Gets off the plane after after a year of non stop tours as Captain and has a month to rest. But, instead he gets off the plane and goes to play a domestic 4 day match and makes a century. Yes, 100 for him today. Most dedicated player I have seen. The most responsible player in the world. The best player in the world in the last 13 months for sure with the most astonishing of stats. Inzamam when he was captain never played domestic cricket. Misbah does it when his body is getting older and immediately after landing from a tour. Not the first time he is doing it either. This is unreal. Beyond words.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/652428608136175
Thursday 24 April 2014
20th January 2014
We have images in our heads that Inzamam and Yousuf were invincible. Even Inzamam averaged 23 in World Cup Cricket across 5 World Cups. Misbah has answered every question that has come his way in different situations, conditions, positions, formats and against different teams and in major competitions too or high profile test series. He can do no more. It's a huge shame he never gets his due.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/650825071629862
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/650825071629862
20th January 2014
Human nature to overrate the past and undermine the present. So many great players would have definitely crumbled if they had to keep performing in the situation the Pakistan Captain has. The only thing which stops Misbah being considered one of the greatest Pakistan batters is longevity according to doubters, but as captain his longevity has been the 3rd or 4th longest by a Pakistan Captain ever. Much much pressure, expectation and challenges to perform as a captain than as a batsman and he has the best record and performance levels by a Pakistan batting captain. And much harder to perform in a line up where there is not much depth, experience or genuine class around you and a lot of reliance on you as not only a player but as Captain. That's why I rate Captain as one of Pakistan's finest batters, best individually performing batting captain, best ageing player and best Pakistan batter across 3 different formats as an all round player. You will do very well to argue against that.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/650823651630004
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/650823651630004
12th November 2013
Reinforcing a point that I have made many times previously here at an appropriate time when the vultures are out.
Alastair Cook
Michael Clarke
MS Dhoni
Misbah ul Haq
Brendon McCullum
Angelo Matthews
Mushfiqar Rahim
Brendon Taylor
Michael Clarke
MS Dhoni
Misbah ul Haq
Brendon McCullum
Angelo Matthews
Mushfiqar Rahim
Brendon Taylor
All lead their countries in Tests+ODIs.
Pakistan Team need 1 captain for both. They can't afford anything else with the way things work in the country.
They need to follow the current trend. They are better served with 1 Captain only in their culture for the main formats of the game.
Problem is that all other credible captaincy options in Pakistan that I can think of don't have a place in both formats.
Azhar Ali - not favoured in ODIs
Asad Shafiq - mediocre ODI player
Shan Masood - not played an ODI
Umar Amin - failed in ODIs, not played many tests
Mohammad Hafeez - not a test match player
Umar Gul - not a test bowler
Shoaib Malik - not a test player, failed in ODIs for a long long time
Younis Khan - does not want to do it, not an ODI player
Asad Shafiq - mediocre ODI player
Shan Masood - not played an ODI
Umar Amin - failed in ODIs, not played many tests
Mohammad Hafeez - not a test match player
Umar Gul - not a test bowler
Shoaib Malik - not a test player, failed in ODIs for a long long time
Younis Khan - does not want to do it, not an ODI player
There is simply no alternative to Misbah if you think it through properly with this in mind.
He is the best all round choice, the most complete choice and the most proven choice. The ONLY choice in simple terms.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/617146268331076
10th November 2013
Misbah will have a 4th coach during his captaincy. Remarkable. Waqar, Mohsin, Whatmore and now Whatmore is being released just before the Asia Cup and World T20 next year.
Just like in 2012, the new Coach's first assignment will be the Asia Cup. Can never be easy for a captain to adjust to so many different coaches. But Misbah has been doing it without any issues at all.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/615969855115384
17th October 2013
Best Captain in the world right now?
Smith - has a very strong team to benefit from
Cook - has a very strong management behind him + building on Strauss
Clarke - losing too many tests, plus struggling with off field control
Dhoni - lost too many test matches
All of these are very capable leaders, but Misbah stands out because
No Home Games
Managing a Difficult Side
Managing not the most talented side
Performing remarkably is an understatement
Distinct lack of quality Pakistan Captains before him
Managing a Difficult Side
Managing not the most talented side
Performing remarkably is an understatement
Distinct lack of quality Pakistan Captains before him
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/603675346344835
21st January 2014
Mohammad Yousuf recently made a comment that Misbah won't be able to score runs in England. Yousuf must have been sleeping during the Champions Trophy last year where he averaged 86.5 while others had batting averages like number 9-11 batsmen. He scored 96* in his first ODI in England in a match where 340 runs were scored and 18 wickets fell, all batsmen struggled in the match from both teams, apart from him. Also, he scored 83* vs Scotland and for Asian player to play in Scotland in May is very difficult because of the pitches and cold weather.
A lot of people might not agree with this but this is my personal opinion to why Mr Dependable is better than Yousuf in one day cricket.
1) Yousuf was a pathetic fielder. If you score 70 runs and give 30 runs in fielding then your contribution is 40 runs.
2) Yousuf was hopeless runner between the wicket. This affected batter on other end big time. So many times run out partners when taking singles. This is a big part of short format cricket.
3) Yousuf did not have responsibility of leadership to contend with.
4) Yousuf did not perform in major World tournament events, when it really matters like Misbah has in World Cup, CT or WT20.
5) Yousuf's wasn't a natural aerial hitter like Misbah, big part of one day cricket.
6) Yousuf had more quality and depth around him, less pressure.
2) Yousuf was hopeless runner between the wicket. This affected batter on other end big time. So many times run out partners when taking singles. This is a big part of short format cricket.
3) Yousuf did not have responsibility of leadership to contend with.
4) Yousuf did not perform in major World tournament events, when it really matters like Misbah has in World Cup, CT or WT20.
5) Yousuf's wasn't a natural aerial hitter like Misbah, big part of one day cricket.
6) Yousuf had more quality and depth around him, less pressure.
I would definitely 100% have Misbah ahead of Yousuf in a one day team any day of the week. Even the selectors know that because they did not select Yousuf for the last World Cup and went for Misbah instead. In Tests, Yousuf has a higher profile, but Misbah's performances as a batting captain are better than that of Yousuf when he was captain. And current captain has performed at 35+ unlike Yousuf who completely faded away with age and ended his career poorly.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/651442788234757
31st March 2013
You struggle to think of a batter who is as patiently rooted and confident in defensive application than Misbah while being able to clear the ropes, play unconventional strokes, improvise innovatively and change gears so easily as Misbah. He is unpredictable in his approach, yet consistent in his scores. This is a tribute to his versatility.
At times it's like Mudassar Nazar has turned into Abdul Razzaq. A complete stoic resolute grinder and a sudden power hitter.
Misbah has always shown a different side to his game and when ever he does go for a big blow he makes sure it will go over the fence for half a dozen as he picks exactly the right ball and moment. He watches the ball so carefully, plays straight and is always willing to bide his time at the start to have a look which is why he can strike such handsome looking sixes when he fancies at will. Once you have mastered a strong fundamental basis and traditional values such as the ones mentioned in the previous sentence, anything is possible.
Misbah has always shown a different side to his game and when ever he does go for a big blow he makes sure it will go over the fence for half a dozen as he picks exactly the right ball and moment. He watches the ball so carefully, plays straight and is always willing to bide his time at the start to have a look which is why he can strike such handsome looking sixes when he fancies at will. Once you have mastered a strong fundamental basis and traditional values such as the ones mentioned in the previous sentence, anything is possible.
Obviously, cannot always play so expressively and adventurously as his role in the team, conditions and game situation varies. But the fact that he has a different element to his play than just that of a solid middle order rock means he was always a handful in the coloured uniform. One thing you do know with Misbah is he is full hearted in whatever he does, minor or major, let it be a defensive stroke, setting out his stall for a lengthy innings or in hitting a monstrous six.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/519511968094507
January 31st 2014
Michael Clarke beat England 5-0 in home Ashes and people say he is now the best captain in the world. When he lost 4-0 in India and 3-0 in away Ashes, no one said a thing about Clarke being the best.
Dhoni was being called the best captain in the world, but has not won any of his last 11 overseas Tests and last 7 overseas ODI games.
Alastair Cook was being called a top captain when he reached Champions Trophy final and won home Ashes 3-0. Now after losing away Ashes 5-0 and ODIs 4-1, he is considered the worst.
Brendon McCullum was whitewashed in Bangladesh and now is considered one of the better captains after beating World Cup and Champions Trophy holders at home.
There is no consistency in people's views about the best captain.
The Pakistan Captain is the best proven and complete all-round captain across Tests and ODIs in current game, especially when you consider the situation and pressures he captains in and has constantly captained in. Not only the best captain, but best performing and contributing captain as a player.
The Pakistan Captain is the best proven and complete all-round captain across Tests and ODIs in current game, especially when you consider the situation and pressures he captains in and has constantly captained in. Not only the best captain, but best performing and contributing captain as a player.
Captaincy is not just what happens on the field. A lot of captaincy is what we don't see. It happens behind the scenes. This is also a factor where Misbah is praised and not tainted like other world captains. Keeping the team together, managing to command authority in the team and galvanising the team as one away from the field of play.
Misbah does not claim to be a risky captain or a gambling captain. He is a controlled and measured captain but over time he has proven every now and again that he is a flexible captain and flexible in his planning. The last Test being the best example. Just like his batting where he combines defence with attack effectively, this is the best of both worlds also in the brand of captaincy he applies when leading. Aggression is best served when it is used as a form of deception and as a surprise, not used often but saved for key moments to seize.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/655748304470872
31st July 2013
In the UAE the Captain has 6 half centuries in his last 13 test innings against South Africa, Sri Lanka and England. He is undefeated in a test match and test series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi across 3 different series, all were against higher ranked sides going into the series. Next test series is here against the best and most superior test side in the world. We drew against them last time we played in the UAE. This time they are significantly more confident, but so are Misbah's men having won 4 of their last 5 tests in the UAE. Should be an interesting series. I genuinely believe Misbah's men can win a test match and the series against them, but they'll have to play like they did against England in 2012 to achieve it. It will be a huge thing if they do. Misbah is the only Pakistan Captain to defeat a number 1 ranked test side in a bilateral test series. Can he do it again?
https://en-gb.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/567142693331434
A Special Captain
Men of the class, credentials and calibre of the Captain don't come around often. As long as he can play to even a quarter of what he is doing right now and wants to do the job, they need to make the most of having him around. Whether he is 42 or 43 whatever would not matter a bit. We cannot discriminate against age. The fact that he is the oldest Pakistan player in one day cricket ever and oldest Pakistan Test cricketer in last 60 years means he is an exception to the rule. He is an articulate man and will know when it is best to leave better than anyone. That will be a sad day of course, one of the most saddest, but any sane mind hopes that day is a long way away.
Previously a few years ago I used to say Misbah was the second best Pakistan Captain or certainly had the qualities and potential of the second best Pakistan Captain, of all time. Some people used to agree with it, others thought it was exaggeration and laughed it off. Now that is a much more more common view with every win. My personal view is anyone who disagrees with this view of second best Pakistan Captain being Misbah, does not have a clue what they are talking about.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/654028324642870?stream_ref=5
Should Shahid Afridi be part of Pakistan’s 2015 World Cup team?
On any other page, this post will not be read. It will be a very unpopular post. But on this page, there might be more agreement I expect. Sensitive topic.
Should Shahid Afridi be part of Pakistan’s 2015 World Cup team? Here is why not. This is not what will happen, but what should happen.
Not a knee jerk reaction. After 2012 World T20, I felt that was the time, to call time on his career. He performed atrociously; his long term conduct was an issue hanging over his selection and with an eye on England’s Champions Trophy in 2013 and Australia/New Zealand 2015, the team composition looked stronger without him in such conditions with a superior batsman in the top 7 in conditions where the top order was going to be exposed, requiring more depth in batting.
Instead, it’s been a cycle of him coming back into the team after being dropped twice for the India series in early 2013 and the Champions Trophy that summer, despite no performance of note in domestic cricket to earn a recall. Not to mention, the drama of his conditional retirement in the summer of 2011 after being removed and replaced from captaincy on disciplinary grounds. He was unwilling to play under Misbah initially.
Can you afford 3 spinners in Australia and New Zealand? Not the usual thing to do.
Ajmal is a strike bowlers, obviously gets in. Hafeez is a number 1 ranked ODI all rounder recently, must pick. Where does that leave Afridi?
Selecting both Hafeez and Afridi in the top 7 is badly upsetting the team balance which was exposed in the 4-1 series defeat to South Africa. Both are liabilities with the bat, more so Afridi of course, because of his reckless style. Can you afford 2 weak links in the top 7 in an already vulnerable batting line up, especially in those conditions? Hafeez struggles against top class bowling sides when it’s moving around. That’s already one liability you are accommodating and have to accommodate. Can you afford another one?
Afridi always disappoints with the bat in World Cups. He has never scored a World Cup half century. Never fired on the big stage of 50 over cricket. His World Cup average is 12 from four tournaments. In Champions Trophy, it's 15 from five tournaments so not fired on the 2nd biggest either.
He has performed recently with the bat after a long string of failures, but that’s in Asian conditions on short boundaries where he has destroyed some spinners. Won't be as easy in Australia.
His fitness is a concern as seen in Asia Cup. His bowling has lost its venom. He has already played four World Cups. This one is one too far if he gets selected.
Also, Afridi's bowling needs scoreboard pressure to be effective. He need batsmen to be chasing 5 an over+. He is not the type who can get wickets when batsmen can play the waiting game. That's why he has not got many wickets in test cricket. With Pakistan's batting being a 160-240 type, you need a more attacking bowling option. Hafeez is already a containing option.
And with Waqar likely to return as head coach, he will obviously feel more comfortable without Afridi’s presence after the events of 2011. They didn't get on.
Should Shahid Afridi be part of Pakistan’s 2015 World Cup team? Here is why not. This is not what will happen, but what should happen.
Not a knee jerk reaction. After 2012 World T20, I felt that was the time, to call time on his career. He performed atrociously; his long term conduct was an issue hanging over his selection and with an eye on England’s Champions Trophy in 2013 and Australia/New Zealand 2015, the team composition looked stronger without him in such conditions with a superior batsman in the top 7 in conditions where the top order was going to be exposed, requiring more depth in batting.
Instead, it’s been a cycle of him coming back into the team after being dropped twice for the India series in early 2013 and the Champions Trophy that summer, despite no performance of note in domestic cricket to earn a recall. Not to mention, the drama of his conditional retirement in the summer of 2011 after being removed and replaced from captaincy on disciplinary grounds. He was unwilling to play under Misbah initially.
Can you afford 3 spinners in Australia and New Zealand? Not the usual thing to do.
Ajmal is a strike bowlers, obviously gets in. Hafeez is a number 1 ranked ODI all rounder recently, must pick. Where does that leave Afridi?
Selecting both Hafeez and Afridi in the top 7 is badly upsetting the team balance which was exposed in the 4-1 series defeat to South Africa. Both are liabilities with the bat, more so Afridi of course, because of his reckless style. Can you afford 2 weak links in the top 7 in an already vulnerable batting line up, especially in those conditions? Hafeez struggles against top class bowling sides when it’s moving around. That’s already one liability you are accommodating and have to accommodate. Can you afford another one?
Afridi always disappoints with the bat in World Cups. He has never scored a World Cup half century. Never fired on the big stage of 50 over cricket. His World Cup average is 12 from four tournaments. In Champions Trophy, it's 15 from five tournaments so not fired on the 2nd biggest either.
He has performed recently with the bat after a long string of failures, but that’s in Asian conditions on short boundaries where he has destroyed some spinners. Won't be as easy in Australia.
His fitness is a concern as seen in Asia Cup. His bowling has lost its venom. He has already played four World Cups. This one is one too far if he gets selected.
Also, Afridi's bowling needs scoreboard pressure to be effective. He need batsmen to be chasing 5 an over+. He is not the type who can get wickets when batsmen can play the waiting game. That's why he has not got many wickets in test cricket. With Pakistan's batting being a 160-240 type, you need a more attacking bowling option. Hafeez is already a containing option.
And with Waqar likely to return as head coach, he will obviously feel more comfortable without Afridi’s presence after the events of 2011. They didn't get on.
Myth Exposed
'Misbah not a big match player like Inzamam, Afridi or Yousuf'
If they mean popular events that everyone follows:
Inzamam
WC average: 23
CT average: 21
Younis
WC average: 23
CT average: 15
Afridi
WC average: 12
CT average: 15
Yousuf
WC average: 32
CT average: 48
Misbah
WC average: 50
CT average: 54
If they mean WC matches vs India then:
1992
Miandad
40 from 110 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
1996
Miandad
38 from 64 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
1999
Inzamam
41 from 93 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
2011
Misbah
56 from 76 balls (blamed)
Lost chasing
If they mean World Twenty20 matches vs India
2007 pool
Misbah 53 from 35 balls
Tied
2007 final
Misbah 43 from 38 balls (blamed)
Lost by 5 runs
2012
Hafeez 15 from 28 balls (forgotten)
Lost
2014
Hafeez 15 from 22 balls (forgotten)
If they mean popular events that everyone follows:
Inzamam
WC average: 23
CT average: 21
Younis
WC average: 23
CT average: 15
Afridi
WC average: 12
CT average: 15
Yousuf
WC average: 32
CT average: 48
Misbah
WC average: 50
CT average: 54
If they mean WC matches vs India then:
1992
Miandad
40 from 110 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
1996
Miandad
38 from 64 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
1999
Inzamam
41 from 93 balls (forgotten)
Lost chasing
2011
Misbah
56 from 76 balls (blamed)
Lost chasing
If they mean World Twenty20 matches vs India
2007 pool
Misbah 53 from 35 balls
Tied
2007 final
Misbah 43 from 38 balls (blamed)
Lost by 5 runs
2012
Hafeez 15 from 28 balls (forgotten)
Lost
2014
Hafeez 15 from 22 balls (forgotten)
Analysing Pakistan's Chances
Strengths
Leadership
Misbah's batting
Tournament format
Holders last time it was held there
Weaknesses
Preparation
Conditions
Lack of experience in those conditions
Tough group
Leadership
Misbah's batting
Tournament format
Holders last time it was held there
Weaknesses
Preparation
Conditions
Lack of experience in those conditions
Tough group
Monday 21 April 2014
21st April 2011
Junaid Khan made his debut
First WI v Pak T20 game
Afridi's last T20 as skipper
4th series loss in a row in the format
First game after 2011 World Cup
First WI v Pak T20 game
Afridi's last T20 as skipper
4th series loss in a row in the format
First game after 2011 World Cup
India - trying to achieve a Spain?
Spain in Football
2008 = Euro
2010 = World Cup
2012 = Euro
India in Cricket
2011 = World Cup
2013 = Champions Trophy
2015 = World Cup?
2008 = Euro
2010 = World Cup
2012 = Euro
India in Cricket
2011 = World Cup
2013 = Champions Trophy
2015 = World Cup?
12 Years Since 92 Final Teams Been Matched at the World Cup
England and Pakistan have not met at the World Cup since 2003. Anderson was swinging it miles. Announced himself. Doubt they will meet here.
Structure
First time the World Cup has had the same format as the previous edition since the 80s
ICC have been fiddling around
ICC have been fiddling around
1992, 1999
Both World Cups that Pakistan played the final were played after an odd gap
5 years - 1992
3 years - 1999
5 years - 1992
3 years - 1999
Teams that have Lost 2 Semis in a Row
New Zealand = 1975, 1979
New Zealand = 2007, 2011
Pakistan = 1979, 1983
Pakistan = 1983, 1987
New Zealand = 2007, 2011
Pakistan = 1979, 1983
Pakistan = 1983, 1987
Asian Dominance in White Ball Cricket
1992-2011
There has been an Asian team in the final of all White Ball World Cups
India and Sri Lanka even played an all Asian final in 2011
There has been an Asian team in the final of all White Ball World Cups
India and Sri Lanka even played an all Asian final in 2011
14 Teams
It will be the third time the Cricket World Cup is a 14 team event
2003
2011
2015
First time the same number of teams as previous competition since 1999
2003
2011
2015
First time the same number of teams as previous competition since 1999
West Indies 2015
Last time they play a semi = 1996
Last time they played a final = 1983
Last time they won one = 1979
Last time they played a final = 1983
Last time they won one = 1979
Motivation for Lehman and Clarke
If Australia go all the way on home soil they will become the first team to win the WC in all cricket playing continents.
Europe
Asia
Africa
North America
Oceania
Europe
Asia
Africa
North America
Oceania
SRT
Sachin has won 3 World Cup man of the match awards against Pakistan
Adelaide 2015 will be the first IndvPak World Cup without him
He has a 100% record of experiencing wins against Pakistan at the World Cup
Five out of Five (all the IndiavPakistan WC games 1992-2011)
Will fortunes change with his absence for the men in green?
Adelaide 2015 will be the first IndvPak World Cup without him
He has a 100% record of experiencing wins against Pakistan at the World Cup
Five out of Five (all the IndiavPakistan WC games 1992-2011)
Will fortunes change with his absence for the men in green?
Saturday 19 April 2014
Misbah 2015 Part 2
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=5456490&postcount=73
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/553308838048153?stream_ref=5
https://twitter.com/BasitSubhani/status/344551812549984256
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misbah-Ul-Haq-Will-Be-The-2012-Asia-Cup-ICC-T20-WC-Winning-Captain/129266587152951
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61946957433802753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61718286932508672
https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/362165789324869632
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/508814969164207
https://twitter.com/KINGMisbah/statuses/363694559705825280
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/526359684076402
https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/310415418563108865
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/mohammed_asad8/status/286896587756666880
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/401496378863783936
Exposing
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1544
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/15547/pressing-questions-should-misbah-call-it-a-day/
http://www.espncricinfo.com/blogs/content/story/620885.html
https://twitter.com/KamranAbbasi/status/214850474518654976
https://twitter.com/BasitSubhani/status/214849888175927297
https://twitter.com/cricket_U/status/174432788592869376
https://twitter.com/KINGMisbah/status/335709934924738560
http://www.vcricket.com/cricket-news/misbah-not-suitable-to-lead-pak-in-2015-world-cup-says-ex-great-mudassar-42231.html
https://twitter.com/1playmaker/status/71184326397657088
https://twitter.com/OmairrAslam/status/174217930286956544
https://twitter.com/KamranAbbasi/status/170919212456493058
https://twitter.com/rameezai/status/242746155405017089
https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/33296525241090048
https://twitter.com/AmmarAshraf/status/310429109975150592
http://host.pakpassion.net/~pakpass/ppforum/showthread.php?t=186434&page=2
http://www.wellpitched.com/2013/03/pakistans-new-odi-team-part-1.html
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151270905346441&id=139430651440
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173754932455931905
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173756288877076480
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173522329450713088
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173524263016472576
http://www.dawn.com/news/1018635
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7s8Q9CatH0
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/292999232334483456
http://blogs.dunyanews.tv/?p=7365
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/553308838048153?stream_ref=5
https://twitter.com/BasitSubhani/status/344551812549984256
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misbah-Ul-Haq-Will-Be-The-2012-Asia-Cup-ICC-T20-WC-Winning-Captain/129266587152951
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61946957433802753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61718286932508672
https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/362165789324869632
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/508814969164207
https://twitter.com/KINGMisbah/statuses/363694559705825280
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/526359684076402
https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/310415418563108865
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/mohammed_asad8/status/286896587756666880
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/401496378863783936
Exposing
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1544
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/15547/pressing-questions-should-misbah-call-it-a-day/
http://www.espncricinfo.com/blogs/content/story/620885.html
https://twitter.com/KamranAbbasi/status/214850474518654976
https://twitter.com/BasitSubhani/status/214849888175927297
https://twitter.com/cricket_U/status/174432788592869376
https://twitter.com/KINGMisbah/status/335709934924738560
http://www.vcricket.com/cricket-news/misbah-not-suitable-to-lead-pak-in-2015-world-cup-says-ex-great-mudassar-42231.html
https://twitter.com/1playmaker/status/71184326397657088
https://twitter.com/OmairrAslam/status/174217930286956544
https://twitter.com/KamranAbbasi/status/170919212456493058
https://twitter.com/rameezai/status/242746155405017089
https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/33296525241090048
https://twitter.com/AmmarAshraf/status/310429109975150592
http://host.pakpassion.net/~pakpass/ppforum/showthread.php?t=186434&page=2
http://www.wellpitched.com/2013/03/pakistans-new-odi-team-part-1.html
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151270905346441&id=139430651440
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173754932455931905
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173756288877076480
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173522329450713088
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173524263016472576
http://www.dawn.com/news/1018635
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7s8Q9CatH0
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/292999232334483456
http://blogs.dunyanews.tv/?p=7365
Backing Misbah Evidence
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61944481909452800
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61882007902363648
https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61947454639181824
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61946957433802753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209722046014431233
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/206855546211540994
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173754932455931905
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173522329450713088
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173756288877076480
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173524263016472576
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=5456490&postcount=73
https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61943650057338880
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/28910408265895936
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61882007902363648
https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61947454639181824
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61946957433802753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209722046014431233
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/206855546211540994
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173531496269885440
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173754932455931905
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173522329450713088
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/173756288877076480
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/173524263016472576
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=5456490&postcount=73
https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61943650057338880
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/28910408265895936
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=3819791&postcount=47
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1192
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/archive/index.php/t-175638.html
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3713921718473352259&postID=4227097767675974894
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3713921718473352259&postID=4532803590550847372
http://host.pakpassion.net/~pakpass/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1375
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61718286932508672
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61900307210309632
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61940621778223104
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61945684332511232
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61938419026231296
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849273067765760
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849905455562753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209029701770018816
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?169254-When-should-Misbah-retire&p=5445467#post5445467
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?pollid=1562&do=showresults
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1192
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/archive/index.php/t-175638.html
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3713921718473352259&postID=4227097767675974894
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3713921718473352259&postID=4532803590550847372
http://host.pakpassion.net/~pakpass/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1375
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61718286932508672
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61900307210309632
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61940621778223104
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61945684332511232
https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61938419026231296
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849273067765760
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849905455562753
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209029701770018816
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?169254-When-should-Misbah-retire&p=5445467#post5445467
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?pollid=1562&do=showresults
Friday 18 April 2014
More
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=6269564&postcount=128
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=6269567&postcount=129
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=6269574&postcount=130
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=6269567&postcount=129
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=6269574&postcount=130
Wednesday 16 April 2014
Pakistan Skipper
Misbah ul Haq got off the mark in World Cup cricket with a six on 23rd February 2011.
Misbah's Test Captaincy Record
In UAE
Won 6
Lost 2
Drawn 5
Won 2 Series
Drawn 3 series
Lost 0 Series
In Sub Continent
Won 2
Lost 0
Drawn 2
Won 1 series
Lost 1 series (Hafeez was captain in lost test)
Outside Asia
Won 4
Lost 5
Drawn 1
Won 2 series
Drawn 2 series
Lost 1 series
Apart from highly expected series loss in South Africa against the number 1 ranked side when they were on prime form, he has basically not lost a series. 1 series defeat in 12 series only. Consistency over a lengthy time.
Won 6
Lost 2
Drawn 5
Won 2 Series
Drawn 3 series
Lost 0 Series
In Sub Continent
Won 2
Lost 0
Drawn 2
Won 1 series
Lost 1 series (Hafeez was captain in lost test)
Outside Asia
Won 4
Lost 5
Drawn 1
Won 2 series
Drawn 2 series
Lost 1 series
Apart from highly expected series loss in South Africa against the number 1 ranked side when they were on prime form, he has basically not lost a series. 1 series defeat in 12 series only. Consistency over a lengthy time.
Cricket in UAE 2013/14
World Cricket League final round
Pakistan vs South Africa
World T20 Qualifier
Pakistan vs Afghanistan
Intercontinental cup final
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Under 19 Tri Nations
Under 19 Asia Cup
Under 19 World Cup
IPL
Pakistan vs South Africa
World T20 Qualifier
Pakistan vs Afghanistan
Intercontinental cup final
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Under 19 Tri Nations
Under 19 Asia Cup
Under 19 World Cup
IPL
7 For The Day
The quarter finals of 2015 World Cup will be played on Wednesday to Saturday. Exact same as 2011. Across 4 days in a row.
New Zealand would have played all of their three BIG matches vs Sri Lanka, Australia, England before the end of February.
Pakistan had a semi final in New Zealand on 21st March 1992
I think they will be playing a quarter final on 21st March 2015 in NZ vs NZ
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have played the last two World Cup semi finals as a fixture. Opening game in 2015.
England and New Zealand have their final two pool games against Asian minnows - Afghanistan or Bangladesh.
Afridi has 24 wickets in his last 9 World Cup games.
NZ/SL had two low scoring thrillers in their last two meetings in ICC competitions. CT13, WT2014. Opening game.
New Zealand would have played all of their three BIG matches vs Sri Lanka, Australia, England before the end of February.
Pakistan had a semi final in New Zealand on 21st March 1992
I think they will be playing a quarter final on 21st March 2015 in NZ vs NZ
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have played the last two World Cup semi finals as a fixture. Opening game in 2015.
England and New Zealand have their final two pool games against Asian minnows - Afghanistan or Bangladesh.
Afridi has 24 wickets in his last 9 World Cup games.
NZ/SL had two low scoring thrillers in their last two meetings in ICC competitions. CT13, WT2014. Opening game.
Sri Lanka 2015
Sri Lanka are in a similar position to England in 1996 World Cup. Lost the last two World Cup finals hoping to go one better 3rd time around.
South Africa as Hosts
Hosted 2003 World Cup
Hosted 2007 World T20
Hosted 2009 IPL
Hosted 2009 Champions Trophy
Hosted 2010 CLT20
Hosted 2012 CLT20
Hosted 2007 World T20
Hosted 2009 IPL
Hosted 2009 Champions Trophy
Hosted 2010 CLT20
Hosted 2012 CLT20
Monday 14 April 2014
Royal Visit
The Royal couple attended a promotional event today in New Zealand for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, a once in a 4 year piece of precious sporting silverware. They will be attending another one in Sydney on Wednesday. Kate and William were received warmly by excited locals. The 2015 ICC World Cup is a 44 day event involving 14 teams across 14 venues with 49 matches scheduled. It will be the 11th tournament of its kind.
Sunday 13 April 2014
World Cup Quarter Finals
Australia will play on the 20th at Adelaide if they get through.
New Zealand will play on the 21st at Wellington if they get through.
Hosts get home ties.
Both are D/N fixtures as are all the knockout games.
Same as 2011.
New Zealand will play on the 21st at Wellington if they get through.
Hosts get home ties.
Both are D/N fixtures as are all the knockout games.
Same as 2011.
2011 WC
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/2011_02_01_archive.html
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Misbah%20ul%20Haq?updated-max=2011-04-16T18:48:00%2B07:00&max-results=20&start=18&by-date=false
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Team%20Misbah?updated-max=2011-03-31T19:40:00%2B07:00&max-results=20&start=32&by-date=false
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Misbah%20ul%20Haq?updated-max=2011-04-16T18:48:00%2B07:00&max-results=20&start=18&by-date=false
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Team%20Misbah?updated-max=2011-03-31T19:40:00%2B07:00&max-results=20&start=32&by-date=false
2nd April 2011
http://www.cricistan.com/forums/threads/pakistans-top-10-world-cup-performances.3426/
Backing England's Chances
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/219734184388853760
https://www.facebook.com/EnglandWillWinThe2015IccWorldCup
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/434280267562618880
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/215136390541885441
https://www.facebook.com/EnglandWillWinThe2015IccWorldCup
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/434280267562618880
https://twitter.com/maza786/status/215136390541885441
Updated
I have a lot of experience in talking to Misbah knockers.
Useless talking to Misbah detractors who have been ridiculing him for the last 36 months, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, series after series; and been embarrassed and quietened with his captaincy results or individual performance levels on countless occasions and will continue to be
My final post in this thread
Support the captain that:
Beat England 3-0 in a test series 2012
Beat Sri Lanka in all 3 formats 2011
Won the Asia Cup 2012
Beat India in India ODIs 2013
Won a test series outside Asia in New Zealand 2011
Drew a test series vs number 2 ranked SA side in UAE 2010
Drew a test series vs number 1 ranked SA side in UAE 2013
Won an ODI series in the West Indies 2013
Won a test match in the West Indies 2011
Drew 2 tests in Sri Lanka in 2012
Won an ODI series in South Africa 2013
Won 6-0 in Zimbabwe 2011 in all formats combined
Won 6-0 in Bangladesh 2011 in all formats combined
Won the domestic treble 2013 in 3 different formats
Led the weak Wolves to Champions League qualification 2013
Led the weak Wolves to final of domestic T20 14 team event 2012
Won the domestic double in 2010 in 2 different formats
Enough said. Long may it continue.
Useless talking to Misbah detractors who have been ridiculing him for the last 36 months, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, series after series; and been embarrassed and quietened with his captaincy results or individual performance levels on countless occasions and will continue to be
My final post in this thread
Support the captain that:
Beat England 3-0 in a test series 2012
Beat Sri Lanka in all 3 formats 2011
Won the Asia Cup 2012
Beat India in India ODIs 2013
Won a test series outside Asia in New Zealand 2011
Drew a test series vs number 2 ranked SA side in UAE 2010
Drew a test series vs number 1 ranked SA side in UAE 2013
Won an ODI series in the West Indies 2013
Won a test match in the West Indies 2011
Drew 2 tests in Sri Lanka in 2012
Won an ODI series in South Africa 2013
Won 6-0 in Zimbabwe 2011 in all formats combined
Won 6-0 in Bangladesh 2011 in all formats combined
Won the domestic treble 2013 in 3 different formats
Led the weak Wolves to Champions League qualification 2013
Led the weak Wolves to final of domestic T20 14 team event 2012
Won the domestic double in 2010 in 2 different formats
Won an ODI series against Sri Lanka 2014
Drew a test series against Sri Lanka 2014
Won 2 ODI series in early season conditions in Ireland in 2011 and 2013
Reached 2014 Asia Cup final
Won domestic 4 day competition with Sui Gas 2014
Reached domestic T20 final 2014
Won an Asia Cup match as stand in 2008 vs India
Won a T20 as stand in 2009 vs Australia
Respectably lost 2-1 vs Australia in ODIs 2012
Respectably lost 3-2 vs South Africa in ODIs 2013
Won a one off ODI vs Scotland 2013
Won a one off ODI vs Afghanistan 2012
+
Had to revive a broken side after spot fixing scandal in 2010
Had to cope with 4 different coaches
Had to cope with 5 different chairman changes
Had to cope with 6 different chief selectors
Has not captained in a proper series at home
Had to start with a completely fresh team in the test arena
Had to revive a broken side after spot fixing scandal in 2010
Had to cope with 4 different coaches
Had to cope with 5 different chairman changes
Had to cope with 6 different chief selectors
Has not captained in a proper series at home
Had to start with a completely fresh team in the test arena
Had to take a side forward that hadn't won a test series in 4 years
Had to turn the tables after the shambolic year of 2010
Had to cope with many former captains in the one day side
Had to re-instate Afridi as a player after months of dispute in 2011
Has not had the most gifted of resources to work with
Has had to cope with an unpleasant media agenda vs him
Had to turn the tables after the shambolic year of 2010
Had to cope with many former captains in the one day side
Had to re-instate Afridi as a player after months of dispute in 2011
Has not had the most gifted of resources to work with
Has had to cope with an unpleasant media agenda vs him
Had to cope with the pressures of replacing a popular talismanic leader in Afridi
Had constantly had people gunning for his head by mentioning his age
Had to constantly prove people wrong that he is a long term leadership option despite his age suggesting otherwise
Had to repeatedly cope with people telling him he won't last in the job by 2015 every other squad announcement
Had to risk losing out on a handsome county salary by playing for his country even with his future uncertain
Had to cope with the disappointment of being replaced as T20 captain despite 75% winning record
Had not had assurances that he will remain captain during his 4 year tenure, only on series to series basis
+
Was the 3rd leading international run scorer in 2011
Was team leading run scorer at 2011 World Cup
Was team leading run scorer at the 2013 Champions Trophy
Scored 6 consecutive test half centuries in 2010-11
Averaged 195 at the Champions League 2013
Was man of the series in the West Indies in 2013
Has 5 ODI man of the match awards this year
Only Pakistani in team of the tournament at 2013 CT
Has averaged 50+ in 10 out of 12 test series as Captain
Averaged 54 in ODIs in 2011 during 24/31 wins
Was named batsmen of the tournament in Faysal Bank T20 2013
Has 17 50+ scores in 30 innings since turning 39 including CLT20
Has been the leading ODI run scorer for team since Jan 2011
Has been the leading international run scorer in 2013
Was leading ODI run scorer in New Zealand and averaged 92 in WI in 2011
Top Scored in 11 ODIs this year
Joint most 50+ scores during 3-0 whitewash against England
Leading run scorer in test series draw against SA in 2013
Leading run scorer in ODIs in SA March 2013
Scored 11 ODI half centuries within 18 innings during course of year
Was the team leading ODI run scorer in 2012
Claimed 30 international catches in 2011
Only nominee for ICC player of year 2011 by a Pakistani
Quoted by a Wisden Editor as the most important player of 2011
ESPN Cricinfo StatsGuru Batsmen of the Year 2011
+
Was the 3rd leading international run scorer in 2011
Was team leading run scorer at 2011 World Cup
Was team leading run scorer at the 2013 Champions Trophy
Scored 6 consecutive test half centuries in 2010-11
Averaged 195 at the Champions League 2013
Was man of the series in the West Indies in 2013
Has 5 ODI man of the match awards this year
Only Pakistani in team of the tournament at 2013 CT
Has averaged 50+ in 10 out of 12 test series as Captain
Averaged 54 in ODIs in 2011 during 24/31 wins
Was named batsmen of the tournament in Faysal Bank T20 2013
Has 17 50+ scores in 30 innings since turning 39 including CLT20
Has been the leading ODI run scorer for team since Jan 2011
Has been the leading international run scorer in 2013
Was leading ODI run scorer in New Zealand and averaged 92 in WI in 2011
Top Scored in 11 ODIs this year
Joint most 50+ scores during 3-0 whitewash against England
Leading run scorer in test series draw against SA in 2013
Leading run scorer in ODIs in SA March 2013
Scored 11 ODI half centuries within 18 innings during course of year
Was the team leading ODI run scorer in 2012
Claimed 30 international catches in 2011
Only nominee for ICC player of year 2011 by a Pakistani
Quoted by a Wisden Editor as the most important player of 2011
ESPN Cricinfo StatsGuru Batsmen of the Year 2011
Pride of Performance Award 2014
Named player of the year 2014 by Senior Indian Editor
Named Most Honourable Cricketer of the Modern Era by British Tabloid 2014
Shortlisted for ICC ODI player of the year 2013
Named Captain of Test Team of the Year by leading UK publication in 2011
Named Captain of Test Team of the Year by leading UK publication in 2011
Enough said. Long may it continue.
Imran Tahir 2015
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152371172078081&id=98734813080&stream_ref=10
Prediction of Team of the Tournament
1) Amla
2) Cook (C)
3) KP
4) Misbah
5) Kohli
6) Vettori
7) Dhoni (WK)
8) Ashwin
9) Mitchell Mcl
10) Anderson
11) Irfan
Reserves
Dale Steyn
R Taylor
Brendon McCullum
Shane Watson
2) Cook (C)
3) KP
4) Misbah
5) Kohli
6) Vettori
7) Dhoni (WK)
8) Ashwin
9) Mitchell Mcl
10) Anderson
11) Irfan
Reserves
Dale Steyn
R Taylor
Brendon McCullum
Shane Watson
Expectations of Pak at 2015 World Cup
1) Beat Ireland, UAE, Zimbabwe
2) Win against one of India, SA, WI
3) Play well in the QF game even if they go out
4) Misbah in team of the tournament
5) Misbah with 5 50s
Prediction of Misbah's 50s against
India
WI
UAE
SA
QF vs NZ
2) Win against one of India, SA, WI
3) Play well in the QF game even if they go out
4) Misbah in team of the tournament
5) Misbah with 5 50s
Prediction of Misbah's 50s against
India
WI
UAE
SA
QF vs NZ
WC Finals Dates
Pakistan = 25th March 1992
Australia = 20th June 1999
India = 25th June 1983
West Indies = 23rd June 1979
West Indies = 21st June 1975
Australia = 28th April 2007
India = 2nd April 2011
At the top of my head!
Champions followed by date
Australia = 20th June 1999
India = 25th June 1983
West Indies = 23rd June 1979
West Indies = 21st June 1975
Australia = 28th April 2007
India = 2nd April 2011
At the top of my head!
Champions followed by date
6 Asian Teams
Most at a CWC before
Pakistan = 1992 champions
India = 1983 and 2011 champions
Bangladesh = 5th World Cup
Sri Lanka = 1996 champions
Afghanistan = debut
UAE = 2nd World Cup experience
Pakistan = 1992 champions
India = 1983 and 2011 champions
Bangladesh = 5th World Cup
Sri Lanka = 1996 champions
Afghanistan = debut
UAE = 2nd World Cup experience
Back to Back Finals
England = 1987, 1992
Sri Lanka = 2007, 2011
West Indies = 1975, 1979, 1983
Australia = 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007
Sri Lanka = 2007, 2011
West Indies = 1975, 1979, 1983
Australia = 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007
Associates at 2015
Ireland = Playing their 3rd World Cup in a row
Afghanistan = Playing their first World Cup
UAE = Playing their first World Cup since 1996
Scotland = Playing their 3rd World Cup. 1999, 2007, 2015.
Holland, Kenya, Canada = Played 2003, 2007, 2011. Did not qualify for 2015.
Afghanistan = Playing their first World Cup
UAE = Playing their first World Cup since 1996
Scotland = Playing their 3rd World Cup. 1999, 2007, 2015.
Holland, Kenya, Canada = Played 2003, 2007, 2011. Did not qualify for 2015.
Pakistan Have Little Hope
Yousuf should be the last one to be talking about how to captain in Australia after the Sydney Test Match 2010 and his shocking tactics to allow the game to drift when Australia were facing a heavy defeat, but went on to win the Test Match. He recently said "Unless you change the captain 2015 will be a disaster."
Make anyone the captain, expecting or hoping for Pakistan to win the World Cup in Australia is daft. Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series in Australia or New Zealand since 2011 World Cup. England, India, Sri Lanka have played plenty there. India have a long tour there before the World Cup. They will have huge benefits.
Pakistan have not won an international match in Australia during the last 10 years when 2015 comes. Most of the players have never played there in ODIs. Sub continental teams will have their work cut out. Hard to see them going beyond the quarter finals. It's a case of who "deserves" the honour.
That is Misbah hands down. Performance, results, leadership qualities, his influence in challenging times for Pakistan Cricket, his elongated continuity in the role.
It's like expecting Pakistan to win the test series in South Africa in early 2013 against the greatest South African test side in history. There was no chance. I said in the many months build up to that test series that they will do well to lose the series commendably. No point keeping unrealistic expectations. Same here.
Yes, don't have the quality of players to win it or the experience in those conditions or the preparation. 1992 was a different story. Imran had plenty of experience in Australia, better players and made sure they were the first ones to arrive and be best prepared. They also got lucky, other team results allowed them to reach semi finals when they could have easily failed to reach knockout stage.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/684984631547239?stream_ref=10
Make anyone the captain, expecting or hoping for Pakistan to win the World Cup in Australia is daft. Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series in Australia or New Zealand since 2011 World Cup. England, India, Sri Lanka have played plenty there. India have a long tour there before the World Cup. They will have huge benefits.
Pakistan have not won an international match in Australia during the last 10 years when 2015 comes. Most of the players have never played there in ODIs. Sub continental teams will have their work cut out. Hard to see them going beyond the quarter finals. It's a case of who "deserves" the honour.
That is Misbah hands down. Performance, results, leadership qualities, his influence in challenging times for Pakistan Cricket, his elongated continuity in the role.
It's like expecting Pakistan to win the test series in South Africa in early 2013 against the greatest South African test side in history. There was no chance. I said in the many months build up to that test series that they will do well to lose the series commendably. No point keeping unrealistic expectations. Same here.
Yes, don't have the quality of players to win it or the experience in those conditions or the preparation. 1992 was a different story. Imran had plenty of experience in Australia, better players and made sure they were the first ones to arrive and be best prepared. They also got lucky, other team results allowed them to reach semi finals when they could have easily failed to reach knockout stage.
https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/684984631547239?stream_ref=10
My England Side
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/preferred-england-side-for-2015-cwc.html
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/my-england-30-man-squad-for-odis.html
http://pct4ever.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/my-england-30-man-squad-for-odis.html
Tweets
Sri Lanka are the only team to reach the final 4 in the last 3 World Cups
Stat of the day: Inzamam ul Haq averaged 23 in World Cup cricket. He played in 5 World Cups. No one remembers because of Eden Park 1992
Stat of the day: Inzamam ul Haq averaged 23 in World Cup cricket. He played in 5 World Cups. No one remembers because of Eden Park 1992
1999 was the last time Pakistan met South Africa at the World Cup, never beaten them in a World Cup, played 3
5-0 to India in World Cups. Now, trying to break the streak at a time when they are defending champions unlike previous 5
Sense Misbah, Amla, Irfan, KP, Ross Taylor, Dhoni, Steyn will have memorable WC if had to pick 7 names
England hoping to break 40 year drought in ODI championships. Not won one but played in 3 WC finals and 2 CT finals
The World Cup is only a World Cup in name. The structure and format of the tournament doesn't determine the best side
Not fussed re associates playing, but for a long group stage where over half the teams go through = pathetic
Why do you need such a long qualification process for what is effectively a 3 match knockout?
Problem with this format, can lose half of the games yet progress by blowing away the minor sides
I can see India scoring 450+ at Eden Park against Zimbabwe. Short boundaries, rich batting side, lifeless bowling
Razzaq's strike rate in the 1999 World Cup was 43. Batted a lot at 3. Couldn't work singles and was stuck vs spin. Dravid had SR in 80s during 1999 WC.
Miandad 40 from 110 & 38 from 64, Inzamam 41 from 93, Razzaq 12 from 29 & Younis 13 from 34 - slow scoring offences by Pak players in WC games vs Ind
Ideal WC: 15 teams, 3 groupsx5, 2 games per day, best 2 from each group into super 6.
Pak have only won 3/8 quarter finals or semi finals in World Cup. 2 vs NZ and one vs WI. Lost vs WIx2, Indiax2 & Aus in 87
Asif Iqbal, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam, Afridi & now Misbah = Pak's World Cup Captains
Wasim had everything at WC. 1 won, 1 runner up, 1 semi defeat, 1 quarter defeat, 1 1st round. 87-03.
Bangladesh at World Cups - Beat Pak in 99, Ind and SA in 07, Eng in 011. 015?
Been 5 World T20s in comparison to 1 World Cup since mid 2007. Too much I think. Should not be every 2 years.
Remember Misbah was on brink of captaining Pak at 011 WC, but commercial pressures meant Afridi was retained at last min
England, New Zealand or India if I had to pick 3 to win. Honest assessment.
Pak are playing their first game in Australia after 5 years whereas Ind have played 3 lengthy tri series+test series here since 08
Pak at WC: Won 1, Runner Up 1, out in semi 4, out in QF 1, out 1st round 3, co-hosted 2
The last time Pak played WI at a WC in Aus/NZ Ramiz Raja played one of the most selfish WC innings u will see.
On this day next year the 11th ICC World Cup will start. Tickets are on sale to the general public, starting from today. Pakistan will play India in their opening match on the 15th of Feb. Of course, never beaten them in a World Cup in 5 meetings but this time they will be defending champions unlike previous 5 occasions when they met Pakistan at a World Cup. Also, South Africa in the same group who we have lost to 3/3 times at the World Cup event, but not met since 1999. West Indies are also in our group who Pakistan tend to lose against in World Cups. Ireland are also in Pakistan's group and they have a 100% record against Pakistan at the World Cup!
It should be an open World Cup and in terms of quality play has every chance of being the best World Cup there has been. But you would think given the conditions teams such as England, South Africa and New Zealand have their best chance of finally winning a World Cup here, teams yet to win one. I personally don't think an Asian team will win it.
Of course, it is a dream to see Misbah as a World Cup winning captain along with Imran, Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Arjuna as other Asian World Cup winning captains. I don't have any doubts that Misbah will deliver extremely impressively, assuredly and consistently as ever as a batter, but I don't think he has the team quality which Imran had to repeat the story last time it was held in that part of the world. They will have their moments and win games, but hard to see them winning it; they will probably crush in a crunch game somewhere like a quarter final. But Misbah's leadership and Misbah's batting are key areas of strength when analysing the team strengths which provide hope.
In Oceania again after 23 years/5 editions, ageing Niazi leading, same PM, but not going to happen this time.
I feel the conditions in New Zealand will suit Pakistan more and they play 2 of their big 3 group matches here as well as a potential quarter final and semi final.
We will have a lot of activity on this page when the mega event is happening just like we did when Misbah led at the international competitions of the Champions Trophy and Champions League in 2013, in both events batting spectacularly.
Misbah was on the brink of captaining Pakistan at the 2011 World Cup when the squad for a 6 match ODI series in New Zealand was announced without a captain and there was a lot of educated speculation that the PCB heads were in favour of Misbah captaining. Misbah had drawn a test series against the number 2 ranked South African side and won a drought breaking test series in New Zealand which gave Pakistan their first series win after 5 captains after being named Test captain 4 months before the World Cup with Afridi retired from Test captaincy and Salman Butt suspended. Younis was coming back from serving a ban and Yousuf was also slowly coming back after serving a ban and therefore were unsuitable options at the time.
Misbah also won 2 domestic titles as captain in the previous domestic season with Sui Gas to strengthen his case for being the 2011 World Cup captain to go along with his initial Test achievements. He had captained in 2 limited over internationals as stand in 2008 and 2009 respectively, winning both matches. He scored 6 consecutive test half centuries in his first two 2-match test series as captain, a record. Also, when he was reintroduced into the ODI side he scored 2 half centuries in 4 innings during the tour of New Zealand. He was known as one of the smarter men in the team. He was known for his tactical nous.
Afridi on the other hand had lost 6 consecutive T20 internationals, lost 2 ODI series as well as being eliminated from the Asia Cup in the first round. He also ran away from test captaincy, was struggling for form and violated players code of conduct as captain. Thanks to commercial pressure and Misbah's performances in the ODI series in New Zealand to give Pakistan victory under Afridi's captaincy, the board reluctantly confirmed Afridi captain for 2011 World Cup at the last minute, but he didn't last long. It was less than 2 months after the World Cup when Afridi was sacked as captain following another embarrassing violation in conduct, resulting in Misbah being appointed full time ODI captain.
I was one of the very few who wanted Misbah leading at the 2011 World Cup instead of Afridi. I can provide evidence by searching through archives. I was desperate that Misbah was appointed captain for the showpiece event and promoted from vice captaincy to captaincy. He was blatantly the better and more assuring leadership option.
4 years on Misbah is leading at the age of 40 at a World Cup that he himself perhaps thought he would never have played in 4 years ago given the knee jerk reactions in Pakistan's culture with age. That time in 2011 he was vice skipper at age of 36. What a remarkable story it has been for the elder statesmen of Pakistan Cricket.
Nearly achieved captaincy in 2011 for what seemed at the time was going to be his first and only World Cup and was vice captain instead. But 4 years later, he is playing a second World Cup and as captain this time.
Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series in Australia or New Zealand since 2011 World Cup
Pakistan haven't won an international match in Australia in the last 10 years.
Pakistan have only played 5 ODIs in Australia in the last 10 years, losing all. Unreasonable to expect too much.
Not many hopes for the team going beyond QFs, but I see Misbah having a memorable WC as a batter. The best campaign by a Pakistan batter since Miandad's 5 50s in 1992 World Cup.
Pak are playing their first game in Australia after 5 years whereas Ind have played 3 lengthy tri series+test series here since 08
Pak at WC: Won 1, Runner Up 1, out in semi 4, out in QF 1, out 1st round 3, co-hosted 2
The last time Pak played WI at a WC in Aus/NZ Ramiz Raja played one of the most selfish WC innings u will see.
On this day next year the 11th ICC World Cup will start. Tickets are on sale to the general public, starting from today. Pakistan will play India in their opening match on the 15th of Feb. Of course, never beaten them in a World Cup in 5 meetings but this time they will be defending champions unlike previous 5 occasions when they met Pakistan at a World Cup. Also, South Africa in the same group who we have lost to 3/3 times at the World Cup event, but not met since 1999. West Indies are also in our group who Pakistan tend to lose against in World Cups. Ireland are also in Pakistan's group and they have a 100% record against Pakistan at the World Cup!
It should be an open World Cup and in terms of quality play has every chance of being the best World Cup there has been. But you would think given the conditions teams such as England, South Africa and New Zealand have their best chance of finally winning a World Cup here, teams yet to win one. I personally don't think an Asian team will win it.
Of course, it is a dream to see Misbah as a World Cup winning captain along with Imran, Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Arjuna as other Asian World Cup winning captains. I don't have any doubts that Misbah will deliver extremely impressively, assuredly and consistently as ever as a batter, but I don't think he has the team quality which Imran had to repeat the story last time it was held in that part of the world. They will have their moments and win games, but hard to see them winning it; they will probably crush in a crunch game somewhere like a quarter final. But Misbah's leadership and Misbah's batting are key areas of strength when analysing the team strengths which provide hope.
In Oceania again after 23 years/5 editions, ageing Niazi leading, same PM, but not going to happen this time.
I feel the conditions in New Zealand will suit Pakistan more and they play 2 of their big 3 group matches here as well as a potential quarter final and semi final.
We will have a lot of activity on this page when the mega event is happening just like we did when Misbah led at the international competitions of the Champions Trophy and Champions League in 2013, in both events batting spectacularly.
Misbah was on the brink of captaining Pakistan at the 2011 World Cup when the squad for a 6 match ODI series in New Zealand was announced without a captain and there was a lot of educated speculation that the PCB heads were in favour of Misbah captaining. Misbah had drawn a test series against the number 2 ranked South African side and won a drought breaking test series in New Zealand which gave Pakistan their first series win after 5 captains after being named Test captain 4 months before the World Cup with Afridi retired from Test captaincy and Salman Butt suspended. Younis was coming back from serving a ban and Yousuf was also slowly coming back after serving a ban and therefore were unsuitable options at the time.
Misbah also won 2 domestic titles as captain in the previous domestic season with Sui Gas to strengthen his case for being the 2011 World Cup captain to go along with his initial Test achievements. He had captained in 2 limited over internationals as stand in 2008 and 2009 respectively, winning both matches. He scored 6 consecutive test half centuries in his first two 2-match test series as captain, a record. Also, when he was reintroduced into the ODI side he scored 2 half centuries in 4 innings during the tour of New Zealand. He was known as one of the smarter men in the team. He was known for his tactical nous.
Afridi on the other hand had lost 6 consecutive T20 internationals, lost 2 ODI series as well as being eliminated from the Asia Cup in the first round. He also ran away from test captaincy, was struggling for form and violated players code of conduct as captain. Thanks to commercial pressure and Misbah's performances in the ODI series in New Zealand to give Pakistan victory under Afridi's captaincy, the board reluctantly confirmed Afridi captain for 2011 World Cup at the last minute, but he didn't last long. It was less than 2 months after the World Cup when Afridi was sacked as captain following another embarrassing violation in conduct, resulting in Misbah being appointed full time ODI captain.
I was one of the very few who wanted Misbah leading at the 2011 World Cup instead of Afridi. I can provide evidence by searching through archives. I was desperate that Misbah was appointed captain for the showpiece event and promoted from vice captaincy to captaincy. He was blatantly the better and more assuring leadership option.
4 years on Misbah is leading at the age of 40 at a World Cup that he himself perhaps thought he would never have played in 4 years ago given the knee jerk reactions in Pakistan's culture with age. That time in 2011 he was vice skipper at age of 36. What a remarkable story it has been for the elder statesmen of Pakistan Cricket.
Nearly achieved captaincy in 2011 for what seemed at the time was going to be his first and only World Cup and was vice captain instead. But 4 years later, he is playing a second World Cup and as captain this time.
Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series in Australia or New Zealand since 2011 World Cup
Pakistan haven't won an international match in Australia in the last 10 years.
Pakistan have only played 5 ODIs in Australia in the last 10 years, losing all. Unreasonable to expect too much.
Not many hopes for the team going beyond QFs, but I see Misbah having a memorable WC as a batter. The best campaign by a Pakistan batter since Miandad's 5 50s in 1992 World Cup.
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