Pakistan Cricket News

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MORROCO CUP:


PAKISTAN BEAT SRI LANKA BY 28 RUNS IN MOROCCO CUP.


Pakistan have celebrated their country's Independence Day with a 28-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the Morocco Cup triangular tournament in Tangiers.
The Pakistanis amassed 279 for five from their 50 overs after being given first strike and then restricted Sri Lanka to 251 for eight.
All-rounder Abdul Razzaq demolished the Sri Lankans with three for 36 while Wasim Akram claimed two for 56.
Pakistan's total revolved around three half-centuries, the most notable being a 56 not out by Younis Khan off just 39 balls.
Opener Saeed Anwar laid the foundations for Pakistan's daunting total with 70 from 77 balls, while Inzamam-ul Haq hit a 63.
But the hard-hitting display by Younis and Razzaq towards the end of the innings overshadowed the senior batsmen.
Razzaq remained unbeaten on 29 off 11 balls as Pakistan clubbed 45 runs in the last three overs, including 25 in the final over bowled by left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas.
Younis hit five boundaries and two sixes, while Razzaq smashed two fours and two sixes before the overs ran out.
Despite reaching 116 for the loss of just one wicket by the 22nd over, mainly due to captain Sanath Jayasuriya's crisp 36 from 33 balls, Sri Lanka were never able to maintain the required scoring rate and lost wickets regularly.
It was Pakistan's first win in the US$250,000 event after going down to South Africa by 54 runs in Monday's opening match.
Sri Lanka now face in-form South Africa on Thursday.
(c) 2002 MediaCorp News Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Pakistan should and would have won the first game against SA, had it not been for the S*** head australian umpire Darryl Harper, who gave two completely wrong lbw decisions at very crucial times. Nazir was well set and scoring in full flow and one later in the innings where Latif and Razzaq were threatening to overcome the total and had Latif not been given out, him and Razzaq would have completed a single on the last ball of the over. Giving latif strike, which would have also prevented Razzaq from being bowled. So he contributed in three pak dismissals, which could have been avoided.

This same Harper character made a string of wrong decisions in the last Pak-Aus one day series, fortunately Pak still went on to win the series. PCB should make note of umpiring debacles of each umpire and those who consistently make mistakes deliberate or otherwise, should not be allowed to officiate in any future Pak games......

MOROCCAN CUP - MILLIONAIRE'S PLAN TO SAVE PAKISTAN.


As Inzamam-ul-Haq trod on his stumps while pulling a mighty six, a desperate piece of misfortune that forced Waqar Younis's side out of the Morocco Cup 2002 yesterday, Pakistan's only consolation was that a cricket-obsessed multi-millionaire was rushing to the rescue of their cash-strapped cricket board, writes Charlie Austin in Tangier
With foreign teams refusing to tour because of the political instability in the region, Abdur Rahman Bukhatir - the head of the Cricketers' Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), the organisation responsible for creating a cricketing oasis in the desert city of Sharjah - is emerging as Pakistan's sugar daddy, offering them hope of financial security.
The CBFS, which has funded the development of this state-of-the-art stadium in the hills surrounding Tangier, is proposing that the International Cricket Council use the venue to raise funds for the Pakistan Cricket Board, which has lost some £12m because of cancelled tours.
"There is a simple solution to Pakistan's financial problems," said the CBFS chief executive Zahid Noorani. "The ICC can hold one triangular tournament here every year for the next three years. All the television proceeds, approxi mately £2m per tournament if a country like England participate, can then be given to the PCB as compensation for lost tours."
The CBFS are also offering the made-for-television venue for Pakistan's Test cricket should international sides continue refusing to tour.
"Tangier was once an international city; now it can become an official neutral Test venue for international sides that cannot play at home," said Noorani.
This year the facilities, particularly the crumbling pitch that has threatened to reduce the current series to a coin-tossing lottery, were not suitable for a five-day game, forcing Australia's cancelled three-Test tour of Pakistan to be played at Colombo and Sharjah.
But next year the CBFS are confident of being able to play Test matches. "This year we may not be ready but, with the experience gained from hosting this tri-series, we should be able to play Test cricket here next summer, when it is too hot to play in Sharjah," said Noorani.
And Pakistan would feel at ease in their north African summer home. In the current tournament the small cluster of spectators have been vehemently partisan, cheering on Pakistan passionately with cries of "Pakistan Zinzabad" whenever Waqar's team take a wicket or crash a boundary.
And now, as he expands his cricket empire into television production with the launch of a new satellite sports channel, TEN Sports, Bukhatir is on the verge of clinching a three-year broadcasting rights deal with the PCB for all its home games.
So with Pakistan set to remain out of bounds for at least another 18 months, Bukhatir could offer the PCB an attractive total solution: stage the matches, produce and distribute the television pictures and sell sponsorship rights during "home" series in Sharjah and Morocco.

PAKISTAN EXPECTED TOMORROW.


Aug 22, 2002 (The Nation/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) - The Pakistan cricket team will arrive tomorrow for the one-day international tri-series that will also involve hosts Kenya and Australia.
Pakistan will jet in from Tangiers, Morocco where they took part in a one-day tournament that also involved South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The tri-series will be held at the Nairobi Gymkhana from August 29 to September 7.
In Morocco, Pakistan lost by 39 runs to Sri Lanka before going dowm by eight runs to South Africa.
Initially scheduled for Lahore, Pakistan, the tri-series tournament would have featured the hosts, Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan decided to move the tournament to Nairobi after Australia and New Zealand declined to go to Lahore fearing for their security. However, New Zealand backed out due to heavy commitments.
Pakistan squad: Waqar Younis (captain) Inzimam ul Haq, Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram, Yousuf Youhana, Rashid Latif, Abdur Razzaq, Younis Khan, Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammed Sami and Misbah ul Haq.
Kenya's two World Cup matches, against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, will take place at the same venue next February.
Australia and Pakistan, two Test playing nations, last met in a day/night one-day series in Brisbane, Australia, in June. Pakistan won 2-1.
Shoaib Akhtar, popularly known as "Rawalpindi Express" was named both as man-of-the-match and man-of-the series.
In one event he took five wickets for 25 runs in his eight overs bowling spell that included a maiden. Akhtar is one of the deadliest fast bowlers in the world.

Copyright The Nation. Distributed by All Africa Global Media(AllAfrica.com)

Did anybody see the Pak-Australia match?? My God, what has happened to what seemed to be the No.1 team in the world after the Australia series win???
Something is definitely wrong within the team. Plus why the defensive "blocking only" batting? It is disasterous to bat in this manner. Something must be done before it's too late for the world cup!! Anybody who thinks they're above the team, especially Shoaib Akhtar and the likes should leave permanently, and give other players a chance!



PakObservor.com

Is something wrong with our team?

Mumtaz Alvi

ISLAMABAD—Something is wrong with our cricket squad. Unlike in the previous recent tournaments, the team is playing like a mere club team. Team spirit appears to be missing from the unit.

The reason whatever is, it is a matter of concern. Waqar Younis’ boys played quite shabbily in Morocco, causing immense unease among cricket lovers.

Under Waqar Younis, Pakistan team resuscitated its fighting ability. In due course of time, brought home convincing wins. The biggest among these was defeating formidable Australia at their home ground in July.

From there, something went wrong. Pakistan made a rather premature exit from Morocco tournament. Our batsmen played irresponsibly shots and bowlers also did not show their true potential.

Humiliation at Morocco, coupled with surprise and sudden return of middle order batsman Yousaf Youhana raised many eyebrows. Afterwards, reports of rift within the team members also appeared in some local dailies.

Pakistan began their campaign in Kenya also shakily. They had to fight very hard to down the minnows in the first match on Thursday. During the match, again our batting stood totally exposed.

Yet again against Australia in their match No. 2, our bowlers were slaughtered mercilessly. Ricky Ponting’s fighters piled up gigantic 332 in stipulated 50 overs. In response, Pakistan’s start was a real disaster.

Four of the top batters were sent back with just 13 runs on the board. Bowlers bowled atrociously. The team generously gave away 35 runs as extras which is not a healthy sign by any standards.

Body language of some of the players was strange. As a result fielding was far, far below the standard. Needless to say, only a team bowling and fielding badly could be punished for 332 runs.

Now here rise many questions. What exactly can be the reason for such a poor show of a team that very recently beat the world champions. The bowling, batting and even fielding was lackluster.

With the performance showed in Morocco and now in Kenya, we may not reach the quarterfinals during the World Cup in February.

Waqar has been handling the team very well. For this, he has been applauded the world over for how he made the demoralised and battered unit into a fighting squad. But now what has gone wrong exactly?

Something not good is creeping up. Performance of our team should be an eye opener for the cricket bosses. Being a gentleman himself and a great fighter, Waqar can’t be blamed for the mess. One can’t forget how he managed to win back a place in the team at a time when he was forgotten by an all-rounder and skipper.

He not only fought back as a team member but also through his performance, forced the bosses to assign him captaincy of the team.

Coming back to the national cricket team, it is high time to sort out the matters. Before it is too late, things should be looked into to prepare the team for the fast approaching World Cup saga in South Africa in February next.

Recent poor show is, of course, a wake up call for the cricket authorities. Through a proper mechanism, the boss, who eagerly wants to see Pakistan becoming the world champions, should probe the entire poor rune of the national team.

It goes without saying that Pakistan team just can’t afford infighting or tension within their ranks. With individuals, no matter how big their names are, a team can’t achieve the set targert. All the players have to play like a well-knit fighting unit. Let us hope, there is nothing like rift in the team!

AUSTRALIA COMPLETE SECOND PAKISTAN THRASHING.


NAIROBI, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Australia needed just 19 overs to complete a nine-wicket rout of Pakistan in their triangular one-day international on Wednesday.
Having dismissed Pakistan for 117 in 32.3 overs, Ricky Ponting's side strolled to their third straight victory in the tournament and their second crushing defeat of Pakistan.
Matthew Hayden struck an unbeaten 59 while Damien Martyn hit the winning runs as he finished on 20 not out.
Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis took the only Australian wicket to fall, bowling Adam Gilchrist for 15 while Ponting retired hurt on 21.
"We are just out to play some good cricket. There is a good feeling and a good competitive spirit in the team," Gilchrist, standing in for Ponting at the post-match press conference, said.
He added that Ponting had a slight twinge in the upper leg but will probably be fit for the final against Pakistan on Saturday.
The result was never in doubt once Pakistan were reduced to 48 for seven at one stage of their innings as Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath caused havoc.
Pakistan, bowled out for 108 in a 224-run defeat against Australia in their first meeting of the event, lasted just 32.3 overs as their top-order succumbed to a series of rash shots.
Pace bowler Lee finished with four for 32 while McGrath was his usual miserly self, taking three for 15 off 7.3 overs.
Only a ninth-wicket partnership of 44 between Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar spared Pakistan's blushes - ul-Haq hitting 39 from just 49 balls including four fours and two sixes.
He hit consecutive boundaries off Jason Gillespie before being caught behind next ball to give Gilchrist his 195th one-day international catch.
Waqar, batting at 10, hammered 24 including a six off leg-spinner Shane Warne before being bowled by McGrath.

SOON IN TROUBLE
Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat but were soon in trouble when opener Imran Nazir was sent back by Gillespie, caught by Martyn at cover for seven in the sixth over.
Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan both fell in the 11th over with the score on 24. Shoaib was caught by Ponting at second slip off McGrath for one while Younis was out for a duck after edging to Gilchrist.
Lee, later named man-of-the-match, bagged his first wicket by having opener Saeed Anwar caught by Warne for 22 and then removed Azhar Mahmood and Shahid Afridi as the middle order disintegrated. Warne chipped in to bowl Abdur Razzaq for a duck.
"It was a poor batting performance," Waqar said afterwards. "(But) this is the same side that beat Australia in Australia and I can assure you there isn't any serious problem in the team," he added.
(C) Reuters Limited 2002.

I say que them up and spank them with a couple of Litar. These idiots are just after money. And this hero cut Shoaib needs to be kicked out of the team for good. He plays 2 matches and is injured for 6 months. There are a lot of youngsters with more potential than this skirt chaser. Time for some chitrool for these spineless paper tigers..:mad:

Why do we even bother to send our cricket team any where. Winning against kenya or zimbawe is nothing. I say we should first sort out the internal dispute in the team and only then them play international cricket.

akistan regain some pride, but still lucky it rained to share the Kenya Cup..................





BBC.co.uk

Pakistan change Trophy squad


Youhana's return will strengthen the middle order

Pakistan have recalled middle-order batsman Yousuf Youhana and retained Misbah ul Haq for the ICC Champions Trophy starting in Sri Lanka next week.
Youhana has recovered from a shoulder injury, which led to him being sent home from the Tri-Series in Kenya after a disagreement with captain Waqar Younis.

Misbah, 28, takes the place of all-rounder Azhar Mahmood after scores of 50 not out, 39 and 50 in an otherwise poor display from Pakistan in the triangular series in Kenya.

Rain in Nairobi prevented a result in Saturday's final, and Pakistan shared the trophy with Australia despite having lost two group games to Ricky Ponting's side.


Match report: Rain ruins Kenya final
"Youhana was declared fit by the doctors while Misbah performed well in Kenya and deserves a place in the 14-man squad," Pakistan Cricket Board director Chishty Mujahid said.


Misbah impressed in Kenya

Waqar Younis' captaincy is believed to be under threat, with Abdur Razzaq the favoured replacement, if there is not an improved showing in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan open the tournament against the hosts on Thursday and then take on minnows Holland.

Two victories are needed for them to progress to a semi-final against either Australia or holders New Zealand.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board is concerned over the performance of the team and the boys need to pull up their socks," Mujahid said.

PAKISTAN'S SHOAIB WANTS TO SWAP PACE FOR WICKETS.


By N. Ananthanarayanan
COLOMBO, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Pakistan tearaway paceman Shoaib Akhtar says he has had enough of chasing speed records and now wants to get down to doing his main job of taking wickets consistently.
"Basically, I am no longer interested in bowling faster," the player dubbed the "Rawalpindi Express" said on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old along with Australia's Brett Lee are currently regarded the fastest bowlers in the world and will aim to make their impact on the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan meet hosts Sri Lanka in the tournament's opening game on Thursday.
Shoaib said: "It is more important to win matches. I am just here to play the game, not to prove how fast I am. Now I need to focus on how well to manage myself."
The comments mark a huge change in attitude for the well-built fast bowler, who has strained every bit to bowl deliveries over 100 mph (160 kph).
"I have already crossed 100 miles, whether it is accepted or not," he said. "Everybody knows how fast I am."
The bowler was clocked at 161 kph (100.04 mph), during a one-dayer against New Zealand in Lahore in April but as such feats are not officially monitored, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said they must remain unofficial.
Shoaib had been competing with Lee to reach the 100 mph landmark. Lee was clocked at 99.4 mph in South Africa this year, just under the second fastest delivery of 99.8 clocked by Australia's Jeff Thomson in 1976.
A good-class pace bowler would be looking to average around the 85 mph mark.
Shoaib said he was determined to re-focus his career after several interruptions due to injuries and questions about his bowling action.
The paceman is joint third with Australia's Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne on 60 games in a list of the fastest to take 100 one-day wickets. That list is headed by his compatriots Saqlain Mushtaq (53 games) and skipper Waqar Younis (59).
Besides his 114 scalps from 68 one-day games, he has also claimed 69 wickets from 21 tests.
But Shoaib still indicated his passion for pace will never die. "I can bowl faster than I have," he said.
(C) Reuters Limited 2002.

From bad to worse............

Jang.com.pk


Lack of planning, poor judgement

take Pakistan cricket team to a new low

By Waheed Khan

KARACHI: Murphy's Law says anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Perhaps that is the only consolation that can be offered for the Pakistan team after yet another disappointing performance on Thursday which has virtually knocked them out of the ICC Champions Trophy.

It is hard to imagine that this is basically the same team which two months ago defeated world champions Australia in their own backyard or which won two one-day tournaments and four series on the trot since losing in the Natwest final to Australia in June-July 2001. But that is the way Pakistan cricket has been. Always at the extreme end of things. There never has been a middle path for our cricketers. Toast of the nation one day, villains the next.

On Thursday, once again it was a combination of poor planning, lethargic batting, bowling and fielding and the absence of any real spark which led to Pakistan's sixth defeat in last ten One-day Internationals. Not once did the Pakistan team appear to be in the match against Sri Lanka, notwithstanding the scenes of joyous celebration and ecstacy when Pakistan picked up the two Sri Lankan wickets in quick succession. Not surprisingly, one can expect the worst after such a run of poor performances and already there are rumors that the Pakistan Board is on the look out for a foreign coach and is even seriously considering sidelining some players.

Though the Chairman of the Board, Lt General Tauqir Zia has said recently that there would be no major changes in the team and this same combination would have to improve its performances, yet given the way things function in our cricket, one can never really rule out the possibility of the Board making scapegoats to explain the run of poor form.

But logically speaking, is that the only solution to getting the Pakistan team out of its losing streak?

One hopes not because, as often repeated, this is not the time for experimentations or changes given the hectic schedule facing the team till the World Cup. Some of the players are clearly out of form. A few are being given misplaced importance, but the truth is that even today there are no better batsmen in the country than Saeed Anwar, Inzamamul Haq or Yousaf Youhana or a better new ball bowler then Wasim Akram.

It is all a question of getting priorities right and talking sense into the players to make them come out of their current slump. One way could be to introduce a performance-related pay system for the players as is being done in some other countries.

Reward them handsomely if they win the big ones, hit them financially if they don't put their heart and soul into their performances or rather jobs as professional cricketers. After all when the players can be rewarded for winning the series in Australia or other tournaments with cash bonuses, why should just the nation be made to suffer and curse on account of totally non-professional performances from our players.

There is also need to question the team management and captain on some of the decisions they have been taking in recent times. For one, how can they justify constantly entrusting Shoaib Malik with the task of shouldering the batting line up at number two or three when he is neither an accomplished batsman nor a match-winning bowler.

The number three position is so vital in any team that you have to send in your best and most in form batsman under any circumstances to anchor the innings. What Malik was doing ahead of Yousaf Youhana, Younis or Misbah at number three on Thursday is indeed a mystery to many. His scoring 37 from 94 balls in the Nairobi final did not justify sending him ahead of the three specialist batsmen today. The youngster neither has the ability to rotate the strike or dominate the bowling to occupy such an important position.

Secondlty, why is Inzamamul Haq with the team when it is not clear whether his heel injury is going to heal properly? He has been unfit since Nairobi and has now missed four games out of last five. The sensible thing one should think would have been to send him back for proper treatment and rest and replace him with a specialist batsman, that would certainly have given the Pakistan team more batting options.

Certainly, the team also requires more options in the spin department. Why quality bowlers like Saqlain Mushtaq and Danish Kaneria are cooling their heels in England and Pakistan when the Pakistan team clearly needs a specialist spinner is another mystery. One could go on here about the reasons for Pakistan's poor performances of late but they would only serve their purpose if any remedy is sincerely sought for it.

There is still enough important cricket coming up for Pakistan to make amends and get back on the right track. All it requires is sensible planning, learning from past mistakes and playing with pride for a nation regardless of personality clashes or differences. However, there is no need to push the panic button because that would only make things worse.

bbc.co.uk

Rain halts Pakistan charge


Ponting leaps to avoid a shot from Razzaq

First Test, Colombo, day four (close): Australia 467 & 127; Pakistan 279 & 179-3

View scorecard
Opener Taufeeq Umar hit a half century to set Pakistan off to a great start chasing 316 for victory against Australia before rain washed out the final session for the second day in a row.

The 21-year-old smashed 16 boundaries in his 88 and put on 91 for Pakistan's first wicket with Imran Nazir.


Day four photos
But Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne struck back to leave the game tantalisingly poised with Pakistan 179-3 at the close of the fourth day.


Warne took another two wickets

Nazir fell shortly before lunch, lofting Warne to Glenn McGrath at mid-off for 40.

Warne struck again to trap Abdur Razzaq lbw for four, but Younis Khan came in to steady the ship.

Younis put on 56 with Taufeeq for the third wicket as Pakistan wrestled back control of the match.

Taufeeq fell just before the tea interval 12 runs short of his second Test century.

Mark Waugh made up for an earlier missed catch to hang onto a chance in the slip cordon as Taufeeq edged a Brett Lee delivery.

Younis was 32 not with Misbah-ul-Haq unbeaten on four as the rain started to fall during the tea interval.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Australia: Steve Waugh (capt), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath.

Pakistan: Waqar Younis (capt), Taufiq Umar, Imran Nazir, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammmad Sami.

Umpires: Steve Bucknor (WIs), Srinivas Venkataraghvan (Ind) Match referee: Clive Lloyd (WIs).
WATCH/LISTEN

ON THIS STORY
Glenn Mitchell for BBC Sport
"Pakistan are well poised to upset Australia"


Australia's Jason Gillespie
"We haven't had quite the luck we wanted"






1st Test, Colombo


Day three
Aussies skittled
Shoaib's elation
Photo gallery


Day two
Faisal leads recovery
Photo gallery
Mushtaq backs boycott


Day one
Aussies take charge
Ricky Ponting profile
Langer excited
Photo gallery

TEST STATS

Colombo scorecard

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Pakistan lost it just. Nothing to be depressed about, for a team of complete youngsters they have performed brilliantly.
What I want to know why are the likes ofd Saed Anwar adn Wasim Akram allowed to opt out and play matches in Cardiff:mad: :mad: . This was our most important series so far and the one were we needed all our best players.


Aussies snatch it at the last

Staff and agencies
Monday October 7, 2002

A game that swung violently back and forth finally went the way of Australia when they dismissed Pakistan for 274 to win a thrilling first Test at Colombo

ADVERTISEMENT

by 41 runs.
Set 316 to pull off an astonishing comeback, Pakistan began the fifth day on 179 for 3, reached the heady heights of 230 for 4, but then lost their last six wickets for just 44 as Australia's fast bowlers ran riot. Not for nothing are they the best side in the world.

The final day was just as gripping as the first four. Mark Waugh, perhaps still disorientated after suffering a first-ball duck in Australia's second innings, dropped Younis Khan at second slip off Glenn McGrath early in the day, and later spilled Faisal Iqbal in Jason Gillespie's first over. That made it three drops in the match, a disaster for the man who has held more catches in Test history than any other fielder.

In between, his brother Steve held Misbah-ul-Haq to give Shane Warne his tenth wicket of the match and make it 187 for 4, but from there Pakistan appeared to take control.

Younis and Faisal added a crucial 43 for the fifth wicket, and Younis had just reached his second half-century of the match when Warne had him leg-before for 51.

With the game still in the balance, Steve Waugh put his trust in McGrath and Gillespie. The response was lethal. In consecutive overs, Rashid Latif was caught behind off Gillespie for 11, Saqlain Mushtaq caught by Steve Waugh off McGrath for 1, Waqar Younis caught behind off Gillespie for 1 and Shoaib Akhtar lbw to McGrath for 6.

Suddenly, Pakistan were 259 for 9 and the game was almost up. McGrath sealed it when Faisal was held by Ricky Ponting for 39; Pakistan had blown it.

The remaining two Tests in the series, which is being staged outside Pakistan because of security fears, will be played in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, the Waugh brothers, who were dropped from the one-day team earlier this year, have come out fighting despite mounting pressure for their lacklustre efforts during the opening Test.

"There's always going to be pressure on Mark and myself after what happened in the one-dayers and we haven't scored a test 100 in a while," Steve told reporters after the match.

"I'm realistic enough to know that it's going to be written up but you've got to try and not take too much notice."

Steve made 31, and Mark 55 in the first innings but both were out for ducks in the second innings, back-to-back victims during a brilliant spell from Akhtar, who took five wickets in 15 balls.

"The second innings, I'm not overly concerned about that, that can happen when a guy bowls that well," Steve said.

"I've just got to get back to the next Test and try and do things right that I've done for the last 10 or 15 years, prepare well and give myself a chance."

Mark Waugh, who was also uncharacteristically fallible in the field, said: "We'll talk about it for about 10 seconds, I reckon."

And Steve added: "We had a bit of an off-day and we dropped a few catches. It probably goes to show how well we've caught over the years, that when we do drop some people notice it."

Pakistan played brilliantly, they fought back into a winning position, but just couldn't withstand the Aussie pressure at the end. Full credit to the Aussies to for their usual aggression and tactics - that's the way to play cricket!

I don't think old players like Anwar or Akram should be allowed back - Wasim doesn't play tests anymore anyway, he is probably greatest left-arm bowler of all-time, but after the world cup he should follow through his promise and retire. Maybe Inzimam and Youhana should come back, but I think first priority should be given to Faisal Iqbal, Misbah, and maybe Taufeeq. Not too sure about Mohammed Sami as a 4th bowler, perhaps someone needs to take his place.

Well speaking as an expert on this topic,:cool: :D I will tell you that Anwar is argubaly the best batsman in the game when he is in the groove and if Pakistan has any aspiration or a remote chance to make it to the final round of the world cup, they better have Anwar in th line up. Pakistan's chronic shortages of openers will continue to make to make it vulnerable and this is where Aussie's took in the advantage in the first innings. Anwar was slowly getting back to his form as evident in the last two innings he played in Lanka of 50 odd in a losing effort an 28 not out, and a batsman of his class should be given ample opportunities to shake the rust that he had taken on, due to some personal tragedies.

As evident in the first test, our openers, with the exception of chances ladden second innings 88 by Umer will contiuned to be exploited and dismissed cheaply in the upcoming matches. Nazir is not a good future prospect, he is not likely to play long innings, due to his inability to rotate the strike on spinners, his only tactic against spinners is a dead bat stop or a big hit and that is exactly why he has not scored beyond 40 odds except on only two occasions. The reason why Akram is still needed in the line up is not only because of his bowling prowess, which is at least ten times better then Waqar would ever manage and if anybody that does'nt deserve a place in the team it is Waqar, but also because he adds depth in the batting line up, in the first test when pakistan in the near past had batters who have a test century under their belts batted at 9, we only had recognized batsmen only till no. 7 and that is why as soon as Latif got out, which only left us at five down, dismissing the rest of the line up was just a formality. If Akram had been in the lineup, he would have batter no 8 or 9, and we could have still managed 30 or 40 odd we needed when Latif got out. So the intangibles and so immense with Akram and Anwar in the line that letting them anytime soon would be a disaster for pak team. Finally, one man that should go is Waqar himself, and the way this bowls on the legs, short and half volleys, I am afraid even I can bowl better then him. His stats are alway atrocious, giving up at least 5 or 6 runs an over and when he is bowling there is always a feeling that Pakistan is on the back foot, especially when good openers like Gilchrist, Hayden, Jaysuria, Attaputu, and even on occasions lowly Kenyans thrash all around the park, I dread the match in which Pak plays India in the WC, I am sure Sehwag will make a fool out of Waqar.;)

Less said about the 2nd test the better. BTW, who is Pak batting coach or do they have one??:D :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by MohammedA
Less said about the 2nd test the better. BTW, who is Pak batting coach or do they have one??:D :D

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Yeap, they lost in 2 days :mad:

UA

Well, Pakistan don't seem to care they are slipping in world test and one-day rankings, let alone 2003 World cup chances.
I stick by my previous suggestions, that the test squad should be as follows:

Saeed Anwar (if he can score in next few matches), Shahid Afridi, Misbah, Faisal Iqbal, Inzi, Youhana, Latif, Razzaq, Waqar, Shoaib, Saqlain, Kaneria.

I don't think Sami takes enough wickets, Taufeeq and Imran Nazir need serious changes to their techniques.

Bring in Saeed Anwar as an opener, drop Nazir for good and have him play a few more domestic season and learn how to play spin. Retain Umer temporarily and on strict notice that one more screw up, that is soft dismissals, played on, slashing and etc. and his out for good. Bring back Akram and Waqar should be droppe for good, in his place a new budding fast bowler, either Sami, Mohammad Zahid or even Azhar Mehmood (to further bolster the batting line up) should be brought in. In the middle order Misbah should again be dropped for good, retain Iqbal, bring back Youhana and also given notice wrt soft dismissals. In the sping department retain Saqlain, bring in Afridi even for tests and also because in his debut against Aus, he took five wkt in the first innings, use him strategically in the midde, do not open with him or send him too late in the order, he is also the best fielder in the side.

Gen. Tauqir Zia and Chisty have resigned. A real shame about Gen Zia resigning, as he brought in great changes for the future such as the Regional & National academies, change to domestic structure, improvements to grounds, long-term plans, etc.
Who will take his place before the world cup?? The players should also be given contracts and proper pay-scale just as the Aussies and English boards do. This will save a lot of trouble with internal disputes about money.



BBC.co.uk

Pakistan defeat 'spineless'


Pakistan's players looked stunned after their defeat

Pakistan are facing a barrage of criticism at home after recording their two lowest innings scores ever during the humiliating innings defeat in the second Test against Australia.
The Australians bowled Pakistan out for 59 then 53 in Sharjah as the Test finished inside two days.


Match report
Pakistan's previous lowest innings score of 62 was surpassed twice in one humiliating match as Australia won by an innings and 198 runs.

The Nation newspaper headlined the defeat as "Pakistan's ignominious rout".


The scorecard tells the story

"No other team has plumbed such depths in the last half a century and more, and this display of spineless batting on a wicket which, as the Australians had amply demonstrated, held no demons," the newspaper said.

The Dawn newspaper slammed selectors for sending out such an inexperienced team.

Star batsmen Inzamam-ul Haq, Yousuf Youhana and Saeed Anwar were unavailable for the match.

"It was simply pathetic, and that too on a wicket favouring batsmen," the Dawn reported.

"By asking the young players to face world champions Australia head on without being battle-hardened and experienced, the PCB has done a great disservice to them."

Further criticism was levelled at the team from the Urdu-language newspaper Nawa-e-Waqt.

"The ouster in the second innings for 53 runs proves (either) that the team entirely collapsed under Australian pressure or that the Australian bowlers had hypnotised the batsmen," it said.



2nd Test, Sharjah


Day two
Pakistan down and out
Waqar disappointed
Razzaq breaks wrist


Day one
Pakistan out for 59
All-time Test lows
Warne takes ice bath
Collapse in photos

TEST STATS

Sharjah scorecard

HAVE YOUR SAY

Who will win?


Internet links:


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Top Cricket stories now:


Pakistan officials resign

Ambassadors for the Cup

Harbhajan in seven heaven

Pakistan defeat 'spineless'

Sri Lanka in selection row

Waqar disappointed by heavy loss

Pakistan sink to historic defeat

Razzaq breaks wrist

Links to more Cricket stories are at the foot of the page.

I agree we should give Afridi a chance to play test matches – he sure can not do worst then what other batsman are already doing. In my view our team for upcoming world cup should be as follows in batting order:

1). Saeed Anwar (Certainly the most experienced batsmen in Pakistani team)
2). Shahid Afridi (Good hard hitting batsman but an impatient one – may be this problem can be solved by letting him play some test matches).
3).Inzamam-ul-Haq (Good batsmen, plays both fast and spin bowlers well but get himself run out if not the entire team).
4).Yousaf Youhana (A batsmen with lot and lot of potential).
5).Misbah-ul-Haq (Had a chance to personally see him in action before he played for Pakistani team – certainly a good batsmen and a very hard hitter of the ball).
6).Abdur Razaq (A good all-rounder with good line & length balling and also does well with the bat).
7).Rashid Latif (Good keep and can do ok with bat).
8).Saqlain Mushtaq (Good spinner and can sore a few runs).
9).Waseem Akram (Certainly a world class player and lets have him play his last tournament).
10).Waqar Yunus (Good bowler and not too good on some occasions but very experienced and somebody who has played in SA a lot).
11).Shoaib Akhtar (If the pitches in up coming world cup are fast then all the batsmen facing him will certainly need lot of guts).

PCB Chairman and Director submit resignations
Pakistan Cricket Board - 13 October 2002

The Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Lt Gen Tauqir Zia has tendered his resignation to Patron of the PCB President General Pervez Musharraf.

He submitted his resignation after Pakistan lost to Australia in the second cricket test inside two days.

"I met the President Saturday evening and tendered my resignation. He said he would discuss it when he returns from Turkey," the PCB Chairman said.

"I feel down and embarrassed with my team's performance. And although the same boys fought excellently in the first Test, I believe being the chairman of the cricket board, I have to take the responsibility of such a poor performance," the Chairman added.

Director of the PCB Chishty Mujahid has also submitted his resignation to Lt Gen Tauqir Zia who said, "I am not going to accept his resignation and will hopefully succeed in convincing him to continue to his job."

Chishty Mujahid said; "I had come on the condition that I would work with the General and would go when he goes. So if he is going now, I am also going with him."


SAMIUL HASAN
GM Media
October 13, 2002

© PCB

What do you guys think?? Who should take over? The General did some real good things for future of Pak cricket, but surely the military should not in future get involved in running of sports bodies.

PakObservor.com


Gen Tauqir retired hurt

LT GEN Tauqir Zia, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board has tendered his resignation after Pakistan’s worst ever show in Test cricket against Australia in Sharjah on Saturday. Pakistan was bowled out by Australia for paltry 112 runs in both the innings. PCB Director Chishty Mujahid has said that he would go with Gen Tauqir.

After Pakistan’s ignominious defeat at Sharjah, resignation was obviously the right choice for Gen Tauqir Zia, since he could not provide the leadership that the Pakistani cricket needed. He has taken positive decision and should leave cricket alone. The worst ever performance by the Pakistani squad is an unambiguous proof that the General has miserably failed to inspire the team and to inculcate discipline in the players. True that Pakistani cricket is politicised, yet the bitter truth must be recognised that Generals are not the masters of everything under the sun. Cricket management is obviously not their sphere of activity and they should refrain from interfering in it. It should be left to the professionals, as they alone can lift the team’s sagging morale and revive its past glory. The fact is that cricket playing, coaching and managing has emerged as a science and only professionals can understand the game’s implications. It is also proven beyond any shadow of doubt that there is a total mess in our cricket, which needs to be looked into thoroughly so as to weed out the malaise on permanent basis. We are convinced that the Pakistani team, despite several new inductees, has the talent to come up to the nation’s expectations. What is required is to provide healthy atmosphere and to provide intense coaching to them to be able to face the challenges. It is a tragedy that while World Cup is fast approaching, Pakistan’s cricket is plunged into deep crisis. President Gen Pervez Musharraf owes a special responsibility to ensure that the right people are given the right place. He ought to consult senior cricket professionals in the country to handle the crisis permanently. It is hoped that a thorough probe into the affairs of our cricket will also be held to identify the malady and fix responsibility for the debacle.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by MohammedA
What do you guys think?? Who should take over? The General did some real good things for future of Pak cricket, but surely the military should not in future get involved in running of sports bodies.

---

Zia resignation rejected

Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia is to stay on as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman despite offering to resign last weekend
Zia and PCB director Chishty Mujahid said they would step down in the wake of the national team's humuliating defeat by Australia in the second Test in Sharjah.


Pakistan officials resign
Pakistan were bowled out for 59 and 53 as they lost by an innings and 198 runs.

But PCB president General Pervez Musharraf has refused to accept Zia's resignation.

"He has shown confidence and faith in me and I will continue to work with full enthusiasm," Zia said in a statement.


Zia has faced enormous difficulties


Despite that, he defended his original move, saying: "It was not a rash decision but if the team performs so badly someone has to take responsibility."

The PCB has endured a difficult year with the cancellation of various tours resulting in losses estimated at around £16m and the team's results have fluctuated wildly.

After outplaying West Indies in Sharjah, they then had a home series against New Zealand cut short following a bomb explosion in Karachi.

Pakistan won the three-match Super Challenge II one-day series in Australia by a 2-1 margin in June, but results have taken a downturn since then.

It led to the departures of coach Mudassar Nazar, who was replaced by Englishman Richard Pybus, and team manager Yawar Saeed.


Feature: Pakistan's continual crisis
Zia, who has been in charge since December 2000, remained well thought of in international cricket circles.

And General Musharraf's decision came only hours after International Cricket Council president Malcolm Gray had urged Zia to reconsider.

"He has the knowledge, capabilities and experience to lead Pakistan cricket," Gray commented.

"The game in Pakistan is going through an enormously complex and difficult period on and off the field.

"Throughout this time General Zia has been a powerful and persuasive advocate for the cause of Pakistan Cricket."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2330085.stm

Quote:

---

Originally posted by MohammedA
[B]Gen. Tauqir Zia and Chisty have resigned. A real shame about Gen Zia resigning, as he brought in great changes for the future such as the Regional & National academies, change to domestic structure, improvements to grounds, long-term plans, etc.
Who will take his place before the world cup?? The players should also be given contracts and proper pay-scale just as the Aussies and English boards do. This will save a lot of trouble with internal disputes about money.

---

Seems like somebody in PCB reads PakDef!!:D:D



Jang.com.pk

PCB to introduce central contract system for cricketers

From our correspondent

SHARJAH: The first radical decision of the Chairman of the Pakistan cricket board after his resignation was rejected by President Pervez Musharraf would be to introduce a central contract system for the players based on performance rather then seniority.

'The News' has confirmed that central contracts are to be issued to the players before they embark on the twin tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa on November 1 and the major change is that these contracts would be performance-based rather then on basis of seniority.

"Basically the central contracts which would be for a period of 12 months would be financially a big boost for those players who perform consistently in matches," said one source.

"But the players who don't perform will not get the same match and tour fees compared to those who perform and their seniority would not be a consideration. But there is a cushion being provided in these contracts under which the contractual players are guaranteed monthly salaries," the source stated.

According to him Lt General Tauqir Zia had decided to do away with the old system where players were paid their match and tour fees on basis of seniority. "Under the old system players got paid handsome match and tour fees regardless of whether they performed or not," the source disclosed.

An example being that if Wasim Akram ended up doing nothing he was still paid the highest match fees which increased by the percentage of matches he has played besides the tour fees. For example Wasim who has played 343 One-day Internationals is placed in the senior most pay bracket which has a match fees of Rs 50,000 per match.

Wasim's basic match fee is then divided by 343 percentage besides the tour fees. And this system has worked on same basis for other players given their seniority level. Another decision to be announced by the Board is the schedule of the Pakistan team prior to the World Cup in South Africa.

"At first the programme was that after completing the tour of South Africa on January 7, 2003 the team would stay back in South Africa and attend a training camp for the World Cup." "But now the decision is that the team will return home after completing the series on January 7 and the boys will then assemble in Johannesburg on January 24 after which a short conditioning camp would be held until the start of the World Cup on February 8," the source added.

The PCB management should have been fired, for the debacle they pulled with experimentation, nepotism and politics they are playing with cricket. Their decision to not include Anwar in the side against the Australians cannot be dismissed as merely incomptence, rather it was a deliberate attempt by Tauqir and Co. to do away with all those who can be percieved to be a threat to his favorite Waqar Younis. A player of Anwar's caliber, who without a question was in the ninties and still is Pakistan's best batsman should be an automatic selection and to ignore him, speaks volume of PCB's management's politically driven agenda. I am outraged and not including Afridi in the side, despite his being in form and improvement in bowling and the obvious trouble Aussies have against his bowling, is all part of this sick agenda that PCB is carrying out.


Wasim, Saeed and Youhana available


By Our Sports Correspondent

LAHORE, Oct 16: Wasim Akram, Saeed Anwar and Yousuf Youhana Wednesday made themselves available for selection for Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe from Nov 1. Wasim and Saeed opted out of the current series against Australia while Youhana was sidelined by a shoulder.

Talking to reporters at Gaddafi stadium, Wasim said that he was relaxed after a 'rest' from the game.

Wasim said that he played for the World XI against England in Cardiff earlier this month only for recreation sake.

The left-arm pacer said that he might not take part in the Super Sixes tournament in Singapore on Nov 1 and 2 after being named in a seven-member squad. He said that the event clashed with Zimbabwe tour, therefore, he wanted to givefull attention to that tour.

Saeed, the left-handed opening batsman, claimed that he was ready to play for the Test series against Australia, but the PCB ignored him.

Middle-order batsman Youhana, meanwhile, said that he had already started practice and felt no pain at the moment.

Chief Selector Wasim Bari tackles the press

Agha Akbar - 26 October 2002


LAHORE - Waqar Younis retained his captaincy, Wasim Akram made a partial comeback along with another brace of walking wounded, while Saeed Anwar and two to three youngsters were consigned to the wilderness again as chief selector Wasim Bari announced two separate squads for the longer and limited-overs versions of the game for the month-long tour of Zimbabwe here on Saturday.

This is the first instance of Pakistan naming two separate outfits for Tests and one-dayers, but surprisingly the squad for Tests has 15 members and the limited-overs 16 - which is normally the other way round.

In another strange and possibly dubious departure from tradition one must say, Wasim Bari along with fellow selectors Abdul Raqeeb and Shafiq Papa chose to name the team in front of the media, instead of wiring a press release. In the noisy question and answer session, the selectors were heckled no end by many a cricket correspondent, on occasions with rudeness bordering on belligerence. But the grilling was to be expected. For one, the team has mostly been on the receiving end for a spell now, plummeting to a whitewash against the Aussies in the just-concluded Test series, and secondly, this was the first opportunity in recent memory that the avid cricket hacks had an opportunity to have a face-to-face go at the selectors.

To his credit, Bari - not really known for spunk or spine - didn't lose his poise, though given the provocation one would have forgiven him if he had. Defending his record - when he was asked as to why he didn't resign after the team's dismal showing, Bari's refrain mostly was that the selection committee's term of reference was to choose the best available, and not how they were handled on tour or how they performed. The rationale sounded a bit hollow, when in the same breath he mentioned with discernible degree of self-satisfaction that Pakistan had only recently defeated Australia in Australia in the Super Challenge Series.

What happened afterwards? Bari's reasoning was that a fitness problem to too many players combined with poor strategy on tours was the cause of rapid decline, and not the sinister insinuations of infighting, politicking and insolence of the captain. "For the Test series, we were forced to make six changes. If the Australians had made as many instead, they too would have posted similar results".

Though naming the skipper is not the preserve of the selection committee, this being the PCB Chairman's exclusive domain, the sword of Damocles hanging over Waqar Younis was removed mostly because of lack of a viable option; Inzamam-ul-Haq returned as his deputy. Shahid Afridi finally gets the nod to open the innings in both Tests and one-dayers with Saleem Elahi being the third, surprise induction. Since Elahi hadn't done anything out of the ordinary to merit a recall, if Anwar was not to be reconsidered, then it was in the fitness of things to retain faith in either of the two Imrans - Nazir or Farhat. Despite the odd flaw in technique and temperament, the two openers sharing their first name are too talented to remain out of contention for long before getting spots at the top of the order.

But the selectors, in spite of Bari's claim that he believed in giving an extended run to the young prospects, were apparently at the end of their tether with Nazir and Farhat.

Though Bari said that the selectors would continue to have an 'open mind' regarding the seniors, it indeed seemed curtains for Saeed Anwar (whose fitness, form and ability to pass muster in the field was quite suspect in the eyes of selectors). Though Akram too has been named only for the one-dayers - this being his preference for the moment with making the 2003 World Cup squad and taking his tally to beyond 500 wickets being the declared aims - the possibility of the celebrated southpaw playing in Tests remains rather remote.

The middle order looks a whole lot more robust with the return of Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana with Younis Khan, Faisal Iqbal and Hasan Raza holding on to their spots in Tests, with the last named replaced with Misbah-ul-Haq in the one-dayers. The pace attack is four-pronged in Tests, and three-pronged with a seaming all-rounder (Azhar Mahmood) coming in for one-dayers at Mohammad Sami's expense.

Another surprise is naming Kamran Akmal as an under-study for wicket-keeper Rashid Latif. With nothing much to write home about in the 'A' matches against Sri Lanka and in the one trial game on Friday, Moin hadn't really helped his own cause.

"This team is a nice blend of experience and youth, and we expect that it would do well in Zimbabwe", said Bari. They better do that, to retain some modicum of faith in Pakistan cricket.

The schedule:
After a three-day tour opener from November 3 against Zimbabwe A, Pakistan is to feature in two Tests and five-one-dayers, the last of which would be played on December 1. The first Test is in Harare, from November 9-13 while the second is to be played at Bulawayo from November 16-20.

The same two are the venues for one-dayers, with Bulawayo hosting two on successive days (November 23 and 24) and Harare three (November 27, 30 and December 1).

After this series, Pakistan would cross over to South Africa for an identical number of Tests and one-dayers, scheduled for December and January but for that selectors want to tinker with both the teams, saying the teams for the South African leg would be announced later.

Test Squad:
Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul Haq (vice captain), Taufeeq Umar, Shahid Afridi, Saleem Elahi, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Faisal Iqbal, Hasan Raza, Rashid Latif, Kamran Akmal, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Zahid and Mohammad Sami.

One-day Squad:
Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul Haq (vice captain), Shahid Afridi, Taufeeq Umar, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saleem Elahi, Rashid Latif, Saqlain Mushtaq, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Zahid, Faisal Iqbal, Azhar Mahmood and Kamran Akmal.

Is this a good idea, what do you guys think?
Pay per individual performance could lead to the players thinking more of their individual performance then the good of the team.


Pakistan to fine players for poor results
Reuters - 28 October 2002


The Pakistan Cricket Board, responding to an abysmal run of form by the national team, is to fine players who perform badly or show up unfit in future.

It said on Monday players would lose 20 per cent of their match fees for every match lost but receive a bonus of the same amount for every game won.

Senior national players currently make about 300,000 rupees ($5,000) for each one-day international they play.

The also receive bonuses of 100,000 rupees ($1,600) for individual feats such as a century scored or taking five wickets in an innings. Bonuses rise to 250,000 rupees for scoring 200 or more and 200,000 rupees for six or more wickets in an innings.

The new regulations provide for a penalty of up to $1,000 for players who report unfit.

"The team physio/trainer and doctor will determine the amount of fine," PCB media spokesman Samiul Hasan told Reuters.

In their most recent test series, which ended in Sharjah last week, Pakistan suffered an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash by Australia.

Pakistan cricket is in a deep Sh!t hole at the moment, it will take at least 5-7 years if not the whole decade for the board and the team to climb out of it. Expect the team to barely be able to draw the series against Zimbabwe and get absolutely slaughtered by South Africans. If anybody is looking forward to the world cup, I would suggest to hold one's horses and wait for the 2007 in West Indies, because as far as Pak is concerned it will be one ugly World Cup, my prediction is that Pak will not even make it out of the preliminary round and will have an early exit. The situation is exacerbated by the idiotic decision the selection committie is taking and the below article reaffirms that....


Saeed hints at possible retirement, blames selectors

LAHORE, Oct 28: Former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar assailed national selectors Monday for ignoring him for the forthcoming Zimbabwe tour and hinted at possible retirement.

"If Pakistan has a better opener than me he must be selected, but I can't understand how they ignored me by saying I lack confidence," Saeed said in an interview.

"I am consulting my seniors and may opt for retirement if the situation remains the same."

Saeed, 34, who holds the world record for the highest one-day score of 194, failed to find a place in Pakistan's Test and one-day squad for tour of Zimbabwe.

Saeed blamed selectors for not giving him a chance in this month's series against Australia.

"Selectors did not pick me for the series against Australia (even though) I had toldWaqar Younis and manager Yawar Saeed that I wanted to play," he said. "Instead the wrong impression was created that I had asked for rest."

"I made 52 against Sri Lanka and 28 not out against Holland in the Champions Trophy last month but was axed," said Saeed.

After tallying 4,052 runs in 55 Tests and 8,605 runs in 242 One-day Internationals, Saeed said he chose to quit two months back when he was dropped for the tri-series in Kenya. "But selectors picked me for the ICC event," he said.

Saeed said Pakistan cricket was "at a dangerous crossroads." "Interest in cricket has waned and people have stopped watching cricket because of defeats," he said. "If quick steps are not taken Pakistan cricket will suffer the same fate as hockey and squash."-AFP

Cricket-Security concerns and rain cloud Harare test

By Telford Vice

HARARE, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Heightened security was in evidence at the Harare Sports Club (HSC) as weather disrupted preparations for the first test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan, which starts on Saturday.

At least 30 guards ringed the Harare Sports Club (HSC) field this week while ground staff attempted to prepare the pitch between showers that began falling on Tuesday and were forecast to continue through Friday.

"The guards are there because the last thing Zimbabwe needs with the World Cup coming up is a breach of security," a Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) official who declined to be named told Reuters.

Zimbabwe celebrated 10 years as a test playing nation on Wednesday and are scheduled to play their six World Cup pool matches in Harare and Bulawayo next year.

There are, however, doubts whether Australia and England, whose governments have locked horns with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, will travel to the country to honour their fixtures.

A delegation, headed by International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed, is scheduled to arrive in Zimbabwe on November 26 to assess safety in Harare and Bulawayo.

The president of the ZCU, Peter Chingoka, told Reuters he did not know whether security at HSC had been heightened as a private company decided security requirements.

Chingoka said the increased value of the extensively refurbished ground's assets might have prompted a review of the number of guards needed to secure the venue.

"There's a lot of new equipment at the ground now -- perhaps that's what has led to more guards, if it has -- and if people want to take the law into their own hands then the law must take its course with them," Chingoka said.

Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell said the wet weather would influence the way he approached the match.

"Even if there is sunshine now it's going to be wet come Saturday morning, and the toss will be very interesting," he told Reuters.

Campbell captained Zimbabwe from 1996 to 1999 before resigning to focus on his batting, but returned as skipper after Heath Streak dislocated his shoulder in a traffic accident during the Champions Trophy in Colombo in September.

Campbell said he now felt better equipped for the challenges of the job.

"I've matured a lot and learnt a lot, and I've learnt to cope better under pressure," said Campbell, who will relinquish the captaincy to Streak when the latter regains his fitness.

Campbell expected Pakistan, who are smarting from a run of poor results including a 3-0 drubbing in a test series against Australia, to play aggressive cricket in the two match series.

"They're a strange side," Campbell said of the visitors. "When they're down they're really down, but when they're in a corner they come out all guns blazing.

"They are going to want to put in a big performance against us."

LOWEST SCORE

Pakistan coach Richard Pybus felt inexperience at the crease was at the root of Pakistan's problems against Australia, which included being dismissed for their lowest scores of 59 and 53 in the second test at Sharjah.

"We just had a really young batting line up against Australia," Pybus, who has been laid low by food poisoning, told Reuters.

"Having Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana back in the side will be good for our batting because our middle order will be a lot more stable."

Pakistan will play five one day internationals after the test series before moving on to South Africa for another two tests and five one day internationals.

"We're looking at it as a southern African tour of four tests and 10 one day internationals, and we've set our targets accordingly," Pybus said.

Squads:

Zimbabwe: Dion Ebrahim, Hamilton Masakadza, Alistair Campbell (captain), Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Guy Whittall, Tatenda Taibu, Andy Blignaut, Blessing Mahwire, Ray Price, Henry Olonga, Mark Vermeulen, Mluleki Nkala.

Pakistan: Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul-Haq, Taufeeq Umar, Shahid Afridi, Salim Elahi, Yousuf Youhana, Hasan Raza, Faisal Iqbal, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Sami, Muhammad Zahid, Saqlain Mushtaq.

11/08/02 03:34 ET

Cricket-Pakistan crash to five-wicket Blignaut

By Telford Vice

HARARE, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Fast bowler Andy Blignaut took five wickets as Pakistan collapsed to 285 all out on the first day of the first test against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Blignaut sent down 20 accurate overs, moving the ball off the seam consistently to take five for 79 after Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell had put the visitors in on a damp pitch.

Only opener Taufeeq Umar, with 75 including eight fours and a six, and Yousuf Youhana with 63 seemed to retain their concentration as the last seven wickets went down for 68 runs. Pakistan were dismissed with what became the last ball of the day.

Despite the conditions, only one wicket fell in the first session, Salim Elahi falling for two in the fifth over. Pushing forward to a straightening delivery from Blignaut, he edged to Campbell at second slip.

After lunch Younis Khan, on 40, cut hard at a Blignaut delivery to be well held low down by Dion Ebrahim in the gully, ending a stand of 115 and two balls later Taufeeq Umar was brilliantly caught by first slip Andy Flower, who finished with his back to the wicket after flinging himself across to snap up an edged drive.

Izamam-ul-Haq and Youhana scored steadily as Pakistan rebuilt but, with the fourth-wicket partnership worth 92 and with tea imminent, Inzamam, on 39, played a lazy pull shot off fast bowler Henry Olonga and skied to substitute fielder Mark Vermeulen at mid-on.

Youhana went lbw an hour after tea, trying to sweep left-arm spinner Ray Price. Four overs later debutant Kamran Akmal, selected after wicketkeeper Rashid Latif withdrew with an injured neck, shouldered arms to Price and was bowled for a duck.

Medium pacer Guy Whittall had a driving Saqlain Mushtaq caught by Flower at first slip before Blignaut, armed with the new ball, trapped Waqar Younis in front.

Blignaut took his fifth wicket in his next over when Shoaib Akhtar's slashed drive was caught by Grant Flower at third slip.

The day's play ended a ball early when debutant medium pacer Blessing Mahwire had Hasan Raza caught by Campbell at second slip for a patient 46.

11/09/02 10:58 ET

Cricket-Pakistan v Zimbabwe scoreboard - close


HARARE, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Scoreboard at the close of play on

the first day of the first test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan on

Saturday:

Pakistan first innings

Taufeeq Umar c A.Flower b Blignaut 75

Salim Elahi c Campbell b Blignaut 2

Younis Khan c Ebrahim b Blignaut 40

Inzamam-ul-Haq c sub (Vermeulen) b Olonga 39

Yousuf Youhana lbw b Price 63

Hasan Raza c Campbell b Mahwire 46

Kamran Akmal b Price 0

Saqlain Mushtaq c A.Flower b Whittall 2

Waqar Younis lbw b Blignaut 2

Shoaib Akhtar c G.Flower b Blignaut 1

Mohammad Sami not out 0

Extras (lb-2 nb-9 w-4) 15

Total (all out, 89.5 overs) 285

Fall of wickets: 1-7 2-122 3-125 4-217 5-246 6-251 7-262

8-271 9-274 10-285

Bowling (to date): Blignaut 21-4-79-5 (w-2), Olonga

16-2-46-1 (nb-2, w-1), Mahwire 14.5-2-58-1 (nb-2, w-1), Price

16-4-56-2 (nb-1), Whittall 22-10-44-1 (nb-4).

Zimbabwe: D.Ebrahim, H.Masakadza, A.Campbell, A.Flower,

G.Flower, G.Whittall, T.Taibu, A.Blignaut, B.Mahwire, R.Price,

H.Olonga



11/09/02 11:07 ET

What a fine replacement PCB found for Anwar, Elahi has managed only 1 and 0 in the first two innings, this pathetic excuse of a cricketer has been given the most number of chances in the history of test cricket and he has never ever scored........He must be some how related to Tauqir Zia.......

Cricket-Inzamam century puts Pakistan in command


HARARE, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Centuries for Inzamam-ul-Haq and Taufeeq Umar on the third day of the third test put Pakistan in complete control against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday.

Inzamam's 112 made him only the second Pakistani to reach 6,000 test runs after Javed Miandad, and it was only the 16th time in test history that a batsman scored 100 runs in the session before lunch.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 369 as opener Taufeeq Umar made 111 to stabilise a sometimes lackadaisical innings by the tourists.

Zimbabwe reached 19 for one in search of an unlikely victory target of 430 when bad light ended play 13 overs early. Dion Ebrahim and Alistair Campbell were both nine not out.

Pakistan were dismissed for 285 in their first innings, to which Zimbabwe replied with 225.

Inzamam began his innings needing 32 runs to join Pakistan's 6,000 club. He bludgeoned 48 runs of his half century in boundaries, needing just 53 balls to reach it.

He was out five balls after reaching his 17th test hundred, having faced 107 balls and hit 20 fours.

Pakistan started the day on 14 for one and suffered their only loss of the morning session to the 15th ball of the day, when Younis Khan played away from his body and edged a delivery from fast bowler Henry Olonga to Campbell at second slip.

Taufeeq Umar batted for six hours and faced 229 balls before he became one of Andy Blignaut's three victims.

11/11/02 11:11 ET

HARARE, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Scoreboard at the close on the

third day of the first test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan on

Monday:

Pakistan first innings 285 (Taufeeq Umar 75, Yousuf Youhana

63; A.Blignaut 5-79)

Zimbabwe first innings 225 (T.Taibu 51 not out, A.Blignaut

50; Muhammad Sami 4-53)

Pakistan second innings (14-1 overnight)

Salim Elahi c Campbell b Olonga 0

Taufeeq Umar c Taibu b Blignaut 111

Younis Khan c Campbell b Olonga 8

Inzamam-ul-Haq c G.Flower b Olonga 112

Yousuf Youhana c Taibu b Blignaut 0

Hasan Raza c Blignaut b Price 11

Kamran Akmal b Price 38

Saqlain Mushtaq not out 29

Waqar Younis b Blignaut 0

Shoaib Akhtar c Taibu b Olonga 16

Muhammad Sami c G.Flower b Olonga 17

Extras (b-4 lb-3 nb-9 w-11) 27

Total 369

Fall of wickets: 1-10 2-25 3-205 4-207 5-238 6-292 7-318

8-318 9-339

Bowling: Blignaut 20-1-81-3 (w-3), Olonga 17.5-1-93-5 (nb-6

w-7), Mahwire 14-4-60-0 (nb-3 w-1), Whittall 14-5-62-0, Price

24-5-66-2

Zimbabwe second innings

D Ebrahim not out 9

H Masakadza c Salim Elahi b Shoaib Akhtar 0

A Campbell not out 9

Extras (lb-1) 1

Total (for one wicket) 19

Fall of wickets: 1-4

To bat: A.Flower, G.Flower, G.Whittall, T.Taibu, A.Blignaut,

B.Mahwire, R.Price, H.Olonga

Bowling (to date): Waqar Younis 2-0-4-0, Shoaib Akhtar

2-0-14-1.



11/11/02 10:42 ET

HARARE, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Inzamam-ul-Haq said he had set himself a career target of 10,000 runs after becoming the second Pakistan to score 6,000 runs on the third day of the first test against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday.

"If I play for another four or five years and work hard I hope to pass 9,000 runs, and perhaps reach 10 000," Inzamam told Reuters. "I also have a target of 30 centuries."

But the giant batsman shunned comparisons with the great Javed Miandad, the only other Pakistani to reach 6,000 runs. He totalled 8,832 runs in his career.

"I was very happy with my innings, but I'm not near Javed Miandad," Inzamam said. "He scored almost 9,000 runs and I've only scored 6,000."

Inzamam scored 112 off 107 balls with 20 fours and reached his 17th century two deliveries before lunch after taking guard 15 balls into the day's play.

His runs helped Pakistan set Zimbabwe an unlikely victory target of 430 and the home side were 19 for one in their second innings when bad light ended play 13 overs early.

Izamam bludgeoned 48 of his first 50 runs in boundaries, a glut of runs he blamed on the lacklustre Zimbabwean attack.

"I got lots of loose balls to hit, that's why I didn't need to run much," Inzamam said. "But I'm ready to run if I need to."

He paid tribute to opener Taufeeq Umar, with whom he shared 180 runs for the third wicket and who scored a more sedate 111 off 229 balls with 13 fours.

"He played better than me, because he is a genuine opener and he had to bat through more difficult periods than me," Inzamam said.

11/11/02 13:08 ET

HARARE, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq led Pakistan to a 119-run victory in the first test against Zimbabwe with a day to spare on Tuesday.

Saqlain bowled a marathon spell of 31 overs on the fourth day as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 310 in their second innings -- chasing a victory target of 430.

The tireless Saqlain applied relentless pressure on a pitch which did not offer him significant assistance, finishing with figures of three for 98.

Zimbabwe began the day on 19 for one having dismissed Pakistan for 369 in their second innings.

They lost their second wicket in the ninth over of the morning when Alistair Campbell failed to get in line with a delivery from fast bowler Muhammad Sami and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for 30.

Grant Flower joined opener Dion Ebrahim at the crease for a stabilising partnership of 111 for the third wicket in which Ebrahim played the anchor role and Flower unfurled several dazzling cover drives.

Pakistan wasted a chance to dismiss Ebrahim for 24 when, with the total 60 for two, Taufeeq Umar spilled a chance at third slip off the bowling of Sami.

Four overs before lunch, Saqlain was convinced he had Ebrahim caught behind down the leg side for 60, only for the delivery to be ruled a no ball.

Zimbabwe went to lunch on 154 for two, but Pakistan broke through four overs later when Ebrahim left a delivery from Shoaib Akhtar that reverse swung and uprooted middle stump. Ebrahim scored his 69 off 116 balls and hit nine fours.

Grant Flower then went fishing down the leg side to a delivery from Saqlain and was caught behind for 69 having faced 113 balls.

Saqlain struck again in the next over when Guy Whittall edged a high bouncing delivery to Younis Khan at slip to be dismissed for two.

Andy Flower and Tatenda Taibu bolstered Zimbabwe with a brisk sixth-wicket stand of 53 before Taibu was trapped lbw by fast bowler Waqar Younis for 28 three overs after tea.

Umpire Srinivas Venkataraghavan's decision seemed harsh as the ball appeared to be missing leg stump.

That proved Zimbabwe's last meaningful stand, and the match was all over bar the shouting when Flower skied a short ball from Shoaib, with the bowler taking the catch.

Shoaib took his fourth wicket of the innings when he clean bowled Henry Olonga to end the match.

11/12/02 10:43 ET

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Saqlain Mushtaq took three wickets and had a catch dropped on the first day of the second test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Saturday, to help Pakistan reduce Zimbabwe to 135-5 at tea.

Andy Flower was 12 not out with Tatenda Taibu on 11.

Off spinner Saqlain first struck in the 12th over after lunch when Alistair Campbell dabbed indecisively at a delivery and was caught behind for 46 to end a third-wicket partnership of 86 shared with Grant Flower. Zimbabwe, who won the toss, had slumped to eight for two in the fifth over.

Eleven overs later Saqlain, bowling around the wicket, trapped Flower lbw for 54, his second consecutive half century.

Flower was at the crease for three hours, faced 140 balls and hit eight fours.

Hamilton Masakadza became Saqlain's next victim in his next over, caught behind without scoring after he played for non-existent turn.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar struck with the 12th ball of the match when he trapped Mark Vermeulen in front for two.

Three overs later Dion Ebrahim left a significant gap between bat and pad to a delivery from Waqar Younis and was out leg before for five.

Grant Flower was granted a life on 33, with the total 83 for two, when Hasan Raza at short leg dropped a catch off Mushtaq's bowling.

Saqlain had figures of three for 38 from 16 overs at tea.

By Telford Vice

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Half centuries by Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana earned Pakistan the lead on the second day of the second test against Zimbabwe on Sunday.

At tea, Pakistan were 182 for three in reply to Zimbabwe's first innings of 178. Younis Khan was undefeated on 50 with Yousuf Youhana 51 not out in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 100 that took the visitors from lunch to tea without losing a wicket.

Younis has faced 148 balls and hit seven fours, while Youhana has scored his runs off 135 balls and hit eight fours.

Zimbabwe squandered an opportunity to end the partnership at 74 when slow left-armer Grant Flower induced an edged drive from Yousuf, on 46, with his third ball of the match. Alistair Campbell at slip dived to his left but failed to hold the sharp chance.

Pakistan resumed on 29 without loss and lost their first wicket in the 13th over of the day when Salim Elahi dragged a delivery from the fast Henry Olonga on to his pads and then his stumps to be bowled for 27.

That ended an opening stand of 63 shared with Taufeeq Umar, who departed in Olonga's next over when he attempted to cut a low bouncing delivery and was caught behind off the bottom edge by wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu for 34.

Five overs later left-arm spinner Ray Price sent a quicker delivery past Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was attempting to pull, from over the wicket and bowled him for 11.

Debutant opening batsman Mark Vermeulen left the field with a dislocated little finger on his left hand after fielding a fierce drive from Inzamam-ul-Haq at short mid wicket.

Zimbabwe team management said he was unlikely to field again in the innings and were unsure whether he would be able to bat in the second innings.

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Scoreboard at tea on

the second day of the second test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan

on Sunday:

Zimbabwe first innings 178 (Grant Flower 54; Saqlain Mushtaq

7-66)

Pakistan first innings (overnight 29-0)

Taufeeq Umar c Taibu b Olonga 34

Salim Elahi b Olonga 27

Younis Khan not out 50

Inzamam-ul-Haq b Price 11

Yousuf Youhana not out 51

Extras (lb-5 nb-3 w-1) 9

Total (for three wickets) 182

Fall of wickets: 1-63 2-64 3-82

To bat: Hasan Raza, Kamran Akmal, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar

Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Sami.

Bowling (to date): Blignaut 16-3-51-0 (nb-1 w-1), Olonga

12-3-30-2 (nb-2), Price 29-9-57-1, Nkala 13-4-27-0, G.Flower

7-3-12-0.