Predictions + Wants Against Sri Lanka Author: Maaz; Views: 468; Date: 9-10-2011, 10:23;

1) Not losing the test series. Not losing a test.

2) No controversies.

3) 3/6 LOI wins and therefore winning either the T20 or ODI leg of the tour.

4) Posting totals above 330 every time in the 1st innings minimum. Innings duration should be at least 125 overs.

5) 3 centuries from Pak preferably from Azhar/Asad.

6) Maintaining the Hafeez, Taufeeq, Azhar, YK, Misbah, Shafiq combination throughout the 3 tests successfully.

7) The tail WAGGING. Seeing totals of around 100+ for the last 4 wickets consistently.

8) Playing 2 specialist spinners in all 3 tests with the idea continuing to work as it has been doing. 25 wickets between them. Economy of below 3 combined.

9) Adnan – maiden test 50 and tidy as before behind the stumps.

10) Seeing out around 4/5 full sessions in the series without losing a wicket. We will be on track shall this happen. Batsmen putting a price on their wicket and batting for long periods of time. Getting stuck in and digging in deep which they are fully capable with the current mould of players.

11) 2500 BF between numbers 3 and 6 in the 3 tests. Azhar Ali achieving a 750 BF as his speciality is his patience and grinding out the bowling. The middle order demonstrating their solidity, application and determination to spend extended periods of time at the wicket and work over the Sri Lankans with their discipline, mindset, attitude and mental toughness.Showing plenty of grit, stamina, concentration and resilience which are the leading strengths of this gutsy middle order. Working their socks off to frustrate and tire out to their opponents with their commanding structures and temperament. Giving them some tough days out in the field even if this means it won’t be the most eventful in terms of scoring. Basically, winning the sessions gradually by playing the hard fought waiting games as opposed to trying to play the enforcer role. That’s when they have been playing their best. I would like to see more of that here.

12) Several hundred partnerships/stands. More than the Lankans in this aspect.

13) Rehman racking up 40 maidens and keeping the Sri Lankans under control with his perseverance and nagging lengths.

14) 3 Pak batsmen scoring 300 odd in this series from the top 6. This will be another reflection that we are on track.

15) Herath having a SR in the 90+ region. Making him work and toil. Wearing him out. Reduce his impact and seeing him out. He is the dangerman and we will do well to keep him quiet from making inroads in the context of the match. Blocking him out firmly and watchfully to an extent where his wickets will barely have an impact in changing the complexion of the match. Making him bowl the marathon spells.

16) Captain averaging above 50 in the series. All the top 6 with averages of above 35. Hafeez is a concern, but could compensate for it if he chips in with the wickets and breaking partnerships.

17) Preventing Dilshan from averaging above 35 with bat and below 40 with the ball. Keeping their skipper on the quiet side of proceedings which will affect the team’s body language and emotions. Making life tough for the opposite number and going hard at him.

18) Preventing Jaya+Sanga putting on 150 together should the 2 bat together whereas Misbah and YK do as and when they bat together. These are the influential partnerships to break for both teams. Experienced and statistically high achieving batsmen who tend to bat well in pairs with their understanding of each other.

19) Taking more wickets combined than their pacers by a margin of
around 5 at least. There is little doubt we have a stronger pace battery despite the losses of AA combo for obvious reasons.

20) Crossing 450 mark at least once during the series. Batting for the best part of 2 days when we bat first.

21) 50+ opening combo from openers at least twice during the test series and doing better than the Lankans in this aspect.

22) 50 from batsmen 8-11 at least once i.e. Wahab, Rehman.

23) Hafeez showing he is not a minnow basher throughout the course of the tour. Proving his credentials against his Asian rivals. Adding a few more to his 8 MOM tally this year.

24) Cleaning up their last 4 for approximately 60/70 consistently max during the tests.

ODIs

25) Coming to terms with the new playing conditions in ODIs, especially the use of BPP between overs 15-40. Get a head start over other nations.

26) Posting an ODI total of 280+ during the series.

27) Average score of above 40 in BPP at the expense of 2 wickets most.

28) Malinga countering. Keeping him under 8 wickets during the 5 match ODI series. Using the depth in the crease, trapping the late swing, picking the slower ball, seeing him off in his initial spells not allowing him to settle or get his confidence high. Avoidance of a 2/2 which he is able to do frequently. Wahab to shatter the furniture more times than him during the series!

29) Winning an ODI by 100 runs or 5 wickets.

30) 45+ in first 6 during the 20/20 for a maximum of 1 down.

Tests 
Prediction

Most runs Pak: Azhar/Misbah 

Most runs Sri Lanka: Sanga/Jaya

Most wickets: No idea but probably Ajmal

MOTS: A Pak 3-6 batsmen

ODIs

Most runs Pak: YK

Most runs Sri Lanka: Tharanga

Most wickets Pak: Wahab/Cheema

Most wickets Sri Lanka: Malinga

MOTS: Mohammad Hafeez/Thranga

T20

MOM: Dilshan/Gul/Umar Akmal/Ajmal/Malinga

Most catches throughout tour by Pak player: YK/Misbah

Pakistan V Sri Lanka Test Series Preview | Author: Maaz; Views: 1444; Date: 9-10-2011, 07:49;

Sri Lanka have not won a single test in their last 9 played whereas the green shirts have won 4 in the same period of time. Sri Lanka have had 7 draws in that period of time, however they have lost 2 series during the process against England away and playing host to Australia at home which concluded on the 20th of September. Both teams have only lost 2 in their last 9 and drawn a series against the West Indies during the year. Dilshan and Misbah both have led their side for only 12 tests between them. Sri Lanka have a higher standing on the rankings, but Pakistan go into this series as the more in form and prepared with an undefeated record in their last 4 test series and back to back wins currently for the first time since 2005. In 37 tests against Pakistan Sri Lanka have won the 9 with 13 draws. The last time these two sides met in a test series was in the summer of 2009 where Sri Lanka won 2/0 in a 3 match series. Earlier during the same year Pakistan's home hosted series was interrupted as a result of the terrorist attacks.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack has struggled to take 20 wickets since the retirement of the off spinning champion Murali and swing expert Chaminda Vaas. The lethal Yorker machine Lasith Malinga has retired from the 5 day game and therefore is not an option. Herath has 100 test scalps under his belt from 29 tests at a very tidy economy rate. He will be the key man they will need to look out for. He is accurate and extracts a fair deal of drift as well as getting a few to kick and skid on. He has a round arm action from wide of the crease and angles the ball into the right handers. He gets a high amount of LBWs and many times batsmen play for the spin when really he’s more of a roller if anything. It should be an interesting matchup between him and Pak’s SLA Abdur Rehman who is another wily old fox with an impressive track record with 40 wickets in 8 tests. His repetitiveness to bowl a nagging line and length is formidable. He is a real workhorse who applies the pressure, racks up the maidens and entices mistakes from the batsmen. He ties them down with his control and perseverance. Meanwhile the danger man will be Saeed Ajmal who is Paks leading wicket taker this year across all formats. The unorthodox finger spinner will be in business against the Sri Lankans with all the left handers they have in their team. Ajmal has had some flat tough days with the ball in the 5 day game, but other times he has run through sides single handily. Overall he has over 50 wickets in less than 15 tests including an 11 wicket haul this year and is beginning to develop a reputation as a test bowler which some had raised doubts about previously. There will be a lot of pressure and expectation on him as the strike weapon and this series should provide a good test of his skill and character against his Asian rivals. His brilliantly disguised and executed doosra has the potential to bamboozle one and all. He is ably supported by a good set of bat pads in Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq who aren’t fussed about doing the gritty chores and demonstrating their reflexes. His captain was the one who recommended him for selection back in 2008 and knows how to use him well and extract the best out of him. Ajmal and Rehman bowling in tandem should be an intriguing contest.

In the pace department the 2011 world semi finalists have the upper hand. Gul is a senior bowler who when in form is unstoppable with his pace, aggression and ability to bowl the heavy ball. The grade A centrally contracted quickie has had a mixed year. He claimed 13 scalps at an average of 20 in New Zealand and in each and every innings claimed at least a 3 for during the successful tour which gave the tourists their first series win in over 4 years. He was named in the ODI team of the year and during the group stage campaign in Sri Lanka had 13 wickets from 6 outings including 3 consecutive 3 fors against New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Australia within a fortnight. Wahab Riaz who one of the nominees for emerging player of the year will have a key part to play with his reverse swing as well as the strength and depth he adds with the batting. He has potential to transform into an all rounder and he himself has voiced aspirations of doing so. Aizaz Cheema had a dream debut in Zimbabwe where he claimed the 2nd best figures by a Pak bowler in his debut match with his 8 wicket match tally in Bulawayo. Although the pitches in the UAE will inevitably provide limited assistance, Pak bowlers have the edge over the inexperienced and largely ineffective up to now Sri Lankan new comers.

The batting is looking solid, dependable, settled, stable, in form, determined and responsible which is heavily refreshing. They are really demonstrating a great deal of guts, grit, patience, heart, application, mental toughness, concentration, sound temperament, strong defence/judgement and a better technical basis to work from. Slow and steady is doing the trick as opposed to playing rash shots and subsequently brain farts. There is a sense of resilience, pride, willingness, sheer hard work and fighting spirit to get the results as opposed to the exaggerated flair and stylishness, but inconsistency with the liability of collapsing like a pack of domino cards and the bowlers continuously being called to come to do the rescue job. In the last 11 test innings since Misbah took over scores of 340 have been posted on 6 occasions. The captain has led the way and set the example with others following suit. They have only lost 101 out of a potential 140 wickets. They have only been bowled out once in the 2nd innings since he has taken over which was on a really tough wicket to survive. The can now reliably bat out for 125+ overs and post scores in excess of 330 odd with regularity. They are looking better and stronger the more they are playing. A classical old style method is doing wonders. 4 solid sessions of batting can be counted to be played out. They can make the opponents sweat, frustrated and simply tire them out with their attitude. Structured, watchful and composed in their works even if this means they go in to their shells at times and take their time before coming to terms with proceedings, but in that time not losing their scalps and therefore really getting to the bowlers in the mind from where scoring becomes a formality. They play controlled shots, squeeze or nudge the odd single here and there, eliminate risk attached completely, bat for long periods of time and show they are true test contenders who mean business and are prepared to work hard and dig deep. On helpful batting surfaces they know full well to how to make the most out of it which is a skill in itself. Complacency is never a safe option. Sri Lankan bowlers could have some testing days in the field against this significantly improved Pakistan test batting outfit which is up there with the best I have seen over the last decade in terms of getting the results. The beauty about it is there is a nice blend of experience and youth. There are a lot of players from the similar mould, but this is what is required.

Azhar Ali who was one of the nominees for emerging player of the year has been a revelation at the one down position with his solid technique and temperament. He has played every single match in Pakistan’s last 6 test series with only 1 series loss and has consistently been knocking on the doors with match winning and match saving half centuries. He holds the innings together, grinds out and closes an end. Such a treat to watch, for proper test cricket appreciators. Plays the ball on its merit with exceptional patience, concentration and stamina. Yet to register 3 figures, but with his attitude and maturity surely this will only be around the corner for someone who is a rare species in modern day Pak cricket. One to be groomed as vice captain. A regular in the side, who has impressed with his contributions, refrained from getting into any mess at all, has captaincy experience and comes across as a responsible and settled operator. He is bound to go far. A Dravidsque approach, he surely will be one key rock wall to dislodge in the years to proceed. Flawless, thoroughly controlled, steady and continuously growing in confidence of his ability and game plan in simple terms. I would rate him as our best young batsmen.

Younis Khan is one of the 3 Pakistanis who has scored a triple century which came against Sri Lanka in 2009. As the most capped player in the side a lot will be expected of him. You usually associate fighting spirit and a brave heart with him. As an accomplished player of spin he'll fancy his chances to perform. Currently Pakistan have not lost a test since he resurrected his career after being banned indefinitely following the winless tour of Australia in 2009/10. Moreover, he has 3 consecutive ODI half centuries so seems to be in good touch. With an average of over 50 in 24 innings against Sri Lanka the former Pakistan captain will be one to watch.

Pakistan have successfully maintained the same opening combination for 4 consecutive series which is some kind of modern day record as Pakistan have struggled to produce a reliable opening pair since the days of Anwar and Sohail and tried endless combinations ever since. Both Hafeez and Taufeeq have scored match winning centuries in their last 3 innings. Taufeeq is a solid batsmen who takes his time and sees off the new ball. He is strong off his legs, plays a superb straight drive and has some aggression in those hard struck drives. Hafeez gets after the bowling and scores at a quick speed. His technique is sound, but tends to lose his temperament at times with an inability to control his instincts. This tends to bring his downfall.

Pakistan's test fielding unit nowadays is also vastly improved with very few weak links or donkeys as Nasser would say. Taufeeq is a capable slipper and tremendous outfielder. Misbah and Younis are both have superhuman fitness levels for their respective ages. It's hard to keep them out of the action when it comes to the catching. Asad Shafiq is sharp and alert. Hafeez is switched on. Furthermore, they don't have a shoddy keeper to daunt them behind the stumps. Adnan Akmal is tidy and the best keeper in his household. He's hardly put a foot wrong behind the stumps. On flat wickets where limited opportunities will be presented Pakistan can be rest assured their fielding shall not let them down. They should be able to capitalise and capitalise well. On such wickets dropping catches is unaffordable.

In conclusion, Pakistan should not lose this series and more specifically should not lose even a test match during the process. They have the potential to come out on top, but priority should be not to lose. They cannot afford carelessness or complacency. I back Pakistan to come out victorious with a 1-0 scorecard. For the sake of cricket fans around the globe, I hope to see a result orientated pitch at one of the venues.

Misbah Should Captain in ICC Champions Trophy 2013

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

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/206855546211540994

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3713921718473352259&postID=4227097767675974894

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showpost.php?p=5456537&postcount=77

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1544

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/508808755831495

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/453236234722081

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/316210715742584832

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/516971211681916

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/515778891801148

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=516401665072204&set=pb.191600374219003.-2207520000.1399552375.&type=3&theater

https://en-gb.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/513504545361916

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/535169843195386

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/531049773607393

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Younis Khan ODI Stat

https://et-ee.facebook.com/PCT.Official/posts/546349012062974

https://twitter.com/maza786/status/255015847003832320

2012 World T20 KP Fantasy League

Timing Was Right

Yet again a South African captain sees the back of a 3^rd English captain after winning a test match on away shores, leading to a resignation. Andrew Strauss stepping down on Wednesday 29^th August, the day of the Paralympics opening ceremony, completed an astonishing hat-trick for Smith. It’s a testimony to his leadership skills and longevity and a product of elongated stability.

Strauss led England in 50 tests, winning 24 and drawing 15. As a player he completed his 100^th test, at the place where his test career started. It was round numbers to conclude with. He lost only 3 in 14 series as captain, 13 which were full time when he was handed the job in early 2009 after the KP-Moores fiasco.

Strauss is England’s 3^rd most capped captain, behind Vaughan (51) and Atherton (54). He has led England to the 2^nd most test wins as captain, behind Vaughan with 26. As a successful and capped leader, surely the Middlesex man is up there in England’s finest 4 along with Hussain, Brearley and Vaughan. His highlight will be the Ashes back to back series victories, particularly the 3 innings ones down under in 2010-11 to regain the urn after 24 years down under and taking England to world number 1 in the highest form of the game the following year on home turf.

Not only was Strauss a fine player and leader, but a good respected role model, leader of men and ambassador for the world game. After 8 English summers, debuting and concluding at Lords in his 1^st and 100^th, the timing was right after a declining loss of form and surprisingly poor team results in 2012. He really did take a liking to the prestigious venue and made it his own.

Next year’s back to back 10 Ashes tests are nicely set up now, with Cook and Clarke leading in their first Ashes series. Both of who have demonstrated impressive credentials up to now in the opportunities they have been given. Clarke did captain in Punter’s absence during the last Ashes test match at the SCG though, but the Ashes had already been decided by then.

He was a strong back-foot player who loved cutting and pulling and favoured short pitched bowling. Strauss worked anything on his pads away and regularly picked bowlers off if they erred in line. The England captain was a hungry performer who set high standards. His slip catching was excellent, as safe as houses for most parts.

He will be glad that he chose cricket over accountancy and can always look back at his test record with pride. He will be wishing his long term opening partner well and will be hoping he can consolidate on his achievements and take English cricket forward. As the Sabina Park test defeat under Strauss’s regime showed, things won’t be easy to start with.

It’s been a year of big retirements with Ramprakash packing up after over a quarter of a century in the first class county game, Dravid calling it a day, VVS joining him despite being named in the squad to take on New Zealand in the 2 test match series which has just recently finished and unfortunately Mark Boucher being forced to call time on his career after a severe eye injury during a warm up fixture at Somerset prior to the test series. Some important and influential cricketers have departed this year and Strauss is certainly amongst them.

We are here to win the World Cup and give Pakistan a gift: Imam-ul-Haq Author: Imran Asghar; Views: 1364; Date: 12-08-2012, 08:10;

We are here to win the World Cup and give Pakistan a gift: Imam-ul-Haq

• Author: Imran Asghar;  
• Views: 1364;  
• Date: 12-08-2012, 08:10;  

KheloPakistan.com got a chance to meet up with Pakistan Under-19s, Imam-ul-Haq. Sixteen year old Imam, born in Lahore made his Pakistan Under-19 debut against India in the Asia Cup. He made 88 at very good pace and followed that up by scoring 50 and 69 against Malaysia and Afghanistan respectively. Imam, then had a disappointing final against India as he only managed 10.

Nephew of Pakistani legend, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is highly thought of within Pakistani ranks. His rise to prominence has been quick, despite only playing Under-19 level this year. Playing at number 3, Imam started his World Cup with a disappointing 25; though he is confident that he can go on and achieve big.

Imran Asghar (IA): Salaam Imam, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us during such a prestigious time for you.

Imam-ul-Haq (IuH): No problems Imran bhai. It's my pleasure to be speaking to you.

IA: Tell us about your young but fledging career?

IuH: I started playing cricket and took great interest in the game. I kept playing cricket with passion and just concentrated on enjoying playing. Then this year I got a chance in PIA's Under-19 team and performed really well. My performances started to get noticed and people started to say I will get picked for the South Africa series. That never materialised, but Allah knows best for one and it might have been beneficial to my career in the end. I carried on my good form and then was selected for the Asia Cup. Then I debuted against India and scored 88. The next two games I also made half centuries. We have had 3 practise games recently and I performed too. I am now representing my country in the World Cup.

IA: You are Inzamam bhai's nephew; did you get good amount off coaching from him?

IuH: (laughs) actually no. When he saw my interest in playing cricket and taking my game seriously he didn't want to pressurise me. He didn't want me to feel that he was exerting any pressure on me, so he always has been someone who has supported the mental side of my game. He always says enjoy your cricket and the rest will take care of itself.

IA: Have you ever been told or felt that people think you have come forward as a Sirfarachi cause of your uncle being a legend of Pakistani cricket?

IuH: I’ve never really taken any notice. Pakistani cricket is always full of controversy and people always talk. Simple way to keep people quite is to show your performances which I have been doing. Now the only real time me and Inzi Chachu discuss cricket is when I feel I have a problem with technique. He always says forget them and take them out of your system, your performing and that's what matters. Throughout my life whenever I need inspiration or courage I watch a video of Chachu batting on the Internet and he gives me positive energy.

IA: You debuted against India in the Asia Cup and scored 88. How much was the pressure in such a big game?

IuH: Everyone handles pressure in their own way. I enjoy playing and scoring runs against everyone but India more so. I don't feel more pressure, I believe I rise to the occasion and look to perform and make my team win.

IA: One game is already played against Afghanistan. You had an average game, but the team dominated and won comfortably. What are Pakistan's chances here?

IuH: We have performed really well as a unit over the past months. We heard a lot of negativity before we came to the World Cup. People were saying that we will not cope in Australian conditions but we beat Australia in the three match series and now won our first game too. The thing is we are not reliant on one player to win the game. We have match winners around the team. People said that without Sami (Aslam) we are nothing but he and myself had a bad game and Babar Azam, Umer Waheed and Mohammad Nawaz came along and performed. Likewise our bowling unit is the same.

IA: You just spoke about Mohammad Nawaz, I interviewed him a month ago. I believe he has the ability to take over from Malik/Afridi in the long term. How good is he?

IuH: Nawaz is very talented. His not only a very consistent left arm spinner but also produces vital knocks in the middle order. If he keeps working hard, which he will, he has the ability for sure to play for a long time for Pakistan.

IA: Yourself? Where do you see your career in 5 years?

IuH: Every kid dreams of playing for Pakistan and I'm no different. I think I have the ability but time will tell where I end up.

IA: Your message to the people of Pakistan?

IuH: Keep us in your prayers. We are here in Ramadan and are all fasting. We know our families are praying for us and the nation wants us to win the World Cup for a third time. We know we are carrying the expectations of the whole country and want to give the nation something to cherish. InshAllah, yeh World Cup hamara hai.

IA: Thanks for your time Imam. You have the nation’s prayers and support and I for one am sure you will not let us down.

IuH: Thanks Imran bhai. Can I add you are doing a great job in promoting young talent in Pakistan. We don't get enough exposure but you are doing that. Usman Qadir is sitting next to me, who KheloPakistan have interviewed before, and he sends his regards. May Allah help you and your work be acknowledged around the country.

IA: Thanks Imam, my pleasure.

Aim For 2015 says Warner and Amla Author: Maaz; Views: 140; Date: 7-08-2012, 04:26;

David Warner and Hashim Amla have urged the current crop of U19 cricketers currently in Australia for the World Cup to aim high and set their sights on targeting participating in the 2015 World Cup in less than 3 years’ time which will also take place in Australia/New Zealand as it returns to the Oceania continent after 23 years.

From the 2008 U19 CWC, Virat Kohli, the winning captain played his part in India’s triumphant 2011 campaign 3 years later. Similarly Ahmed Shehzad who played in the 2010 edition was part of the Pakistan squad for the 2011 50 over world sub continental world cup. Junaid Khan was also part of the 2008 edition and found a place in the Pakistan 15 man squad for the world cup in 2011.

Many of the current crops of players are bound to represent their countries in the next 50 over world cup and a strong showing over the next 3 weeks could play a vital part in making a successful transition from the youth to the senior side, even if it is not to be in the immediate future, but the youngsters can be rest assured that their performances will be followed and observed closely from some important figures in their respective cricketing institutions.

Misbah in Abu Dhabi Day 1