May 2014

Fear when Azhar Ali becomes Pak Captain he will get perhaps double the stick MuH did. Would do well to cope. 

Rubbish anchor, but two excellent guests. Qamar Ahmed and Saad Shafqat. Qamar wants MuH as capt in all 3 forms with Azhar as deputy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwGFPHl2uAw

Surprising how little some teams set an in-out field to Misbah. Men in for the defensive stroke or men on the fence for the lofted blow. 

16th May the day England went the distance in Barbados to become t20 champs. Fitting that Natwest Blast is launched on the same day 4 years on

Get this strange feel that if Misbah was as eloquent as Sangakkara etc say, he would have got more acceptance earlier on. Not the best orator for an MBA. 

Fear this might be similar to CT13. Misbah the sole contributor, team letting him down. 

Don't have confidence on Pak going beyond QFs, but sense Misbah will have a memorable campaign individually. Best by Pak batter since Miandad's 5 50s in 1992. 

I'm certain Misbah will perform assuredly as ever, not sure about the team following suit, but putting Misbah down to be in the top 5 run scorers. 

Professional cricketer doesn't know basic Qs:how many tests SRT played, who won 09 wt20,tallest player. Embarrassing http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/video_audio/743093.html?genre=46 

Personally from a team perspective for Pak in 2014/15 season looking more forward to Aus tests than the WC. Realistically not going to win WC. Higher chance of success in UAE tests vs Aus 

Polite Enquiries

How beneficial will it be; having moved the Australian home Ashes a year forward with regards to England's World Cup hopes? 

Too much pessimism about England's 50 over team? Number 1 in the world in 2012. Champions Trophy finalists 2013. Better than given credit for.

Why such a long time gap between who tours England for certain teams? Ind and SL here in 2011, back in 2014. NZ & Aus here last year, back next year. Pak last tour 2010. 

Since the 2011 World Cup Cook has had Flower, Giles and now about to have Moores as ODI coach. Can't be good for England's World Cup preparation? 

Why do major commentators hardly know or research names of players from some opposition teams? Even in an age where there is so much on the net.

Misbah's 37th

Misbah made his full time ODI captaincy debut on his 37th birthday in Belfast.

30th May 2011

This day 2011 - 30th May 

Misbah won his first ODI series as Pakistan Captain. First of 12 won series. Against Ireland. 

On the same day Shahid Afridi announced his retirement from international cricket. That was the main news of the day.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/507996.html

Gary Kirsten - T20 Coach

Lost all nine World T20 super eight games in 2009-2012 with either India or South Africa.
Finished in last place with Delhi Daredevils at the IPL 2014.

King Misbah Facebook Page

There aren't many very good Facebook fan pages of Pakistan Cricketers for genuine cricket discussion. They weren't designed for that. Understandably, none are that serious in discussing, debating and analysing the game or posting in depth stats. Why this page has been different to other Facebook Fan Pages of Pakistan Players:

- No family pictures asking for "how many likes for he and his wife and he and his daughter etc"

- Very little photos, videos, links and one line statuses. 

- Detailed cricketing posts 

- Emphasis on Test Cricket first and foremost 

- Never used informal internet language in describing posts 

- Take a great deal of pride and effort in our posts

- Albums are all neatly organised 

- Posts are all in a formal serious tone

- Admins are not immature teenagers still learning about the game like other pages, experienced bloggers and viewers  

- We don't go off topic. Posts relate to Misbah and Misbah only. Sometimes talk about other players but that's because we are talking about captaincy and selection, relating to Misbah. 

- Never promoted this page. People come if they want to read our views. They are free to leave if they want. Whether 0 people are reading or 500 people are reading, we like to be able to store our thoughts on a public platform and write passionately. 

- Don't promote other pages on here. 

- Longevity: 3 years, still running

- Twitter account directly linked to the page which is where all posts are stored 

In fact this page was designed as a place to store our thoughts about a player we rated in high regard and as evidence that we have backed him throughout. Posts were always going to be formal, factual and many of them long. Admittedly, lots of posts on this page can be long and boring to read unless you have an in depth enthusiasm and understanding of cricket or enjoy reading what I have to say. This page is more like a blog than a Facebook fan page. Whether there were 200 fans or 10,000 fans didn't matter. 

The day Misbah plays his last game this page will no longer be active. It can be used as an archive of his remarkable journey during the captaincy years or reflecting on the prolific tenure and the posts which have been written in doing so. All good things have to come to an end eventually.

Why do we bother? What have we get out of doing this for so long? The answer is Satisfaction, by showing our appreciation of a formidably consistent server of Pakistan Cricket in challenging times. Also, I'm not one for idolising individual players too much. I watch cricket as a cricket fan first and foremost above anything, not as a Misbah fan or as a Pakistan supporter.  Love of the game comes before anything else. It's important to have your own individuality. Hence, on this page I am trying show my individual assessment of a player and how accurate I have been in my rating of Captain Misbah. Also, how much knowledge I have about him. Personally, would love to write a biography on him one day. That's how many in depth thoughts I have about him and how closely I have observed and studied his career. I could write endlessly about him. 

Preparation for the Big Moment

It's official. He has the same number of Test wins as Imran Khan. A record Imran held for over 25 years. The most by a Pakistan Captain. A record that he was due to get. Just a matter of time. Have been building up to it with every win as he climbed up the ladder. 

It's the one statistic that every captain wants. To be remembered with the most wins by a country captain. No one is saying Imran Khan was not Pakistan's best Captain. But the fact that Misbah has the same number of Test wins as him shows how special a captain he is, as Imran is considered by some as the greatest in the game with regards to captaincy. 

If it was ever in doubt, he (Misbah) is the second best Pakistan Captain. No one can be Pakistan's best captain other than Imran. Maiden five Test Match series wins in India and England and drawing against the formidable West Indies will always put him in the lead. What stands out about Misbah getting this feat is a number of factors:

Homeless team

Took over a scandalous team

Had to reverse a string of poor results under previous captains

Not managing the most talented of Pakistan sides

Managing a difficult side, always tough to captain Pakistan 

Had to cope with many coach changes

Had to cope with many chairman changes

Had to cope with many selector changes

Had to cope with pressures of replacing Afridi as ODI captain

Had to cope with many unpleasant media agendas

Did it at 36-40 years of age

Hardly any experienced players when he started; Yousuf, Kaneria booted out

His own performance levels while doing it 

Distinct lack of quality Pakistan captains before him 

Yet has not let any obstacle come his way. Now has the most Test wins by a Pakistan Captain. The Saviour of Pakistan Cricket. A silent guardian. 

It's the one statistic I wanted him to get above all else over a number of years. He's got it now.

Most Test Wins by a Country Captain

England = Michael Vaughan

India = MS Dhoni

West Indies = Clive Lloyd

Australia = Ricky Ponting

South Africa = Graeme Smith

New Zealand = Stephen Fleming

Pakistan = Misbah ul Haq 

Sri Lanka = Jayawardene 

14 Test wins are not that high compared to other countries, but still it's the highest by a Pakistan Captain and that's the fact of the matter. I don't know why eyebrows are being raised about Misbah being called the second best Pakistan Captain for some time now. It's not as if Pakistan have produced dozens of great high profile leaders. This is a team which has historically struggled with leadership, particularly since Imran left the scene. There isn't a great deal to beat in this regard.

Captain at 40

The first and probably only time ever you will be able to celebrate the 40th of a current Pakistan cricketer. That too of a high achieving national captain. Only a couple of cricketers from the 1950s have played into their 40s for Pakistan, none were captain either. 

23 50+ in 40 innings for Pakistan at age of 39 across both formats. Leading by example in performance. It's not necessary for a captain to be the main contributor, but it helps.

Misbah's Test Captaincy summed up in a nutshell:

Only lost 2 out of 12 Test series vs 7 different sides.
Only averaged below 50 in 2 out of 12 Test series.

Out of Misbah's 70 50+ at international level. 52 of them have come after the age of 36. Surely highest % ever of career 50s at mid/late 30s.

Captain at 40. You can debate anything in Pakistan Cricket. But no one can doubt that Misbah has been head and shoulders above anyone else in terms of being the best ageing player in the game. Not just in Pakistan or in Asia, in the world. Peaking and having his best performances at 36+ while being Captain simultaneously. Not many have been good enough or important enough for a team to play into their 40s. Only cricketers from the 1950s have played into their 40s as far as Pakistan's history goes. Epitomizing age has no barrier better than anyone. Ensuring late 30s has been memorable. If you have a problem with him playing at 40, you should write to the ICC to make international cricket under 40 cricket like with U19s.

Yes admittedly, it is harder to play at such an age if you started career early. For example Atherton and Graeme Smith. Both who became captains in their mid 20s and both who played in over 100 Tests. Both well capped captains retired at just 33, body took it's toll earlier unlike Misbah. But still, you have to overcome perceptions and the critics will always find a way of mentioning age as something which counts against you.

Model of consistency 

Misbah in Tests as Captain = 27 Tests | 24 50+ | Out 36 times.

Misbah in ODIs since 2011 = 81 innings | 28 50+ | Out 61 times.

Specialists

Captaincy; some just have it. Others don't. Their authority is unmatched, but with that comes supreme responsibility. Many crumble under it. Some survive. Some thrive.

Two schools of thought on captaincy

Select your best possible team, make someone captain (normal way)

Select best possible captain in country, build a team around him (unique way)

Misbah ul Haq
Darren Sammy
George Bailey
Alastair Cook in ODIs

In the past
Mike Brearley
Bob Simpson

All the above were selected based on the second way, wouldn't have been in the team otherwise. Appointed purely on leadership pedigree. Not on seniority. The way specialist captains are appointed, natural leaders with experience or a proven track record in captaincy. The best - well trained captains are usually appointed this way.

I've always believed in specialist captains. You either have it or you don't. Therefore, worth going beyond the usual names to search for the best possible captain, even if that player did not necessarily hold a place in the best first choice playing XI beforehand. Unless you have the right man leading, difficult for a cricket team to function. Captaincy is so important in cricket, more than any other sport in terms of decision making and controlling a team.

Yousuf, Afridi, Inzamam were only made captains because they had served their countries for over 12 years. A prize for seniority. Not because they were "natural" captains who had been leading sides from early on in their careers. Misbah had ONLY PLAYED 19 TESTS when he was appointed captain.

The Severely Misunderstood, Misjudged and Underrated 

POINT 1

Educated player
Controversy free player
Consistent player
Proves age is just a number better than anyone
Consistently makes his critics eat humble pie
Very impressive temperament for batting
Methodical batting approach
Versatile batter - can power the ball and play long innings
Sound fielder
Proven his class in all 3 formats
Started his career extremely late, yet been a long serving Pakistan Captain

What is there not to like about Misbah?

He is not liked/appreciated because

1) Last man out in 2007 WT20 final and 2011 WC semi
2) He replaced Afridi as ODI captain
3) His age
4) His patient batting style

POINT 2

Defeated England 3-0 in Tests
Defeated India in India in ODIs
Won the Asia Cup
Drew against number 1 and number 2 ranked South Africa in Tests
Won an ODI series in South Africa
Won the domestic treble in one season
Won a Test series in New Zealand
Won an ODI series in the West Indies
Won an ODI series vs Sri Lanka twice in UAE
Has a 9-0 captaincy record vs Bangladesh in Bangladesh

What stands out about Misbah getting these feats is a number of factors:

Homeless team
Took over a scandalous team
Had to reverse a string of poor results under previous captains
Not managing the most talented of Pakistan sides
Managing a difficult side, always tough to captain Pakistan
Had to cope with many coach changes
Had to cope with many chairman changes
Had to cope with many selector changes
Had to cope with pressures of replacing Afridi as ODI captain
Had to cope with many unpleasant media agendas
Did it at 36-40 years of age
Hardly any experienced players when he started; Yousuf, Kaneria booted out
His own performance levels while doing it
Distinct lack of quality Pakistan captains before him

23 50+ in last 40 international innings
24 50+ in last 47 Test innings
17 50+ in last 34 ODI innings
52 50+ since October 2010
Highest ODI average by Pak player (min 100 games)
Ranked in the top 10 in both formats
Highest average by Pak player in ODI winning chases
5th highest Test average by a Pakistan player
Highest Test batting average by a Pakistan Captain over 27 Tests
Most 50+ in Tests+ODIs by Pakistan Captain
Leading run scorer for team in 3 ICC tournaments: 2007, 2011, 2013
3rd leading international run scorer in 2011
2nd leading international run scorer in 2013
50s scored against all Test playing nations
Most 50+ in an ODI calendar year ever in 2013 with 15

In short, Pakistan's second best captain

POINT 3

Under Misbah's Captaincy, Pakistan won the most ODIs they have won in a calendar year ever
24 in 2011
During that year Misbah averaged 54
9 50s in 26 innings
2 Man of the Match awards
ICC Cricketer of the Year nominee 2011

Under Misbah's Captaincy, Pakistan won the most ODI series they have won in a calendar year ever
7 in 2013
During that year Misbah averaged 50+
15 50s in 32 innings
5 Man of the Match awards
ICC ODI player of the Year nominee 2013

Under Misbah's Captaincy Pakistan won the most internationals they won in a calendar year across all formats
34 in 2011
During that year Misbah averaged 50+ in both formats
17 50+ across both formats
3 Man of the Match awards
ICC Cricketer of the Year Nominee 2011

Kia Oval | England vs Sri Lanka | T20 International

19th May 2011

19th May 2011.
On this day Shahid Afridi was sacked from captaincy for violating the players code of conduct despite repeated warnings. 
Misbah ul Haq was appointed Pakistan ODI Captain as an immediate replacement. He was already the Test captain.

Hell broke loose among the majority of Pakistan supporters. Afridi was the darling of the crowds, Misbah was seen as the villain. Many couldn't stand the sight of him, literally.

Even though he won a test series in New Zealand that year and won 3 MOM awards in first 4 months of that year too. They still couldn't stand the sight of him.

On this day this page was also made.

We found it absurd that Misbah was getting the blame that Afridi could not behave himself.

He was already Test Captain and doing well.

He was already ODI vice captain and playing his part.

He was a premier performer in both formats.

Plenty of domestic experience in captaincy.

So was the logical choice with Afridi getting the sack.

Yet people were angry with the appointment.

3 years of this page. It's been journey of unshakable resolve shared together with how the captain has raised his profile. The finest example of a late bloomer flourishing.

I remember that day very well, 19th May 2011. Lots of people were saying impossible for a man who will be 37 later this month to captain in the next World Cup so why make him Captain, why not give it to someone younger or stick with Afridi in the first place? Why not give it to Hafeez if not Afridi? Someone who can lead in 2015.

We all know the result. Misbah approaching 40 in 2 weeks and is still captain and the World Cup is now just around the corner. He still has the leadership firmly in his hands, having led for 70 ODIs in a row. Hafeez has resigned from captaincy having only been tested in T20s. And Afridi, despite plenty of support from fans and media hasn't been able to regain captaincy and not long ago was struggling to hold his place in the side.

Tweets like the one in the picture have come back to haunt certain tweeters, big time.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=705663816145987&set=a.191601480885559.44866.191600374219003&type=1

Sep 29

There isn't a more suitable, capable, wise, sensible, safe, proven and impressive choice to take the team forward.

Jan 8

Afridi at World T20s. 2007 and 2009 = top of his game. 2010 and 2012 = an utter flop especially in 2012 which saw him dropped briefly after

Jan 10

Most staggering and one that always fascinates me: In 11 Asia Cups, not been one Indo-Pak final. Sri Lanka played in 10 finals, Bangladesh 1

Jan 11

10 years since India toured Pak in a resumption series. Toured after 15 years. High scoring thriller at the NSK, Pak falling 5 short.

Jan 11

On this day a decade ago India won their maiden test series in Pak in a Test Decider.Dravid's career best & longest innings by an Indian

Jan 12

Just like 2011/12, England have lost 8 international games on the bounce.

Jan 12

Always thought Cricinfo were biased with homepage coverage, but during few times checked in Pak realised the headlines were localized

Jan 12

t20s drawn, odis won, tests lost. On to the Asia Cup and World T20, but main assignment will be UAE Tests vs Aus later in the calendar.

Jan 12

With Aus home Ashes moved forward a year to avoid Ashes/WC in same Aussie season in 14/15 Now to avoid 10 tests every Ashes,next one in 2015

Jan 14

Same PM, in Australia/New Zealand, ageing Niazi leading, but it's not going to happen this time 23 years later....

Jan 14

England football fans just like Pakistan cricket fans get over-hyper and overexcited when a World Cup comes around in terms of expectations

Jan 16

Saturday March 1st U-19 World Cup final (every chance Pak playing). Sunday March 2nd Indo-Pak game at Asia Cup. Top weekend of ODI big games

Jan 19

Bit surprised by Cook's comment about standing down a year to go before the World Cup having led pretty well for last 3 years in ODIs

Jan 19

Alastair Cook has been whitewashed 3 times as captain. All formats.

Jan 19

England have lost 5 matches in an ODI series on 5 occasions since 2006.

Jan 20

Tipping left arm spinner and lower order basher Zafar Gohar to be the player of the tournament #u19cwc

Jan 20

Much to the shock of channel 9 commentators Chris Tavare manages to hit a six http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R0KywZK3pw …

Jan 20

Late observation.Last 3 series vs SL in Tests, they've had a different captain each time.Just like 2011 UAE tour,no series win in any form

Jan 22

Under Brendon NZ have won an away one day series vs SA, Eng, been whitewashed in Bangladesh, but beaten Ind at home. Host WC in 12 months

Jan 22

Out of all articles which are written about Misbah by foreigners, common theme= most fascinated with MBA, the Niazi connection or his age

Jan 22

Afghanistan are the 7th team to play in the Asia Cup after Hong Kong and UAE. Asia Cup debut this year. World Cup debut next year in Aus/NZ.

Jan 22

First time since 2004 Asia Cup has more than the usual 4 teams playing.

Jan 22

Last time Pak played SL in an Asia Cup opener http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/455231.html … Shoaib's comeback match for the final mini segment of his career

Jan 22

Pakistan searching for a hattrick of Asia Cup titles in Bangladesh. Will it be the first time they win back to back ones.

Jan 22

2010 Asia Cup,2011 World Cup,2012 Asia Cup,2012 World T20,2013 Champions Trophy.Last 5 multinational event meetings have been losses vs Ind

Jan 22

http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/current/match/455234.html … and http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia-cup-2012/engine/current/match/535798.html … 08 was last time Pak beat Ind in an Asia Cup game.Bowling letting them down in 010 and 012

Jan 22

Shahid Afridi. Player of tournament in 2010 Asia Cup. Player of the final in 2012 Asia Cup. Was part of the 2000 Asia Cup winning team, too.

Jan 22

Harsha in book intro,a book on collection of his best pieces;says he requested articles never get edited bcoz it won't be his work anymore

Jan 22

Tweeting it because never saw editing from such an angle before

Jan 22

In post Ashes debate of counties need be more concentrated to tighten up competition,good counter; counties provided local entertaintainment

Jan 22

Commentary gold from Mark Richardson when Corey Anderson hits the six to take him through to the quickest ton. Was building it up, this ball

Jan 23

If you include the final one dayer of the Northern summer at Southampton, England have lost 10 in a row against Australia. 10-0 to Australia

Jan 23

Beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in Tests. Beat West Indies 5-0 in ODIs. Beat England 5-0 in Tests. Beat England 5-0 in ODIs. Aussies ruthless at home.

Jan 23

Beat West Indies 5-0 this time last year in ODIs. Beat England 5-0 in ODIs now. This time next year they host WC15. Aus will back themselves

Jan 23

Read in a piece from R Hobson that big 3 will be exempt to regelation in a 8 team test division bcoz of economic importance. Fair enough

Jan 23

Firstly they r unlikely to finish in 8th place & secondly can't see concept working w/o the big 3 in a test division now that WTC in doubt

Jan 28

I know associates often have players who play into their 40s like a Dutch player played in 96WC at 47. But UAE capt will be 43 at #cwc15.

Jan 30

2012 U19 World Cup players that have gone on to play at the top level = Quinton De Kock, Ashton Agar, Ehsan Adil

Jan 30

On this day Javed Miandad played his last List A match. This was 2 years after his last Pakistan match.

Feb 1

Live matches are only being shown that are coming from Dubai in this tournament.

Feb 1

After Indo-Pak Champions Trophy dead rubber last year at Edgbaston, ICC ensuring Indo-Pak games are the first fixture of a global title.

Feb 10

I know they r only showing live from Dubai, but why r all 3 Indian group games coming live whereas others don't get 2play live once?

Feb 14

World T20 2012 (7 games): Kamran averaged 12, Malik averaged 19, Afridi averaged 6. The 3 biggest let downs all are part of the 2014 team.

Feb 14

Expect today to be a dress rehearsal of the final of this competition. Last 2 meetings in this competition between the sides been in QFs.

Feb 14

Tipping left arm spinner and lower order basher Zafar Gohar to be the player of the tournament #u19cwc

Feb 14

Pakistan U19s have won 19 of their last 21 fixtures including 2 tri nations and played plenty in UAE. Now time to show it in the big one.

Feb 14

Today marks the first of 3 meetings in Indo-Pak games in ICC tournaments openers in the next 12 months. WT20 and WC15 to follow.

Feb 19

thought in last 10 months Pak-major contender for a WT20 in BD,but now shot themselves in the foot with atrocious selection #Malik #kamran

Feb 19

The selection is that bad, don't think they will even get through the tough group now. 2 former champions, Aus and Hosts. Could lose 4/4

Feb 19

Think India will win today.

Feb 19

Don't rate Fawad,but if it keeps Younis away from the ODI set up if had to pick between the two, don't mind it.Better to struggle with youth

Feb 24

One that always fascinates me: In 11 Asia Cups, not been one Indo-Pak final. Sri Lanka played in 10 finals, Bangladesh 1.2014 to be a first?

Feb 25

Worth noting all of Pak U19 WC wins been in Asia. Bangladesh 2004, Sri Lanka 2006 and now UAE 2014. 3/3 in Asia if u don't count Malaysia 08

Feb 25

Not trying to blow my own trumpet, but called it in August. #u19cwc https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/369489578249314305 …

Feb 26

1992, 2004, 2006, 2009. Pakistan win their 5th ICC Event. U19WC times 3, WT20 and WC. Yes, #U19CWC counts officially an an ICC world event.

Feb 26

5 best players in the side. 1) Sami 2) Zafar Gohar 3) Imam 4) Zia 5) Ghulam. Only think first 4 will make it. No chance for Raza or the WK.

Feb 26

5 best players in the side. 1) Sami 2) Zafar Gohar 3) Zia 4) Imam 5) Ghulam. Only think first 4 will make it. No chance for Raza or the WK.

Feb 26

Last time Pakistan won an Under 19 World Cup final v Ind,it was overshadowed with a 4-1 defeat in a home ODI series to India on the same day

Feb 26

ICC events since wt20 07

Feb 26

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/437187897742356480 …

Feb 27

1992, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2014. Pak win their 5th ICC Event. U19WC times 3, WT20 and WC. Yes, #U19CWC counts officially an an ICC world event.

Feb 28

Most U-19 World Cup Wins. Australia, India and Pakistan level on 3 with England on 1. Aus in 2010, Ind in 2012, Pak in 2014.Take it in turns

Feb 28

Where they finished in 2014,top 8 after completion of finals+Play offs:1) Pak 2) SA 3) Eng 4) Aus 5) Ind 6) WI 7) Afghanistan 8) Sri Lanka.

Feb 28

Worth noting all of Pak U19 WC wins been in Asia. Bangladesh 2004, Sri Lanka 2006 and now UAE 2014. 3/3 in Asia if u don't count Malaysia 08

Mar 1

Last ODI game between the two before the big game in Adelaide.Mini psychological boost for the winner, although conditions totally different

Mar 3

Pakistan searching for a hattrick of Asia Cup titles in Bangladesh. Will it be the first time they win back to back ones?SL start favourites

Mar 4

Asia Cup final. Biggest ODI of the year.

Mar 4

Pak played SL plenty in 50over games over last 3 years,but fair to say this is the biggest game between the two since http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/current/match/433567.html …

Mar 5

Touch of Misbah's story in Faf's career. Resurrected career through 20/20, established a rep as test blocker, quickly a captaincy candidate

Mar 5

Touch of Misbah's story in Faf's rise. Resurrected career through 20/20, established a rep as a test grafter, quickly a captaincy candidate.

Mar 8

After a story I heard yesterday about Matthew's antics in the Sharjah Test, wonder if that has anything to do with the refusual to walk

Mar 19

I will always struggle to support a team that has K Akmal in. Not overly fussed about today's result. Think India will win it anyway.

Mar 19

Lawson, Inthikab, Waqar, Whatmore, Moin. While Dhoni has led in 5/5 World T20s, Pakistan have had a different coach for each one up to now.

Mar 19

Lawson, Intikhab, Waqar, Whatmore, Moin. While Dhoni has led in 5/5 World T20s, Pakistan have had a different coach for each one up to now.

Mar 21

9-0 in premier format competitions. All brilliantly set up for Misbah next valentines weekend. Adelaide 2015. Chance of creating a first.

Mar 21

WT20 2012 - lost to India by 8 wickets. CT13 - lost to India by 8 wickets. WT20 2014 - lost to India by 7 wickets. Thoroughly one sided.

Mar 22

Best innings by a Pakistan batter vs Aus in T20? No brainer. Misbah's 66* from 42 balls in 2007.Ex BD, highest chase http://www.espncricinfo.com/twenty20wc/engine/match/287870.html …

Mar 22

Last played on resolution day,was in Dhaka.Dished out one of the great thrashings in WC knockout.Hafeez's finest hour http://es.pn/1jfFNCP 

Mar 22

Going by MoYo logic A Ali+Shafiq should play t20 because of "technique" Tech matters little in t20. Focus on Power,innovation,range of shots

Mar 22

Do worry about how they are going to tackle the left arm wrist spin of the 43 year old Brad Hogg.Could be turning it square.Real competitor.

Mar 22

Good heavens Johnson was not playing and was ruled out this time last week. Would have been shot out for 65.

Mar 22

https://twitter.com/B3cricket/status/349166080238956545 …

Mar 22

Also, Misbah's 66 was a world championship match, other was just a normal t20.

Mar 22

What's this new theme they've started? Commentating for 14/20 overs. One commentator does a double stint. 1 hour in the box. @bhogleharsha ?

Mar 22

Fancy Pak turning over Australia followed by West Indies beating India today.Two quality games in Group B double header. Best Super 10 day.

Mar 22

Fancy Pak outspinning Aus followed by WI beating India today. Two quality games in Group B double header. Easily best day of the super 10s.

Mar 22

https://twitter.com/ajarrodkimber/status/342992334025285632 …

Mar 23

22 years on. Returns to the land where they won it last very soon. SFs and Final played in this very week next year. #92worldcup #cwc15

Mar 23

last 2 winner of the WT20 won after hosting previous. Chance for SL to finally get over the hurdle of disappointments in finals at 2014?

Mar 23

The last 2 winner of the WT20 won after hosting previous. Chance for SL to finally get over the hurdle of disappointments in finals at 2014?

Mar 24

10 wins in a row for Ind in ICC competitions.Last 2 games of 2012 WT20,all 5 CT13 games & 3/3 now.3 v Pak, 2 vs SA, 2 vs WI,1 vs Eng, BD, SL

Mar 24

Akhtar got hired by a proper broadcaster Star Cricket. Might not be long before he's commentating for them in English. ICC Host broadcaster

Mar 24

Sense possible drama in West Indies-Bangladesh.Last meeting between the two. 376/5 from 40 overs. Samuels at his best http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh-v-west-indies-2012/engine/match/587476.html …

Mar 24

Pakistan vs Australia in ICC events recently. Pak won in WC11, WT2012, WT2014. 3 in a row.

Mar 25

SL/NZ teams who rise about their weight on big stage.2 of the best T20 sides yet to win the comp.Underrated fixture.Super Over in last WT20

Mar 25

Should be fun viewing WI/Aus. 2 teams with the cleanest six hitters.WI have won their last 2 vs Aus,including in the semi of 2012-Gaylestorm

Mar 25

Day 11/22. Half way through. Rest day.

Mar 25

Most famous SL/Eng t20 meeting in semi of 2010 WI WT20 which Eng won, but no hope for them today. Malinga got a 5 fer in last t20 vs Eng.

Mar 25

England/South Africa-two teams that have only made the semi finals of the World T20 once before,SA 2-1 up in World T20 head to heads vs Eng.

Mar 25

Australia have annihilated India in the last 2 World T20s. Warner brutal. http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/current/match/412691.html … + http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2012/engine/current/match/533287.html …

Mar 25

If Steyn on the radar,might not be much different than the 39 all out on Monday evening for the Dutch.Can't imagine they'd rest him.NRR key.

Mar 25

WI lacking firepower in pace. No Kemar Roach, Fidel Edwards, Tino Best in the squad. Plenty of bowling options in spin and medium pace tho.

Mar 25

Arun Lal highlighted it brilliantly during the Asia Cup.Dhawan picks length on trajectory against the spinners rather than the actual length

Mar 25

This day 2011 Misbah was appointed ODI Captain. He was already Test Captain at time. I was the only one genuinely pleased at the decision.

Mar 25

There were many lines on social media and sites that day saying, "impossible" for a man nearly turning 37 to lead in 2015.Embarrassed as now

Mar 25

I remember Wasim Akram was furious at the decision. Said Misbah won't last for more than 6-8 months. Result, 36 months and counting now ...

Mar 25

https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/71999116619694081 … Led 20 bilaterals or tournaments in ODI successively since.Waz was against the decision because of "future planning"

Mar 25

No team is so much focus given to their natural psyche based on past instincts. Manjrekar is the one who's always fascinated on the subject.

Mar 26

Shehzad averages 10.33 in WT20 career (3 games) and 8.8 in WC (5 games). Would keep him in side. A) Fielding B) 100 against BD in Asia Cup

Mar 26

Sikander criticised Hafeez in first match for not sending Maqsood up the order. Next match criticises him for sending him before Afridi.

Mar 26

I don't agree that Pak have played their 2 hardest games.Yes, played the hardest vs Ind.Pak generally beat Aus in t20.WI is a tough fixture.

Mar 26

Tweets like these have come back to haunt certain tweeters https://twitter.com/msarosh/status/71167118137245697 …

Mar 26

13/13 for the Lankans in the coloured uniform. Such a bad time for any team to bump into them.

Mar 27

Gayle has a set template in t20. Gives himself a proper look before expanding his range. Just wonder whether he's overdone it in the last 2.

Mar 27

Warne arrives in Bangla.Will be awkward for him to be commentating when Samuels is in,unless they have put it behind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2YxZe_c7-0 …

Mar 29

Hafeez against Gayle will be a key tussle. Hafeez got him both times in t20 series in July. Both with the new ball.One LBW, one leading edge

Mar 29

Obviously cannot start with Babar against Gayle. Will be right in his hitting zone.

Mar 29

It's not like it's the first time Saqlain has been a spin consultant for an opposition side when playing Pak.Experiences with NZ, BD, now WI

Mar 29

Ponting makes a key point.Chasing 190 is easier than 130 cos A) Usually pitch is flat, short boundaries B) Free license C) Less expectation

Mar 30

When India went on to win the 2007 wt20, World Cup 2011 and 2013 Champions Trophy, they played the second semi final. Same case here 2nd SF

Mar 31

New Zealand have never won a World Cup or World T20 semi (Lost 7). South Africa have never won a World Cup or World T20 semi (Lost 4).

Mar 31

If Dhoni wins next 2 games he will equal Ponting with 4 major ICC titles to his credit.Though Ponting won all his in 50 overs. WC+CT double.

Apr 11

Abdul Qadir was criticisising many players last week & he ensured avoiding K Akmal in the names because of his daughter about to marry Umar

Apr 11

Only sympathy I've got with Danish is that K Akmal type ppl etc has escaped free while he's serving life ban.All corruptors not treated same

Apr 14

https://twitter.com/CricCentral/status/455454413063086081 …

Apr 14

https://twitter.com/holdingwilley/status/451664140189196288 …

Apr 15

On this day a decade ago India won their maiden test series in Pak in a Test Decider. Dravid's career best & longest innings by an Indian.

Apr 17

18th April. This turns 28. Last ball heroics. Miandad. Sharjah. Final. Street Fighter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY4ucjbG7lY …

Apr 17

28th April 2007. The most bizarre end to a World Cup final. Atherton and Nicholas talk through the closing moments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Y9rONOW3U …

Apr 17

The day Pakistan became the 7th nuclear power is also the birth of Pakistan's second best captain. 23 50+ in 40 innings at 39. Incredible.

Apr 17

Forget Geoff Boycott, Sanath, SRT, Graham Gooch, John Emburey, Alec Stewart, Misbah's been the standout ageing player in the game at 36+.

Apr 17

This day 2011 Misbah was appointed ODI Captain. He was already Test Captain at time. I was one of very few genuinely pleased at the decision

Apr 17

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakveng/engine/current/match/225443.html … http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvind/engine/current/match/234783.html … http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-england-2012/engine/current/match/531629.html … http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/531630.html … http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/238217.html … http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/473921.html …

Apr 17

Just read somewhere that last test in Sharjah was greatest Pak test win in 21st century. Next tweet will post 6 much more 'great' ones.

Apr 17

Sharjah Test win vs SL although record breaking chase, wasn't a great game. Low key. Would rank it number 8 out of the 12 test wins MuH had

Apr 17

Surprised that Georgetown 88 goes unmentioned http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/63481.html …

Apr 17

Just can't see how a Sharjah test win mainly because of SL poor tactics could better 4 test wins vs number 1s or even unexpected win in NZ

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/1playmaker/status/71184326397657088 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209722046014431233 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61946957433802753 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61947454639181824 …

Apr 18

Many thought I was mental when I was hoping and suggesting for Misbah to be captain in all 3 formats when Afridi was in charge.

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61882007902363648 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/28910408265895936 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61944481909452800 …

Apr 18

https://twitter.com/Kallerz37/status/61943650057338880 …

Apr 19

Heck, I was even involved in a long twitter convo 3 years ago trying to prove Misbah was a better ODI player than Malik

Apr 19

And one month later that became a reality.

Apr 19

Highlights of Abu Dhabi Test Misbah clears ropes vs Monty.Botham says "Not something you associate with him." M always been a clean 6 hitter

Apr 21

15th Feb=First IndvPak WC game when Ind are defending champions, Sachin not playing, in an opening game, 2nd WC game for Pak v Ind in a row

Apr 21

20 years http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65834.html …

Apr 21

Only fitting that Pakistan's 3rd most capped/most wins international leader gets to have a crack at a World Cup. Only IK+WA ahead of him.

Apr 21

Misbah's journey 2011-2015 very similar to Imran's in 87-92. Doubts of whether he could last with age, but got there in the end to Aus/NZ

Apr 21

Many lines last 4 years 'he won't play 2015' 'need captain that can lead in2015' 'he wont last till 2015' made it despite age+media lobbying

Apr 21

Distinctly remember convo with some1 late 2011 where I said Misbah can genuinely play 2015WC.They said silly thinking will retire in3 months

Apr 21

Misbah's Test Captaincy summed up:Only lost 2 out of 12 Test series vs 7 different sides. Only averaged below 50 in 2 out of 12 Test series.

Apr 21

Misbah in Tests as Captain = 27 Tests | 24 50+ | Out 36 times.

Apr 23

Misbah in ODIs since 2011 = 81 innings | 28 50+ | Out 61 times.

Apr 23

See few Eng fans saying it's hard for Cook with all these coach changes Flower, Giles,Moores.Spare a thought for MUH: Waqar, MHK, Dav, Moin

Apr 24

Out of Misbah's 70 50+ at international level. 52 of them have come after the age of 36. Highest % ever of career 50s after mid/late 30s?

Apr 24

Our 4 worst performers with bat in WCs:1) Inzamam (ave 23 92-07) 2) Younis (ave 23 03-11) 3) Yousuf ave 32 (99-07) 4) Afridi (ave 12 99-11)

Apr 28

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61945684332511232 …

Apr 28

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61940621778223104 …

Apr 28

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61718286932508672 …

Apr 28

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/61900307210309632 …

Apr 28

https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/186063223601111040 …

May 7

Wow Sangakkara stands his ground. Refuses to walk. Would have been dismissed for a dreaded pair in his first game in England of the summer.

May 8

https://twitter.com/sanakazmi/status/61938419026231296 …

May 8

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849273067765760 …

May 8

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/157849905455562753 …

May 9

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/209029701770018816 …