The Willow Talk by AK

Return of the Willow Talker!

2006-07-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

Hello guyz

I have been away for a long while now. Thought I'd start posting again now that Pak is on tour of England. Check this space for reviews, previews and analysis by the your own "Willow Talker" :)

Andrew Miller on Mohammad Asif

2006-02-09T04:54:00.000-05:00

Andrew Miller of Cricinfo writes a brilliant article on young Pakistani fast bowling sensation, Mohammad Asif.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/236242.html

2006-02-09T04:50:00.000-05:00

Asif continues to impress with another thrilling spell of seam bowling

2006-02-09T04:49:00.000-05:00

The little master answers his critics with a well-timed hundred.

2006-02-09T04:48:00.000-05:00

Salman Butt performs a sajdah after he completed his century against India.

2006-02-09T04:44:00.000-05:00

Clean hit! Shoaib Malik clears the fence once again in the opening one-day international on his way to 90 off 67 balls.

2006-02-09T04:41:00.000-05:00

A bemused Inzamam reacts after the Indian team appeals against him for obstructing the field.

Pakistan draws first blood

2006-02-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Pakistan beats India by seven runs using the D/L method. India chalked up a massive 328 but Pakistan’s top order batsmen Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik ensured that Pakistan ends up as the winning side. India did fought their way into the match by taking some quick mid-order wickets but Pakistan were always ahead of the D/L targets and thus won when bad light intervened. Pakistan leads the series 1-0. Second match will be played in Rawalpindi on Saturday.

Third test match review

2006-02-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

Go to www.pointcricket.com for my review of the entire third test match.

Pakistan complete emphatic victory

2006-02-07T23:29:00.000-05:00

Click on the link below for my final day’s review of the third test match published on www.Pakpassion.net.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?t=17268

2006-02-07T23:22:00.000-05:00

Tendulkar forced into submission by young Mohammed Asif

2006-02-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

The entire Pakistani unit after a historic win against India

2006-02-07T23:15:00.000-05:00

Kamran Akmal struck one of the most memorable centuries by a keeper-batsman in teh 3rd test between India and Pakistan

List of Articles

2006-02-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

India in Pakistan: 3rd Test - Day4 - Pak Passion

Dramatic win for Pakistan - Point Cricket

Pitch Fever: Karachi - Pak Passion

Runs galore in another grinding draw - Point Cricket

Pitch Fever: Faisalabad - Willow Talk

Run fest ends in a lull draw - Point Cricket

Pakistan and India all set for series opener - Willow Talk

Pakistan gift final game on a platter (Short Report) - Willow Talk

Karachi Back in Business - Chowk

Pakistan butchers English bowlers! (Short report) - Willow Talk

Pak-Eng ODI #2: (Point Analysis) - Willow Talk

Ganguly's inclusion a mistake - Willow Talk

England in Pakistan: 2nd Test - Day1 - Pak Passion

Test 2 Preview: Pakistan vs England - Pak Passion

The Genius of a Giant - Chowk

Tough Choices ahead of first test - PakistaniCricket.net

Adeel Khan

Record-breaking win for the Green-Caps

2006-02-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

What a brilliant win by Team Pakistan. After being down and out at 39/6 in the first session of the game, Pakistan recovered to beat India by 341 runs, in what was one of the most dramatic comebacks test cricket has ever seen. Go Pakistan Go!

On going to England...

2006-01-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

I hope i'd probably be able to stop over in london on way to dubai n watch a couple games in the process during the pak-england series this summer..Looks a little tough though, but lets see...

Dino the dean!

2006-01-31T18:37:00.000-05:00

His comments are brilliant, for my money, and he is well-informed. Also, he makes it interesting when the likes of Ramiz, Shiva, Waqar, Arun are boring all of us to death. To me he is brilliant when you especially compare him with the guyz above mentioned Dean Jones has a good sense of humor and fun to listen to. Also, notices some intricate details that keeps the viewer hooked on in even the most lull moments of the game. I think he is right up there with Chappell, Nicholas, Boycott, Slater, Shastri and Manjrekar.

On declaration...

2006-01-31T18:33:00.000-05:00

If Pak can’t do it in 5 sessions, then even 6 wouldn't make a difference. But they should look to declare within the first hour of play. There is always a little more moisture in the first hour, and Pak should utilize that. It could mean a wicket, and at that stage getting Dravid or Sehwag early will be a great boost for them.

Pitch Fever II

2006-01-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

Another one of my articles, Pitch Fever II, was published in www.Pakpassion.net. Click on the link to visit the website and do comment on the article. Many thanks.

My ideal One-Day squad against India

2006-01-30T17:22:00.000-05:00

Tour diaries

My first XI will be:
Salman
Malik
Younis
Yousuf
Inzamam
Afridi
Razzy
Akmal
Rana
Shoaib
Asif

Bench:
Farhat
Gul
Arshad
Raza

I'd love to include Kaneria but on present form, Arshad edges him and there isn't a need of 2 spinners as such.

Also, I feel Malik has the potential to well @ the top. Its a bit of a psychological thing i guess for him and he's got to work out on it. Also he needs to keep his concentration, and really if he consistently fails as an opener then there isn't another place for him.

As for Younis, it just amazed me why he hasn't been able to transfer his form in the ODI circuit. He comes one-down in ODIs as well and has the responsibility to anchor the innings. Just somehow he fails to do so, but I feel he will come good very soon.

Runs galore in another grinding draw

2006-01-28T04:46:00.000-05:00

My second article for PointCricket is published. Go to www.pointcricket.com for my review of the second test match.

2006-01-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

The brilliant National Stadium in Karachi, venue for the third and final test match between Pakistan and India.

Condolences to Malik and family

2006-01-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

Heart felt condolence to Shoaib Mallik and his family . May the Almighty Allah give strength to Shoaib Mallick and his family to bear this loss .

Karachi back in business

2006-01-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

Tour blog

On the eve of the first test in Karachi in a long, long time, let’s re-visit an older article (. My article on Karachi called “Karachi back in business” was published @ Chowk.com. Click the link to check it out if you haven’t read it before.

http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00006089&channel=gymkhana

2006-01-26T02:09:00.000-05:00

Younis murders Indian bowling once again, in Faisalabad. (c) AFP

2006-01-26T02:06:00.000-05:00

Dhoni builds on his reputation as a big-hitting keeper. (c) AFP

2006-01-26T02:02:00.000-05:00

Afridi smashing a career-best 156. He went from 50 to 150 in only 62 balls. (c) AFP

Asif living by his reputation

2006-01-26T01:50:00.000-05:00

Asif bowls a strict line/length and i am quite surprised by that since this is only his 2nd game. Brings the bowl in nicely and could be quite a handful in England. I think he is still working on the ball that shapes away. He bowled a few that straightened or moved away but I think he'll get that with time. Ovreall a good prospect. As for his pace, on grassier pitches he shd touch 140K's on ore then one occasion. For the few who have criticized him, sorry to say, but you weren't watching the game everyone else was!

RP as man of the match?

2006-01-26T01:37:00.000-05:00

Tour diary blogs

RP as man of the match was a joke of a decision. I couldn't believe myself. The 4 wkts he got were all gifts. He was just abt average in the 1st innings, throwing it all over the place. Was better in the 2nd though. Perhaps Arun n Shiva were the judges. Zaheer has been by far the best Indian bowler on tour. Danish also got 3 wkts and certianly was way better then RP Singh. Just a retarded decision this. Younis shd have been the obvious choice.

On both captains being hauled in by the Ref

2006-01-26T01:36:00.000-05:00

Tour diary blog

Thats bull-crap. Happens all the time in intl cricket. As far as you dont abuse opposition's players its all good. The ref is just trying to show off his authority. How much do u wanna bet that would've stayed mute if it was shane warne instead of afridi. BTW pathan is a girl! I thought he was big enough to reply to it on his own rather then whining about it.

Another run-mania follows...

2006-01-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

This time Faisalabad witnessed a run mania as Pakistan piled up almost 600 runs, with centuries to Afridi and Inzamam. India look good as well with 440 odd, for them Dravid and Dhoni have followed with centuries. Its a shame that the pitches have nothing in them for the bowlers because there certainly are some great bowlers in both teams. I'm not sure if many of us would like to remember these first two tests too fondly. The PCB's got to look strongly into making any possible changes in its pitch-making staff across Pakistan.

2006-01-22T03:31:00.000-05:00

To throw, or not to throw? Muralitharan in action against South Africa.

(c) Getty Images

2006-01-22T03:27:00.000-05:00

Stunning isn't it. The Adelaide Oval in a game between Australia and South Africa. (Copyright unknown)

Malik as a long-term opener

2006-01-22T03:13:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

He curbed is big hitting natural instincts which is y he succeeded in the one-down role in odi's. An opener needs similar attributes to that of a one-drop batsmen to succeed at intl level, both in tests n odi's. Let's hope he can do that more consistently in the test arena.

On Abdul Razzaq's inclusion...

2006-01-22T02:57:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

Abdul Razzaq has played alot of games, and he hasn't done enough to show that he desreves a place in the present test side, especially after the emergence of afridi. y he's in the team is obvious to me, n its annoying. if rana was injured, another frontline bowler [read: umar gul] shd have played. simple.

Sami and abdul razzaq are two of the most fortunate pakistani test cricketers ever. since the last couple of seasons, i have been of the opinion that both dont deserve a place in the test squad, let alone the final 11. still both of them end up playing somehow. boggles my mind.

Quote ... unquote by Cricinfo

2006-01-20T23:38:00.000-05:00

"My grandma has a crush on Richie Benaud"

A banner at the Gabba which prompted Mark Nicholas to ask "Is
that necessarily a good thing?" of his fellow commentator. "Depends on the
grandma," replied Benaud, quick as a flash

Click here for more http://usa.cricinfo.com/quote/content/page/156062.html

2006-01-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium - venue for the second test match between India and Pakistan

© Getty Images

2006-01-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

Indo-Pak players share great rapport off the field
© Cricinfo

Pitch Fever

2006-01-20T18:43:00.000-05:00

After the huge non-contest between bat and ball at Lahore, a lot is expected off the wicket at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. The pitch, for starters, has never been too result-friendly. Since test cricket’s inception in this city, a total of 23 matches have been played. The home team has won six and lost five out of the 11 matches that have produced an outcome.

Recently against England, Pakistan almost forced England into submission in the final day of the second test match, until the English lower-middle order fought back to salvage a tense draw. It was during the same match that Inzamam-ul-Haq scored two brilliantly-crafted centuries despite niggles in his back.

Over the last few days, one man has taken more spot-light then either Inzamam or Rahul Dravid; and that man unquestionably is Agha Zahid, PCB’s chief curator. While some media sections and experts have lambasted him for making such a lifeless pitch, others have laid the blame squarely on the Pakistani team management, who they feel gave specific directions to Zahid to shave off any grass available on the pitch. Inzamam, however, in his column with Pakistan’s Daily Jang has emphatically refuted the claims.

Zahid claims that weather had a part to play in improper preparation for the track in Lahore. One does feel that while that argument is acceptable, but to say that it was just the weather that led to such a batting haven is beyond acceptance. In England, the weather is dark and gloomy almost throughout the year. The curators there, however, are still able to produce tracks that are reasonably lively – tracks that have something in them for everyone. A testimony to this is the fact that most test matches there in the recent past have went into the final day.

Nevertheless, moving on to Faisalabad, Inzamam has openly stated that he wants dead grass on the pitch and nothing else. Dead grass, he explains, results in little but consistent movement for the entire length of the test match. Also, a grassy wicket (even if it is dead grass) tends to stay firm for a longer period of time, resulting in consistent bounce and movement for the better part of a test match.

However, the nature of soil in Pakistan could neutralize the effect of dead grass on the pitch; the movement would be only slight and fairly slow to pose any real problems for the batsmen.

In the end, though, a lot will depend on the whether, which has remained bright and sunny for the last two days. Further sun-shine will bake, and thus harden, the surface resulting in greater bounce and pace from the pitch.

Pitches and curators have never been under such pressure before. With India’s mammoth media contingency essentially breathing down the throat of the beleaguered Agha Zahid, the pitch-maker would spend a few sleepless nights until the test match draws to a close.

© Adeel Khan

Apologies for the last two weeks

2006-01-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

Due to tough work schedule, I have been unable to update this website regularly. There is some new material now to keep you busy :)

Adeel

Run-fest ends in a lull draw

2006-01-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

Please visit http://www.pointcricket.com for my latest article. Cheers..

Collaboration with PointCricket.com

2006-01-20T18:31:00.000-05:00

For the next little while, I will be working with PointCricket.com - writing articles for them. PointCricket is a fantasy cricket website that has only recently added a columns section to its repertoire. I will be writing columns for them on a regular, though, honorary basis. Do check out the website when you get a chance to. Any feedback will be well-taken. Regards.

Adeel.

2006-01-20T18:28:00.000-05:00

The two of Pakistan's Big Three shared a ridiculously huge 319-run stand for the third wicket. Dravid n Sehwag's stand of 410 then followed. What testament to the flat track!

© AFP

2006-01-20T18:21:00.000-05:00

Afridi lashes out in typical cavalier fashion
© AFP

2006-01-20T18:16:00.000-05:00

Sehwag launched into Pakistan as he blasted the second fastest double-century in history.
© AFP

Pakistan and India all set for series opener

2006-01-13T01:32:00.000-05:00

It’s January 13, 2006, as the entire cricket fraternity gears up for another mouth-watering contest between the two Pakistan and India. It is India’s second tour in three years, a fact which speaks volumes about the improved relations that the two countries now enjoy.

The two arch-rivals will take the field on Friday with quiet confidence. Both squad are coming off from impressive series victories and look fairly well-balanced. India have the batting might of Dravid, Sehwag and Sachin to fall back on, while Pakistan has names like Inzamam, Yousuf and Younis to boost about.

Both bowling attacks are also fairly strong in their own way. India’s champion leg-spinner Anil Kumble and young prodigy Irfan Pathan will be the visitor’s main bowling trump-cards, along with Harbhajan, who can hold his own against any test side. Pakistan has that fearsome fast-bowler by the name of Shoaib Akhtar to strike fear in any batsman’s heart, and he will be ably supported by the likes of Rana Naved and Danish Kaneria.

On paper, both sides look fairly equal. But, if one person can change all of that, then that person undoubtedly is the Rawalpindi express. With greater control and variation, he proved more then a handful against the English side that toured Pakistan late last year. If he comes into his element, it will be increasingly difficult for the Indian batsmen to develop a proper rhythm in their innings. Him and Inzamam need to click for Pakistan, if Pakistan is harboring any hopes for a series win.

From India’s side, a lot will depend on captain Dravid, Sehwag and Kumble. A well-devised counter attack against even two of the above three mentioned will go a long way in tilting the balance in Pakistan’s favor. Sachin and Yuvraj could prove to be wild-cards for India. Both have been among the runs in recent games and could dish out some useful contributions for the visiting side. From Pakistan’s side, Afridi and Butt could do some added damage to the visitors.

All in all, both sides have a number of match-winners to count on and the two sides enter the Gadhaffi circle at 4.45 GMT on what promises to be another exhilarating encounter between the two old arch-rivals.

© Adeel Khan

Pakistan does the improbable

2005-12-26T01:26:00.000-05:00

Tour diary blog

Before the England series started, Pakistan was widely expected to draw the test series at best and may be win the ODI series. With the tour behind all of us now, the results are there for everyone to see. Pakistan beat England 2-0 in the tests, a result that could have easily been 3-0, had bad light not figured as prominently as it did during the second test match and infact during entire series. In ODIs, Pakistan topped England 3-2 - a result which again could very comfortably have been 4-1 had Pakistan decided to play skipper Inzamamul Haq and pacer Shoaib Akhter in Game 5 of the one-day rubber.

With the extremely positive results against a side that was the world's number 2 in many eyes, Pakistani team is feeling as good about itself as it has felt in recent memory.

More to follow...

2005-12-26T01:22:00.000-05:00

Andy Roberts knocks down his man

(Getty Images)

Pakistan gift final game on a platter

2005-12-26T00:58:00.000-05:00

Akays Tour diaries

With the series firmly in the bag, Pakistani batsmen decided to take it easy in the final game as they gifted the match on a platter to the visiting English side. England made 206/9 in 50 overs, a gettable total even on a wicket that was slow and low, and offered considerable turn to the spinners. Pakistan in reply could only manage 200 runs after being 122/2 at one stage.

Yasir Hameed and Mohammad Yousuf chipped in with gutsy 50's before both threw it away in sloppy fashion. In the aftermath of these two dismissals, a procession followed, with batters coming and going without wasting too much time at the crease. England bowlers stuck to their task very well with man-of-the-match Jimmy Anderson being the pick of the bowlers with 38/4.

In the first innings, Pakistani bowlers tightened the noose around the visiting team allowing only 206 runs. Rana Naved, youngster Mohd Asif and spinner Arshad Khan were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan. Vikram Solanki top-scored for England with 49 runs.

© Adeel Khan

Inzamam and Shoaib to rest

2005-12-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

A certain ex-player with close ties to the team has indicated Pakistan will be resting Shoaib Akhter, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohd Sami ahead of the final game in Rawalpindi. Pakistan has already wrapped up the series two days ago at the same venue by toppling the visitors by 13 runs.

Pakistan clinch another series victory

2005-12-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

On the back of some fine bowling by Rana Naved, Shahid Afridi and Arshad Khan, Pakistan were able to beat England by 13 runs in a nail-biting finish in Rawalpindi. More to follow...

Pakistan on verge of series win

2005-12-19T07:44:00.000-05:00

Pakistan is about to claim a series victory in the 4th ODI in Rawalpindi. Some noticeable performances from Pakistan's side:

Inzamam - another fighting knock as he scored 81*
Afridi - another Boom Boom innings by the Pathan with 34 of 32 deliveries
Rana - 2 quick top-order wickets put England on the back-foot
Arshad the SuperSub - picking up the all-important wicket of Trescothick and was almost unplayable so far with only 16 runs off his 9 overs
Afridi again - picking up 3 middle order wickets to set up a probable Pak victory

More to follow....

(c) Adeel Khan

Brilliant Inzamam passes 11,000 runs in 2nd ODI

2005-12-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

Pakistani skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq had another feather in his cap during the 2nd ODI in Lahore. In the match, he passed 11,000 runs in ODI cricket and thus became only the second player, behind Sachin Tendulkar, to have ever achieved the feat. The following are the brief stats of his glittering one-day career.

Innings: 325
Runs: 11, 060
Centuries: 10
Half-centuries: 81
Average: 39.92

2005-12-17T16:33:00.000-05:00

Vintage Micheal Holding: Never too polite, neither as a player, nor as a commentator.

Top 5 wicket takers in a calender year in test matches

2005-12-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Shane Warne (2005) – 86 in 14*
Dennis Lillee (1981) – 85 in 13
Allan Donald (1998) – 80 in 14
Muttiah Muralitharan(2001) – 80 in 12
Joel Garner (1984) – 79 in 14

©CricInfo

Shane Warne goes one-up on Dennis Lillee

2005-12-17T03:28:00.000-05:00

The legendary leg-spinner becomes the highest wicket-taker in a calender year in test matches. He now has 86, in a mere 14 games.

No love lost between Australia and South Africa

2005-12-17T02:51:00.000-05:00

The Australian cricket team, in typical Australian tradition, have fired back at Grame Smith after he said that the Australia middle order was weak. The reaction has been a bit of an over-reaction, but not to the surprise of many. Hear are a few snippets of certain comments made by players and ex-players from both nations:

"Your guys looked totally lost against the spinner Beau Casson. He is just a baby learning the art of spin bowling. The Aussies can use three spinners here against you. The bowling attack does not look too bad. The weakest link in the bowling attack is Shaun Pollock. He bowls without any speed and I don't believe he will worry the Aussies too much." Terry Alderman, former Australian fast bowler.

"Australia's top three batsmen are their strength, so being able to knock them over is important. That exposes their middle order, which has experienced pressure in domestic cricket but maybe not in Tests. If we get things right, we will be putting Adam Gilchrist under pressure at No.7 too." Grame Smith, South African captain.

"I hope it will be quick - that will turn me on. I enjoy pace. I'm feeling pretty well balanced at the crease; I need a bit of luck and then there will be a century on the board." A. B. de Villiers, South African opener.

"They might need one by the time we've finished with them," Shane Warne on South Africa's plan to fly in a psychologist from back home.

"As usual, the South Africans have had a bit too much to say, they should worry about their own backyard, get it in order first," Shane Warne again.

"[Smith] can handle himself fine, but my concern is for the rest of the team. If his aim was to provoke the Aussies then he's done that. I can understand what Graeme was trying to do ... I just hope everyone else is behind him." Allan Donald, ex-South African pacer.

With no love lost between the two teams, the bantering does not look like it will end anytime soon. More to follow...

© Adeel

© CricInfo

Karachi back in business

2005-12-17T01:21:00.000-05:00

Weekly article

Over the last few years, alot has been made of Karachi as an international venue for sports, and not without reason. The gun-violence and terrorist activities were getting worse and Karachi was unsafe for its own people, let alone visitors. As a result, the junta of Karachi suffered.

However, in the last couple years, some normality has returned to this port city. Violence and terrorist activities have been stamped down to an extent and as a result alot of positive vibes have been generated within the metropolitan. People have started getting out of their houses even late in the evenings, and feel more secure about themselves while commuting or at work.

This, however, did not translate into the hosting of international matches right away. Cricket teams were vary of Karachi after the 2002 Bomb blasts near the New Zealand team hotel and the Pakistan Cricket Board did little to dispel the fears. The PCB, on most occasions, were apologetic and submissive and were always willing to offer alternate options to visiting teams. On most occasions, they were unable to convince the other cricket boards of the improved law-and-order situation in the city and infact the entire country.

Over the last three years, a paltry three one-day matches have been played, all by Asian teams. The test count is even worse, with only two in the past three years, again by Asian teams. In that context, the Pakistan-England clash on December 15 was even more significant. To say it was thoroughly enjoyed by the Karachites would be an under-statement. A fresh mix of western and desi-style celebrations showed that the crowds were having a blast!

It was, perhaps, the most outstanding sporting spectacle the tour has witnessed. And the Karachi fans got exactly what they wanted - a thumping Pakistan win on a ground that has been a fortress for the Pakistani teams of the past.

With the massive success of this game, Karachi is back on the stage of world cricket in the most emphatic of fashion. The PCB has proposed a test and a one-dayer in Karachi for the Indo-Pak series at the start of next year. With such beautiful pictures from this beautiful city, being beamed right across the globe, the BCCI would find it hard not to accept the proposal!

© Adeel Khan

Pakistan closing in on Australia in ODI cricket

2005-12-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

In the last year or so, Pakistan has been very consistent in the one-day version of the game. Right from the tri-series they played in Australia last year they have showed immense fighting spirit and team unity. They were horribly inexperienced then, but showed some remarkable fighting guts and were in a winning position in both the finals before losing to Aus in both. There recent record in ODI indicates that they have won 9 out of the last 10 ODIs, and thats damn good.

Pak has a host of genuine all-rounders: Malik, Afridi, Razzq, Akmal and maybe Arafat as well now (who was fast enough to clock 140 k's on a couple occassions and produced that scorching yorker to get rid of Freddie Flintoff). And these all-rounders have been pivotal in most wins. The onus is on Pakistan now to continue playing with professionalism and discipline, and if they can do that then there is no doubt in my mind that they will soon become second only to Australia. Pakistan's future definitely looks bright and hopefully they will continue to be as good. Its great for us Pakistani fans and also great for world cricket to have a good Pakistan team.

© Adeel Khan

Pakistan butchers English bowlers!

2005-12-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

Pakistani batsmen showed their dangerous sides as Pakistan produced a convincing victory against their beleagured opponents. The game also marked a return of international cricket to the cricket-mad port city of Karachi.

Kamran Akmal produced a stunning century, his second in a row and used that to set up a comfortable platform for the big-hitters to continue the onslaught. Yousuf scored a relatively patient 68, before Inzamam (45 of 35), Afridi (31 of 14) and last but surely not the least Abdul Razzaq (51 of 22) meant that Pakistan reached a monstrous total of 353 for the loss of 6 wickets in their alotted 50 overs.

England had a wobbly start losing their first three batsmen for 40 runs within the first 8 overs, and never really recovered from that. The visitors finished their innings at 188 all out, losing by a margin of 165 runs, their heaviest defeat in one-day cricket.

© Adeel Khan

© Getty Images

2005-12-15T03:29:00.000-05:00

Watching Shoaib bowl is the most spectacular sight in world cricket.

2005-12-15T03:27:00.000-05:00

The brilliant National Stadium in Karachi, venue for Pakistan's clash with England in the 3rd ODI. This cricket-crazy metropolitan is seeing an international match after 14 months.

Yasir Arafat got to be the SuperSub

2005-12-15T02:54:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

In the first two games, Inzamam-ul-Haq somehow inexplicably picked Arshad Khan as the super-sub. With captains required to announce their subs before the toss, this 12th spot is wasted if a pure batsman or bowler is picked. What was even more dissappointing was that after Arshad was subbed in the 40th over in game 2, he actually was brought right in to bowl at a time when the fast bowlers had seven overs in between them to prevail. Anyways, Arshad's inclusion was non-sensical for the first two games and it remains to be seen if common sense will prevail for the remaining three.

© Adeel Khan.

2005-12-14T05:20:00.000-05:00

Another great performer from India, Anil Kumble, is on the verge of 100 test matches. He's still going strong as he just took another 10-wicket haul in the second test match against Sri Lanka.

Ganguly dropped by India

2005-12-14T05:11:00.000-05:00

After making a bad decision by selecting him in thefirst place, Indian selectors made a worse decision by dropping Saurav Ganguly after just a two-test trial. He never justified his position in the squad, to me. But after he was inducted, he should have been given a fair chance to produce results. It won't be surprising if Ganguly makes another comeback for the test series against Pakistan.

© Adeel Khan

2005-12-14T05:09:00.000-05:00

Tendulkar reaches a record 35th test century. Truly one of the game's greats.

ICC suffers backlash after Speed scolding

2005-12-14T04:41:00.000-05:00

A day after ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed scolded Australia and South Africa of violating the spirit of the game by making brash statement against each other, Speed and the ICC has come under heavy fire of being incompetent and talk-heavy. Here are a few excerpts from influential names within international cricket circles:

"They do nothing about blokes chucking, they do nothing about all this other stuff, they are more worried about words, that is all they are, full of words the ICC. They always look like they are doing something but they do nothing. They are the biggest bullshitters in the world. What a waste of space." - Former Aussie paceman Jeff Thomson.

"They are putting the cart before the horse, they are almost saying there is going to be problems because of what has been written and said by players. Well, that is ridiculous. Let the game be for goodness' sake." - Jeff Thomson's former team-mate Terry Alderman

"I am amazed that the ICC sees fit to warn players, and even past players, in the media. If there are genuine concerns that players may offend the spirit of the game then this should be taken up with them directly and not in the form of a public lecture." - CEO of the South African Cricketers' Association Tony Irish.

"Cricket needs personalities in the game, there is no doubt about that. Characters add an air of excitement and individuality, which attracts and engages the public's interest." James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's chief executive.

"Players, particularly those in Zimbabwe, or those forced to play there, will find it difficult to fully accept Speed's call when the ICC has not seen the need to intervene, or been unable to investigate, serious allegations about the games administration." - Tim May, FICA's chief executive.

© Adeel Khan

Akhter and Akmal shine through in triumph

2005-12-14T04:09:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

Pakistan won the second one-dayer in Lahore on the back of two match-winning performances. One by a rejuvenated maverick and the other by a fast-developing allrounder. Shoaib completed his first ODI fiver in over a year and Akmal scored his second limited-overs century in a show totally dominated by Pakistan.

Detailed match analysis and stats can be left to large media outlets. So, lets cut to the chase and discuss some specifics related to the game:

Inzamam's unwillingness to finish off England's resistance by not continuing with Shoaib or the other fast bowlers was appalling. In contrast, he persisted with spinners and allowed English lower order bats to bring some respectability to their total. Inzamam's performance as captain once again highlighted his presence of mind on the field.
Shoaib was having trouble with his right calf muscles. The determination and grit shown by him during the current tour is in complete contrast to his histronics in the past. One hopes he continues this positive trend for the rest of his career.
Rana Naved continues to be expensive yet tricky. He needs to find his line and length more consistently because right now he's giving England alot of free runs down the leg-side. Having said that, his contribution was vital to Pakistan's win.
Akmal played brilliantly well and showed immense grit, determination and commitment to the team cause. He's been floated around at various positions in the batting order but has courageously excepted batting at any position. His showing Monday evening also means he'll enjoy the top batting slot for the entire series.

© Adeel Khan

2005-12-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

Sarfraz Nawaz: The original pioneer of reverse swing

Pak needs better planning ahead of second of ODI

2005-12-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

What more can u expect after ur team bats second and scores 285. Nothing wrong with the batting. Cant blame Yousuf or Malik. I'm sure They tried their best to up the run-rate. But the other team is also there to play cricket! It was too much pressure and almost impossible to chase that target. What NZ did was a one-off thing. We lost the match during the first half with some terrible bowling and shoddy fielding. Those two factors combined we could have saved 40-50 runs. That in the end was the difference between winning and losing.

Also Inzamam will need to make a sensible decision about who they will cast as the supersub. The obvious choice at this point seems Yasir Arafat, so that can use him as either a bowler or batsman depending on whether they bat first or bowl first. Using Arshad as supersub was a decision that thoroughly lacked common-sense. Hopefully Pakistan will go in this match after having done some useful preparation.

© Adeel Khan

On Hussey and the Black Caps

2005-12-11T15:53:00.000-05:00

Micheal Hussey: Has obvious similarities with Bevan and is a bigger hitter of the ball then Bevan. Bevan did this for what, 200 odi's? lets see how far hussey can go. he sure looks like the heir apparent.

Black Caps: This is a brilliant New Zealand side. They've got some dynamite batsmen in their lineup. The fearless strokes they've played in the last 2 odi's speaks volumes about their attitude. This is certainly a very dangerous ODI team. I always respected their ODI strength but this present team is serious! The only knock on them is their bowling, like always they have too many similar kind of medium pacers. They need a couple fasties, like Shane Bond, who was unfortunately injured here. But overall they've been very impressive. 2 of the best run-chases you'd ever see.

© Adeel Khan

Question marks on Shoaib's attitude in first ODI

2005-12-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

I honestly did not see the game to comment on Akhter's attitude, but seeing so many people talk abt it there something must be wrong. I honestly thought that this guy has changed for good. And that showed in his bowling, batting and fielding. I hope this is a one-off thing, because he won't be able to last long in the team with such histronics.

Be a good team-man like he was in the tests, help out the youngsters and take it easy! If he does all that he will be appreciated here in every fan who is dedicated to teh cause of Pakistan cricket as a whole. If he doesnt, he will get bashed. He will get bashed by everyone except for his desperate lovers here! Fans certainly hope Shoaib's attitude in first ODI was a one-off thing.

© Adeel Khan

Akram spoke a naked truth

2005-12-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

Truth hurts. Everything he said is right. There is not an ounce wrong with that and for once I agree with him. Australia, England etc always had more say then Asians. Their boards, their players and their officials get more recognition. We know Ehsan Mani is a puppet and its Malcolm Speed who is the real boss there. The bias is clearly reflected in the decision-making and the attitudes of the umpires and the referees the ICC selects. But like I said truth hurts. Which why Ehsan Mani is hurting...

© Adeel Khan

Ganguly's inclusion a mistake

2005-12-09T03:26:00.000-05:00

Akays tour diaries

The first test between India and SriLanka was a dissappointment not just because of three-and-a-half days of heavy downpour, but also because the Indian team-management got bogged down under pressure to include former captain Saurav Ganguly in the line-up. It was clear that public pressure had alot to do with this inclusion, as many cricket-lovers in India are avid supporters of the once dashing left-hander.

Over the years, his game has fallen from grace quite spectacularly. For one of the leading one-day scorers in the game, Ganguly's apparent nervousness at the crease in recent times is just very sad. He needed more time outside international cricket then he got. He needed more time to play at a consistently high level before being re-inducted into the test roster.

His place was given to Yuvraj Singh, who looks like he's finally understood his role in the team and is maturing into a really useful bat. He has tempered his stroke-play a tad, doesn't fish outside his off-stump as often, and plays more ground strokes now then ever before, and all these signs can only be good news for Indian fans. As a result, he had a highly successful ODI series against South Africa and was infact adjudjed player-of-the-series for his consistent scores. But what does he get for that? A no-confidence vote for the tests. Go figure that out....

© Adeel Khan

2005-12-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

Just next to PC Lahore, where the England team are staying, is the Aitchison College. Andrew Miller calls it as the "Eton of Pakistan", and I wouldn't beg to differ!

Dissappointing squad for first 2 ODIs

2005-12-08T15:04:00.000-05:00

Akays England Tour Diaries

The first game is starting on Saturday, December 10, 2005. The final XI should be very closely similar to the one played in the last ODI series. However, the squad overall is quite dissappointing when you consider the names being left out. Bazid Khan, Hasan Raza and Umar Gul all find themselves from the outside looking in. On the other hand, Mohammad Sami (the oustanding failure), Arshad Khan (the eternal drinks carrier) Yasir Hameed (the bygone) are very much in the mix of things. The recent form and performance of the three do not need further mention. It is imperative for Pakistan to ensure that they get a chance while they are at the peaks of their relative careers.

Pakistan's official squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Yasir Hameed, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Yasir Arafat, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, Arshad Khan.

Adeel's ideal squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Hasan Raza, Bazid Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Yasir Arafat, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Shoaib Akhtar, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul.

© Adeel Khan.

2005-12-06T23:18:00.000-05:00

Slippery Stuff

Kaneria should be in ODI team

2005-12-06T05:06:00.000-05:00

Akays England Tour Diaries

December 2, 2005

He hasnt been tried enough for people to hop on the bandwagon and lable him as failure in ODIs. His main problem is at times, both in ODIs n tests, he doesnt know which line of attack is the best. Either he's bowling too many variations or is flighting too much is is too flat at times. He got that right on day 5 when he settled into balling a lot of legspinners. He similarly needs to settle down in ODIs. I cant help but say that when he knows what he wants from his bowling in limited overs cricket, he will be a regular in lineup. As for the imediate future, I have no doubt in my mind that he shd play, esp now that we can always use an extra bowler as a supersub. There is a gd chance that he might trouble England in the ODIs as well.

Sami gets another life

2005-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Akays England Tour Diaries

Originally recorded on November 30, 2005

I seriously feel Sami shoud be dropped and shd spend a year or two outside intl cricket and evaluate himself. He has speed, but sadly not much else! I bash sami alot and hell he deserves every bit of it. A person with greater self-respect for himself maybe would have sidelined himself like Lehmann did earlier this year.

I have always also said that the guy has serious potential and is tries hard. At times I do feel sorry for him as well, like when Inzy went upto him yesterday after the over he gave 3 lollipop boundaries. Inzy had a serious word with him it looked and then akhter came and patted on his back to carry on. He works hard, but hs been an absolute struggle for the last 16 months. I think if we persisted with Asif or Gul in that period, they would have solidified themselves as the 3rd seamer. Sami on the other hand has failed spectacularly.

© Adeel Khan.

Shoaib a changed man

2005-12-06T00:33:00.000-05:00

Akays England Tour Diaries
Originally recorded on November 17, 2005

Anyone supporting shoaib in the past year for his attitude and performance was wrong. Because he dint do anything positive in that time period. Deserting a team in the middle of a test match was an obvious lack of commitment. As was taking cheap-shots at fellow players. Not listening to coach/captian comes in the same category. He was rightly criticized then. He was the most damaging influence in the team. Which is why his change in attitude has been all the more delightful. Overall though, great attitude by Shoaib this series. All credit to him for finally realizing the importance of playing as a team-player and keeping team ahead of oneself. The positive results are a testament to that. Inzy n Bob also deserve alot of credit for that. I think Shoaib has become a touch religious as well listening to his interview. I think that perhaps more then nething else has changed the man. Good stuff Shoaib!

Tough Choices ahead of first test

2005-12-06T00:12:00.000-05:00

Orginally published March 12, 2005
PakistaniCricket.net

With the first test looming, the Pakistan side has to make some "tough choices", as rightfully projected by Coach Woolmer. The batting order, though inexperienced, is filled with batters who are almost equally talented and it is anyone's guess what the composition of the top and middle order will be.

Will Yasir Hameed, someone whose showed glimpses of a return to form, get a place ahead of either Salman Butt or Taufeeq Umar? Or will the team management stick with the combo of Taufeeq and Salman that they tried out in the lone side match before the test rubber? Ideally you'd like to have a left-right opening combination but it would seem harsh to drop either Taufeeq or Salman. But it would be equally unfair if you drop a man who scored two half centuries in his last outing against the most fearsome attack in world cricket. In the writer’s opinion, the same pair that played the side game should feature in the first test because both the lefties have good potential and looked good in their short stay at the crease.

Who will figure in the 3-spot? Will Younis Khan get the nod ahead of Yasir? It will be a rarity if the vice captain gets benched. Younis is a courageous cricketer and has been improving as a batsman and he should have been given some time to establish himself further.

Then, what shape will the middle order take? Will Malik, essentially the MVP of the Pakistan team last year, get a chance ahead of Kamal, a genuine test batsman? Asim Kamal had a decent outing in the warm-up game and has been good with the willow of late. On the flip side, Malik has not done anything wrong to face the axe but at this stage of their careers, Kamal is a better test batsman then Malik.

Since test cricket is a game of specialists, a player should be able to seal his place in the team on the basis of batting or bowling alone. This is why the author thinks Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi do not make a final eleven. Abdul Razzaq rescued Pakistan in Dharamshala but few would argue that Shoaib Malik and Asim Kamal are better then both the all-rounders. If Inzy or Bob decide to play them as strike bowlers, then the Pakistan team is destined for failure. The bowling lineup, which already looks weak on paper, will also look horribly shallow.

The bowling is lineup is a little less tough to decide. Rana Naved, Mohammad Sami and Danish Kaneria are obvious selections. That leaves us with two specialists in Khalil and Arshad. Logic says that Arshad should be the obvious choice since Khalil is nothing more then a medium pacer who cant swing the ball any which way. Also, Arshad will help out Kaneria by bowling in tandem for long spells.

Tough choices? Yes. But the team management has to make them. And it is these very choices that might as well be the difference between winning and losing.

© Adeel Khan.

Day 1, Test 2: Pakistan vs England

2005-12-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Originally published on December 20, 2005
PakPassion.net

The elegance of Yousuf, the dependability of Inzamam, and the ferocity of Afridi, is all a Pakistani cricket lover needs to witness when Pakistan is batting in an international match. And witness they did. The Big Three combined for 225 runs together, as Pakistan seized the initiative on the first day of the second test match in Faisalabad, by ending it well-placed on 300-4.

The morning started as Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first on a typical sub-continental track, devoid of grass and offering little assistance for pace and bounce. The hosts made two changes as they brought back popular all-rounder Shahid Afridi and fast-bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan in place of Hasan Raza and the reported Shabbir Ahmed. England just made the solitary change as Michael Vaughan, not 100% fit in his own words, decided to risk himself in what is an extremely crucial match for the visitors. England has won six test series on the trot and would not like any result less then a win in this match.

Pakistan started the morning briskly, as Shoaib Malik and Salman Butt played their strokes freely all over the park in front of a vociferous capacity crowd in Iqbal Stadium. As a result, Giles was quickly introduced into the attack, with Vaughan hoping his ace spinner will break the tempo of the confident start by the hosts. That was not to be as Giles was knocked out of the park for a six each in his first two overs by Malik and Butt.

It was Steve Harmison, however, who gave England the first success by removing Salman Butt as he tried to drive a ball angling away from him, only to be caught behind for 26. Younis Khan came and went in unimpressive fashion as he Flintoff delivery to midwicket. Pakistan was 63 for 2. In came Mohammed Yousuf, unconvincing in Multan and batting with a chip on his shoulder with something to prove yet again. He looked at ease on a pitch which by now lost whatever little moisture it possessed. But it was about time for another wicket to fall on another loose stroke as Shoaib Malik played an airy cover drive only to be stunningly caught by Andrew Flintoff in the cover region.

By this time Pakistan was 73 for 3, and it was once again up to the old guard to provide Pakistan with a solid platform for the likes of Afridi and Akmal to cut loose. A top-quality contest between bat and ball was to follow the lunch interval, as Flintoff and co. kept the pressure on the two seasoned campaigners by following the age-old mantra of line and length to perfection. The pacers bowlers a host of full-pitched deliveries on middle stump to both the batsman, knowing that both are typical slow-starters and lazy on reflexes early on in their innings.

There were some very loud shouts for lbw. And at least once each, were very lucky to be adjudged not-out by the umpires who all-in-all did a fantastic job on a pressure-filled first day. But after some nervous moments early on, it was all Pakistan as the two batsmen played some delightful drives and late-cuts off spinners and fast bowlers alike.

Yousuf was typically stylish caressing nine boundaries as he notched up a well-crafted fifty. Inzamam, on the other hand, played the sheet anchor’s role to perfection. The two guided Pakistan to tea as Pakistan looked well-placed at 189/3. The afternoon session was thankless and frustrating for England, as they toiled hard on a perfect batting deck. An added cause of frustration was the lack of any lbw shouts going in their favor, and some half-chances that went begging. Inzamam edged one of Flintoff’s deliveries to Strauss, and it fell despairingly close to being snapped as it felt just inches short. A second chance of Mathew Hoggard went down as Geraint Jones, standing up to Hoggard, failed to clasp on a difficult leg-side chance.

Immediately after tea, England cracked the bulging Inzamam-Yousuf partnership by sending Yousuf back to the pavilion in controversial fashion. Ian Bell bowled a full-pitched delivery as Yousuf played straight on only for Bell to dive to his right to take a brilliant-looking catch. Yousuf had his doubts but Simon Taufel was confident enough and did not find it necessary to refer it to the third umpire. However, replays showed that while Bell had the ball cleanly in his hands, the ball touched the ground as Bell dived on the pitch. Yousuf was slow to walk back but the decision was already be made. It would be interesting to see how the match referee reacts to this. In the not-so-recent-past Rashid Latif, the former Pakistani was banned for a similar offense in a game against Bangladesh.

Shahid Afridi then walked onto the pitch, received by a huge roar from the local crowd. The start was typical Afridisque, as he greeted Ian Bell with three consecutive boundaries. The party had just started as the Pathan took the English attack to the cleaners. He danced down the wicket, stood tall and swept savagely on his way to another enterprising half-century. England will be ruing the fact that their captain, not renowned for his catching, dropped a sitter when Afridi was on 35.

Pakistan batsmen are notoriously slow starters, and it is imperative for these two to play throughout the morning session. England, on the flip side, will have to devise a plan to end the madness of Afridi and the solidity of Inzamam, before they push England out of contention to win the game.

© Adeel Khan

Test 2 Preview: Pakistan vs England

2005-12-05T23:28:00.000-05:00

Originally published on December 18, 2005

PakPassion.net

On Wednesday, November 16, Pakistan completed a famous victory by topping England by 22 runs in the first of the three test match series. It was a fascinating come-from-behind victory for a team full of young blood and a craving for fight-backs.

Pakistan will go into the next game leading the series one-up. Pakistani teams haven’t enjoyed many test series leads in the recent past. It is a situation which holds a different kind of pressure - pressure of increased expectations and hope. It is a pressure they will have to withstand in face of what will be a rather desperate England team waiting for payback. This present English unit has made a habit of striking back after defeats just like its opponents, and it will be interesting to see which team’s grit and determination proves to be decisive.

Both squads have certain issues to deal with heading into the second test match in Faisalabad. Micheal Vaughan has been passed fit to play, but in his own words is “a bit of a risk”. He did bat in the nets for the last three mornings of the first test and did a few laps of the Multan Cricket Stadium looking fairly comfortable. He has announced that he will be batting at his usual spot number 3 spot.

The batting has on this tour has been a worrying factor for the Poms. In Multan, stand-in captain Marcus Trescothick and Ian Bell scored more then half of the team’s total runs in the test match. In addition, their spinners, though steady, did not prove to be decisive on a pitch that did have some assistance in it for the spinners. Dropping Shaun Udal, then, in favor of James Anderson could be an option keeping in mind the success their fast bowlers recieved in Multan.

Pakistan’s problems, on the other hand, are a bit more serious. Immediately after the game, seamer Shabbir Ahmed and all-rounder Shoaib Malik were reported for suspect action by the two on-field umpires. Judging by captain Inzamam-ul-Haq’s recent comments, it remains highly doubtful if Shabbir Ahmed will be further risked for the second test match. Malik has a less serious problem, according to the officials, and it seems his position in the team is safe – for now. Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, spearhead of Pakistan’s fast bowling in the 04-05 season, seems certain to grab Shabbir’s spot after being mysteriously dropped from the last test XI.

The hosts made a bit of a blunder by not including dynamite all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Afridi enjoyed what was, arguably, the finest year of his cricketing career. His exclusion can perhaps be accounted to Inzamam’s insecurity over the consistency of the batting lineup. He chose to play Hasan Raza, who was coming back into the national side after spending five years in wilderness. Disappointingly for him, he failed to click under two pressure situations and as a result may find his way out of the side, in favor of an all-rounder who enjoyed a brilliant comeback season in 2004-05.

In the 22 tests played here, Pakistan has won six and lost five, drawing the rest. Seven times the team batting first has won and only four times the team batting second has won. The last time a test match was played in Faisalabad, Pakistan were thumped by the visiting Sri-Lankans by 201 runs. Pitches in Faisalabad have usually been good batting tracks, with some help for the spinners. The track for this test match is expected to be of a similar nature.

Since March 2003, England has won all six test series that they have played. The next test match provides Pakistan with an opportunity to break this remarkable record, which makes it all the more intriguing for players and fans alike.

© Adeel Khan

The Genius of a Giant

2005-12-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

Originally published on April 19, 2005

Chowk.com

In the midst of internal ramblings within the Pakistani team, player grouping, match-fixing controversies, and frequent changes in coaches and captains, stands the colossal figure of Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inspite of the going-ons around him, he is like a giant unruffled by the presence of smaller creatures, a statement which can be taken almost literally!

This article will look at some of the statistical highlights of Inzamam-ul-Haq`s glittering career. While most agree that he would have had a better record if only he worked harder on his game and showed more hunger to score runs, none will deny his value and stature in Pakistan`s cricket history. Following are some intriguing statistics from Inzy`s cricketing career.

TEST MATCHES

-Inzamam has a test batting average of 48.90 runs (nowe almost 50 after the India Series), brilliant by any standards. He has played 99 (100 with Bangalore) test matches since his debut in 1992 in Birmingham, England.

- He averages a shade under 45 runs in away matches. Lower then his career mean, but nontheless remarkable.

- His first 5 test centuries were scored on away grounds. - 15 of Inzy`s 20 Test centuries have come in matches won by Pakistan.

- His highest test score of 329 came against New Zealand in 2002. He batted for nearly 2 days! - Since 1999, when he became the most senior batsman in the side, Inzy has stepped it up a notch. From January 1999 to present, Inzy has averaged a staggering 55.10 with the willow.

- His average after becoming captain is a modest 41.15, but he has played some match-winning knocks during that time. A few cases in point being his 72* in the 4th innings in Wellington (2003), 118 against India in Lahore(2004), and 117 against Sri Lanka in Karachi (2004).

ONE DAY INTERNATIONALS

- The big man has an impressive average of 39.66 runs in a mammoth 336 matches played since his ODI debut in Lahore in 1991 against Malcolm Marshall and company.

- He has scored 78 fifties and 10 centuries in his ODI career so far. Of those 88 fifty plus scores, 31 have come at the opposition`s home.

- His average outside of Pakistan stands at a modest 37.12 runs.

- His highest ODI score of 137* came against New Zealand in 1994 in Sharjah, the happiest hunting ground of many Pakistani batsmen.

- His best innnings regarded by many, however, was his 122 against India in Karachi last year. Pakistan was chasing 350 but was only able to reach 344, thanks to a marvellous partnership of 135 between Inzy and Yousuf Youhana (73). This match was the 1st ODI of the friendship series between Pakistan and India, a match regarded by many as one of the most exciting matches ever.

Since being promoted as captain, Inzy has been on a tear in the game shorter version. He has scored 1701 runs in 48 internatonals @ 48.60. Such breathtaking numbers further justify the fact that Big Inzy is at his best when the responsbility is on his broad shoulders.

Over the span of his career, Inzamam-ul-Haq has showed that he has continually matured as a batsman. His batsmanship is like an old wine Pakistani fans are intoxicated with! This one`s hoping that he continues to excel in the sport that he has mastered for almost 15 years.

© Adeel Khan