The Best Of Pakistan This Summer

When the Men In Green Rose From Ashes like Re-Born Cornered Tigers...

This summer Pakistan won 6/15 of their games or 40% of encounters across all 3 formats which included 2 wins from each so 2 T20 wins, 2 Test wins; all of these which I covered in individual articles dedicated to them but also 2 ODI victories in September which I did not cover, but which took the ODI series to a decider to conclude an eventful summer of cricket on and off the field on the 22nd of September at the Rose Bowl which England won comprehensively to take the series honours. Which means they beat Pakistan in all 3 formats this summer. It's been a memorable summer of proceedings in many more ways than one for both sides! Pakistan showed their power and classy uniqueness or numerous occasion, but were unable to reflect it in the results as often as some would have liked. The discoveries and revelations of debutants provide promise and potential to succeed in the long term vision. So it wasn't a bad summer for Pakistan by any stretch of the imagination. Arguably, they could have done better ,but realistically speaking I am satisfied overall.

England on the other hand, have ideal preparation for the Ashes which I don't see them winning to be frankly honest. Winning down under will be an astonishing achievement undoubtedly and even with the best spinner in the world in their ranks, it looks beyond their capability. I predict 3-1 to Australia. Ironically, I would like to see England retain the urn down under because I live in England, support every team which takes on Australia and actually support England as a "second team" unlike other cricket followers from Asian descent and therefore would be supporting them to accomplish the mission, but we must get down to reality. Additionally, how can one actually be hopeful when the last visit resulted in a 5-0 humiliation and then there were high hopes as well? Just reinforcing a reality check here, would like this to all be proven wrong but tell me how this is going to happen then?

Looking ahead at what's to follow, Pakistan will be playing 20 international encounters this winter before the WC in mid February across all 3 formats which includes 5 T20s, 11 ODIs and 4 Tests combined against SA and NZ respectively. I expect us to win at least half of those encounters. All of this will be valuable preparation towards the big sub-continental spectacle in Spring 2011. With the way the tournament is structured anything can happen which will suit Pakistan's overall chances of success and even triumph!

I am just hoping against all hope that Aamir and Asif will be back for Pakistan. They are two gems and clear match winners and world class performers. Its highly unlikely they will return or if they have not been involved in match fixing or something of the sort but talent and ability wise Pakistan need them, no question about that, ideally speaking. But if can't happen that is totally understandable.

We want Younis Khan back as Test Captain and ODI player. The guy is a world class player and excellent leader who is being wasted by the clueless PCB management. I stand by Younis Khan. Come back soon.

In short, it shall be a very well anticipated winter which lies ahead where there is plenty to look forward to as the 2011 WC approaches. Pakistan will be looking to consolidate on their achievements and learning experiences gained this summer and should be looking to win a much larger proportion of fixtures in the exciting winter calendar. The PCB needs a new chairman who has the awareness, experience and vast understanding to guide Pakistan cricket forwards rather than someone who is destroying pride, humiliating reputation and behaving foolishly and shamelessly in Ijaz Butt. We can hope with a fresh and much needed change that Pakistan can taste the victorious flavour more often and will no longer be the laughing stock of world cricket which has to continuously bow its head in disgust. Surely there has to be light at the end of the tunnel where the cornered tigers can rise emphatically with strong leadership, sound management and a sophisticated systematic infra-structure which enables dreams and talents to be accomplished and strengthened?

The Darkest Day In Cricket

The story which leaked out overnight on Saturday at Lords was one of shocking magnitude and indescribable disgrace as spot fixing allegations were made by a well known Pakistani Cricket agent. The agent predicted 3 illegitimate deliveries would be bowled at 3 precised times and his predictions were totally correct. It is evident and noticeable that this game has been influenced wrongly and needless to say negatively. And once more ,unsurprisingly ,it is Pakistan who are under the spot light for controversial dealings and at present I am lost for words as I dictate this article, angrily.

The punishments need to be made accordingly to all of those of which have been involved. Pakistan Cricket is in a disgraceful state and it makes one feel extremely let down, truly disgusted, daft and worthless in many shapes and forms as a passionate Pakistani cricket fan and follower. I feel the temptation to stop supporting, following and backing such players with endless passion who would dare to engage in such corrupt affairs. Such players need to refrain from the team unquestionably for the progressiveness of the sport in general as this would send a bold message to youngsters and first class cricketers flourishing through the ranks.

Regardless of ability, performance and history; disciplined and sensible approach is at the forefront of proceedings. Therefore, undoubtedly appropriate actions will need to be taken in order for the national team and game of cricket to move on. All due respect shall be lost to those 4-7 individuals who have clearly been involved/named and Pakistan or more professionally the ICC needs to take a firm stance on banning them for endlessly. Those individuals will always be remembered as criminals irrespective of any such accomplishments and I shall not hesitate to name or shame them but for the bounty of common human decency I shall wait until further developments on the matter, but it's clear that something has gone on and player's have been involved in something that should not be associated with the game.

The "innocent until proven guilty theory" is a mindless, brainless, thoughtless and unnecessary thinking ploy. The evidence is remarkable and if one witnesses from the naked eye the video which was made; they can clearly see the corruption which has evidently taken place.

In a sense I am glad that what has happened has been revealed because it needed to be addressed after years and years of suspiciousness. Finally we know the saddening truth and know really what goes on which can only be good for the betterment of the sport and specifically sub continent sides in the long termed future.

Shame on the game of cricket and more so shame on Pakistan. My faith and passion has been shattered like there is no tomorrow and I am definitely sure I am not alone on the talking subject matter. The limited overs encounters which are to follow will inevitably lack anticipatation and all on field matters will be overshadowed until further date.

28th August 2010, A Forgettable Day If Your A Pakistani.........

It really was all that bad. Just as one thought things could not possibly get any worse. A day of depression and hopelessness.

A record breaking international 8th wicket stand of 332 between Trott and Broad stole the story of the match at the Oval 2010 Test, overtaking the famous 313 between Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq against Zimbabwe in 1996 as Pakistan were humiliated in remarkable fashion on a bright Saturday in London. Resuming on 346/7, England were bowled out for 446 shortly after Lunch.

Pakistan batsmen never came to terms with the England bowling and were demolished for just 74 in just 33 overs. This was Pakistan's 3rd failure to reach 3 figures in the series and the 74 was their second lowest score against England in Test Cricket. Unsurprisingly, Strauss enforced the follow on and Pakistan further slumped to 41/4 at the close of play.

The situation is clearly ominous and Pakistan's shambolic and humiliating performance was the last thing one would expect when England were 102/7 on Friday afternoon ,courtesy of individual brilliance from Mohammad Aamir who bagged 6 wickets. However, the youngster's performance was overshadowed by the phenomenal 8th wicket stand which followed and from there in things only got worse for the subcontinental visitors.

Today we saw the limitations of Pakistani batsmen being exploited with sheer ease. We saw an incapable unit looking to thrive in challenging conditions. And for some of us, hopefully for the last time the stances and faces of several tried and tested failures. Pakistan Cricket needs guidance and urgent help. Days like today just represent how weak and vulnerable our cricket really is. It was utterly shambolic and embarrassing for one to witness. The series is closing in and the PCB faces some tough decisions to make in the near by future.

Why Pakistan may win at Lords

Why Pakistan may win at Lords:

1) They have been to Lords already this summer and played reasonably well. They should have learn't from their mistakes and would have probably got accustomed to the slope, atmosphere and surroundings one would have thought.

2) They carry the winning momentum into this match. They will be keen to maintain standards and square the series.REMEMBER: So far this summer they haven't lost a series!

3) Last time Mohammad Yousuf batted here, he scored a double century. Perhaps the great memories will help him to deliver something special.

Off Topic

There is some talk in the British Press and a few writer's have been complaining that ball tampering goes on and Ajmal's action is illegal and therefore England faltered on tea day 3. These are baseless accusations. In my opinion ball tampering should be legalised because bowlers need assistance to perform well just like batsmen too. And ball tampering doesn't make bowling invincible by any stretch of the imagination as bowlers still need pace, control and special ability to swing the ball regardless of the state it is in. It just makes cricket more lively and evenly contested between bat and ball if anything.

I'm not saying that tampering took place at all, but what I am saying is even if it simply did, who frankly cares? Only because Pakistan are good at when it comes to making the old ball "talk" doesn't mean it's easy to do. We have gifted bowlers to perform the art, thats all.

And same concept applies to the mystery off spinner. ICC and cricket in general should be flexible in allowing the doosra to be bowled because it gives cricket more of an exciting contest between bat and ball and of course it's a respectable art in its own right which requires plenty of skill, talent and ability to perfect when bowling. Again, I am not saying Ajmal's action is suspicious but even if it was?

English media's unwillingness to praise Pakistan's bowling uniqueness speaks volumes.

3rd Test, Pakistan Review

A long term prospect in the making

There were plenty of memorable and joyful moments at the Oval this time round

Pakistan managed to achieve something which many doubted prior to the Oval Test Match following two comprehensive defeats at Nottingham and Edgbaston by winning the 3rd Test Match by 4 wickets on the fourth day's play to bring the series standing to 2-1 with one to go and all to play for at Lords, commencing on Thursday 26th August. It will be Pakistan's second visit of Lords for the summer so there should be limited problems adapting to the atmosphere and famous old slope. Also, as traditionally would be the case with England they play 2 Tests per year at the illustrious venue.

Pakistan had two left armers with 5 wicket hauls in the match in debutant Wahab Riaz and teenage pace sensation Mohammad Aamir who both triggered batting collapses with the quality bowling performances. Ajmal was phenomenal and bamboozled the English batsmen in the second innings with some magical craft and guile.

Azhar Ali impressed with his 92*and demonstrated his batting credentials. His determination, willingness to stay at the wicket, patience and solid defence was wonderful as for the first time this summer in 5 test matches Pakistan managed to reach 300. Mohammad Yousuf returned with plenty of class and character and played 2 significant knocks, scoring 56 and 33 respectively.

The difference in this match in contrast to the other two was that Pakistan actually managed to hold on to their catches with Kamran Akmal holding 8 against many people's surprise. Batting wise, Kamran's appalling form continues and his weaknesses continue to get exploited with ease. This needs to change.

Pakistan made hard work chasing the modest total of 148 but eventually managed to reach the target with the young starts Mohammad Aamir and Umar Akmal hitting the winning runs which was would have been an important experience for the two by getting their nation over the line after a slight collapse.

There is now some news from reliable sources that Younis Khan is set to make a comeback which will only make the team stronger and better. I have the belief that Pakistan can become world beaters and on their day they are unmatchable. Salman Butt rightly dedicated the victory to the flood victims.

Irrespective of the result at Lords, Pakistan can rate the summer of Test Cricket as a success with plenty of bright moments to come in the foreseeable future. The learning curve for the debutants and youngsters must have been like no other. Well played Greens, keep it up!

Haider The King!

A revelation to the name of Zulqarnain Haider who will be donating half his match fee to the Imran Khan cancer hospital in remembrance of his late mother who died 12 years back.

What a superb knock from Zulqarnain Haider, he played exceptionally well under pressure! What a character he is! Have Pakistani found the ideal man for the job? I can now say that Kamran Akmal is officially history in Test Matches.........

Ironically, he was out first ball and would have had a "king pair" had it not been for the wonders of technological advances! Also, would have been the first Pakistani to have the amusing status. However, the second lifeline saw the beggining of someone who could play and was a gifted talent.

Credit is also due to Ajmal and Amir who gave the debutant much needed support with their patience and fighting spirit. Ajmal has now bagged a 5 for and scored a 50 too! Kaneria is surely out of business?

Swann bowled extremely well and claimed a career best and produced some real gems with his craft. The purchase he can extract is remarkable for a finger spinner.

So we have a lead of 112 with 1 wicket remaining at the close of day 3. If Pakistan can put on a frustrating last wicket stand tomorrow and the bowlers maintain their excellence and are given full support from their fielders; I then back the greens to pull of something spectacular at Edgbaston tomorrow. However, even if Pakistan lose this match which is obviously the likelihood, if they could compete and make England win as narrowly and difficultly as possible that would be enough to satisfy me and many other supporters.

Pakistan Need Some Inspiration!

After a grand humiliation at Nottingham where Pakistan were defeated comprehensively by 354 runs; team Pakistan will be low on confidence, mentally shattered and looking for something to lift the camp very quickly before they take the field on Friday at Edgbaston where they will be looking for a drastically improved performance, particularly in the batting department which was utterly shambolic and mediocre at Trent Bridge.

1st Test At Trent Bridge:http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan 2010/engine/current/match/426413.html

The recall of Mohammad Yousuf from retirement represents the urgency and desperation of the team. The fact that Younis Khan is being ignored however is totally disgraceful. A world class accomplished player and proud patriot deserves to be treated better one would have thought? Surely he ought to be accepted openly and happily by the team? His stats speak volumes and represents his professionalism and expertise as a class act!

Kamran Akmal's WK has to come under serious questions now. He made countless errors behind the stumps in the last Test Match and at this level it is just well and truly unaffordable. Whilst I back him as a batter, his style is more suited to Limited Overs cricket and his Test batting form is in decline if recent outings are anything to go by. Zulqarnain Haider is the possible replacement and I sincerely hope the PCB makes this change for the Edgbaston 5 day encounter, otherwise it is injustice to the worthless selection process. Keeping ability primarily holds the key when choosing the WK position in Tests and Kami isn't a sound and reliable keeper.

Danish Kaneria's omission was understandable after continuous average or below par performances. We need someone who could be more attacking, maintain pressure, look threatening with their art and also be consistent which I'm afraid to say Kaneria wasn't or didn't show he could be. Raza Hasan, well I am full of praise for his selection and have been extremely impressed by his progression and development in the last year or so. I believe he can be as good a revelation as Mohammad Amir was without means of exaggeration. He is 18 and a very mature lad too.

Umar Akmal is also not doing too well so far in the 3 Tests of this extended tour. I would like to see him bat up the order and stick to his natural game of aggression, ruthlessness and counter attacking. Adapting the mindset doesn't suit him and therefore he should return to what he does best!

Azhar Ali has shown glimpses of being a real gem for Pakistan in Test Cricket. Generally speaking he is sound technically and temperamentally. However, he is vulnerable to full swinging deliveries outside the off stump. So far he has been dismissed 5 out of 6 times caught behind and the once LBW. He needs to try and combat this weakness and try not to necessarily commit himself to deliveries he doesn't need to play at, otherwise this area shall continue to be exploited. I back him to shine in the matches to come!

James Anderson is one of the best around in swinging conditions and he teared through the Pakistani batting order and claimed outstanding and astonishing match figures of 11/71! The England team is playing exceptionally well currently and the competition for places is healthy and positive. They are shaping up nicely for when they look to retain the Ashes this winter down under!

Desperate times require desperate measures but one wonders have the PCB done enough with just the 3 changes?

Victory At Leeds Was Special

The victorious Pakistani team at Leeds

Pakistan have finally done it and it feels great!

They have beaten Australia in a Test Match for the first time since 1995!
They only won by 3 wickets in the end but all is well that end wells as Pakistan have historically managed to win a Test Match against Australia which means they square the series too which adds to the previous achievement prior to the Test Series of winning both T20 matches against Australia on the 5th and 6th of July respectively at Edgbaston. But undoubtedly and ultimately, the Test win is the one which matters the most! Its meaningfulness speaks chapters and chapters!

Salman Butt has started his captaincy career sensationally.

My series prediction of 1-1 in the Test Series came to perfection!

Now, the England series is about to commence at Nottingham on the 29th in the first of four Test Matches and now team Pakistan can look forward to it with some confidence, gained from an overwhelming victory against the world champions.

http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/current/match/426395.html

Astonishing Stuff At Leeds

Gul bowled out Michael Clarke as Pakistan were on fire!

Pakistan are well and truly in command of the second Test already! Having demolished the Aussies for just 88 runs, they are 148/3 at the close of play on day 1, giving them a first innings lead of 60 with 7 wickets in hand as both Umar's in Amin and Akmal are not out overnight!

It's been an incredible day of Test Cricket with Pakistan absolutely dominating proceedings throughout which was phenomenally pleasing for all us passionate Pakistani supporters!

Now the aim has to be to gain a considerable lead of around 300+ and drive home the advantage to win this Test and consequently square the MCC Spirit Of Cricket Test Series.

But as for now, one couldn't ask for anything better from a Pakistani perspective, surely?

I personally have a wonderful feeling that Umar Akmal will get a ton tomorrow! I back the talented youngster to shine at Leeds, weather permitting!

2nd Test At Leeds

Salman Butt, was Pakistan's best batsmen at Lords, now he is the skipper at Leeds, best wishes to him!

Having lost by 150 runs at Lords and Shahid Afridi immediately resigning from captaincy as a result, Salman Butt who takes over the reins will need his team to produce something special to square the series at Leeds, especially as they have lost the toss and are fielding first as well.

Australia have an unchanged line up whereas for Pakistan Malik replaces Afridi and the selectors have persevered with Farhat and Kaneria ,despite all the pre match talk that they may be replaced.

So that is that for now, it's time to rumble once more. Leeds, take it away!

326 More..................................

With a further 326 runs required with 9 wickets in hand Pakistan are alive and very much in the contest! Salman Butt and Azhar Ali are presently both not out and were looking very solid in the evening session as Pakistan concluded day 3 at 114/1.

Why Pakistan Shouldn't Win This Test!:

1) It would be the highest ever 4th innings chase in the formidable history of the game
2)It would be Pakistan's highest chase in Test history and one may say how is that manageable with an inexperienced batting line up?
3)It would be the highest chase at Lords. Previous is 341 by WI.
4)Pakistan lack depth in the batting and the tail is usually more often than not hopeless, so if the match gets tense, Pakistan have limited ability!

Surely and inevitably history and logic is against Pakistan?

Nevertheless, we back Pakistan as ever and to conclude positively let me mention:.......................
Congratulations to Umar Gul for his 100th Test Match Wicket! He is the 14th Pakistani to reach the milestone!

A Glimmer Of Hope In The Bank

Pakistan's woeful batting performance stole the headlines of day 2 at Lords as Aussie opener Shane Watson claimed 5-40, 30 runs in that 40 of which came from our BoomBoom's bat and in the overall dismal 148 all out, an innings deficit of 105.

However, with Australia 100/4 at stumps and effectively 205/4, team Pakistan are still in the contest and they will take chasing under 300 to win, if anything it is improbable but it gives them something to play with nonetheless.

Overall, 15 wickets fell on an eventful rain interrupted day at the Home Of Cricket. Batting is extremely tough it would seem but its by no means unplayable and Pakistan should also feel in that way.

On the positive side of affairs, Salman Butt played gloriously with his sweet timing against the pacers and Shahid Afridi played with fearless intent and aggression for a 15 ball 31! Welcome back to Test Cricket captain sahab! Umar Gul's 2 successive wickets of consecutive deliveries has lifted the team and if they bowl well in tomorrow's early session and continue to take wickets regularly, they will be in with an outside chance as I once more optimistically conclude today's piece after a mixed day at the office!

http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/current/match/426394.html

A Good Day At The Office...........................

Asif was the star of the day for my point of view, he claimed 3 big wickets in quick succession and thrived in the English conditions to turn the game on its head!

Rain delayed the start of the historical Test Match at Lords but eventually play started at 12pm when Shahid Afridi won the toss and invited the opposition into bat on an overcast day. Mohammad Amir struck first blood when he bowled out Shane Watson cheaply as the Aussies went into lunch as 36/1 after 13 overs.

Ricky Ponting then went on to pass Brain Lara as the 2nd leading run scorer in Test Cricket but was then brilliantly caught at short leg by debutant Umar Amin of the bowling of Mohammad Amir as the Aussies were 51/2!

Simon Katich and Michael Clarke put on an excellent partnership and looked in top touch during the afternoon session. Clarke was playing some delightful shots whereas Katich was proving irritating to bowl to with his unorthodox batting method. However, after a partnership of 120, Mohammad Asif struck gold by dismissing the Aussie T20 skipper with an in dipper and Ian Gould raised the finger for an LBW on the brink of tea.

The 45th over of the innings was a sensational one from Asif and for Pakistan as Asif claimed 2 wickets with two real gems and suddenly the Aussie middle order collapsed. Umar Gul then came to the party and dismissed debutant Tim Paine with a leg cutter and Danish Kaneria found some form and rhythm and claimed the wickets of Steven Smith and Mitchell Johnson with some high class leg spin bowling. Bad light finished the day's proceedings with Australia placed at 229/9 after 70 overs. An exceptional come back from Pakistan in the last session! Asif was voted our player of the day as his seam bowling triggered the Aussie middle order collapse.

We must not get ahead of ourselves folks as of yet, but the bowling in the last session was exceptional and has provided us with a really good opportunity in this match, hopefully this time we will make full use of it and consolidate on the superb platform that has been set. However, we all know how good Australia are at making the unthinkable a true possibility and how they can turn the tables with their self belief and fighting spirit.

http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/current/match/426394.html

About Time For Pakistan To Win Some "Proper" Cricket!

Having won the T20 series 2-0 against the Aussies, the focus for Shahid Afridi's men now shifts to the longest and most challenging form of the glorious game, Test Cricket hello! Pakistan will have to be at its level best to stand any real chance and most probably will have to play out of their skins to win even 1 test match and therefore draw the series at the minimum. However, the T20 series victory has restored hope and lifted spirits and I believe Pakistan has the credentials to win a Test although it would be unlikely if statistical evidence is anything to go by. Australia have won the last 6 Test Matches against Pakistan and even when Pakistan played well, it just wasn't enough to overcome the dominant obstacle! Nonetheless, I have faith in Pakistan! Go Greens!

I have optimistically predicted a 1-1 series. I feel the Pakistan batsmen will hold the key as the bowling is already world class material and hopefully they can continue their good form. A lot will depend on Umar Akmal, Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik to some extent. Obviously dropping catches is unaffordable when you are playing a side of the calibre of Australia.

All in all, its very exciting times for Pakistan cricket and a very crucial time too. A win or even a draw would be a highly meaningful result at either Lords or Leeds. Once more, c'mon ya Greens!

Pakistan Win The Series 2-0

A fantastic and highly significant result for the tigers in Green

The support Pakistan had in Birmingham was overwhelming and great to see as Pakistan whitewashed the Aussies in the 2 match T20 series to kick start their busy summer of cricket!

Pakistan beat Australia by 11 runs in the second MCC T20 spirit Of Cricket match on Tuesday and by doing so take the series honours 2-0!

Link:http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/current/match/426393.html

Once more Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first as Pakistan posted a competitive 162/9 in their 20 overs with Salman Butt top scoring for the home side, setting the visitors a rpo of 8.15 to win the game.

Australia lost wickets frequently early on to some aggressive fast bowling from Aamer and Akhtar. With 85 runs required with 7 wickets from 10 overs in hand; Australia bounced back and were looking favourites to win it before Shahid Afridi got two wickets in quick succession. Mike Hussey threatened to repeat the unthinkable in St Lucia for a while, but two LBW's went in Pakistan's favour and eventually a run out sealed the Aussies fate in the final over as Pakistanis went bezerk both over the net and in the ground, what a feeling it was to win a series against Australia and that being a whitewash too! Happy times, long may this continue..........

Highlights

Ball of the day: Mike Hussey departing with a snorting delivery from Umar Gul

Shot of the day: Umar Gul's sixer towards the end of the Pakistani innings. Umar Akmal's paddle sweep was also very delightful to view
Catch of the day: Afridi's one to get rid of the dangerous Cameron White in the 15th over when Aamer was bowling
Over of the day: The 11th over in the Australian innings in which Pakistan gained some much needed momentum. David Hussey was the bowler and 20 runs came of it as Pakistan ended up on 87/4 after that over had concluded. Warner's 5 consecutive boundaries of Akhtar's 1st was also very eventful and would be a well considered highlight from an Aussie perspective
Losers of the day: Shahzaib Hassan Khan, Akhtar, Michael Clarke
Best bowler on show: Aamer
Best batter on show: Undoubtedly, Umar Akmal......
Quote of the day:Waqar : "Umar Akmal is the Most Talented Cricketer I have seen in the last 15 years"

A Refreshing Outcome

English soil helped Pakistan to return to winning ways

A magical moment

Shahid Afridi’s men began their extended summer of cricket on a winning note following a registered 23 run victory over Australia on a scorching evening in Birmingham under a packed and electrifying atmosphere which was largely populated by the “home” team’s supporters. Not only was this needed for the sake of confidence going into events to come, but it was a highly refreshing sight to see Pakistan win a match against Australia after a miserable and what seemed an endless and continuous losing streak against the mighty rated World Champions.



Link:http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/current/match/426392.html

Shahzaib Hassan Khan, the aggressive Karachi dynamite disappointed with a golden duck as did Shoaib Akhtar who plundered hopelessly. If Pakistani tendency is anything to go by, these two player's positions come under scrutiny for the next match.


On the promising side of things, Umar Akmal impressed once more and played exceptionally well under pressure to rescue Pakistan from 47/4 after blasting a 31 ball 64 which included 9 boundaries. The young tiger once more played a champion knock and really showcased his sheer God gifted talent. He played expressively and was a treat to witness from the naked eye.

With the ball Aamer got the breakthrough's at crucial stages and Umar Gul returned with a bang and revived his pace, consistency and firepower as a yorker expert. That sight of a Mike Hussey leg stump going cartwheeling was an incredible one for any Pakistani considering what the man had done to shatter our dreams on the 14th of May. It was sweet revenge to put it in simple terms. Ajmal also demonstrated his class and claimed 3 wickets as Australia were demolished for 144 all out in the 19th over when clueless Shaun Tait was stumped to an Ajmal doosra.

Pakistan now have an opportunity to win the T20 MCC Spirit Of Cricket Series today when they take on the Aussies once more in the 2nd and last T20 at Edgbaston. Go Greens!

Pakistan vs. Australia T20 Preview

Pakistan today commence their extended international cricketing season at Edgbaston when they take on the Aussies in the first of two T20's at 4pm GMT.

Pakistan have had a successful preparation campaign so far;beating the MCC, Essex and Northants with Shahzaib Hassan Khan and Umar Akmal stealing the headlines with their performances in particular. The team is looking strong and ready to take on the Aussies.


Against MCC:http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/current/match/462605.html

Against Essexhttp://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/current/match/426408.html

Against Northants:http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/current/match/426409.html

A photo match gallery of Pakistan in England taken by myself is available here on our very own fan page: http://www.facebook.com/Haroon.Umar.Akmal?v=photos&ref=sgm#!/album.php?aid=221147&id=191594347441

Today is a big and exciting cla$h especially when taking into consideration what happened on the 14th of May in St Lucia..Comeon you GREENS..... break this streak now!These Pakistan T20 match days now are becoming a special occasion for sure.

I have already voiced my verdict of a 1-1 series. However, Pakistan has the capability to win both matches which is obviously the result I want as a passionate Pakistani cricket supporter!

Why Pakistan Might Beat The Aussies In England!

I'm a bit of a father of optimism as you may have noticed by now. Well, Pakistan stand a good chance of beating Australia this summer in the Test series in my view and I am being downright serious. Even with their amazing capability where they amazingly lose from the jaws of victory! Even after their disastrous winless tour of Australia and the continuous losing streak against them. Because, the bottom line is : "Anything is possible with Pakistan cricket;" unfortunately, this analogy is often worse than good.

Series Possibilities:
2-0 to Aussies= unacceptable/poor/shambolic/embarrassing even more
1-1= Perfectly Acceptable/Very reasonable/ I will be happy in other words
2-0 to Pakistan= I will be stunned as I'm sure many of us will be but its not out the window
1-0 to Australia= Average, probably most expected
1-0 to Pakistan= Top result, will be a top achievement considering our lack of....
0-0= Rain is king, but this is very unlikely as you would know even in the UK, the home of rain but in Pakistan, the home of bad light and non-conductive test cricket it would have been a possibility...

WHY Pak May Win:

1) Ashes flashbacks. The last two times Australia have played Test Cricket in England they have lost ; 2005 and 2009
2)Pakistan will most probably have the bigger support.It is supposedly meant to be a "home" series for Pakistan. Certainly fans are expected at both Lords and Headingley with the vast Pakistani population in the UK.You might find me aka Maz there too, do say hi!
3)In contrast, with Australia, Pakistan have phenomenal memories in their minds of England; its where they won the 2009 T20WC after beating the Lankans at Lords on 21/06/09 by 8 wickets. Actually so have Australia; the 1999 WC final where they THRASHED Pakistan, oh who cares; we have the latest glory to savour upon in terms of tournaments played at the UK, yeah its lame but psychologically it all adds up in the end !
4)Australia are out of form and are not playing well at all against England in the ODI series. However, one can argue this would make them more determined to revive their form against the Pakistanis, but we'll certainly fancy our chances against them considering thier most recent international cricket form in England too!
5) Pakistani players have more county cricketing and league cricketing experience which could be useful. This includes the likes of Danish Kaneria, Afridi, Malik, Gul whereas the likes of Azhar Ali and Zulqarnain Haider have played league cricket for a few years now.Therefore, adapting to the conditions shouldn't be a problem at all for quite a few of the players

Overall, I am expecting Pakistan to have a successful summer of cricket, despite the poor selection and absences of YY and YK and hope they are able to put in some top performances to please their supporters, something they were unable to do in Australia this 09/10 winter.Pakistan play their first Test on the 13th of July at Lords.