teams are not settled units yet. Pakistan though has better bowling attack, they have a brittle batting line up. Their opening pair has been their Achilles' heel for more than a decade now. Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez are contributing but still they have to travel some distance before they match a pair like Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwar, Pakistan’s last successful opening pair.

The middle order has struggled to give Pakistan decent totals ever since the retirement of Inzamam-ul-Haq and exclusion of Mohammad Yousuf from the team. Younis Khan has carried the burden admirably, but has found little support at the other end on a consistent basis.

Misbah-ul-Haq has emerged as a reliable and gritty customer. Burden of captaincy seems to have affected his batting positively as his recent record suggests, which is remarkable. Pakistan has found a potential gem in the shape of Azhar Ali. He looks a solid and reliable bat; although yet to score a hundred he has 9 fifties so far in his short career.

Umar Akmal, once touted as the next big thing after Inzamam, has been omitted. He has been asked, and rightly so, to improve his attitude and learn how to play long innings by participating in the on-going Quaid-e-Azam trophy.

With the inclusion of Shoaib Malik in the side, future of another promising batsman, Asad Shafiq is on line once again. In whatever limited opportunities he got, Asad has shown promise to become a solid Test batsman. Selectors have erred by including tried-and-tested failures like Shoaib and Imran Farhat in the squad.

While selectors have moved two steps ahead by including some good and deserving youngsters, they have taken a step back by giving the likes of Malik and Farhat another chance. It is hoped that better sense will prevail and Asad Shafiq is selected in the playing eleven, ahead of Malik. Malik, on the other hand, has another chance to resurrect his Test career. Imran Farhat too will like to grab the opportunity with both hands.
The wicket-keeping slot is another headache for the Team Pakistan. After Kamran Akmal, who largely played due to his batting prowess rather than keeping skills, Pakistan has yet to find a proper keeper who can bat as well as keep. Kamran’s younger brother Adnan Akmal has done well but he does not look to be a long-term solution.

The bowling line-up, though inexperienced at Test level, is more than a decent one. Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz have returned as expected after being rested for the Zimbabwe tour. Umar Gul has enough experience now to spearhead the Test attack. He needs to come out of the ODI mindset and should bowl on a consistent length with aggressive intent.

Wahab Riaz has been impressive so far since taking a 5-fer on debut in England last year. Discipline is his problem as he tends to spray the ball around but once in a groove he can prove to be handful. 

Tanvir Ahmed, another who made an impressive though belated debut, has been overlooked and his place is taken by Aizaz Bin Ilyas Cheema who has the same age and wicket-taking ability. He impressed all by his aggression in Zimbabwe. Junaid Khan may have to sit out but is a good replacement in case a need arises.

There are no worries in the spin department for Pakistan. Saeed Ajmal is probably the best exponent of the doosra and is not far behind Graeme Swann as far as spin bowling is concerned. Abdur Rehman is a canny left arm spinner and in UAE pitches can be added in tandem with Ajmal.

Test Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Abdur Rehman, Aizaz Cheema, Adnan Akmal, Asad Shafeeq, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Taufeeq Umar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan

Likely Eleven: Hafeez, Taufeeq, Azhar, Younis, Misbah (C), Shoaib Malik/Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Wahab, Umar Gul, Ajmal, Cheema


Sri Lanka’s batting is their main strength. In Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara they have two world-class batsmen who can take the game away from the opposition in one partnership.

Tillakaratne Dilshan’s batting has gone down since he took over as captain, partly the reason he has dropped himself down the order. His aggression can take Pakistan by surprise and give them real headache in the middle order.

Angelo Mathews’s batting in the recently concluded home series against Australia has given a new shape and strength to Sri Lankan batting. He is improving as an all-rounder day by day and his future looks bright. Thirimanne and Paranavitana will form the opening pair, but the real strength will come down the order.

Dinesh Chandimal and keeper Prasanna are talented batsmen and Sri Lanka will hope they come good to relieve some burden off Sangakkara and Mahela. After a string of poor performances, Thilan Samaraweera has been shown the door.

They have selected as many as five pace bowlers but all are inexperienced and young at this level. Lakmal looked by far the best hope and will form the pace attack alongside Chanaka Welegedera and Prasad. Shaminda Eranga looked impressive on debut against Australia but unfortunately is out due to injury.

After Murali, Sri Lanka had high hopes on Ajantha Mendis but he is out injured for the series. Rangana Herath has comes leaps and bounds in the last two years and will be their trump card. Pakistani batsmen historically have struggled against left arm spin. Suraj Randiv and Dilshan are there to assist him.

Pakistan showed real fight when they were last here for the Test series against South Africa, drawing both the matches. The series may well be decided on the outcome of the battle between Pakistan’s bowlers and Sri Lankan batsmen.

Sri Lanka, under new coach Geoff Marsh would look to begin a fresh journey up the Test ladder, while Pakistan will hope to continue their progress in a positive fashion.

Test Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suraj Randiv, Kosala Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Tharanga Paranavitana, Dhammika Prasad, Kaushal Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chanaka Welegedera

Likely Eleven: Paranavitana, Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan (C), Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Chanaka Welegedera, Suranga Lakmal


Prediction: Pakistan 1-1 Sri Lanka

Are events like SAARC Twenty20 Cup a mere infiltration or true expansion of cricket?

At the sidelines of 17th SAARC Summit to be held in Addu Atoll, Maldives in November 10-11, a Twenty20 tournament will be held among the SAARC nations. SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and includes Pakistan, India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, as its members.

This is the first time a cricket tournament is being held alongside the SAARC summit. The Association has its own games, named the South Asian Games or SAF games - South Asian version of Olympic Games - which are held by and large bi-annually.


The decision to stage a Twenty20 event has far-reaching consequences. The newest version of the game – Twenty20 – has helped spread the game beyond its traditional borders. Although Test cricket has been the pinnacle of the sport, it neither got world-wide recognition as an Olympic sport nor attracted other nations into its fold.

Since the inception of Twenty20, many new avenues have opened for the sport of cricket. The Indian Cricket League (ICL) and, in particular, Indian Premier League (IPL) attracted players and sponsors from all over the world and took the world by storm. Every major nation has its own domestic Twenty20 competition, often inviting foreign stars. A champions League, in the footsteps of Football, has taken its roots.

Soon the format will become an Olympic sport as early as 2020, after International Olympic Council (IOC) included ICC as its approved federation in Febuarary 2010. It has already been included in the Asian Games and Afghanistan became first ever Asian Games champions by beating Pakistan in the last Games held in Guangzhou, China in November 2010. The Twenty20 format is the most likely to be part of future multi-sport events as it is short, crisp, thrilling and played by a reasonably large number of countries.

The first SAARC Twenty20 Cup will be held from 30 October to 8 November at the purpose-built stadium on the island of Fuvahmulah in the southern part of Maldives. It will be an under-25 event. All 8 nations will take part but Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka will be the major attraction for the home crowd. Bangladesh and Afghanistan too will thrill the fans with their exciting style of play.

Nepal though has experience of playing in ICC events for the Associate and Affiliate nations, but they would find it tough to compete with their more experienced competitors. The sole aim for the hosts and Bhutan will be to get exposure as they, in all likelihood, will be brushed aside easily.

The tournament will attract more fans and open another avenue for Twenty20 cricket. It is just not an infiltration of sport into the neighborhood, but the sport will definitely grow and expand. It may turn out to be a one-off event, yet it would generate huge interest and a new fan base. Twenty20 is the front soldier of cricket. It will help cricket to establish its feet in new lands before people turn to First Class, and even Test cricket in some cases, eventually. South Asia as the powerhouse of cricket has the ability to transmit the cricket virus to its neighbours, most notably world’s populous nation China.

The seeds that will be sown in Maldives will grow into trees and fruitful plants in future. The game is such an attraction, because most who are attracted do become addict.

Pakistan has announced a balanced 16-member squad for the event. Sabih Azhar will be the manager-cum-coach while Umar Amin will captain the side.

Under-25 Squad:  Umer Amin (C), Nasir Jamshed, Awais Zia, Shahzaib Hasan, Rameez Aziz, Zain Abbas, Jamal Anwar (WK), Raza Hasan, Muhammad Talha, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Rameez, Asad Ali, Bismillah Khan (WK), Usman Qadir

Bangladesh vs West Indies - West Indies thrash Tigers again

T20 win seemed distant as West Indies thrashed Bangladesh in the second ODI even more convincingly than the first. After a disastrous start, Tigers lifted themselves through brilliant back-to-the-wall batting by Mushfiqur and Nasir, but were crushed by the blades of Simmons and, in particular, Samuels.

Match Report – 2^nd ODI: Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, 15 October 2011

Mushfiqur Rahim invited Darren Sammy, coming back from injury to lead Windies, to bat after winning the toss. He soon would regret his decision as Bangladesh’s start went horribly wrong. Imrul Kayes fell to Ravi Rampaul in the first over, while Kemar Roach gave walking orders to Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Ashraful in the next over.

All the three batters played carefree shots that led to their downfall, leaving Bangladeshi captain Mushfiqur at the crease with former skipper Shakib Al Hasan to resurrect the innings from a dreadful position of one for 3.
 
After hitting Roach for three fours in an over, Shakib too played a poor stroke handing West Indies a massive advantage at 18 for 4. Alok Kapali joined his skipper and the pair stopped the slide by taking their side to 58 in the 19^th over when Kapali fell.

Naeem Islam, who was dropped early by Sammy, resisted and carried the score past 100 before Samuels caught him off his own bowling for w well-made 30. Batting at number 8, Nasir Hossain gave good company to his captain who was carrying hopes of his team on his tiny shoulders.

After successfully launching Roach over deep square leg, Mushfiqur tried to repeat the dose to Andre Russell but handed a straight forward catch to Samuels who was lurking at the boundary for the same purpose. His innings of 69 (109b, 2x4, 1x6) was ended in time by West Indies, other wise both him and Nasir were getting their team to a decent total.

Abdur Razzak played a cameo but was run out for a 19-ball 25. Nasir then, desperately, changed gears looting 16 runs off a Russell over, the 48^th of the innings. Nasir was the last man out on the penultimate ball of the 49th, but not before reaching a remarkable fifty. It took just 54 balls that included 3 fours and a six.

Kemar Roach got 3 for 49, while Rampaul and Sammy both bagged a couple each. Although Tigers recovered remarkably well through Rahim and Nasir, yet the total was well below par and needed a big effort from their bowlers to snatch a win.

West Indies started solidly, denying Bangladesh early wickets which they desperately needed. Lendl Simmons, centurion of the last match, and Danza Hyatt posted 71 runs for the first wicket. Hyatt was the aggressor of the two, hitting four sixes and two fours in his 46-ball 39.

Marlon Samuels continued from where Hyatt left, easing into the innings first and then opening up as Simmons reached his fifty (in 103 balls) at the other end. Simmons started batting freely but could not convert his fifty into a hundred this time. He was adjudged LBW as he missed a sweep off Shakib for a solid 80 off 125 balls which included 3 fours and as many sixes.

Samuels punished Rubel with a hat-trick of fours to celebrate his 50 which he had achieved the previous over off 57 balls. Shafiul Islam then bore the brunt of Samuel’s aggression as he was thumped for 3 fours and a stunning six in an over which went for 21 runs.

He was dropped by Nasir off his own bowling but at 85 but West Indies raced to the target with 7.2 overs to spare. Samuels, who remained not out on 88 (74b, 12x4 1x6), was named Man of the Match. Shakib took both wickets to fall, for 30 runs.

It was a whipping victory for the West Indies who now lead the 3-match series by 2-0. Bangladesh need to put some thought and application into their batting if they are to stop a resurgent West Indies from a clean sweep.

Summarised Scores:

West Indies 221/2 in 42.4 overs (Samuels 88*, Simmons 80; Shakib 2/30) beat Bangladesh 220/10 in 48.5 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 69, Nasir 50; Roach 3/49) by 8 wickets





West Indies lead the series 2-0

Man of the Match: Marlon Samuels

Click for complete scorecard

Credits: AP (Image), CricketArchive.com

Champions League T20 – Mumbai brush aside Bangalore, lift Trophy

The final, played between the two IPL teams, proved to be a rather one-sided affair as Mumbai won easily in the end. Mumbai has never won an IPL tournament, neither did Bangalore, yet they have managed to become the champions of champions.

Match Report – CLT20: Final, Mumbai Indians v Royal challengers Bangalore, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, 9 October 2011

On a slow and low surface, Harbhajan Singh won the toss and asked Daniel Vettori to field first. Dilshan started well with his off-spinners but Sarul Kanwar hit the last ball for a slog-swept six. Aiden Blizzard was run out the next over in a bizarre fashion to give Challengers first strike.
 
Dirk Nannes then disturbed Kanwar’s stumps to make it 24 for 2 after 4. Ambati Rayudu and James Franklin revived the innings with a brief but important partnership before Rayudu holed out in the covers for 22. Franklin played some smashing shots including a pulled six off Aravind.

Suryakumar Yadav gave good company to Franklin as both took Mumbai to 100 in the 14^th over. Franklin, after hitting Vettori for a six, was involved in the run out of Yadav who had backed up too far. He made 24 off 17 balls that included 2 fours and a six.

Next over Franklin got himself run out as Mumbai began to slip. His innings of 41 off just 29 balls, with two fours and as many sixes, was instrumental but could have been more destructive had he survived till the last overs.

Mumbai could collect just 30 runs in the last 5 overs, as regular loss of wickets kept them short of breath. Vettori’s double strike dismissing Pollard and Harbhajan did not help either. Despite two mighty blows by Malinga, Mumbai were all out on the last ball for 139, below par but a fighting total.

Bangalore got off to a flowing start as Dilshan blasted away from the outset. At 38 after 4 overs, Dilshan misread Malinga and got his off stump uprooted. His 27 off 20 balls were attractive but too little for his team’s sake. Gayle, who had lesser share of strike, was on just 5 when he was given LBW to Harbhajan.

Bangalore continued to lose wickets and were never in contention after Virat Kohli went cheaply. They folded for 108 in 19.2 overs, losing by a big margin of 31 runs. Harbhajan, who took 3 important scalps for 20 runs, was named player of the match.

Lasith Malinga was named player of the tournament for his bowling as well as batting exploits. Mumbai, despite not having Tendulkar, Munaf Patel and Rohit Sharma in their ranks, won the Trophy which was mainly because they had a good bowling line-up.

Bangalore once again choked in the final – they have lost two IPL finals. All in all it was a good tournament which showcased everything which a T20 event should have.


Mumbai Indians 139/10 (Franklin 41, Raju Bhatkal 3/21) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 108/10 (Dilshan 27, Harbhajan 3/20) by 31 runs to lift the Trophy

Man of the Match: Harbhajan Singh

Man of the Tournament: Lasith Malinga

Faysal Bank T20 Cup – Day 6 Round Up: Karachi out, Rams and Panthers qualify

After Lahore Lions’ exit, another tournament favourite Karachi Dolphins too could not make into the semi-finals. Peshawar Panther, led by Umar Gul, and Rawalpindi Rams progressed with inspiring performances.

Group B: Afghan Cheetahs knocked out by Multan Tigers

Naved Yasin showed he can bowl as well as he can bat by getting four crucial wickets for just 17 runs. In a disappointing batting performance by Afghan side, which had fought admirably in the previous two matches, only Najib Taraki and Captain Mohammad Nabi batted well for 34 each.

Multan captain Shabbir Ahmed also bowled well taking 3 for 27. Zain Abbas played well but saw wickets fall regularly at the other end when Tigers replied. Some good bowling by Cheetahs reduced Tigers to 90 for 6 in the 15^th over, but unbeaten 45-run partnership between Kamran Hussain and Shabbir took them home with four balls to spare.

Nabi again starred with 2 wickets, but his team departed home empty hand, a bit disappointing seeing their potential.

Group B: Faisalabad Wolves eliminated by Rawalpindi Rams in a nail-biter

Wolves stuttered, recuperated and then fell agonizingly short of the Rams’ competitive score of 165 in the day’s second match. It was a do or die match for both the teams, and Rawalpindi proved to be a better all-round team hence they progressed to the semi-final stage.

Batting first, Rams were going quick but lost too many wickets to be 46 for 4. Umar Amin (53 off 37 with 7 fours) and wicket-keeper Jamal Anwar (41 off 34 with 5 overs) batted beautifully, first resurrecting the innings and then unleashing their strokes in a high-class 97-run stand.

Saeed Ajmal again proved his worth by taking 3 for 32 as Rams ended on 165 for 8, which looked distant at one time.

In reply Wolves were reduced to 34 for 4 by Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Rameez. It soon became 39 for 5, and from this desperate position captain Misbah and Imran Khalid brought their team into the contention once again by some resolute batting.

After Misbah departed for 43, Imran Khalid was run out as Rams closed in again. With 36 runs required of the last nine balls, Mohammad Talha tried his best to do a miracle by slamming 22 off just 7 balls but Wolves fell short by 7 runs, and crashed out.

Group D: Peshawar Panthers qualify upsetting Karachi Dolphins

In the last match of the day, and to utter disappointment of the home crowd, second Karachi team, too, crashed out of the tournament by playing poorly against Peshawar Panthers who were by far an inferior side.

Batting first, Panthers posted a tough total of 177 for 7. Rafatullah Mohmand, Fayyaz and Zohaib Khan all batted aggressively scoring 42, 39 and 43 runs respectively. Rumman Raees, Afridi and Faraz Ahmed took two wickets each.

In reply Karachi batted without a plan and lost wickets upfront to Nauman Habib as they tried to slog out. When Afridi went for 19, many in the crowd started departing, but a late onslaught from wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed rekindled the hopes of the fans for a, brief moment though. He made 37 of 20 balls, as Karachi ended on 148 for 9.

Nauman took 3 wickets, but Zohaib was named the man of the match for his all-round show (43 runs and 2 wickets).


On Saturday, Rawalpindi ill be up against Peshawar and Lahore Eagles will take on Sialkot in the semi-finals.


Venue: National stadium, Karachi September 30, 2011

Scorecard credit: CricketArchives.com

Faysal Bank T20 Cup – Day 5 Round Up: Rams move on, Afghans crash out and Afridi’s all-round show

Shahid Afridi was on show for the first time in the tournament. And his all-round show won his Karachi team their first match in the tournament. Rawalpindi moved a step closer for the next stage at the expense of Multan, while Faisalabad showed the door to valiant Afghans.

Group B: Rameez bowls Rawalpindi Rams to win against Multan Tigers 

Mohammad Rameez bowled exceptionally to restrict Tigers within a manageable target. He took 4 for including a maiden over in which he took a hat-trick. All-rounder Kamran Hussain scored a quick-fire 32 with the help of 2 fours and 2 sixes to take Tigers out of trouble from 71 for 5 to 127 in 16 overs.

Gulraiz Sadaf and Ansar Javed stayed for long enough (35 each) to help their team post 151 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs.

After an early loss, Awais Zia and Tahir Mughal blasted their way to 92 in 10 overs. Tahir went for 37 but Zia posted his second 50 in as many matches. He hit 8 fours in his 52 which took just 30 balls.
 
Middle order batted solidly to take their team home in the 19^th over with 5 wickets to spare.

Click for scorecard

Group B: Afghan Cheetahs lose again, this time against Faisalabad Wolves 

Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bat first and his top order gave him a solid start. Asif Hussain and Mohammad Salman both fell in their thirties. Afghans hit back with quick wickets, their captain Mohammad Nabi leading the way with 2 for 24.

Chasing 145, Cheetah lost both openers early, caught behind off Abdur Rauf. Gulbodin Naib and Karim Sadiq build much needed partnership as they took the score to 102 in 12 overs. They looked on course to record their first win, but spinners accounted for both at the same score.

Naib hit 10 fours and 2 sixes in his 42-ball 68. Sadiq scored 20 and no other batsman could cross double figures as they ended 14 runs short with just one wicket remaining.

With just one match to go, Afghan side will look to go back on a winning note.

Click for scorecard

Group D: Karachi Dolphins make Islamabad Leopards eat humble pie

Islamabad, after opting to bat first could not handle Karachi bowling, especially Shahid Afridi who took 3 for 20 in his four overs. First three batsmen crossed twenties but did not cash in on good starts, as Faisalabad crawled to 131 for 9 at the end.

Shahzaib started with a blitz, but it was the pair of Afridi and Rameez Raja Jr who took the game away from Leopards by firing all cylinders. Afridi, who came in as opener, scored 58 off 32 balls that included 7 fours and 2 sixes - a man of the match performance.

Click for scorecard

Venue: National stadium, Karachi September 29, 2011

Scorecard credit: CricketArchives.com

Faysal Bank T20 Cup – Day 4 Round Up: Mixed day for ‘cats’ at the National Stadium

Panthers, Tigers and Cheetahs all belong to the family of cats, but all had different fortunes on an interesting Twenty20 day. Panthers feasted on their prey, while Tigers were eaten away by Wolves. Cheetahs from Afghanistan gave Rams a hard run before getting rammed.

Group D: Islamabad Leopards could not handle Peshawar Panthers’ seam attack

Away from star action, Peshawar Panthers and Islamabad Leopards contested in the first match which proved an easy one for the Umar Gul-led Panthers.

Iftikhar Anjum asked Panthers to bat first, which they obliged by posting a par score of 150 for 9. Rafatullah started aggressively but early collapse at the other end necessitated some consolidation, which was provided by top scorer Aftab Alam (36 off 33) and Shoaib Khan Senior (26).

Captain Umar Gul hit two lusty blows in the end. Zohaib Ahmed took 3 for 21. In reply, Gul and Nauman Habib reduced the Capital City team to 48 for 5.

Despite Naeem Anjum’s effort of 4o off 41 balls, they were blown away quickly for 122 in the last over. Habib took 4 for 17, but Gul was named man of the match for his 3 wickets and 20 runs.

Click for scorecard

Group B: Faisalabad Wolves thrash Multan Tigers in a boring encounter

Wolves, batting first, posted a competitive 161 for 8, riding on the batting form of Asif Ali and Khurram Shehzad, who both fell in their forties.

Four run outs in the dying overs did not help much, as Tigers gave away 30 runs in extras, including 17 in wides. In reply Naved Yasin departed early, but Zain Abbas (28) and Gulraiz Sadaf (32) carried Tigers’ hopes until both fell one after the other.

Imran Khalid had taken two cheap wickets, but introduction of Saeed Ajmal proved last nail in the coffin. His figures of 4 overs, 5 runs and 3 wickets were second most economical bowling figures in all T20s. Wolves downed Tigers by 54 runs.

Click for scorecard

Group B: Afghan Cheetahs fought well but Rawalpindi Rams came out on top

Afghans after landing just a day earlier went into the match without any nets, but showed tremendous guts against Faysal Bank super eight T20 champions, Rawalpindi Rams.

Mohammad Nabi chose to bat after beating Sohail Tanvir on the flick of the coin. Top three did not contribute, but pair of Samiullah Shenwari and Najibullah Zardan put on 78 enterprising runs before former was bowled by Tanvir for 52 off 32 balls which included 2 fours and 3 sixes.

Zardan and Nabi ensured strong finish as Rams; fielding faltered against the onslaught. Zardan remained unbeaten on 51 off 34 balls with 3 fours and as many sixes. In reply Rams raced to 22 of 8 balls, before Naved Malik was castled by Gulbodin Naib with a beauty of an inswinger.

Rawalpindi were reduced to 49 for 3, but opener Awais Zia, who was in blistering form, did not let the scoring rate go down. He fell after making 60 off 41 balls including 10 fours and a six. Umar Amin (43 off 38 balls) carried the ship thereafter as Hammad Azam finished the match in a hurry in the 19^th over.

Zia was named man of the match. Afghans, though lost, but have signaled their intentions and showcased their talents in front of a capacity crowd, dominated by Afghans, in terms of vociferousness if not numbers.

Click for scorecard

Venue: National stadium, Karachi September 28, 2011

Scorecard credit: CricketArchives.com

Do come back Waqar!

Waqar’s tenure as Pakistan coach had more positives in it than a first look might suggest >

The day Waqar Younis resigned as coach of Pakistan cricket team; I got engulfed in the fear of unknown. Not that he turned Pakistan into world beaters, but the manner in which he carried Pakistan through crises after crises and gave results along the way has raised his profile even in the eyes of the doubters. He was needed for some time more.

Waqar resigned, unexpectedly, citing personal and health reasons on August 20 ahead of the Pakistan tour to Zimbabwe. Announcing the decision, which shocked players as well as cricket lovers, he said: "I have tendered my resignation to the board last week and the tour to Zimbabwe will be my last. I have taken this decision on personal grounds, including medical grounds, and have no differences with anyone and my resignation has been accepted by the board.

He took over from Intikhab Alam in March 2010 amidst crisis in Pakistan cricket. Pakistan had just returned from a winless tour Down Under and allegations of match fixing and indiscipline were rife. In his first major assignment, Pakistan reached the semi-final of the World T20, where a final spot looked certain until Mike Hussey robbed them single handedly.

English tour was a big test for his skills but it turned out to be a disastrous one for Pakistan as spot-fixing controversy hit the headlines. Trouble started with Shahid Afridi withdrawing, shockingly out of no where, from Test captaincy after leading Pakistan to a big loss in the first Test against Australia. Salman Butt was chosen to lead and he started brilliantly by winning the next one, and drawing the 2-Test series. Pakistan went into Test series against England with some confidence.
 
The reverberations of Afridi’s sudden withdrawal were still in the air when a catastrophe hit Pakistan cricket, in fact the world of cricket. Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt were accused of spot-fixing in the Lords Test by News of the World, which provided video and documentary evidence to ICC leading to their withdrawal from the tour.

Their loss, and loss of credibility by large, adversely affected Pakistan’s performance and they lost both Test and ODI series comprehensively. In this time of crisis, when players were left in the cold by the PCB top brass and the management of Yawar Saeed proved to be a massive failure, one man kept his dignity and composure. And that man was Waqar Younis.

As it wasn’t enough, Zulqarnain Haider fled from the Team hotel in the middle of the Tour in Dubai, on the pretext that he was threatened for life, plunging controversy-hit team into deeper mess. At that time the ODI team was led by Shahid Afridi, while Misbah-ul-Haq was Test captain. Every time Waqar had to build a team, a new crisis erupted.

Under Misbah, team performed admirably and drew the Test series against the powerful South Africans. It was a good enough beginning, yet again.

The working relationship between Waqar and Misbah seemed to work well for Pakistan as they won the Test series in New Zealand. The ODI series too was in Pakistan’s favour.  It was after this tour, that PCB high-ups started thinking for the future. Apart from helping the team gel together, the Waqar-Misbah combination also produced good results.

There were thought of relieving Afridi of the ODI captaincy and handing it to Misbah ahead of the World cup. It is still not clear whom Waqar was in favour of, but the world Cup campaign ended sourly after a bright start. The fact that the team reached the semifinal stage despite having suffered off the field over the past year was enough for the fans to celebrate. Many at that time thought, things could have been different had Misbah were at the helm.

It was a satisfactory performance for the coach Waqar Younis, but it was heartbreaking as well, as he had never won a World Cup as a player - he was out injured in 1992. It was widely expected that Pakistan cricket will go up from there, as the set-up looked well settled and largely controversy free.

Pakistan toured West Indies in May 2011 and drew the Test series 1-1. Afridi returned to captain in the 5-match ODI series in which Pakistan cruised to 3-0 advantage after three matches. The next two, dead rubbers, Pakistan lost and it was apparent that some thing was not right in the touring camp.

The differences over selection matters for the ODI series soured to such an extent that Afridi criticized Waqar openly upon reaching home. It was really in bad taste and in clear violation of the PCB’s code of conduct. Serious cracks had appeared in the relationship of coach and the captain. The matters which could have been settled behind closed doors through negotiations were brought in the open, and PCB reacted, belatedly as always, by removing Afridi from captaincy.

Afridi’s knee-jerk reaction led to his ‘conditional’ retirement from the game. Misbah was handed over the T20I and ODI captaincy. The blame game continued for a while before it faded away with the impression that Afridi had acted prematurely although there were signs Ijaz Butt wanted to get rid of him, any way.
Waqar Younis did not give impression that he retired because of any differences with the PCB. It was heartening to see PCB giving him a formal farewell, as Waqar left for Australia to join his family. A vacuum was clearly felt both by the players and the fans alike.

There was no doubt about Waqar Younis the player, but many critics doubted his ability to coach the team. The main task was to unite a bunch of players who were not gelling together for a long time, apart from side-stepping the whims of the PCB. His previous stint as bowling coach had ended bitterly after developing differences with the management.

His tenure was not a rollercoaster one, as he described himself while announcing resignation. It was full of distractions, but he kept his focus firmly on the job. He had belief in his players and his own abilities. Gradually the team was creating a new atmosphere and character which was largely due to Waqar’s presence, aided by exclusion of divisive players from the team as well as Misbah’s calming and stabilizing persona.
The start of a new era has received a major blow in the shape of Waqar’s resignation. Misbah has proved to be a blessing for Pakistan cricket at a time when PCB is unable to find a suitable captain, apart from him off course. The partnership of Waqar and Misbah was the perfect platform for the future to be built. Any new coach, foreign or local, will have to start afresh as he will not meet with a settled set-up.
It will be a travesty, considering all that happened to Pakistan cricket, if Ijaz Butt is reappointed at the end of October for a second stint. In any case, PCB should have waited until that before advertising for a new coach. Although Waqar cited personal reasons, but those who know Pakistan cricket and PCB would testify that it is not what it looks some times.

In all likelihood, PCB will appoint an interim coach for the Sri Lanka series in UAE, as the committee formed for nominating the new coach is yet to finalize its recommendations. A suitable candidate, foreign or local, may not be readily available.

In this scenario, there is still a possibility that Waqar comes back and takes the job as early as after the next tour. The PCB chairman has also hinted that Waqar would be welcome if he sorts out his personal problems and decides to rejoin. There is no harm in extending a formal invitation to Waqar.

It is hoped, for the sake of Pakistan cricket, that Waqar sorts his problems and returns to coach his team once again. He will be welcome by every one; fans, players and Ijaz Butt alike – a rare scenario indeed.