LEGSLIP

Why not Aamer instead of Rao?

Rao can hit 6s? Are u serious? Even if he can, why do u need a 6 hitter at 10 when u have batting till Tanvir at 8 and a Gul at 9 who can hit 6s.

I think Younis wants to open with Shahzaib btw. Also he wud look to play Yasir instead of Rao.

Though I think it shud be Aamer.

khansahab has been nailing this point about Rao that, he can hit sixes. Its been ages since he has hit sixes. I think sometime back during the home series against England? I can’t be sure of that either. But, for me Rao is a pretty ordinary bowler. Only sometimes he is very economical but, in T20 he has seldom justified his place. There is no one like Gul at the moment. Tanvir can be handy provided he work out his run up problem. Its because of this he has lost his line and length and also bowling too many line no-balls.

Thats my point Javed, that Rao is quite ordinary.. he may be economical but he isnt a wicket taker. And having a man at number 10 just cos he can hit sixes does not make sense.

So u have Gul and Tanvir.. who will be the 3rd pacer?

I think Younis will go for Yasir Arafat.. but I would like to see Aamer in there.

khansahab

Good meaningful points that you have highlighted in this new thread. “I am agree” with you on the team except for Rao. But, the problem is selectors will play Butt and Ahmad Shahzad and that will be a disaster recipe. I don’t know what technicalities are there in bringing back the ICL players. Butt should have been focusing on this issue instead of traveling abroad and even going to SA to see the final of the IPL. What business he has to go there? Why is no one questioning him?

There is a Chinese proverb, “A man with pebble in his shoes cannot look at the stars.” It means, when you are supposed to be looking inwards you are looking outwards. Until and unless the priorities are not changed and team selection is not based on regionalism and jingoism instead of merit, then these problems will persist and the team morale will be down.

Q

I haven’t seen Aamer bowling so no comments on him. And, I would also vouch for Arafat because his batting is definitely better than Rao and his bowling is not that great, but so, so. If there is any other fast bowler who is better than him then I would like to see him bowling. Because, Pakistan need three very good pacers.

ICC WC T20 WARM UP MATCHES, THAT INTERESTS US

Mon 1
13:30 local, 12:30 GMT Ireland v Netherlands
Lord’s, London

Mon 1 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT India v New Zealand
Lord’s, London

Mon 1 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT Pakistan v South Africa
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Tue 2
13:30 local, 12:30 GMT Ireland v West Indies
Kennington Oval, London
Tue 2
13:30 local, 12:30 GMT Bangladesh v Sri Lanka
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Tue 2 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT Australia v New Zealand
Kennington Oval, London

Tue 2 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT England v Scotland
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Wed 3
13:30 local, 12:30 GMT South Africa v Sri Lanka
Lord’s, London

Wed 3
13:30 local, 12:30 GMT Netherlands v Scotland
Kennington Oval, London

Wed 3 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT England v West Indies
Lord’s, London

Wed 3 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT India v Pakistan
Kennington Oval, London

Wed 3 Floodlit Match
17:30 local, 16:30 GMT India v Pakistan
Kennington Oval, London]

I will be at the venue !

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12172_5350605,00.html

Khansahab,do u watch this ?

Khansahab, must be very depressing in Manchester today after cup final defeat.

Khansahab …

A day after smashing a century, captain Abdul Razzaq showed his prowess with the ball, starring in Lahore Lions’ comfortable five-wicket win against Faisalabad Wolves at the Gaddafi Stadium. The parsimonious Razzaq gave away only 13 runs in his four overs and picked up four wickets….

You haven’t even mentioned about this ?

It seems you are only busy following one player in this RBS thing

Khansahab I would just like to share this statistic which questions our underestimated perspective for Pakistan’s T20 hopes.

I know other T20 teams have improved and it shall be harder for Pakistan in 2009 as opposed to 2007 BUT this shall provide some inspiration and optimism for fans.

Just realised that Mushy’s pic has been uploaded on the thread and on LS for the first time. Gr8 work guys as that man was a legendary performer.

Inspirational
Influential
Instrumental
Matchwinner
Amusing character

Words to sum up his career.

Consolidating on the post 20 because the stat was unable to publish.

Pakistan : Played 17, won 13, 80% winning record in T20 format. Higher than any other international side.

Theossa & khansahab

Isn’t it better to come to the new thread first?

khansahab

Okay…”seriously”?…then I would say this:

Personally, I don’t buy into unity or disunity scenario. The fact is that some are more expressive, vocal, emotional etc than others. Let’s consider some players that we all know how they react after taking a wicket or making a century.

-After taking a wicket Waqar and Wasim reacted as though they had won the war.
-Shoaib Akhtar on the other hand just goes solo on a plane ride.
-In last year’s T20 Sohail Tanvir’s face was dead pan after each wicket he took.
-Sami never showed much emotions either after taking a wicket
-Afridi often celebrates a wicket pretty enthusiastically
-Inzi never jumped up and down after making a hundred. Even in team huddles his demeanour always remained calm
-Yousaf never goes berserk after his century either
-Younus celebrates his century enthusiastically

I think I have got a mix of individuals from all regions. So basically, it comes down to personalities rather than ethnic issues.

Now I guess you will say Awas, I guessed you would say something like that. You bet I would Like some of the others here on LS I just naturally do not see everything with ethnic angle.

Under Mullah Inzi they were all united…so it did happen…be it once

Besides, we discussed it before if there are 3 or 4 groups of individuals in a squad of 15 or so it does not imply disunity necessarily…just mutual common understanding and interests.

I am agree with Wasim Akram on this one, once an Akhroat, always an Akhroat. I actually think this kind of criticism is necessary to make Afridi think that he is a senior player and should be more responsible with the bat. He does show time to time that he can stay on the crease when he puts his mind to it. To me Afridi is one of the genuine match winners but at the same time another individual player.

On Wasim Akram’s comments, I do agree that it is difficult to change Shahid Afridi or, to convince him not to hit sixes from the word go. It is like, you can’t take away the spots from a leopard, similarly you can’t make a tiger by painting stripes on a donkey.

Why can’t Akram, Manjrekar, Waqar, Ramiz et al criticize about the team selection rather than criticizing Afridi’s batting? His bowling and fielding is good enough to keep him in the side and his batting is a bonus, if it clicks the match is over. And that is gambling on part of the selectors, critics and even the whole nation to pin up hopes only on one player and then target him, make him responsible for the loss.

What about the 10 other players?

Or, SIX specialist batsmen?

Or, three specialist bowlers and the expert wicket keeper?

They choose the wrong players based on likes and dislikes and on the basis of regionalism and jingoism and the openers get a bad start and then everyone expect ONLY ONE MAN to win the match for the entire team.

Apart from the previous T20 WC two matches, how many more times Misbah has played those stupid premeditated paddle shots and got out?

And, how many times Younus Khan has played unnecessary reverse sweep shots from outside the off-stumps and got out?

And, how many times Salman Butt has blocked and played dozens of dot balls and then edged a simple catch to put the team under pressure?

How many times Malik played an innings for himself?

How many times they made Fawad Alam sit in the dugouts?

And, how many times Akmal has dropped catches at crucial times and let the match slip away?

And, how many times Akhtar and Tanvir bowled so poorly to give away 40 runs in 3 overs?

After posting my comment, I have just read Theo’s comment and all I can do is laugh. This is a classic example that Akhroat’s are not like sheep they have their own mind and we just proved it by writing extremely contrasting comments on Afridi in response to Akram’s criticism.

It is very easy to criticize anyone but, when you are a man on the spot, you think differently. Wasim NEVER had the same pressure as Afridi had and Wasim used to hit sixes from the word go in ODI’s. I remember in Nagpur ODI Wasim was close to breaking the fastest fifty world record in ODI of that time.

But, people’s expectations are very different for Afridi, anywhere he goes, they all cheer and show play cards and banners of BOOM BOOM Afridi and ask for sixes and he gets carried away. Still he is the only player from Pakistan and third in the world to score 5642 runs with 249 sixes and 253 wickets in ODI’s.

Wasim was no doubt a great bowler of his time scored 3717 runs and 502 wickets in ODI’s and his world record of highest wickets in ODI has just been broken. In his 356 ODI’s Wasim has only 6 fifties to his name at a very good strike rate of 88 and it proves my point that Wasim too was a pinch hitter and used to hit the ball from the word go. But, during his time he had some really good batsmen who have laid the foundation for pinch hitters.

Javed

LOL javed, agreed on Akhroat part. Wasim was never the same caliber batsman Afridi is! You were spot on referring Wasim as a pinch hitter, Afridi on the other hand used to open for Pakistan and has a lot more talent and potential as a batsman than Akram.

I think Wasim was referring to Afridi’s surprising lack of success with the bat in T20s as one would think that T20s are alter made for players like Afridi. I have pointed it out before that in the past hitting spinners for boundary shots was his strength but these days just plain ordinary spinners fox him. It could be either lack of form or just simply being predictable that most spinners these days can gauge what is coming next. If he chooses to keep batting like he usually does he should open the innings (which I think in his control) in T20. I understand your point of the whole team being responsible for a loss or win but the subject was Afridi as the premier T20 weapon for Pakistan that should be firing from both barrels. Of course Wasim or others are aware of the fact he could be the single most important factor in crowning Pakistan with T20 WC.

Poke: I’ve started to believe Abdul that you just don’t like Wasim Akram whether he is right or wrong

Javed

I don’t always agree or like Akram’s statements either but this time I don’t think he was critical of Afridi. He basically is saying there is no need to change him and let him be what he is.

LOL @ poke.

I know what you are saying and I understand the whole logic behind it and like you I have been raving and ranting since ages that Afridi must open in T20 irrespective of how many times he gets out cheaply and along with him there must be another strong hitter of the ball (like Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Abdul Razzaq or even Kamran Akmal) because, when there are two hitters and they are scoring freely then, the bowlers loose their confidence and the batsmen dominate. Whereas, if there is one hitter and one dead pan type batsman like Butt, the moment Afridi is out the bowlers are back in the game. So, the strategy for T20 must be to send the strong hitters at number 1, 2 and 3 to destabilize the fast bowlers. My point was Akram, Waqar, Ramiz et al don’t look at these weak points and only focus on his batting. Why don’t they talk about making him the CAPTAIN? He will be a great captain with his aggression and passion.

Theossa

“Poke: I’ve started to believe Abdul that you just don’t like Wasim Akram whether he is right or wrong”.

Why didn’t I say that…in simple words? I just read your comment.

Well Awas, to me it is not appearing like that with his comment that NO one can change him in 100 years and that is not a compliment and he never used the word let him be for what he is.

Awas that is because you are not an akhroat

Javed

What about this Akram said:

“Former skipper Wasim Akram believes there is little merit in coach Intikhab Alam or captain Younis Khan attempting to curb Shahid Afridi’s aggressive batting”.

Sounds like a compliment to me.

Javed

To add more to that Poke.

Why does Wasim Akram have to show is loyalty towards India? When he was in India he said on their TV that Indians are favourites to win the WC and now he is in Pakistan and he is saying that Pakistan is favourite to win the WC and he says, people say Jee Aap Hindustan say Wapis Aagaye? Well, he is a Hindustan ka Namak Halal and what else can one say about him? Any patriotic Pakistani would not like what Akram is doing. So, I am not just the only one who hates him. Above a few minutes ago I wrote that Akram was a great bowler and I still reiterate that he was but as a human being he is greedy and can do anything by hook or crook to make money and in simple words I don’t like him.

Awas I think I missed that line, thanks for posting it for me again. But, it is more like Ass pay lath hath may Lollypop. He did give a compliment but pulled it back.

I completely agree with Javed on Afridi.. he is a bowler foremost and that is his primary responsibility.. the batting is a bonus and we dont’t need people criticizing him on his batting… he was never a batsman.. past captains and selectors and coaches tried turning him into one but failed.. he has always been a bowler since his u19 days and should be respected as one.

Even if he gets a quick 20 with the bat, he’s done his job.

Javed

@ Why don’t they talk about making Afridi the CAPTAIN

I can’t help here but to be biased towards Younis Khan so I like them mute on this issue I think Younis is the kind of selfless character who would sit on the bench to make room for young talent like Fawad or make Afridi the captain for T20 but I think PCB management thinks otherwise. Let’s judge Younis, Afridi, Fawad and rest of the bunch after T20 WC is concluded. I still think Younis will make inroads with his batting in T20, I expect sort of a 32 ball 42 run anchor innings from him. Younis is an adaptable player and will make a positive impact in the batting and fielding.
Wasim Akram pokes back: If I’m drowning and asking you not to jump in the deep pool you should take a notice of my advice even if I had screwed up myself by jumping in it

LOL, I smell Zain again.

Theo –

Q is with us since a long time and he is not Zain. He is a banker in Abu Dhabi and he even has his own cricket blog but, we won’t tell you which one Hence there is no cure for your paranoia i.e., if you are thinking that I have written that comment as Q. Perhaps Q would be laughing at you.

Secondly, Zain too is a real person with a real name and he is in Dubai and he is too busy these days, he is a good friend of mine. I don’t want to write Zain’s family name without his permission and cricket lovers of the UAE like, Munir and Q would perhaps be knowing him personally. Because he is such a famous person in Dubai.

Back to cricket. Your likes for Younus Khan is because you are judging him on the basis of his personal behaviour and “selfless character.” To some extent it does matter to have a good character, but there is something called professionalism where you have to ignore your personal likes and dislikes and set aside your “sweet smiles” and replace them with a serious look on your face. Imran Khan was not like Younus Khan that he would be smiling all the time.

Younus wants to keep the whole world happy. The greatest leaders and even the Prophets couldn’t achieve that. So, to like Younus Khan for being a humble, kind, selfless player is not what is needed and it is not the greatest quality to admire. IMO, the most important thing for a captain or a leader is to lead the team and get the best out of them and win most of the times. You cannot win all the time.

On Wasim Akram, he is like that scorpion who could not swim and asked the frog to take him on his back to the other side of the pond. But, he could not resist stinging the deadly venom into the frog’s back. The frog realizing that they both will die asked him, why did you do that? The scorpion replied that is my nature. Hence the moral of the story is taking advice doesn’t matter if you have a scorpion’s nature. Just like Wasim Akram has.

“LOL, I smell Zain again.”

I guess after eating canned Tuna Fish sandwiches everyday you can’t smell anything else but fishy!

Theo: This is a second dose of cod liver oil for you in the shape of a capsule.

Javed

Thanks for explaining but I just find it interesting that some of the posters jumps only in ”special situations”, LOL. Now since you have explained the background and your friendly relationships with the posters from your UAE phase of life, it just makes sense

Don’t blame me brother I don’t really trust people. Your leadership analogy aside, Younis just recently began the journey so like I said before let him judge when he has a long run. Younis can unify the team better than Afridi or Malik. I’m sure with time Younis will have more to say about selection matters, more control over players, as he gets more influence and gets more comfortable with the role.

Tub tuk keliye intizaar furmayee aor aap bhee Tuna aazmayee

Theossa

I am agree with you. Younis deserves a longer run even though he hasn’t shown any judgment so far. Part of the reason might be that his batting form plumetted and thus he lacked clear thought and authority.

I am also agree that Afridi should be sent to open. We should still think of him as primarily a bowler, but the maximum use of his hitting ability in one days will only help Pakistan. Also, you make a good point (I have been noticing this as well) that Afridi used to hit spinners at will, but now he tends to struggle against them. Seding him in powerplays against pace is better suited to his batting ability.

On team selection, I’d say Rana should be relegated to Balochistan 3rd 11. He is by no means a player of any quality and I am afraid ICL is no barometer of judgment.

Inclusion of Razzaq can make Pakistan’s winning the 20/20 cup twice as likely. Razzaq is a cleaner striker than Afridi and can hit the ball more consistently. Razzaq has a clear-headed approach in that he has his areas where he hits, depending upon where the ball would pitch, which makes his shots more selective and likely to reach the boundary. On the other hand, Afridi tends to want to use ALL his might, especially against spinners nowadays, and gets an edge. Before he got married, his edges used to go over the boundary, but now they barely do. So, having Razzaq in the team would ensure that Pakistan has another hitter at the level of Afridi, and either of them can singlehandedly win a match on their day.

If we remember, before Sehwag and Pathan and others, Pakistan used to have the best two strikers in the world in Afridi and Razzaq. Even though Sehwag and other hitters are pretty good, I don’t think they are at the standard of Afridi and Razzaq when it comes to hitting the ball. In other words, if we play both, we are playing probably the two best hitters in the game.

Khansahab

I am glad we agree this time, but I find Rana as one of those players who is a genuine matchloser. He can be a run-leaking machine, although admissably, he was doing better when he wasn’t bowling along with Akhter. When he partnered with Akhter, he started bending his back a bit too much, his grunts would not cease, it was as though he was competing with Akhter. And then came one no- ball over another, one short ball upon another shorter one, and at least my senses became numb to 25, 29 runs in an over. What hasn’t Rana accomplished?

He has given 90 runs in 8 overs, 70 in 5 overs, and 100-odd in 10. He has done this on a consistent basis. I don’t see how we can make judgments on such an average player based on ICL. And then he started growing a beard and picking chairs for Inzamam to remain in the team thru the world cup. Once this young bird was set free after the world cup in ICL, off went the beard, and on came the hair transplant..

Khansahab

Kind Regards

Abdul…

Theossa,

I am Q.. real name: Umair Qazi. Based in the UAE yes, but I don’t know Javed from his UAE days, nor do I know of the other people he’s mentioned. But I think I have heard the name Zain in the cricketing circles.

Anyhow, I don’t jump in on special occasions. I have just become active on Leg Slip again, and if u notice I have been commenting on this thread from the beginning

I have been a long supporter of Afridi and u will notice that if u ever come across my blog.

Keep the good thoughts coming people.

LOL Omer Admani @ your comment on Afridi: “Before he got married, his edges used to go over the boundary, but now they barely do…”

Before he got married his edges used to go over the boundary but now they are inside the boundary! That means he is a good putter than he used to be.

And for the rest of the stuff “I am agree” with you i.e., about Razzaq and Rana Nayee. I was always against Rana but, they say that he bowled exceptionally well in the ICL (I did not watch a single game of the ICL, so I cannot comment) so based on that and based on the current available fast bowlers and their form, I said, may be Rana can bowl well in the English conditions and swing the ball. But, I am not a supporter of Rana Nayee in any case. Also, we lost the Caribbean WC because of his pathetic bowling. However, Abdul Razzaq is still good for T20 with his batting and bowling and I do agree with you that in Razzaq and Afridi Pakistan has the best hard hitters especially if you include Imran Nazir in the team to open it with Afridi.

Theossa you better make Tuna Fish ki bones ka Soorma and use it, perhaps it will also make you realize how Natalie really looks like. Anyways, before Q posted his comment you have come to senses but, these are not special situations, there were so many others like Dr. Salman Khan from Australia who was a regular but, he seems to be busy along with Pandit Jee and then Pawan, Amit and Varun they all probably got pissed off after the Mumbai attack and don’t write that much mais, c’est la vie…… yehi hai zindagi… yae jeevan hai, iss jeevan kaa…..whatever, whatever yehi hai zindagi.

Omer

I am agree with your Razzaq inclusion for T20s but Imran Nazir can also turn tables with his big hitting up in the order. If I had to pick a replacement for Shoaib Akhtar, it would be Razzaq. However, neither of them will be included in T20 WC squad.

This is the second time I’m hearing from you that after marriage Afridi lost some power in his shots Being married I can assure you that marriage has nothing to do with loss of power or stamina, it’s more about how physically conditioned the person is. Your statement is true in a sense that life gets more stressful after marriage especially for people with children as parents sacrifice some sleep, their leisure time, and physical activity. I personally think Afridi needs some physical conditioning and more in the regime of strength training. The YMCA I go to have a Sports Specific Training program i.e. athletes use cables and pulleys with added weights to work on their motion, strength, and muscle flexibility. I used such a program for my golf routine once. For cricketers baseball routine might work.

Question Mark Q

Ok if you say so

Javed

Hain kawakib kuch, nazar aate hain kuch

“Your statement is true in a sense that life gets more stressful after marriage…” Theossa.

Omer, don’t believe a word what Thoeossa says to you about marriage…its living hell. By convincing you otherwise, I can only imagine he’s got some Dooshmani with you because you don’t support Younus as captain like us. So, my advice to you…just “Carry On Up The Khyber”

Awas
I am disagree, why do you want Omer to stay single all his life? I’m sure pending on meeting the right girl his fruit is ripe, ready to go and unleash havoc

Marriage is a beautiful thing if one don’t marry a bitch

Theossa

Thank you!

As always you are spot on there.

Theo …

No one marries a ‘bitch’, but it’s just that they all end up tranforming into one

khansahab

Are you prepared to retract then that Malik should make “A Room” for Fawad Alam?

Khansahab & Awas

Great win by Sialkot, with regret to Awas I was rooting for Sialkot because the commentators were very biased towards Lahore.

Remembering what Khansahab said that all the teams from Punjab have better chemistry so they win as a unit. In a logical sense it would mean that if the national team is composed of all Punjabis, it would work wonders so why fight about Afridi and Fawad

Theossa

What do you mean “biased towards Lahore”? When it comes to Lahore, naturally they should be as Javed says “Lahore Lahore Hai”

Khansahab…

What happened to Karachi team with all “stars” playing for them ??

Did they even make it to semis ?

And what about Afridi, did he not play for them too ?

Hello guys,

Howz it going?
The T20 world cup is about to start.
Exciting matches ahead.
Hopefully our teams make it to the semifinals.

Take care.

Hey Pawan good to see ya Man. It was only yesterday I mentioned your name that Pawan, Amit and Varun they all got pissed off after the Mumbai attack and don’t write on our blog. There you go, you are here, welcome, welcome once again it is good to see you. Lets discuss more about this T20 WC and before the matches there are warm up matches too so I am waiting for June 3 Ind. vs. Pak warm match.

How have you been? Keep writing. Take care U2.

I was reading on-line news and this piece of news caught my attention:

BBC offers Question Time apology
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8074944.stm

The BBC has offered to apologise to the Muslim Council of Britain after airing claims the organisation encouraged the killing of British troops.

The comments were made by the former Daily Telegraph editor Charles Moore on Thursday’s edition of Question Time.

Mr Moore spoke about the Islamic protests which disrupted a UK soldiers’ homecoming parade in March.

No final settlement has been reached but the BBC has accepted that the comments were unfair.

Mr Moore said the Muslim Council of Britain had been reluctant to condemn the killing and kidnapping of Britain soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and claimed the organisation thought such activities were “a good thing”.

The Muslim Council of Britain strongly criticised the remarks and demanded an apology.

In a statement, the BBC said Question Time always had a lively and wide-ranging debate and this was one of its strengths.

It went on: “On occasion, this results in unfairness to individuals who aren’t there to put their view and this is one of those occasions.”

*****************

I don’t see any apology but, just an offer to apologize. What I don’t understand is why is it so difficult for them to apologize by saying a simple “sorry”? I remember the Queen of England went to India a few years ago and she went to “Jhalliyan Wala Bagh” where the British troops massacred thousands of innocent civilians, she observed a few seconds of silence and came back. Is it so difficult to say “sorry”? So, far there is no official apology from the UK on Jhalliyan Wala Bagh incident. Kya insaan sorry kehnay say chota ho jaata?

Hello Everyone,

It’s been a long time since i wrote on LS and also i was unable to follow it for couple of months as first i lost my job due to the recession and then i had to be in India for quite sometime due to a personal matter.

But now i am back in Netherlands and actively seeking a job and subsequently decided to become ‘active’ rather than ‘dormant’ here on LS now that the T20 World Cup is soon to begin which is a perfect opportunity for all of us to get together, and set aside our differences of opinion and enjoy the game of Cricket with some hoping to seek revenge and some hoping to repeat the past glory while others hoping for their success.

Although i have been in Holland/Netherlands for more than 2 Years but i admit i still do not know any Dutch Cricketer’s name (except that one bowler who got hit for 6 sixes by Gibbs) and i am sure they are not as good or decent as Bangladesh or Ireland that they can cause an upset in a T-20 and beat Pakistan but Pakistan against England could be anybody’s game as the English players would obviously have the home advantage.

While India is grouped with 2 Teams who have already caused upsets in the past so some can expect/hope:) such an event happening again in a T-20 Game.

It is very difficult to make predictions in a T-20 Game which we have already seen with IPL and many other T-20 games hence i would not say that i am predicting it but i would like to see India, Pakistan, South Africa and England as the four semi-finalists and from then on it’s anybody’s game….

More later..

What the EFF is COOLING PERIOD?

Check out the link from cricinfo about Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Yousuf’s availability for national team.

http://content.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/406520.html

Although Wasim Bari is saying: “They are available for selection now and that is a good thing,” so what is the bad thing that Abdul Razzaq is not in the team for T20 WC? Why do you have to exclude him and take him in the team when Pakistan visits Sri Lanka next month? This news is not a surprise for the PCB, they were aware that the ICL have released them so they should have included the ICL rebels in the squad, just like they kept a seat for Saeed Ajmal, while his report from Australia was due and he has been cleared by them and he is in the squad.

khansahab

Abdul Hafiz is not a dependable player, he plays well in the domestic matches but fails miserably when he is needed at the international level. He did the same in last year’s IPL and sat outside most of the time. So, no matter how he may have performed I would never include him in my team i.e., Pak XI international.

About, India’s fatigue and over kill and cricket crunch all these buzz words are being used as a two way sword, they are trying to make it an excuse to defend the title and use this IPL in SA as a shield to say “we lost because our boyz didn’t get enough rest.” And, if they win, they will say, “despite the hectic schedule we won and the IPL gave our boyz some experience to handle this T20 format better than others.”

And, Pakistan’s aggression and dramay-bazi that we are reading through the media that they are out for a revenge is another BS. This year, it may not be an India – Pak final, because everyday is not a Sunday and India will NOT win the Cup this time for sure. Pakistan team should play cricket with aggression but, they should keep their mouth shut, especially Intekhab Alam and Ijaz Butt, because they speak from both ends and they speak too much.

Younus Khan doesn’t know how to speak, he reminds me of Mohammad Azharuddin who used to speak the same way, brrrrr brrrrrr brrrrrr brrrrrrr, array baba wait, take a breath and listen to the guy first what he is asking? And don’t start blabbing what you have on your mind.

Varunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn good to see you too.

I agree with Varun that in a match between England and Pakistan, the former will have home advantage besides, they are improving especially Bopara and Broad. If Pakistan fields like West Indies then the cat called Stuart Broad who got SIX lives in his 37 runs could easily do the damage and the Mascara man called Mascarenhas has a golden arm along with Jimmy Anderson. Although Pakistan has won more T20 matches than England, but they have a history of losing against England in England in ODI’s.

Pawan and Varun

It’s good to see you back. Varun, good luck with your job hunting.

Let’s enjoy T20. Keep commenting.

It’s difficult to predict who will win. It’s a game of lottery. As I said in the last thread too, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if last year’s finalists are out well before, this time. So let’s see.

Awas, I was looking at the squads this morning and to me on paper, Australia still looks a very strong and formidable team to take the Cup. Last month when Pakistan defeated them in Dubai, Ponting, Mike Hussey, Mitchel Johnson, Brett Lee were all missing. And, no one is talking about Sri Lanka, they are the underdogs and can surprise many teams. New Zealand is very balanced but they had a cliff hanger with Bangladesh in the warm up game. But, I don’t reckon BD are any threat to anyone except for pulling off one or two games to surprise them but, they are not consistent.

With Pakistan’s openers I have no hope in their batting and with this kinda openers you can never make a 180 or 200 to put the opposition under pressure. So, their reliance would be mainly on bowling but that cannot win every match. There has to be a balance which is lacking and that is why inconsistency is there.

Javed Khan

I am agree with you regarding Hafeez. He has been given enough international chances and, apart from acting like Tendulkar when he goes to crease or prepares to face a delivery, there is nothing special about him. He is the sort of player who simply doesn’t have the talent or the eye to be a cricketer, or else, there is no explanation for his consistent failures as his stance, teqnique, and the like, have all been exactly copied from Tendulkar.

On the balance of the team I am agree with you. There needs to be an aggressive opener along with a defensive one.

Khansahab

Maybe.

Kind Regards

Aamer Iqbal

Khansahab,

I am curious to find out the speeds of these young rookie fast bowlers.

Aizaz Cheema, Sohail Khan, Mohammed Talha.

Plus any other upcoming rookie you know, in addition to that of newly recruited Mohammed Aamer and our old horse Umer Gul.

As you know, I am always of the opinion that real fast bowlers wins the matches and not the medium-pacers, unless, ofcourse, they are exceptionally good.

What we have and what we expect in near future, post-Shoaib Akhtar-Mohammed Asif.

M

khansahab, yes me too, I have read about the warm up matches to be televised for free. But, the whole T20 WC package is costing $129 for us here and I am taking it. Anyways, I will see if I am watching them then I will cover them here, but it all depends on the timing if it is not clashing with my work. I prefer the night (my time) matches because, they are uninterrupted, whereas day (my time) are not so convenient. Anyways, lets see.

MY Kasim

On fast bowlers, I do agree that medium pacers don’t win matches for you but, genuine fast bowlers do. The point is, if a fast bowler can consistently bowl in mid-eighties with good line and length, then he is better than someone who bowls at 90 mph. If you look at Akhtar’s bowling because of his speed he was unable to swing the ball earlier i.e., his ball would swing after it has passed the batsman and that is if it has not been hit for a four. Slightly slower bowlers who bowl around 80 mph have better control and swing both. Glen McGrath, Wasim Akram, Kapil Dev etc.

Gone are the days when batsmen were afraid of fast bowlers, now they wear strong helmets with face grill, elbow pads, gloves, rib guards, thigh guards, abdomen guard shin guards under their pads so, they feel very well protected and safe that is why they throw their bat even when facing Akhtar and anything that is wide outside the off-stump is a bonus, even a flick would end up for a six over the point or gully. Hitting a six over point was considered a very rare thing in the past, but now we have seen sixes flying over the slips and over the wicketkeeper’s head.

Finally, Shahzaib or whoever should stop emulating Sehwag or anyone, they should play their own natural game the moment they start emulating they are doomed to fail. Remember Shaikhupura’s McGrath, budding Wasim Akram (Sohail Tanvir) budding Tendulker (Suresh Raina) he struggled a lot and changed his Tendulkarish attitude because he cannot be one, so now he is better. Either they emulate or the media starts comparing them with these icons after seeing the kid scoring just one good innings. Remember Nasir Jamshed was emulating Imran Nazir and Shahid Afridi and since then he is not consistent.

Boycott thinks either India or South Africa will win the ICC T20 cup. I think neither of them will win. But, both teams, Australia and NZ will be in the top 4. The other two are tukka-wala so we cannot predict which one. Although I want Pakistan to win but, with Butt and Ahmad Shahzad opening they may not even beat West Indies and England. And, they cannot expect to reach finals each time without a balanced team.

khansahab

If openers don’t play well the score remains under 150 and when they play well you can aspire to reach 200 and that is the difference. But, don’t keep your hopes on Misbah and Malik only, you have 7 batsmen and they must all play well. If Younus is a test player then he should not be playing T20. You think Butt is not a test player? Between the two new youngsters, Ahmad Shahzad and Nasir Jamshed, I would pick the later and make him open the innings with Kamran Akmal i.e., if YK is reluctant to send Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal just for the fear of losing Afridi early. But, what good it is if Butt and Shahzad plays 8 overs and score 30 odd runs? If Afridi survives it is 80 plus total, so we are talking about 50 runs difference if you have aggressive openers.

Also, you have to understand that the middle order players cannot come and hit the ball from the word go. First of all they are not like them, secondly they come to the crease slightly under pressure i.e., after wickets have fallen, thirdly the 4 overs power play option is over. So, all these things combined together makes the difference on their scoring (not to mention how the wicket is behaving and how the bowlers are bowling i.e., after taking one or two wickets they usually bowl with their tails up, whereas, after being hit for sixes and fours their confidence is dented.) How many of you will say “I am agree” after reading this comment?

Good to see some intense cricket analysis from Khansahab, Javed, Awas, Omer and Munir. Any team which clicks as a team can win the T20 world cup, according to me. It doesn’t really matter if you have big players in your team or not. As seen in the IPL1 and 2, the team with great “team-spirit” are the ones that did really well and won. Last IPL, Rajasthan Royals had great team spirit, this year, the Deccan Chargers and Bangalore Royal Challengers really were up to it.

International teams, any of them, can win the world cup, if they keep their chins up and play with winning team spirit. For that to happen, methinks there should be harmony within the team and real good personal relations between the team members.

Just a thought.

Khansahab

I really doubt that Malik will be able to play in England should pitches have swing.

One aggressive opener, whether Akmal or Afridi, is needed to utilize the powerplays. Butt can come one down (to be honest Butt has no utility in 20/20 and is a stop-gap one day and test player).

Javed Khan has talked about balance in the team, and it makes sense that in 20/20, so that the team doesn’t get too stifled, there always needs to be an aggressive player along with a defensive player to mantain momentum. The batting order can be rearranged:

Afridi coming at 6,7 means his hitting abilities aren’t fully utilized in two scenarios:

1) The top 5 have played their part and when Afridi comes, there is only 1 more over (or none) to go. In this case there is always the wonder how different the scorecard could have been had he played for a reasonably long time

2)The match is beyond Afridi as he has no support and behind him are generally bowlers who are no help in achieving a further 70, 80 runs needed.

Therefore, it is only in a select few matches that Afridi’s hitting ability can be utilized at number 7. Afridi needs to move to 2-down, which will provide proper balance to the team:

1)Akmal
2)Shehzad
3)Butt
4)Afridi
5)Younis
6)Misbah
7)Malik
8)Tanvir
…

This batting order has a lot more balance, and Pakistan will be less likely to lose a match if only 2 wickets fall in their innings. As it is now, they are more likely to lose a match if only two wickets fall versus 4 or 5 wickets.

Also, I’d play Fawad Alam over Butt any day, whereas this new guy like Sehwag can replace Malik.

Pawan

Good observation there about “the team with great team-spirit are the ones that did really well and won”. khansahab had been saying the same thing about Lahore Lions and Sialkot Stallions and the result showed as they reached the RBS final.

Intikhab Alam said something similar about the sports psychologist that he did a good job and said, “Whether it’s a Test match, one-day or Twenty20 international, the sports psychologist has impressed upon the guys that cricket is a team game and not about individuals.”

Btw, any idea why Khalid Latif captained Khi Dolphins and not Afridi?

Omer

If the hot spell continues the way it is now there is unlikely to be much swing around in these conditions. Most matches would be high scoring contests.

“…there always needs to be an aggressive player along with a defensive player to maintain momentum…” Hence my point in earlier discussions that players such as Younus are necessary and have a role to play.

Younus views success in the World Twenty20 as the best way to make his troubled nation smile again.

When there is general despondency within the nation together with no international cricket being played at home, winning the cup can bring cheers for many and bring some positives for Pak cricket. If the team unites and is determined to do something for the country in such difficult times then anything is possible.

Fate does funny things sometimes in situations like these. So, this could be Pakistan’s moment.

Guys,

I don’t think you need two players (Butt and Shehzad) of same kind in the team. One of them ca surely take a miss in T20.

I would play them in this order,

1.Butt (or Shehzad)
2.Akmal
3.Afridi
4.Alam
5.Younus
6.Malik
7.Misbah
8.Tanvir
9,10,11

Younus, Malik and Misbah can provide stability to the order once Akmal, Afridi and Alam have gone berserk earlier.

Awas,
Yes, team-spirit can make or break any team.. So true! Take example of Deccan Chrgers, they were talented bunch of individuals last IPL, but could not function as a team. But this time round, they all were rowing the boat in the same direction, result – winners hands down!

Pawan

I am generally agree with your team although I would play Shehzad over Butt, and play that Sehwag-type player instead of Malik. Malik is not a good hitter and will waste time down the order. I’d certainly put Misbah over Malik in the batting order as Misbah can hit the ball well.

khansahab

Yes indeed when praise was showered on those players it definitely got into their heads.

khansahab

Afridi and Younus Khan were both invited to Houston and then there was last minute cancellation. Only Moin Khan went there along with some other unknown TV artistes. My cousin told me that after Friday prayers, (not this Friday but some other time) Moin Khan was appealing to the people to come for that show which was some kinda fund raising dinner. So, Afridi did not go to America this is for sure. Why he did not captain the side is another issue. May be he was planning to go and they announced the captain and then he changed his mind and Latif remained as the captain.

No matter what you guys say or what we ALL talk about, the selectors will play Salman Butt and he will score 40 – 50 runs at a strike rate of 70 – 75 and will cement his place. Likewise, Malik will also play, but Malik and Fawad Alam will not get a chance, in any case Malik is definitely better than Butt because of his bowling and fielding. Besides, his batting is also better than Butt.

My bad, I had just posted a comment but I didn’t read that statement given by Younus Khan in London and he is aware of the fact that like us there are so many people who are concerned about Butt and the slow openers in the team. And this IDIOT says he is not worried about it. T20 is all about aggressiveness and hard hitting. Sometimes if you score 170-180 runs, even that its not enough, the opposition can chase that total easily and win.

What is Younus Khan thinking? Is he thinking that 140-150 is a good score? NO WAY JOSE, he will end up losing even against West Indies and Sri Lanka and this is what I wrote yesterday and today he is saying that West Indies, India and South Africa can give them hard times. Of course they will if you play BUTT as your opener. Big hitters like Misbah and Afridi or even Malik, their confidence is boosted when the openers score big and they cannot go there and start hitting straight away.

If you remember during the last T20 WC in SA, Misbah was hitting big, especially against Harbhajan Singh. BUT, does any one remember how much the target was? It was hardly 157- or 158 and in that only Gambhir scored 70 odd runs and India’s dependable Sehwag and Dhoni, Yuvraj et al, the formidable middle order collapsed only Rohit Sharma and Irfan Pathan took that total to some respectability, otherwise India were all out for 122. And Pakistan couldn’t make 158 runs, imagine if the target is 180 plus then?

Therefore, openers have to score and they have to score aggressively. Younus Khan sala pagal ho gaya ullu ka charqa. First of all the squad selection is wrong and IF Younus Khan makes a wrong team selection and poor batting order, then Pakistan should only think of competing against Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands.

Guys

Here’s what Younus Khan has to say about Salman Butt:

“In English conditions the new ball does seam, so you need someone like Salman Butt who can play for 20 overs. But in the middle order, we have big hitters like Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq, he’s a top Twenty20 batsman. So we are not lacking in players.”

Source – Cricinfo.com

Younis Khan is a nut …

He said we want the openers to perform and play for full 20 overs and he also said we have big hitters in Afridi, Misbah and Malik. It’s like saying, that openers and big hitters will have to play well, and I don’t have any responsibility.

If openers and big hitters play well and bowlers bowl well, then why the EFF is he in the team? To clap and smile only ?

I have never seen a Pakistani Captain so ‘chicken’, and the irony is he wants to be like Imran Khan.

I think Younus Khan is a bit moody fellow. Sometimes he is chirpy saying things like he predicts 5-0 win over Australia, sometimes he says he wants to learn from Australia, sometimes he wants to finish in top 4 and so on and so forth.

He needs to tighten his communication skills with the public and not waver. Today media is a very powerful tool and is like a two way sword. So better get used to it. The earlier the better.

Basically Younus Khan is a BAWLA and that’s it. He doesn’t know what he is saying and that’s what BAWLAY do. I have been saying this from the beginning that Younus Khan should shut his mouth (so does Intekhab Alam, Saleem Altaf and Ijaz Butt) and let his bat speak. Unfortunately his ODI and T20 performance is zilch, he scored a test triple century against Sri Lanka since he became captain and that is the only achievement.

But, we are talking about T20 WC now and everyone wants to see the captain leading from the front and not getting defensive by saying “we will be happy to finish among the top 4″ and khansahab is right that even the Meesna Malik never gave such defensive statement.

Anyways, the first warm up match of the day is between Australia and Bangladesh and Australia has won the toss and elected to bat. But, for some reason right now they are showing the match between Netherlands and Ireland. Pakistan plays against South Africa sometime this evening. India plays New Zealand.

WOW, what a batting performance by the Australians, especially Shane Watson. The live match is on and Australia have scored 99 for no loss in 8 overs. Australia are playing their full strength against Bangladesh and Younus Khan would be doing experiments by trying various opening combination. My bad, the first Australian wicket just fell on the same score 99.

Punter is in, he looks fit ……..oh, no BD missed a run out chance, Ponting would have gone. Now Haddin is OUT trying to hit a big one like Shane Watson, two wickets in one over. Roy is in.

Here are a couple of paragraphs from Cricinfo which show the context of what Younis Khan had said:

“I have a couple of plans,” Younis said. “T20 looks short, but it’s not – 120 balls is enough. If you bat normally but with energy, especially in the middle order where you need good running between the wickets, [a score of] 180-190 is very easy.

“In English conditions the new ball does seam, so you need someone like Salman Butt who can play for 20 overs. But in the middle order, we have big hitters like Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq, he’s a top Twenty20 batsman. So we are not lacking in players.”

Afridi’s power-hitting game might have been designed with Twenty20 cricket in mind, but Younis was careful not to expect him to shred the opposition every innings. “Afridi was one of best players of the last tournament,” he said. “As a captain I have a few good players, but the main thing is everyone respects him. He’ll come in and though it’s not possible to hit every ball for six, the expectation is there. He’s always done a good job for me, and he’ll do good for Pakistan.”

I think people are having too many expectations from Pakistan; India, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand are better teams than Pakistan and one of these teams is more likely to win the T20 WC. Pakistan and India had a head start in T20s last time around but most of the teams have caught up so I like what Awas had said that there are good chances neither India and Pakistan will make it to the T20 WC final this time.

Theossa

I wouldn’t worry much about what Younus Dushmans are saying. When his time comes they will all be silenced

As Javed suggested, I do prefer too if he speaks less of his ‘futt…futt bolnay waali’ English. It’s as though someone stepped on his tail that he has to let it out all in one breadth

Hands up who believe this site now looks better than the “New Look” Cricinfo.

Awas

Interestingly, I never heard Younis talk so I can’t comment but since an “unbiased” person like you have said it so it must be true.

LOL, yeah they will be silenced not because Younis will do miracles but because Afridi and Fawad won’t do much either

Seriously, Pakistan has a chance to win T20 WC if Tanvir fires with the ball and Afridi with his bat, other than that I’m with Younis that reaching semi finals will be an achievement

Khansahab, Omer, Javed, and Munir have a point regarding the opening batting though; If Butt is played and his role is supposed to be anchoring one end then the other batsman must be aggressive. Wasting first 6 overs with 6 or 7 run rate will put too much pressure on the middle order.

Contrary to others, I think Afridi choose to bat down the order and he should open the innings

Khansahab

If you ask me to fix just one thing that will fix most of Pakistan’s problems then I’ll name “Judicial System”. Without a strict law and accountability we do not stand a chance as a nation.

This is what happens when the openers give you a flying start. The Australian openers lasted for 8 overs and Bangladesh openers lasted for 4 overs. The former scored 99 in 8 overs and the later scored 49 runs in 5 overs i.e. good going by Bangladesh they are playing in good spirits, their openers are down but Mohammad Ashraful is so full of strokes, the short man is standing tall in front of Mitchel Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Brett Lee’s pace and hitting them for fours over the top. If Butt & Co are watching they should take note of it, this is how they should play.

Interestingly, I never heard Younis talk so I can’t comment but since an “unbiased” person like you have said it so it must be true. Theossa.

If I had said that you won’t believe me or consider me as a biased person? Actually I have said that twice that YK speaks brrrrrrrr brrrrrrrrrrr brrrrrrrrrr and also reminds me of Mohammad Azharuddin who used to speak fast and senseless, Younus Khan does the same. Secondly no matter what the question is, he will say whatever he has decided in his mind to say which are totally out of context, just like Inzamam used to do but he used to say in slow motion. And the dumb thing about YK is his laughing in between his comments – just like the Japanese people do, they try to save themselves from embarrassment and laugh for no reason – Younus does the same thing.

Javed

It’s because he does not have good grasp on English nor is he a very educated guy. He was made captain to lead a cricket team and not to be an interview specialist on Geo and such. He’ll get better bullshitting which is what these media circuses are. I would like him and other talk with the bat and ball and would care less how they speak in Public. Yes, I do find you biased towards Younis Khan and Punjabis is general, jk

Bangladesh will perhaps lose this match but they have showed heart, and that’s what we need from our big names who misfire at T20s including Younis.

Mitchel Johnson is generating immense pace from a very short run up, being a lefty he is reminding me of Wasim Akram, who used to bowl in a similar fashion. Johnson got 2 wickets and both clean bowled. He is bowling at 94 mph. He just got Ashraful’s wicket and the batsman was beaten by sheer pace. Although Bangladesh are 3 down for 96 but they have played well so far.

It is just the difference that the Australian openers have made because of their openers.

I am not talking about his interviews on GEO TV, I am talking about his brief statements after the toss or after the match is over. TV interviews are different you get enough time to think and respond. That’s what I have been saying that Younus Khan should let his bat speak rather than his mouth. And, we cannot say how good the other person is unless you give him a chance. When Malik was the captain we knew how defensive and biased he is towards non-punjabi players and now, we are seeing Younus Khan that he is also very defensive, more defensive than Malik but, he is not biased or prejudiced but, he is too soft, speaks a lot, laughs a lot and its like the elephants mating, too much noise and no action. He should not do that. Also, we will never know how good or how bad Afridi will be as a captain? OH wow……..what a six from Shakeeb ul hasan two sixes in a row and that too off Andrew Symonds and both sixes are huge. Oh my Gog.

Theossa

“Yes, I do find you biased towards Younis Khan and Punjabis is general, jk”

Lol…

If Javed keeps attending those dodgy Punjabi Mehfils then what can one expect

LOL at khansahab, well said.

Khansahab

A mild battle is coming next and there will be blood, we will be out with our knives sharpened:

It’s going to be Fawad & Afridi vs Younis

In other words:

Khansahab, Javed, Munir vs Theossa & Awas

It’s on baby!

Awas

I know you’re from Lahore but just assume for the sake of warm up game that you are from Gujrat. I need you to be Wehshi Gujjar, drop your politeness and take on a couple of Akhroats with Anti Younis agenda

I wish our trump guy, Abdul/A I can join us. He is from Lahore but he talks like Genghis Khan with force and fire

Khansahab

Do you have the link which will telecast the Pak-SA warm up match live?

LOL @ “Munir is anti Younis, anti Fawad and anti Afridi, please take him”

I suppose it’s more to with his “Anti Musharaf” behavior that you don’t want him

Munir if you’re not with me you’re my enemy!

Theossa

Javed is a one man demolition squad, with khansahab its an added bonus. Anytime BaByeEee

khansahab, actually Munir na idher ka na udher ka ….. you don’t know which side he belongs perhaps its all in the wink.

Yeh Ma’Badolat Ka Naam Kis Nein Liya Hai ?

I am watching LIVE on TV channel 403 and these warm up matches are for FREE.
Australia won the match comfortably with 38 runs, the difference is because of the aggressive opening stand.

The next match is India vs. NZ and then the key match for us is Pak vs SA at Trentbridge, its a beautiful sunny day at Trentbridge, and Pak match starts at 17:30 local time.

Munir Ana, Ma bidoon daulat nay liya hai. Bolo kya chahiyeh?

I will be back in the next 30 minutes when the India NZ match starts, g2g out for a while. TC and Munir don’t sleep its too early for you.

Javed

LOL, after the game we will see you as One man deflated squad. Adding a flat tired Khansahab will be a bonus

Aisey Mat Poochho, Kay Kya Chahiyeh …… Ahhhhh

Zamana Hogaya Hai, Kissi Nein Itnay Piyar Sey Nahin Poochha Jaisay Aap Nein

Theossa, not that I want Pakistan to loose just to prove myself right, laikin na ghora dooor na maidaan.

Munir I stopped at kya chahiyeh deliberately but now you are asking for trouble.

Maar diya jayaie kay chor diya jayaie
Bol teray sath kay salook kiya jayaie

Munir is not anti anyone

I like Younis but I think I have a right to criticise him. It’s when you love someone, you have a right to scrutinize them.

I also like Afridi, infact I like him too much. If nothing else, he is one of my own

And finally Fawad, well well, I “like” him too. (BTW, how old is Fawad)

Javed Khan ………..

Kidhar Bhaagta Hai?

Munir, tum ne Javed se aise kaha jaise loag upne mehbooba se kehte hain aor us ne jawab bhe eik “Khatoon wale gane” se diya hai. LOL, yeh kia horaha hai yahan?

Theo …

Don’t worry positive/ positive repells only

Munir

If it is a pretty “+” I don’t repel

Khansahab

Abbhee Younis Khan nai batting shoro he nahin kee aor tumhara tire flat horaha hai. Lugta hai, it’s going to be “One man deflated squad” only.

Since Javed left, there is no fun for me

I have to leave also.

Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Rayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Here is the last one …
:twisted: :shocked:

Anyone knows others

LOL at Thurkey Munir today. Have a good one Bud.

Khansahab, it’s not working. I guess that Active X thing is not installed otherwise the connection I have is pretty fast

Dhoni elected to field whereas Graham Smith elected to bat. Interesting!

Team selection looks very shady to say the least. If they are not giving Fawad an opportunity in the warm-ups then what can we expect in the regular games? So much for my prediction Fawad playing in the T20 games. Biased selection, the most repeated story ever told.

I think Pakistan lacks the new ball bowlers to contain any opposition. Tanvir is completely off colored and Iftikhar has sweet gentle pace. Sohail Khan should be tried in the next game but I think Younis will insist with these two as he supports Tanvir. I wish we had Razzaq as he could bat as well.

Khansahab, I am agree. What bothers me the most why not in the *fn* warm ups? This is *fn* unreal.

They can still win it but if this is preview of what’s coming, it will be a horror movie. They need to get disciplined very quickly.

LOL, the best T20 bowler Umar Gul got murdered by Morkel, 3 sixes in row, Take that! I guess psychologist did a good job of telling guys, “It’s a team sport”, and everyone is going to screw their assignment

Calm down guys. It’s only warm ups. Things can only get better.

Fawad should get a chance against India.

India did well restricting NZ to 170

Butt seems like a liability. Not only in fielding but in batting too. They got to replace him with Fawad Alam.

Awas

You gave the impression that Pakistan was lame coz of warm-ups. What about the other team? If SA had played to their potential then lord o mercy. Like I said they need to get their act together very fast.

I’m not sure if Ahmed Shehzad is ready to play T20, there were better options than him. Very questionable team selection! Pakistan is going down.

Kamran Akmal is awful too; Pakistan is going down for sure.

Khansahab

Ahmed was trying to play his shots but took 27 balls to score 33 runs, not fast enough for T20 opener. So I am not agree. Yonis will do the rest

LOL, Younis stinks and I did too as I was expecting him to play! But he is the captain so he’ll be there. Awas got me into believing in Younis, damn you Awas!

Time to go home, Pakistan Zindabad

They have fallen like 9-pins.

Let’s watch India v NZ match. It’s more interesting.

The best match was Ireland v Holland.

I agree with Khansahab cent %!

If they’re not going to give Fawad and Aamer practice in these matches, then when r they going to try them?

Younis doesn’t even have to drop any seniors to get Fawad into the team.. just drop one of Salman and Ahmed and open with Akmal as Khansahab said…

Tanvir has been jaded for a long time now.. dont know why hes still around.

Theossa aur Humnawa,

I gave you guys to say your part of qawwali and now I am only smiling, whistling and at the same time yawning, because its too boring, very pathetic performance by Pakistanis on a perfect batting wicket. Not a single player batted well, they all played like novices and the KING PIN YOUNUS KHAN with his poor team selection should take a dive in CHULLOO BHUR PAANI.

Yes it is a warm match but tomorrow the newspapers, the breakfast shows will not say that, they will be talking about team strengths, their strategies and their execution. Younus will blabber, blabber with his usual brrrr brrrr brrrr and say I am happy, I am happy, we are learning we are learning and I am confident we will win the cup. Abay jaaa….. this is not how you win the cup. Look at Bangladesh at least they fought better than Pakistan and if they had to chase a total of 187 instead of 219 they would have done that. And, shame on Pakistan they scored 127 and were all out in the 20th over.

India were over confident and they thought they have nailed NZ but, the last two overs NZ managed to score 31 runs and reached to a respectable total. Rohit Sharma when interviewed by Sanjay Manjreker at the 15th over said, OH yeah, we will win, no problem, we have big hitters in Yousuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan and Bhajji, so no problem. And he was boasting about his IPL experience on the assumption that the game is in India’s pocket. Daniel Vittori’s one over changed the game and Dhoni has no words to blab. Post match speech may BAGHLAIN JHAANK REHA THA….

Anyways, I g2g now. Wait for June 3rd match between India and Pakistan that should be fun.

AFTER three overs when SA scored 30 plus runs in the warm up match, Wasim Akram said, “Pakistan team is looking rusty, because they have not played international cricket since a long time and they have only been playing domestic T20 matches in Lahore.” His co-commentator reminded him that recently Pakistan played against Australia in Dubai. Wasim Akram responded, yeah BUT that was a month and a half ago. Actually it was only 3 weeks ago. The Australia Pakistan T20 match was on May 07, in Dubai and on June 01, he was saying month and a half ago! Pata nahee kis duniya may rehta hai?

Secondly, he should do something with his nasal voice. He probably has a DNS (displaced nasal sinus) and it appears that his nose is eternally blocked (Daak Budd hai) try saying Naak Bundh hai by holding your nose with your fingers and see it sounds like, Daak Budd hai. Also, with his bad English and grammatical blasphemies he sounds like a twit. The problem is we have to bear him through out this T20 WC especially in every single match in which Pakistan is playing. Pra Waqqa tussi kithay raye gayoooOOo????

LOL @ (Daak Budd Hai) …

Sounds like the ‘post/ mail is closed’

khansahab

It’s a shame that Intikhab Alam prefers regular openers. The irony is that Butt will play one good innings perhaps against India tomorrow as he usually does and then we would be lumbered with him for another time we see such innings again. Kamran Akmal as a makeshift opener is a much better option, so that Fawad Alam can play in the middle somewhere.

However, when Intikhab said “that the players are not used to the conditions and the Pakistani team only landed in the UK 2 days ago so they will take some time to find form. He also blamed the fielding“. What is so negative about that? What else could he have said for a pathetic performance? Pakistan team is notoriously bad travellers as we have seen in past tours. So, I don’t see much negativity there.

khansahab posted some news item on Indian movie actor Amitabh Bachan who refused to go to Australia to collect the award that was being honoured to him by some Australian University. Below is some stunning news, which is compiled by Makhdoom Babar Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Mail, who prepared a report with additional reporting by Christina Palmer in New Delhi, Sandra Johnson in Washington D.C and Cherry Ferguson in London. Following are the excerpts of it and it is worth reading:

Indian movie star Amitabh Bachan who was a personal friend of Rajiv Gandhi got the cue. His brother later reportedly siphoned part of the Rs.64 crore kick-backs of the Swedish Bofor guns deal into setting up a private satellite channel by the name of TV Asia.

TV Asia enjoyed certain patronage from Indian government and intelligence agencies though it was financed privately. In return RAW enjoyed certain leverage on TV Asia; nonetheless its officials continued the campaign for having their own channel. The breakthrough was achieved when a high ranking RAW operative Vasant Parekh found a willing partner in the Chairman of Essel Group of Industries, Subash Chandra.

The Essel Group was mainly involved in the business of entertainment and amusement parks. Being an adventurous entrepreneur, Chandra indicated his willingness to Vasant Parekh for investing partly in the RAW’s satellite TV venture provided it also shared a big portion investment and backup support. RAW hierarchy did not require much persuasion to dole out a hefty amount of US$ 25 million as an initial participation share in the project. The deal was struck and the ZEE Television Network was formally launched in 1992 with Subhas Chandra as the Chairman and Vasant Parekh as the founding member on its Board of Directors. It was agreed to induct and employ a certain number of RAW operatives in all cadres of the network. RAW personnel were thus recruited amongst the program producers, anchors, newscasters, and even amongst the marketing and business managers.

The arrangement facilitates RAW to send its agents undercover to Pakistan and even other countries. Having a media tag gives these operatives an easy access to cultivate a number of personalities in the target country, which would have been otherwise difficult. The broad outline of the propaganda objectives of ZEE TV defined by RAW were:

—Repeat the Indian rhetoric of cultural and social uniformity of South Asian sub-continent, which is a cover for Indian hegemonic designs in the region, and especially with regards to Pakistan. RAW affiliated Indian media commentators make it a point to repeat this in order to nullify Pakistan’s unique ethnic, cultural and historical attributes.

—Malign Pakistan by a deliberate negative projection of the events and developments in the country. The aim is to systematically build a poor image of Pakistan may it be in the context of internal political developments, religious or social events, women issues, child labour, brick kiln workers, Ahmedi or Christian minorities, sectarian clashes, the MQM-ANP-BLA and other movements, foreign policy or bilateral relations with India. Although human rights violations, social, cultural, religious and economic problems exist in India at a much gigantic proportion, the Indian media and journalists abroad are tasked with downplaying these issues.

—Projection of India as a modern secular and progressive state which is the world’s largest democracy;

—Propagation of India’s foreign policy objectives and its position on Kashmir;

—Promotion of Hindu mythology through serials based on mythology as well as soap operas telecast on the network;

In pursuance of this policy ZEE lays special emphasis in cultivating prominent personalities in Pakistan for accomplishing the ideological agenda. Bigwigs in Pakistani entertainment and show biz, poets, writers, eminent sportsmen and politicians are a prime target.

The common modus operandi is that Pakistani celebrities are invited as chief guests or special guests to various ZEE television musical shows and events. A lot of praise is showered, calling them artists whose talent is not restricted by any boundary, frontier or divide and that the people of the two countries love each other, only the politicians conspire to keep them separated. Overwhelmed by the tremendous show of hospitality the artist either ends up unwillingly endorsing the host’s views or says something that is construed to be negating the ‘Two Nation’ basis of Pakistan’s independence. According to credible information RAW also sponsors organizing of performances, shooting of videos and securing of contracts for Bollywood movies and entertainment agencies for some of these personalities belonging to the Pakistan entertainment, film and music industries. GUESS WHO?

My Dear Khansahab …

Can we ever see any of your posts without some praises showered upon FAWAD and MUSHARRAF ??

It’s like no one really hates these good guys, but peoples (myself included) become fed-up of reading these “making-mountain-out-of-mole-hill” comments and showing their ‘Maskeeniyat’

Munir

Eik he hogaye Khansahab, Musharaf, aor Fawad
Na koi bunda raha na koi bunda nawaz

It’s like you can’t help but stick to your winking and that obnoxious smile

Intikhab Alam Lacks Vision in Front of His Eyes

To compete with an opposition a good coach will derive a strategy based of his team’s strengths and the opposition’s weaknesses. Even the dumbest Asian Coaches know that to beat Australia, England, and South Africa good spinners are vital. Warm up matches are a way to check and utilize the team’s bench strength and promote competition among the youngsters to earn a starter spot in the team. I have no idea what strategy Intikhab Alam has to compete in the T20 WC? Why Fawad Alam, M. Aamer, and Shehzaib Hasan were not given chances in the warm match against South Africa. Are they just the backups in case the seniors get injured? Any good team will not risk out of forms players in such a short format of game and in such a short tournament. Team should be composed of players that provide the best chance to win the game. What I find is a lack of vision by Intikhab Alam. In the previous T20 WC bold decisions were made to include Misbah-ul-Haq and Sohail Tanveer along with a good strategy of introducing Umar Gul at the death overs. I don’t see any creativity this time. Same old formula, keep playing the out of form players, keep the same batting order in ODI, Tests, and T20s and hope God Willing, it would work out. The way I look at it, this team is in disparate need of 2 allrounders in place of a regular out of form batsman and bowler. I agree with Khansahab; they should replace Sohail Tanveer and Iftikar Anjum with Fawad Alam and Mohd Aaamer. Mohd Aamer can hit some sixes and fours as well. Younis Khan, Misbah, and Malik should get some balls, take responsibility, and justify their place in the T20 squad or get the heck out to give way to some young blood.

Theo …

LOL @ ‘obnoxious smile’.

Good parody Shaairy.

Khansahab …

Yes one of your comment and 40+ articles you search and bring to our notice from various sources

I like Fawad and I definitely want Pakistan to do well, but how good is it keep playing the same tune about Fawad and injustices to him. We all know that there are so many talented Pakistani guys (Razzaq, Imran Nazir, Mohd Yousuf, etc. etc.) who can not play, so what. You never mention so much about them, then why only Fawad ?

I agree that Yunis and Misbah are not in form, and I want them to play well or move on, but it’s not exactly in my or your hand, is it ?

We have to live with some things, no matter how hard or unjust they seem.

Khansahab

LOL, they need to apply hot red chilli in the asses of Salman Butt, Younis Khan, Misbah, and Malik to get them some ecstatic flamboyance. I don’t see any other way. Btw, has any team tried introducing a spinner with the new ball in T20, how that worked out? The bowler must be good and although new ball doesn’t spin much it will still be hard to hit compared to faster one. If Fawad and Aamer are played, Mohd Aamer and Umar Gul can bowl 2 overs each and spin can be brought as early as in the 5th over. I think Saeed Ajmal is in good form and he can contain the opposition in the last overs along with Afridi and Gul. Middle 4 overs can be bowled by Fawad and Malik.

Theossa

Though I do not disagree with every word that Intikhab Alam says but you have summed up pretty well about his vision or lack of it actually.

He should never have been a manager or coach, whatever he is, at the first place. Amongst many silly comments, he once made the silliest statement about Shoaib Akhtar’s lifestyle when he was in the committee investigating Shoaib Akhtar’s performance that had nothing to do with the remit he was given to investigate.

If I’m not wrong, I saw Aqib Javed somewhere in the dressing room. A coach like him may be more imaginative as he was with the youth team.

Anyway, usually after a bad series or a cup, some heads do roll. After Pakistan’s exit, likely to be at the supper 8 stage, it would be Alam who would get a chop. No prises for guessing which Alam.

Munir: I would like to answer your question in one sentence, Fawad Alam is in the squad whereas the rest are not.

And, talking about injustice, one should not cease to talk about justice not being done simply because no one is paying any heed or, you are saying it more than once, twice or fifty times and assume that people are getting bored by repetition. When Nelson Mandela was in prison for 30 odd years, his supporters were constantly demanding for his release. I remember on Trafalgar Square, London there were some supporters of Mandela who were there permanently 24/7 for years and years displaying play cards saying, “Release Mandela.”

Fawad Alam is not being compared with Mandela, but the point is related to your objection that why is khansahab so persistent about including Fawad Alam in the team? And why shouldn’t he be persistent in campaigning for Alam? He too has the right to remain persistent like those who are against him and they are persistent in keeping him out. Whereas, you are one isolated case who believes that he should be in the team but, you don’t want to be a part of his campaign. Munir, remember this as thought of the day:

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Theossa,

Anil Kumble bowled the first over in the recent IPL and got a wicket in the first over, he got total 4 wickets in that match. Other than T20 many other spinners were used in 50 overs ODI. In 1992 World Cup, New Zealand Patel used to bowl the first over.

And, in many other T20 matches spinners have bowled from the 4th over onwards and halted the run rate and took wickets. Even in the current warm up match that is being played between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the later used spinners from 4th over.

Hear, hear, hear! The wise man “A”was speaks I am agree with you Awas about Intekhab Alam and you are absolutely right that he should not be coach or manager or anything to do with cricket. He should be in some old home watching Tom & Jerry cartoons on TV.

I am wondering what will Theossa be doing after this T20 WC if Pakistan is exited early because of Younus Khan’s beautiful smiles during “Happy Hours.”.

Javed

LOL

@ I am wondering what will Theossa be doing after this T20 WC if Pakistan is exited early because of Younus Khan’s beautiful smiles during “Happy Hours”

I’ll be watching him scoring centuries in test matches

Tujhe es bazaar ka dustoor mien samjha sukta nahin
Bik gaya jo woh khareedaar hosukta nahin

Bik gaya jo woh khareedaar hosukta nahin …Talking about Wasim Akram?

As usual tum nay sher ki taang tori, the correct sher is:

is bazaar ka dastur mai tujhe samja nahi sakta
jo bik gaya wo kharidar ho nahi sakta

Aur jab baat Sher ki hai tou ek Sher mera bhee sahee!

bekhudi ki zindagi hum jiya nahi karte
jaam dusron se cheen kar hum piya nahi karte
agar unko mohabbat hai toh hum se akar izaar karte
peecha hum bhi kissi ka kiya nahi karte

Javed

@
bekhudi ki zindagi hum jiya nahi karte
jaam dusron se cheen kar hum piya nahi karte
agar unko mohabbat hai toh hum se akar izaar karte
peecha hum bhi kissi ka kiya nahi karte

Munir would say in reply:

Perbaton se aaj mien takra gaya
Tum ne de awaaz lo mien aagya

In case you’ve missed his yesterday’s comments, he was jhaading tharak on you

My sher would be:

Mohabbat mujhe un hasseenon se hai
Summer mien jo pehente hain kum kum

Khansahab

I am totally agree with you regarding Fawad Alam. He should replace Malik asap. Butt can be replaced by that new player in the squad who emulates Sehwag. The batting order can be rearranged; Younis moving down the order will be better as, if 3 wickets fall early, he can come and consolidate. 1-down he is in the precarious situation where he has to attack immediately because of the “supposed” attackers down the order. In that case, he gets out under pressure. When he gets out trying to attack before he is set, the attackers are next in the order, and they have to defend and play time. Thus, the consolidators end up playing attackingly, and hitters end up playing defensively. Thus, the balance between attack and defense is needed, although it is amply clear after the first match that solid players are needed in 20/20, too. Pakistan got all out again and had trouble playing 20 overs.

Theo, the song you were referring to was not a woman’s song BUT it was GABBAR SINGH’s dialogue. It was then the “hero-wine” was translating his emotions by singing the song. Anyways, I cannot change your perception because at times you are in love with Natalie and then suddenly you have more strong feelings for Younus Khan.

Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka, but went down fighting till the last ball, unlike Pakistan’s pathetic performance against SA yesterday. And, YK was so happy that he did not attend the post match press conference.

Javed @ 213

Koi Fawad ko chaahe, koi Afridi ko chaahe
Theossa Younis ko nahin to Butt ko chaahe?

Omar

@
When Younis gets out trying to attack before he is set, the attackers are next in the order, and they have to defend and play time.

Very interesting point you make here! I hope anyone related to PCB reading this should take notice of creative ideas like this and pass it on to Intikhab Alam and company.

Khansahab

Who mujhe chahe ya na caahe, us ke chaahne ka ghum nahin
Butt ke saath her lumha, mujhe jannat se kum nahin

&

Fawad to allrounder hai, allrounder moqa payega
Musla Khansahab aor Polish Chick ka hai, yeh kidhar jaiga?

Uffoh Theossa Mehdi Hassan ban gaya! The only difference is you are not ugly like him

Adil Rashid of England bowls quite aggressively and he just got a wicket, seems like a good prospect for England.

Ps.

Expert xxDul will say am I agree!

OK guys lets discuss some serious cricket now. Talk about tomorrow’s warm up match between India and Pakistan. Who will play and how they will play? And, who will win and why?

Pakistan must play well tomorrow otherwise the morale of the team will be very low. But, history has shown that Pakistan always play bad in the earlier games and play well in the other big games. And, exactly the opposite happens when they win the earlier matches. I am not talking about the last T20 WC in SA but, in general.

Theossa

Butt kay bajai, Sidebottom chalay ga?

Ps

On second thought, Sri Lankan, KULA sekra ?

Javed

My and Awas’ predictions for the cricket games are like what Khansahab and You say about Younis, never true!

But since you asked, here is my bold prediction, Pakistan wins the match with Salman Butt playing anchor role. Younis, Akmal and Misbah put some 30 + odd each on the board. Afridi, Ajmal, and Gul restrict India. Fawad plays and score a quick fire 20 + and and……..

Khansahab

Mana keh Fawad ko Munir ney reject kardiya
Muggar Munir nai un tuk kis ko accept kia?

Khansahab @ 225

Meray I am agree ko tunha na chorr
Munir hogaya Fawad aur Musharraf sey bore
Kabhi tha Munir bhe intellectual individual
Hai us ke bhe vision in front of eyes hai no more

Did you see how NZ recovered from 21-5 to finish at 147, a competitive score at the end?

Why can’t Pakistan be expected to do something like that instead of keep falling like 9-pins?

Bund Ki Jaye Yeh Beytuki Shaayri

LOL @

“Meray I am agree ko tunha na chorr
Munir hogaya Fawad aur Musharraf sey bore

Khansahab Bhee Karney Laga Shaayri, Dekho Allah Ki Shaan
Tootti Hai Fawad Aur Musharraf Par Uss Ki Har Ik Taan

Waisey Tu Khansahab Hai Bohat Achha Bacha, Laikin
Jaata Hai Woh Tharak Kamaaney Key Liye ‘Polish’ Ki Dukaan

Kidhar Bhaage Yeh Geedhar Saray Kay Saray?
Jab “Shaer” Saamney Asya In Sab Kay Chubaray.
Hai Koi Jo Saamna Kar Sakay Iss Marad Ka Aaj?
Yaa So Gayae Hain Sub Bhaang Kay Saharay?

Kidhar Chhup Gaya Hai Yeh Administrator?
Dekho Aagaya Maidaan Mein Ab Terminator

Chhakay Pey Chhaka Dey Ga Aagay Sey Afridi
Jab Bhee Uss Ko Bowling Karaiga ‘Turbunator’

PS: Harbajan Singh is called ‘Turbunator’ becuase of his Turban

:devil:

Let me try again …

Munir

Good stuff!

I guess they have all gone to sleep. Why are you up so late? Bhabi nay kooch keh dia?

It’s only 11.42 pm here in Dubai, and I guess in USA and Canada, it must be day.

So I guess they are ‘Day Dreaming’

Aur Rahi Baat Bhabi Ki, Woh Tu Beychari Bohat Achhi Hai, Kuchh Nahin Kehti

Mohammad Munir

What is with all the emoticons?

Good sher about Khansahab and the Polish chick

Munir

You are so lucky. I’m envious.

Zabardast! This is awesome news. I hope they actually implement it.

And I hope they drop Butt, Not Shehzad.

They must have read comment 194

Aur Rahi Baat Bhabi Ki, Woh Tu Beychari Bohat Achhi Hai, Kuchh Nahin Kehti — Munir

Vo kuch nahee kehti ya usko pata nahee kay tum raat gaye kya kertay ho? jhoota!

I don’t think they must have read our comments but, I am sure we are not the only one who are talking about the opening conundrum and inclusion of Fawad Alam. The whole world, I mean the nation, experts and fans like us are raving and ranting since a long time. And, of course I want BUTT to exit and let Ahmad Shahzad play, but Shahzad should not get too defensive, otherwise there is no point. In T20 a strike rate of 100 is not acceptable, it must at least be 150.

Pakistan should realize that all the teams are having problems playing the spinners so they must make use of all 4 spinners i.e., apart from Afridi and Ajmal, they should use Malik and Alam. Tanvir is totally out of form and he keeps bowling line no-balls, which makes him more nervous and cautious and he completely looses his line and length and get hammered all along the park. Batting wise also he is not effective, so they must give Arafat a chance if they want to play 3 seamers. If Fawad Alam is in then who is out? Has to be one of the fast bowlers. So, no need for Arafat then.

Finally, Younus Khan has to score big otherwise he would be in tremendous pressure and its not good for a captain to be under pressure. Then he won’t be able to focus on other issues such as field placement, bowling changes as and when required according to the situation, change in batting order as and when required. There must be a plan, and then there must be a backup plan to remain fluid and flexible.

Tomorrow is a big game, although it is a warm up game but with India it is always a battle of nerves. Whoever wins would have more psychological advantage over the other for the next games.

Theossa …

LOL @ your reasons for V-Talk’s sluggish pace of comments.

Actually, V-Talk is slow because Amir Iqbal (aka Abdul) and DRC are busy with their exams, while Omer may be busy ‘helping’ someone with their exams

Omer …

Regarding the ‘emotions’, well I was just trying to remind myself of how many icon I knew

Anyway, do you know some more then the ones I have put there ?

On the ‘Polish’ girl, I knew you would like that

Javed Khan …

Seems like you keep yourself quite busy over there in Canada, and reading your details I wish to visit Canada for once. I can imagine your swimming pool with all those lovely flower and you surely seem to have good gardening skills. So then, do you also grow your own vegetables which you cook so well ?

LOL @ your comment no. 244 (Jo Bhee Sumjho)

Khansahab …

I liked your Indian Gaanou Sey Churaai Hoi Shaayri

I know you won’t believe this, but trust you me, that I will be very happy if Fawad played continuously throughout this entire T20 tournament and I will be even more happy if he performed consistently. I know he is good and definitely a utility player, which we do not have many in our current team.

In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage Pakistan has going into this T20 event, is not having many good utility players. Look at India for instance; they have many batting bowlers, and similarly bowling batsmen, while almost all are good fielders. Same is the situation with most of the other teams, but when it comes to Pakistan, we have Salman, Shahzad, Younis, Misbah who can not even field well, let alone the bowling option. Likewise, our bowlers like Tanveer (who is out of touch), Ajmal, Rao Iftikhar, even Yassir and etc. are not much good for batting.

Whereas we have only a few players like Afridi, Malilk, Akmal, Gul who can qualify as utility players and therefore, it will be great to have Fawad in our team who can bat, bowl, and field very well also.

On Musharraf, well, I guess the news is not good. You will be surprised to know that not only PML(N) is asking for his head, but an FIR (First Information Report) is already opened in Quetta blaming Musharraf directly for the murder of Bhugti. Now you may come back strongly and give me a thousand reasons to justify and clearing Musharraf, but the fact of the matter remains that Musharraf can be tried in Pakistani court of law.

If Bhutto can be charged and hanged supported by an FIR, and what stops that from happening to Musharraf ?

Further, unconfirmed news is that Musharraf is staying in Pakistan only till Zardari is in power because Zardari have assured him a full protection and protocol of an active duty COAS, which he in enjoying till today. This, supposedly, is all part of an ‘underground’ deal administered by Pakistan’s masters in USA and Zardari is obliged to fulfill it. You already know that he have purchased a property in UK, and this shows that he is keeping his ‘lifeboat’ ready for any unforeseen scenarios in Pakistan.

This time surly Wasim Akram has said the right things???

“….and as 1st class citizens of Pakistan, what they want, will happen” khansahab, thank for the nice hounour, yeah we are the best
But nothing will happen to Mush he is safe here.

LOL @ Awas’s reassurance for Mush

So finally the great Khansahab have stated, “Nawaz Sharif, the most popular politician in Pakistan”.

It’s strange though, I think currently Nawaz is the most ineffective and powerless personal in Pakistan political circus

Munir: Prior to this statement, I remember khansahab saying a few more times about Mian Shahab that he is the most PPinP. That is because of his jingoistic attitude and he commands 100% support from 60% of the population of Pakistan, the equation is very simple.

Btw, you are mistaken, NS is not ineffective or powerless at all, in fact its the other way round. The only problem is, at the moment he is not at the center and when he will be there, you will see his Meesna pun again. Otherwise, both Badmash Brothers have a lot of clout in Punjab and they do a lot of backseat mothering in politics by controlling the police and the judiciary. The biggest Chaudhary Madari is sold out to them and whenever they say, ‘good boy; shaaabaash roll-over’ and he does that.

About your imagination of the pool and flowers. It reminds me of what Karzai said when he went to point zero in NY after 911. He said, “I still see the two towers standing there and my eyes get filled with tears….” Bhai jaan – I wrote, “I got rid of the pool last year i.e., due to heavy maintenance and less utilization owing to the weather conditions here.” So, from where the hellO, can you imagine the pool? And, yeah if you visit this part of the world make sure it is in JULY otherwise, we have winter for you guys here. One of my friends from Dubai came here in August and it was a warm day and we had BBQ lunch in our backyard and he asked me if I can get him a sweater or a jacket ‘coz its cool. It was 26C ++++ and he said yaar mujhay sardee lag rehi hai.

Like I wrote yesterday that not only us, but experts, critics and Pak cricket fans ALL are criticizing team selection and thats the reason they are thinking of dropping Salman Butt. Now, Wasim Akram has said and so also a few others, here is an excerpt from Osman Samiuddin’s latest article on cricinfo.

“Weaknesses.

Around Pakistan’s batting swarm an uncomfortably high number of question marks. Is Salman Butt really a Twenty20 opener (a strike rate of 94 and one fifty in 13 internationals), given his inability to at least rotate the strike when not finding the boundary? Is Younis Khan cut out for this format - he himself seems unsure about it, hinting recently it may be his last Twenty20 assignment – and if so, what position is best? What is Shahid Afridi’s best position, and Kamran Akmal’s? “

See these are the same questions we have been asking since a LONG, LONG TIME ON THIS BLOG.

After reading Osman Samiuddin’s article on cricinfo, I was wondering:

Whether Younus Khan was referring his last T20 assignment as the warm up match against South Africa? Or, is he saying this WC is his last T20 assignment? I want him to do justice with the team, either he should score and make runs or, he should step down in favour of Afridi and let him take the lead role. The selectors are biased and they bend over backwards only when the whole world is against them. Otherwise, they think they are the Badshahs and no one can question their actions or decisions.

Osman Samiuddin has also mentioned about the new Wasim Akram type fast bowler Mohammad Aamer and Shahzaib Hassan as the explosive opener, but I don’t remember reading anything in support of Fawad Alam.

Has anyone noticed how Malik is sneaking in the playing XI? He is like a STEALTH When he is not the captain and he is not performing, he is not effective and he yet he is totally obscured like a stealth and no one talks even about his presence or talk about jettisoning him except for his old enemies like Omer Admani and khansahab who are ever so persistent of getting rid of him from the team. Well, I would still keep him in the team, because there is no one else in the squad.

If Abdul Razzaq was in the squad then Malik had no place. But, not the sleeping Razzaq, not the double minded Razzaq who doesn’t know whether to wear a cap or a helmet and he wears both, and not the spinach eating Razzaq, but the aggressive all-rounder who used to reduced Tendulkar to Rendulkar and tore New Zealand apart with his long handle. I want that Abdul Razzaq in the team.

Munir:

Are you aware of the fact that, apart from Caspian Sea Russian Beluga caviar, the best caviar in the world can be bought in Istanbul Turkey? And, yes I have Tomatoes, cucumber, green chillies (desi) mint, chives growing in the backyard. And, of course, cherries and mulberries

khansahab

U have used the right word for Nawaz Sharif that he is an opportunists and waiting for the right moment and you have rightly pinpointed or highlighted the fact that BritAm are poking their nose too much in Pak Politics, in other words they are controlling the government hence NS doesn’t want to be at the center.

Seems like Munir is packing his suitcase, since the cat is away he wants to be outdoors to play with kittens aren’t you delighted to read this Munir? Well, you should look like a Turkish Delight!!!

Ps

I am going to watch the two matches live on TV, hence I won’t be commenting too much on the blog, may be in between but not while the game is on.

In politics they all are “opportunists and waiting for the right moment”. Zardari got his moment alright; Mian Saab is waiting for his.

The problem is there are no real viable alternatives, so the status quo continues. When will people rid themselves of Zardaris and Sharifs? It doesn’t look like any time soon.

khansahab

“Osman Samiuddin has also mentioned about the new Wasim Akram type fast bowler Mohammad Aamer and Shahzaib Hassan as the explosive opener, but I don’t remember reading anything in support of Fawad Alam”.

Well, he doesn’t read LS then. I thought he was a good journalist!!!

Now SL are 36/5…worse than Pakistan?

I had meant to write “Javed”…Ooops!

Javed Khan …

That Turkey trip was our little secret, but you have disclosed it to all, just like Khansahab did with Awas

You and Khansahab … are you too really not one

Anyway, I will surely try that caviar, I know it is a special and expensive thing, but I somehow don’t like the taste that much.

I am impressed with your ‘Maali-Baazi’ (Is there anything you can’t do?)

I too have a few flowers and some vegetables, but it is not easy keeping them in UAE and they are not for eating rather only for decoration and like a Chhoti-Moti habit.

Sri Lanka scored only 108 but, they made South Africa workout to win. Imagine if SL had scored 140-150 and Murali was also playing and they hadn’t dropped 3 simple catches? I am sure in the more serious matches they will be a tough nut to crack.

Similarly we are forgetting the underdogs like West Indies and that team with Gayle and Bravo can change the game and win against any team. In 2004 they won the Champions Trophy in England when no one thought they would. So, let us not be fixed only on Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan.

Pakistan for sure is not the same side as they were in 2007 in SA without Imran Nazir and Asif. Also, Misbah and Tanvir are totally out of form these days. Too much hopes are pinned on Afridi once again and that is not right. Focus on the stealth player too, he is hiding behind others

Munir - what secret? I never said anything and no one understood so why are you exposing your eggs like a Sardarji? And, hell no we are not one person, khansahab is khansahab and moi et moi.

When will people rid themselves of Zardaris and Sharifs? It doesn’t look like any time soon. Awas

They will not change, the rich are not interested, bakaoz they are the one who are benefiting most, the middle class or the educated class (which is very nominal in Pakistan) are too scared and, the poor are in majority and they are ignorant and exploited.

In order to bring about a change, i.e., to motivate, inspire and bring a revolution you need a true, honest, sincere leader and you don’t see any. By the way Imran Khan does not have all those qualities so, I don’t see him bringing any change, if he had its almost 17 years since he is in politics he should have brought a change by now. So, “I am agree” with Awas.

Munir: Aur bhee bahot see baaziyan hoti hain jin may Patang Baazi bhee ek cheez hai laikin “Maali Baazi” koi cheez nahee hoti, balkay “Maali Geeri” hoti hai. You know I am into a lot of DIY stuff and I have a lot of tools in my garage so, I keep myself busy at home. You not only save money because of expensive labour here, you enjoy doing it, you feel a sense of accomplishment and you stay fit.

India Pakistan match is about to start I can hear, “Jeetay ga Bhai Jeetay ga” naaray. This Naara was created in Sharjah by the Pakistani people and it rhymes more when they say, Jeetay ga bhai jeetay ga Paaakistaan jeetay ga, rather than India jeetay ga. Slowly they realized that it doesn’t rhyme so they say Hindustaan jeetay ga. Normally they never use the word Hindustan in day to day language.

The pitch report is about to be aired……. so ttyl guys.

Hi Folks,

Regular reader of your blog here, seldom post.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, good choice I think no matter what the pitch says. In T20 I don’t think it really matters as it is all about nerves and if it comes down to the wire it all depends on who can pull off a few lucky shots.

I think both teams are on equal footing here, Indians are a bit overconfident, this is when they perform the poorest, last time around no one gave them a chance and they pulled off a few lucky wins, of course they did play well as a unit in the key games, but luck is very much needed in this format.

It’s always thrilling to watch an indo-pak match, no matter if it is a warm up or a final.

Of course I’d like India to win, being an Indian supporter. But let the team who perform the best win today.

Javed, about that chanting you referred, you are right it rhymes well with Pakistan, and it was created in Sharjah by Pakistanis, I’ve hated it every time I’ve heard it, because that meant Indians were losing another game in Sharjah. I never liked the version with Hindustan in it, it almost makes me squirm, because you never refer to India that way, most Indians and people of Indian origin like me have the strong belief in the plurality of Indian society, the word Hindustan implies it has to do something with Hindu religion, although my own thought is that it originated from the ancient Indus valley – the place that is now in Pakistan. Anyhow, personally I dislike the usage.

Back to cricket, almost time now…

Khansahab …

Will you say something about Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran’s batting ?

Sorry, I am not getting the match and so I can’t comment much

Pakistan have come to their actual game now

They are 4 down

Javed Khan …

I will be looking forward to your post-match report with interest, as I am not watching in live.

BTW, it’s Maali-Geri or Maali-Baazi, …. all I have to say it that:

Baat Samajh Mein Aagai Naan ? Tu Phir ?

For once I ‘phully’, totally and unconditionally am agree with Khansahab, no matter who sits out, Fawad should play.

Out batting is letting us down throughout

Game is swinging like anything…way to go!

Younis Khan is happy with the falls of quick wickets, because he is not justified with his test-cricket-style-batting.

He is 2 run in 7 balls, and no one can blame him, as this is what is now required with 4 down

Awas …

Yes rather then the ‘ball’ swining, it is the ‘game’ swinging in UK conditions

Pakistan has a great run-rate, which is what matters in 20-20!!!

There was no need to bring in a rookie, whether Sehwag like or not, in a game like that. They should have brought Fawad instead. And why is Yasir included? That Wasim like bowler would have been a better choice.

I think they got the batting order right.

Today the top 4 didn’t click. Even if they end up making around 150 then, it is pretty good. When the top 4 will click, they will make around 200.

Seems like some part of the team management has been reading LS

Fawad Alam can easily replace Malik.

Oh, Mohd Amir is in…this might be a good move.

Poor batting by Pakistan…not enough score. The only good thing is that its getting dark and that might work in Pakistan’s way.

Khansahab

It was a good knock considering the circumstances. I don’t understand what exactly you want to see, batsmen hitting the ball here and there, and getting out within 5 overs?

It is obvious that defensive players and consolidaters are also needed in 20/20. It is about the balance of the team more or less.

Not every player bats with a certain strike rate, there is always a mix of players who play with various strike rates.

I think Shoaib Malik sums up the situation well:

“We started brillinatly, but lost three wickets in five balls and from then on we struggled a bit,” says Shoaib Malik on the side lines.

Khansahab

You have to consider that every batsmen can’t have a strike-rate of 150, there are some who consolidate in a “difficult” period, there are others who perform various other tasks, not every role is the same role, and not every circumstance is the same circumstance. I wouldn’t be fixated with a number for s/r in my mind like this, if you feel that Fawad Alam should play, Malik is the man to be replaced.

You are saying that Pak would have made 130-140 had Younis played all the way, I feel they would have made 160-170. He would have accelerated when set, and when the circumstances required him to hit.

Just look at Misbah, he also accelerated when the circumstances required him to and when he was set.

Had Arafat come earlier, he would have had to play defensively because of the “circumstances” and either would have ended up with a lower-strike rate eventually or would have gotten out before the time came to hit. In any case, I am happy with the current batting order and line-up. Fawad Alam would ideally replace Malik though.

I agree with Omer, you do need hitters as well as stable batsmen. If an Afridi like batsman had come in place of Younus then he might too have got out first ball. It’s a funny game. So, in the context of the game Younus’ type knock might be the one that matters.

Its not a good total after all but the one wich sets the game up at least.

Darkness might come handy though for Pakistan

hardly a face-saving totaly, against this strong Indian batting.

Our bowlers have to really bowl their heart out to make it a match.

I think Pakistan is in with a good chance if they can get the openers early. Also 140-160 seems to be the standard score every time India plays Pakistan….

All the links i knew are not working if anyone knows any working online link Please let me know….

INNINGS BREAK…………. PAKISTAN 158

Defendable? Not really, it all depends if they bowl exceptionally well and field well too.

1. Shahzaib was greeted with two mild bouncers and he felt intimidated and threw away wicket.
2. With Akmal’s arrival there was a moment of madness, followed by fours and then, there was another moment of mandness and inexperience.
3. Ahmad Shahzad played 4 or 5 very good shots after being dropped by Harbhajan, but his inexperience triggered the collapse. How?
4. When Ishant Sharma bowled 2 dot balls, on the third he wanted to rotate the strike and give Kamran Akmal a chance but, there was no run there, first he called him and then backed off. Had Akmal stayed there things would have been different.
5. Then he played two more dot balls and wanted to hit a six of the last and ended up skying the ball.
6. Sending Afridi at that juncture was a very stupid idea, YK or Malik should have come to bat at that time.
7. Younus and Misbah tried to rebuild the innings but, that was too late and 158 is not enough total to defend against India. The pitch is good for 200 plus.

Let us see how they bowl?

Wasim Akram and his nasal anecdotes:

This Meather is a bit cold for our players. Only his W got upside down
A lot is happing here…………. One of the “N’s” got lost in his long nose.

I remember when W & W were playing South Africa and Wasim came in to bat, one of the spectators quickly scribbled Wasim’s caricature on a play card and wrote, “With such a long nose, Wasim doesn’t need a bat.”

khansahab, hint, hint @ lambi naak, Awas don’t comment on this it will be like pouring salt on wounds.

Khansahab

I don’t judge players based on domestic cricket when they have been playing international cricket for 5,6 years. I think it is quite redundant to be honest. Also, I don’t look at domestic record when I see a player new at international cricket if it seems that he has a lot of talent. Conversely, a player can be very good at domestic cricket but if he is a consistent failure at international cricket or doesn’t contribute in terms of quality and pressure, the role ascribed to him, or the like, I think he is perfectly suited for domestic cricket for the rest of his career.
Apart from these circumstances, I think domestic cricket can be a good indicator.

Obviously you think differently and I can understand that, there are various different point of views on any subject. However, the players you have supported like Mohd Hafeez, Shoiab Malik, Hassan Raza, and the like, are consistent failures at the top 11. They don’t contribute in terms of quality. The players you have been neutral to, such as, Mohd Yousof, Abdul Razzaq, Younis Khan…and the like, I think they are quality cricketers who come to the fore when the team needs them. It is a question of potential and how much they can raise their game when it matters rather than entertain everyone in mundane frivolity on flat pitches, against mediocre bowling, and without much pressure in domestic cricket. Of course, domestic cricket counts, but by no means it is a determinant, for me, in many circumstances.

Umar Gul should not bowl the first over. They are using him because Tanvir is not in form. I think YK should have asked the young lad to open the bowling Aamer. Arafat skids the ball well, so lets see. But, Gambhir has already hit 2 fours of Umar Gul and they are going well. I am anxious to see Mohammad Aamer, I never saw him bowling.

Gambhir could have been run out, poor throw. Anyways, Arafat has so far bowled his first over sensibly and now lets see if YK persist with Umar Gul or change? No he has not changed Umar and Gambhir has played the same shot again and another four. I don’t understand why Younus can’t see this and change him now?

I don’t understand why Younus Khan cannot see this and change Umar Gul now? He is expensive when he opens the bowling, but he is very good in the death overs. Why is he not using Mohammad Aamir?

Javed

Rest assured, khansahab need not worry. I will tell not comment on that lambi naak wala secret.

I think Indians are playing the new bowler Mohammad Aamir safely, since they haven’t seen him before, looks like he is trying too hard and not getting his rhythm going.

It’s too early to say anything since in T20 a few quick wickets can get the run rate climbing and all of a sudden you find yourself running out of overs. Just like Royal Challengers found out in the IPL final.

But India has plenty of batting to come, so if they bat sensibly this match they should win. As for Pakistan, they need few quick wickets followed by some very disciplined bowling to get this over to their side.

Khansahab

Against Aus in the last world cup, Younis won the match. It was he who stabilized the innings, improvised when required, and the like. Malik also played 1 good innings (or 2) in the tournament but Malik is not “good enough” a 20/20 players to justify selection in 20/20 despite his failings in one day and test cricket. I know ehere you will go now, to that one innings he played in 2001 (2003?) against SA where Pakistan eventually lost the match, but Malik made a big score. That one innings is why he is in the team and what everyone points to when justifying his inclusion.

If you were to say, we have a Watson or Yousof Pathan, who are 20/20 specialists, and Malik is at that level in 20/20 that he justifies selection, I’d agree. However, Malik is not good enough, and being slightly better or as good or a bit worse at 20/20 then test or one day players doesn’t count as a 20/20 specialist. In any case, Pak played Aus in Sharjah recently, and now we have these matches, lets see what the king of Zimbabwe does over a course of a longer run of matches.

88/0 in ten overs seems like India will win this match by 10 wickets. Pakistani bowling is pretty mediocre and both Indian openers are batting superbly. There is no match at the moment.

Javed Khan …

Thanks for your comment no. 301, it summed up the entire first innings for moi.

Pakistan seems to be heading toward another humiliating defeat.

Khansahab …

You are in UK, so please take some time out and go and meet Younis Khan in person and tell him to play Fawad.

Younus Khan was out playing a predetermined reverse sweep shot, he showed Harbhajan his intentions very early and he bowled a little more wider and Dhoni did the rest. Whereas, just now Rohit Sharma played a reverse sweep of Ajmal and played it so late and so delicately and nicely. Younus should learn from him. Like I said, right now there is no match. Indian openers have dominated and to me the match is over now.it is 105 for no loss and plenty of overs left.

I guess someone should tell him to explain why they (Captain, Manager, Coach, Management) are all teaming-up against the poor lad.

This is totally wrong.

Does Pakistan have another warm-up match ?

Or is it that they are ‘heated’ enough in these two defeats ?

Just look at India’s batsmen, they are playing with a strike-rate of 120 and have easily put the team in a position to chase a target. One can easily imagine this strike-rate to fall a bit if 4 wickets were down. Intelligent batting. Sharma has now started to accelerate once in a position it makes sense to.

If Ghambir came at 50-4 in the first innings while setting a target, I don’t see him to be stupid enough to play hit and miss as soon as he enters the crease.

Leme say in advance…a much better team won at the end. Congratulations India!

A wonderful knock by Rohit Sharma

I thoughts like the last match there would be no lights but they turned the lights on this time. I wish they hadn’t

Awas

I am agree, in all this bits-and-pieces melee, nobody is paying attention to the fact that genuine bowlers are also needed. So far, Pakistan haven’t bowled well. Not that they lost, but India chased too easily. 150-160 is a par score and it shouldn’t be this easy to chase.

Well .. I think the bowlers let Pakistan down, granted the pitch looks very good for batting and the total was not sufficient, but still the bowlers gave away too many extras. The fielding wasn’t sharp enough either, they missed two run outs at least. I’d have preferred to see a fighting contest, but having said that Indians could get overconfident from this experience and that would be their undoing in the coming matches.

Khansahab

You don’t get a strike-rate of 200 in singles and by nudging the ball in the gap. The math here doesn’t add up. Ghambir has played sensibly and does so. As did Younis Khan.

khansahab

Musharraf is only one mile away from me. What shall I tell him?

LOL LMAO @ Awas ……

Tell Mush to go back to Pakistan and patch-up with Justice Chaudry

I am sorry India lost the one and only wicket, actually it should have been a 10 wicket win to teach Pakistan a fitting lesson.

It will be real fun lisening to Younis’s post-match interview today

Yeah right and Munir also loves him

So Awas, how far is Altaf the Boss from you ?

I felt Afridi getting out first ball affected him. The ones who could watch the match (like Javed) may agree. In the dugout, he looked very off colour and stressed sitting next to Omer Gul. This must have affected his bowling too.

Pakistan team has proved me wrong. I said India will win by 10 wickets but, they won by 9, I am ashamed for wrong prediction. Mohammad Aamir the only wicket taker seems to be a good prospects for Pakistan and he needs more confidence as well as guidance from his bowling coach and others about how to bowl in English conditions.

Pakistan needs to sort out:

1. Their top three batsmen i.e., who will bat through out the tournament and not change them or experiment so much.

2. They also need to sort out their bowlers for the first 6 overs.

If fast bowlers aren’t working, start with spinners. Don’t let the opposition get away like today.

Duddoo Younus Khan at the post match interview is saying youngsters are learning from this game, he is referring to Ahmad Shahzad and Mohammad Aamir, but he is not saying anything about the seniors i.e., him and ALL others who played badly, are they learning too?

Awas, I am agree with you and I noticed that sad long face and me too I had a feeling that he will be out first ball against Irfan Pathan who has nailed him a few times earlier. Irfan uses his head Afridi uses his emotions. I think Afridi should stop this mind game with him of hitting him for a six on his first ball.

A clinical performance by India. Although Rohit should have stayed till the end, but I guess he was given the message to finish off the innings quickly. Dhoni is a very shrewd captain.

I am really amazed at the way Younus Khan is handling such losses. He is taking things so casually. Even in his post match presentation, he seemed to have a smile. How can a captain afford a smile in such a huge loss, even if its a warm up game?

Sohail Tanvir, the last time I saw him was in IPL 1, was a great swing bowler. The commentators kept saying why he wasn’t utilized in the opening overs when the ball is hard and swings a lot.

There are some tactical flaws I think, which needs to be ironed out for Pakistan to reach the semifinals.

khansahab

Unless a miracle happens, they will be out after the first round. At least the match I’m going to see at Lords they are likely to win

Khansahab

I was studying to be an Actuary, but I am doing Master’s in Financial Engineering now.

Singles and doubles don’t add upto a strike rate of 200 (I suppose you have realized that). A strike rate of 200 can be achieved in doubles if the batsmen were to make 6,8, or 10 runs, but find me an occasion of 6 consecutive doubles, let alone a batsman scoring 50 with 25 consecutive doubles. It doesn’t happen. A batsman who takes a single and a double each time every ball ends up with a strike rate of 150 (much below 200) but this doesn’t happen for too long either.

What usualluy happens is that the batsman plays the circumstances, gets set, and then accelerates.

Although it is true my actuarial and mathematics for finance knowledge does contribute to the way I see players. Risk and return is how I try to understand them, the expected returns they will offer, and their riskiness.

For instance, the way I see Malik:

He will score his 20 or 30. He will not score too high or too low (he is not a volatile asset). In this case, he will not win matches because he will not score high or provide an exceptional return. Thus, he is not the same value as another player with an average of 30 who is a more volatile asset (score less than 5, or make 80 and win a match). Thus, the way I see players is based on these assumptions of the payoff (the likely long-term averages) but more importantly also of volatility (how much does the score deviate from the standard). It is based on this Actuarial knowledge that I argue against Malik, because a player which won’t win a match, but will consistently add runs, needs to have a much higher standard of average (40 or more). Other than that, of course, is the whole question about quality, oppositions, and the like. So, Khansahab, enough thought goes in my analysis, and it is certainly worth more than the appreciation it receives from you

I hope this is what Pakistan team needed to shed up its lethargic mindset. First of all, it was the wrong selection to begin with, and then, the playing XI selections, batting order, bowling changes, lack of planning or a back-up plan has exposed our limitations.

Its a blessing that these shortcomings have come to the fore now and not during the proper tournament. That was the main purpose of these warm-up matches and they have done their part.

If the Captain, the Coach, the Manager and other FREE-RIDERS who are responsible for planning (or mis-planning,so far) have run out ideas, they should distance from the team and hand over the reins to Shahid Afridi to atleast see us through to the semi-finals.

However Afridi HAS attacked Pathan with limited success, he hit Pathan during that 45 ball century at Kanpur. khansahab

As far as I remember Irfan Pathan did not play in that match. Afridi started with Balaji 23 runs in one over, Anil Kumble 23 runs in one over, Mongia 22 runs in one over. Then he slammed Zaheer Khan twice 10 runs in two overs and 8 in third, a couple more and then finally after hitting Harbhajan for a four, the first ball he blocked after his 101 he was out. I don’t remember Irfan Pathan was even playing for India? You remember it wrongly. It was Zaheer Khan and not Irfan Pathan.

Mr. Kasim, Omer Admani & khansahab

Mr Kasim

Yes you are right but, handing over the reins to Shahid Afridi is like asking for stars from the sky, no one at this juncture will make him the captain, even if Younus Khan gets injured or sick the vice captain will take over and that is Misbah not Afridi. So, lets be realistic with our demands.

Pakistan needs to decide who will open and who will come at number three? Shahzaib scored a zero but, he may not score a zero again, may be he will score 15 – 20 runs. So, is it worth trading off with Fawad Alam?

In my opinion, Akmal and Ahmad Shahzad must open and Malik must come at number 3. The rest is all easy. And, there is no need to experiment and re-experiment at this stage, because the time for experimentation is over. Its time to stick with one option and these 3 players must not be disturbed even if the desired results are not achieved in one or two matches. But, the confidence they will get through assurances that they will not be shuffled or dropped will bear good results.

Similarly in the bowling department they need to decide who will bowl the first 6 overs? Although Wasim Akram says you must use your best bowlers to open the bowling. “I agree Nat” bakaoz, Umar Gul despite being the best bowler is not as effective with the new ball as he is with the old ball or in the death overs. So, he should not be wasted. The moment he is hammered the morale of the team is shattered and that is because Sohail Tanvir is also out of form.

Therefore, Mohammad Aamir must open the bowling, the question is whether Yasir’s handy batting should be weighed to off-set his mediocre skid bowling? Or, bring Rao Iftikhar to contain the runs? I would gamble for Rao (especially after seeing these two warm up matches in which fast bowlers are bowling like novices.) And, I don’t think Pakistan will need the batting services of their tail-enders in the next matches so its not that important whether Arafat scores a handy 20 or Rao scores 10. Its not a matter of 5- 10 runs through batting but, by containing the opposition runs is more important. Like Dhoni said, if the target is 160 you think it is achievable, but when it is 180 suddenly there is pressure. Its true. And the pressure of 200 is even more, because it starts from the word GO.

Omer Admani

Despite all the actuarial sciences and stats and the analysis that you have provided, despite the fact that I was very much against Malik’s captaincy, I think Malik is still a valuable player for T20 and when the going is good his contributions are worthy. Therefore, I will not discard Malik. In order to bring in Fawad Alam you have to see who needs to be dropped? I think the rookie Shahzaib can be replaced with Fawad Alam for sure. So lets be realistic rather than emotional and judgebaati.

khansahab.

I do agree with you that Pakistan can’t play against India, SA or Australia, England and even West Indies with this kinda pathetic performance. There seems to be more than what meets the eye especially in case of Fawad Alam. Younus Khan is a real dumb captain his on and off the field behavior is unacceptable, is he a captain or a clown? What is he trying to prove? If he cannot take the game seriously he should step down NOW.

The wickets in England are prepared for batting and the bowlers cannot make much out of it, so teams with good batting strengths are definitely going to have an edge over the teams with strong bowlers. Therefore, I have been raving and ranting for a good balance. Unfortunately at the moment Pakistan’s bowling and batting is pathetic. Until and unless a good balance is created i.e., the two points I wrote above about openers and number three. And the first 6 overs i.e., who will bowl? If this can be tackled the rest of the equation is simple.

Kasim sahab

There is one more point that I would like to add and that is based on your opening sentence and a simple question too, that is because you have witnessed more cricket than I have so you must be knowing and isn’t it true that, Pakistan team always plays better if they loose the first few matches, don’t they?

These warm up games must be a blessing to regroup, reorganize, re-think, re-plan and learn from the past mistakes. No damage has been done yet, but from June 5th every single win will count and they have to work hard to get in to the next round. So, do you agree with me or not about these losses against SA and India are a kinda blessing?

It’s a new day guys, cheer up and let the by gone be the by gone.

We will be a different team once the all important matches start, and I hope that Pakistan learnt their lessons and will play Fawad in all remaining games.

Most of the guys on LS mentioned that Younis Khan is smiling/ laughing in spite of such pathetic performances in these warm-up games, and this is the most annoying part and this is the exact and the only reason why I ridicule him and his casual attitude. (This is NOT a Pathan/ Pushtoon behavior).

More then his personal performances, I am worried for his attitude. Younis thinks he is doing such a big favour to Pakistan and Pakistani cricket fans by accepting the captaincy. And if PCB or the Management said something harsh to him, he will once again throw the captaincy back in their face like he did before. This is so wrong.

BTW, there is a chance that Pakistan may play India on 14 June, that is if India is number one in their pool and Pakistan is second in their respective group. So it’s not the end of the world you see, and we may have our chances to settle the score with them

PS: I will be traveling to Turkey for few days and will not be able to comment much, but I will try to make a point to read LS regularly. I will also not be able to see few games and any comments/ analyses or the pre-match/ post-match reports from our LS guys will be greatly appreciated.

Khansahab

When it comes to being paid, no-one beats medics, bussinesmen, and lawyers.

Only a small percentage of Financial Engineers end up earning a lot, whereas Actuaries always earn decent but almost never a lot. Besides, Financial Engineering is never a stable job, you are always expendable (depending upon the market), and it is hell of a stressful job. Which is why I intend on continuing to take the Actuarial Exams as a back-up.

So, Khansahab, as a true memon, I am making the case that when we meet, you are still the one spending money

Yaar why do people think Memons are kanjoos…I have known very kanjoos memons, but I have also known memons which spend a lot as well…in fact the most kanjoos people I have known are Punjabis, especially here in ny..they frigging hide their ciggerate packs in their pockets and pretend they dont have them, and ask you for them..after awhile when you see a girl walking in the vicinity or someone they know, out comes the pack, and you should just see the style with which the cigg is lighted…;)

Out of context, but pretty related to what we discuss at LS…

True that the US has a mammoth GDP, and the whole world is directly or indirectly dependent on the US. Before the crisis, there was a lot of talk about a new world order, that America would collapse, this, that..however, although all that has been negated, the US has lost a lot of leverage in the world because of the crisis. In a way, the US is also very dependent on China now.

The most surprising aspect of the whole episode was that, though initially, along with the US and the world, China’s economy went in a freefall, later the Chinese adopted their fiscal stimulus to rejuvenate demand and it worked. Their growth started to improve, after policy changes, despite and independent of the recession in the US. This is very symbolic, that China can survive in a post-US world, and slowly but surely, a new world order has indeed emerged. Just not as dramatically and as plainly as some had observed.

If China can show that it can survive in a world where the US isn’t the only dominant economic power, then, because the Chinese aren’t totally dependent on the US, they have a lot of leverage against the US. They are holding probably 2 trillion of US dollars in debt. Much of America’s global economic hegemony is espoused by the strength of the dollar, the fact that it is the reserve currency of the world, and America can take debt and use inflation to reduce its value at will. In other words, the US can get an apple in loan today, and return half an apple (which includes interest!) in 10 years to clear the debt (this can only be done because the dollar is the reserve currency of the world).

However, with China’s demonstration of its independece and its holding of US treasuries, China has enough leverage to spark a run on the dollar, precipitate the collapse of the reserve currency of the world, and bring American economic might to its knees. Not only China, but a lot other holders of US treasuries are getting fed-up of their holdings’ worth diminishing because of the inflationary policy in the US. However, none of them (conjecturally apart from China) have the power or the independence to do anything. A few years ago, this amount of leverage against the US for China was unthinkable, but, in my opinion, the fact that the Chinese rejuvenated growth by spurring demand pretty much independent of the policy in US shows that indeed a new world order has been created.

What was happening in the pre-recession world was that, with the inflated value of the dollar, the Chinese found it cheaper to export to mantain their production-based economy, the Russians and other petro-states were happy to sell oil at a higher price denominated in dollars, Japan also concentrated on exports and a stronger dollar helped it, and other stronger East Asian economies were directly or indirectly dependent on this current world architecture.

However, if China can emerge as a regional power (which it already has), increase the role of domestic demand in its economy (which it has shown it can), and thus decrease its reliance on the US, the world’s current architecture will have to be redrawn (regarding the reserve currency and a global currency) and if this architecture, in light of new economic realities isn’t redrawn, then a natural correction will take place in time with a run on the dollar, probably the most dramatic thing that can happen to the US and the world.

Khansahab

As a lawyer, you can always open a consulting sort of firm. People of color always have an advantage in the Western world when it comes to consulting, as a lot of desi people will be inclined to come to you. While the anglo-saxon majority will be competing amongst themselves

Eventually you can bring more bussiness in, and thus you will be well above the higher tax bracket. Anyway, you can always come to America and enjoy the litigation process her

Omer

“…the most kanjoos people I have known are Punjabis”

Is that right? So, whatever happened to their legendary mehmaan nawazi and dria-dilli A good example that comes to mind is when cricketing relation commenced between Pak & India, it was the Indian tourists who were not only welcomed with warmth but they were very impressed with hospitality and generosity. Many shopkeepers wouldn’t take money from them. On Pakistan’s return tour such sentiments, they say, were never reciprocated.

I wonder which cities of Pakistan they were talking about when this happened.

Andrew Symonds is believed to be contemplating retirement after being sent home from the ICC World Twenty20 for an “alcohol-related incident”, throwing Australia’s plans for the tournament into disarray.

Awas

I don’t know about that, at least here in NY it isn’t true

I remember when I came to NY, there was this Punjabi bussinessman with 7-8 shops or so. I was doing part-time work in summers. He was earning quite a bit (easily more than a million) but he came to shop in Pajamas and an old landa-bazaar style t-shirt. The shop required a bit of contruction since it was new, and rather than spending a few thousand dollars to ask someone to build the shop anew, he was there inside the basement cutting wood, making doors, and the like. Once, my fellow worker asked him to have lunch, and because as the “boss” he would have to pay, he said he was not hungry. Once we bought lunch and ate our part, there was like half a naan left, and the other worker, good at lifting balls as a Punjabi himself , offered him that half a naan, and he immediately went and ate it. To be honest, he was quite hungry, and didn’t want to pay. Issey kehtey hain, “chamry jai liken dhmary na jai” (can burn the skin but will not spend a few cents).

Obama reaches out to Muslim world
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President Obama calls for a “new beginning” between the US and Muslims around the world

US President Barack Obama has said the “cycle of suspicion and discord” between the United States and the Muslim world must end.

In a keynote speech in Cairo, Mr Obama called for a “new beginning” in ties.

He admitted there had been “years of distrust” and said both sides needed to make a “sustained effort… to respect one another and seek common ground”.

Mr Obama made a number of references to the Koran and called on all faiths to live together in peace.

He received a standing ovation at the end of his speech at Cairo University.

White House officials had said the speech was intended to start a process to “re-energise the dialogue with the Muslim world”.

‘Not so unique’

Mr Obama said: “I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.”

Tim Franks, BBC Middle East correspondent

President Obama’s language towards Israel is strong but also, maybe deliberately, imprecise.
Take these two sentences: “The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements” and “It is time for these settlements to stop”. It is the same language that Hillary Clinton has recently used. But what does it actually mean?

Does it mean that settlement expansion should stop? Or, in fact, for existing settlements to be disbanded? Could the first sentence even mean that the US is beginning to revisit its studied ambiguity, for the past 30 years, over whether it views all Israeli settlements on occupied territory as illegal?

Given the amount of time and effort that goes into working and re-working the text of a presidential speech, the apparent veiling of these two sentences is fascinating.

He said “violent extremists” had bred fear and that this “cycle of suspicion and discord must end”.

Mr Obama accepted that “no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust” but urged both sides to “say openly the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors”.

He cited the Koran as saying: “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.”

Mr Obama said Islam had “always been a part of America’s story”.

He added that much had been made of the fact an African-American named Barack Hussein Obama had become US president, but he insisted his personal story was “not so unique”.

“The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores – that includes nearly seven million American Muslims.”

‘Intolerable’

The president also said Muslim perceptions of the US must change.

“Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.”

Mr Obama said Islam had an important role in promoting peace and tackling extremism.

No system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other

Barack Obama

Reaction to speech
Send us your comments
On the key issues of Iraq and Afghanistan, the president said the US sought no permanent bases in either country.

He said: “We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.”

On the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Mr Obama said the bond with Israel was “unbreakable”.

He said: “Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong.”

But he also said the “situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable”.

“Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s,” Mr Obama said.

OBAMA’S TOUR

3 June: Saudi Arabia – talks with King Abdullah on Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations

4 June: Egypt – talks with President Hosni Mubarak, keynote speech at Cairo university

5 June: Germany – meets Chancellor Angela Merkel, visits to Dresden and to Buchenwald concentration camp

6 June: France – meets President Nicolas Sarkozy, attends D-Day events in Normandy
On the key issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Mr Obama said “there can be no progress towards peace without a halt to such construction”.

Israel is resisting calls to freeze building activity but Palestinian leaders have said there can be no progress towards peace without a halt.

BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins says Mr Obama was tough on both sides – perhaps tougher on Israel than we are used to hearing from an American president.

Our correspondent says Mr Obama made it clear there was no justification for Holocaust denial but he seemed to associate the state of the Palestinians with that of slaves in America.

A spokesman for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the speech was a “good start and an important step towards a new American policy”.

The AFP news agency quoted Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, as saying the speech showed “tangible change” but also contained contradictions.

What is interesting is the absence of any threat against Iran. This is in line with the president’s policy of avoiding threats against Iran – at least for the moment

Paul Reynolds, BBC world affairs correspondent

Full text and analysis
On the Iranian nuclear issue, Mr Obama said: “No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons” and said Iran had the right to peaceful nuclear power.

But he said there should be no nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Before Mr Obama spoke, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had delivered his own speech, saying the US was still “deeply hated” in the Middle East.

On democracy, Mr Obama said that “America does not presume to know what is best for everyone”.

“No system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.”

The president also touched on women’s rights, saying: “Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.”

Mr Obama arrived in Egypt from a visit to Saudi Arabia.

Later on Thursday he will visit the pyramids before heading to Germany and France.

Omer, LOL…

I am surprised that Obama has a pretty tough stance against Israel. He is treading on a very thin line, and I fear for his safety, especially when he is outside the US. He is a pleasant change in terms of US foreign policy, but I am not sure if many Americans countenance a neutral stance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. If he tries too much too soon, I personally think he needs to be very careful about his safety..

This is hilarious (“Nawaz-Sharif Zardari” for a supposed theif LOL):

NEW YORK: A compassionate Pakistani shopkeeper who helped a would-be robber with money and bread has become a minor celebrity of sorts in New York after his story was aired on New York’s TV stations on Tuesday night.

As a matter of fact, the shopkeeper, Mohammad Sohail, claimed that the man promised to change his religion before he fled.

According to Sohail’s story part of which was captured on his shop’s closed circuit TV, he was closing the store just after midnight on May 21 when — as shown on the store’s surveillance video — a man came in wielding a baseball bat and demanding money.

‘He said, ‘Hurry up and give me the money, give me the money!’ and I said, ‘Hold on,’’ Sohail recalled in a phone interview with CNN.

Sohail said he reached under the counter, grabbed his shotgun and told the robber to drop the bat and get down on his knees.

‘He’s crying like a baby,’ Sohail said. ‘He says, ‘don’t call police, don’t shoot me, I have no money, I have no food in my house.’’

Amidst the man’s apologies and pleas, Sohail said he felt a surge of compassion.

He made the man promise never to rob anyone again and when he agreed, Sohail gave him $40 and a loaf of bread.

‘When he got $40, he’s very impressed, he says, ‘I want to be a Muslim just like you,’’ Sohail said, adding he had the would-be criminal recite an Islamic oath.

‘I said ‘Congratulations. You are now a Muslim and your name is Nawaz Sharif Zardari.’’

When asked why he chose the two Pakistani politicians’ names, the Pakistani immigrant laughed and said he had been watching a South Asian news channel moments before the confrontation.

Sohail said the man fled the store when he turned away to get the man some free milk.

He said police might still be looking for the suspect but he didn’t intend to press charges.

Omer as regards one being a “can juice” you cannot generalize that old expression that “memon’s are can juice or gujju’s are can juice, or Scots & Irish are can jews, among them there are certainly a few but, not everyone.

I have a few Punjabi and memon friends here and some are and some are not can juice. For e.g., there are two Punjabi cousins (their mothers are real sisters – in other words khalazaad bhai hain) one is so generous and so carefree and he never cares about how much money he is spending on friends, whereas the other is an extreme case of a can jew-city . All his pleasure is in boasting about how cheap he bought something or how less he paid for food and got most of it, in other words value for money. To be very honest because, he is my friend’s first cousin I had to tolerate him with all his canjuicyness. In his own way he is not a bad person but, terribly can juice.

Similarly, I can tell you that Awas is one very fine example of being a very decent Punjabi as compared to someone else we all know. In fact comparing Awas with that person is an insult to Awas, sorry Awas my apologies but, I just wanted to give an example that there are extreme cases among all communities.

I think Memon people are very smart with their money and they don’t want to throw it away, they spend it cautiously and consciously hence they are labeled as can juice. And, that fellow Moin Akhtar has done more damage in tarnishing their community image by saying, “Dubai may itnay Memon hain, itnay Memon hain kay 2000 dirham ki shopping kero tou AIK Memon FREE milta hai.”

Awas

It is bad news for Australian team and supporters and, good one for everyone else because, Andrew Symonds is a very dangerous player and its rather unfortunate that he is going to end his career because of drinking. I don’t know what happens to these guys when they become famous? Examples of Asif, Flintoff (drunk, skunk and sunk in Caribbean during WC) are in front of us.

LOL Omer @ the story. But, you see the shopkeeper has shown so much respect for Musharraf that he did not give Musharraf’s name to the robber instead he chose the correct names of the big dacoit’s names for that petty robber.

Mohammad Aamer is the only bowler from Pakistan who took that only Indian wicket of Rohit Sharma in yesterday’s warm up game. Not only that, Aamer’s economy rate is also the lowest among all other Pakistani bowlers who bowled yesterday. Umar Gul being the most expensive, followed by Afridi, Malik and Tanvir, all of them bowled very poorly or, should I say Rohit and Gambhir batted superbly?

Mohammad Aamir needs encouragement from his coach, seniors and selectors, he needs to be told that he is standing near the birds, he too has wings, and its not just a dream to watch the other birds fly but, its a reality now that he needs to be inspired, motivated and not only join them but fly ahead of them and higher than them.

Having said this I am not judging Aamer as a better bowler than others and that too based on a solo performance. But, the young man who was playing his first T20 at an international level, be it a warm up game but, in front of that huge and noisy crowd at the Oval is not an easy task for anyone to bowl with such confidence, especially when his seniors and mentors were being thrashed all over the Oval park.

What Pakistan needs now is, to assert their bowling efficacy during the first SIX overs and to sort out their opening conundrum and the number 3 slot and how to do it, is a million dollar question. Aaquib Javed, the bowling coach will have a tough time in the nets trying to ascertain, determine what went wrong? Especially with Tanvir and Gul.

Tanvir has been off-colour since the last IPL and Gul has suddenly started to catch Tanvir’s colours (like Kharboozay ko dekh ker Kharbooza rang pakarta wali baat) or follow Tanvir’s trend. Gul’s last over was very, very pathetic. For a moment I felt that this is some novice Akhroat from Peshawar who is bowling so many wides, no balls, bouncers and for what? The match was already over by then and he was showing his emotions by bowling bouncers after bouncers and the umpire declared it a no ball followed by a couple of wide balls.

Aaquib Javed needs to sit down with the fast bowlers along with the team psychologist and tell them to chill out first and then focus on their follies, the psychologist needs to preempt them and clear off their mental blocks before Aaquib and the other so-called experts show them the video and tell them what went wrong? And how that can be corrected? The learning curve is a very difficult one because it has to go vertically upwards and that too in a very short period of time.

khansahab

Inti Alam is actually Anti-Alam and what could be the reason for this? No one knows and, the reply he gave to the media was as usual a very STUPID ONE. Besides, what else do you expect from a Hoshiarpur’s Bewaqoof? (Inti was born in Hoshiarpur, India).

Javed
I agree with your fair views on Mohammad Aamir. If coached properly and if he learns from the mistakes of his predecessors such as Shoaib, Asif and Tanvir, he could be a decent prospect. Such youngsters should try and emulate Imran, Wasim and Waqar’s cricketing ethics.

Thank you for your kind words earlier

A wonderful speech from Barack Obama.

If there was any doubt Barack Obama is a Christian or a Muslim, he said this in his speech:

“I’m a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims”.

Many Christians have Muslim sounding names, espicially in Arab/African countries. Whereas, in Pakistan the Christians always change their names to Western sounding ones.

Khansahab

That is a great speech. It shows understanding and mutual respect. I doubt this will go really well in America. Already I have seen a bit of criticism on tv, although there seems to be a conscious attempt by the media to avoid a lot of content.

I think Obama’s audience is twofold, he is very clearly not only addressing Muslims but also Americans. In other words, he is also making the case for Americans to respect Muslims. He can’t directly tell the Americans that they need to respect Muslim values, thus he is trying to reflect on how American attitude ought to be through his speech to Muslims. Unfortunately, the media here is not exposing all the excerpts of the speech, and is selecting which ones to publish in light of usual propaganda.

In any case, this is a great speech and hopefully it can go a long way in bridging the distrust between Americans and Muslims.

For instance, I’ll post the link that CNN has a tertiary headline as the transcript of Obama’s speech. Notice how the parts where Muslim achievements, mutual respect, and accepting other cultures and religions as equals has been carefull ommitted. All the parts where I think Obama also had his US audience in mind:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/04/egypt.obama.speech/index.html

And this is CNN, supposedly a relatively neutral news broadcaster! Imagine what FOX news would be running…

Imagine what

Javed A. Khan,

Yes, I did imply that it was a blessing that we lost both warm-up games so that we dont have any illusion that we will reach final again, since we did it last time.

Without any planning or a back-up plan, I doubt if we could even go beyond first round. Forget England, I think we have an even chance, I am more concerned about Holland who has Dirk Nannes, whom I have watched on IPL. He looks very dangerous. I have seen very many fast bowlers in my times and believe me he has impressed me a lot. He has pace, fire, movement and agression, everything that a fast bowler needs. With uncertain openers and clueless captainship, he can play havoc in his four overs.

Khansahab,

It is not true that Memons were/are Kanjoos (Miser). It was that they made their money in a very very legitimate(Halal) way that they made sure that every penny they spent was justified and to wasted.

I am not talking about the Memons of later days or any other ethenic groups. The spending of money is not confined to any specific ethenic group anymore. It is how one makes money now and how one wants to SHOW-OFF.

Let me relate a little story. I have had several Punjabi/Kashmiri friends besides other ethnicities. He related to me a real experience. Once upon a time, he went to his ancestral village in Azad Kashmir. Next day, he was surprised to see about twelve or forteen dishes on his uncle’s “Dastarkhwan”.

On enquiry, he was told that all his uncle’s neighbors had brought one dish each as was their custom. According to my friend, many of them may had to do away with their own meal of the day!!

Once again, I will repeat, it is the real, fiery fast bowlers who win the mathes. We have discovered Mohammed Aamer, There are others waiting to be given a chance, not the kind of chance they have given to Sohail Khan and Mohammed Talha like select them and dump them after one match indefinitely. This way they want to shatter their confidence and ruin their careers, just like they are doing it to poor Fawad Alam for last few years.

Unless we dont introduce new talents and persists with them, these so-called established players will take their selection granted and when time comes to really replace them, there will be a void of experienced players to take over.

I have been @ work all day today and just came home and after dinner I am here reading the comments. I find that Obama’s speech too long for me to read now so, I had to leave it for some other time. I simply cannot focus bakaoz, it is the time that I would like to unwind on a sofa in front of a TV but, I had to go in a while to drop my nephew at the Arena for a hockey match, he plays for the junior league. And, 2 hours later I had to go and pick him. Already it is 8:45 p.m. and my day is not over yet.

Kasim sahab,

I don’t have any hopes from the Pakistan team that they will reach into super 8 but, they will manage to reach there but, after that they will loose against every single team they play. I have no clue about that Dutch fast bowler and this year I did not watch the IPL, so no comments.

nice guy 30

Welcome to the blog, I have been meaning to say this to you since day before yesterday i.e., the day you posted your first comment on the blog. Keep commenting. I know Pawan and Varun must be going through that feeling of euphoria after yesterday’s win. Like Munir said, they might meet again in the semis? Well, India will surely be there in the semis but Pakistan are not likely to be there, especially with this pathetic performance.

The main part of the story my Kashmiri friend told me and which struck me most amusing as well as instructive (in those days, atleast) was that, he must eat atleast one “Niwala” (helping) from each of the dishes brought by the neighbors otherwise it will create bad blood and enmity between his uncle and whoever brought whichever dish has not been touched. And there were children spying to make sure the host has eaten from their food!!

I am pretty sure Awas will verify this custom. Alas, now, they will asking 10% nay, 90% Thats what happened to those poor Earthquake victims’ Billions of Dollars, Yens, Euros, Rials, Dinars and what-nots.

Mr. Kasim

I have heard of those customs and traditions of sharing, even in Karachi there used to be “Pot-luck Parties” and over here it is “one dish” parties, meaning 15-20 families bring a dish and eat at someone’s house.

We also do this during Ramadan at our Markaz (social cultural center), everyone is requested to bring something, (generally it is organized and people are informed to bring a certain item to avoid, duplication or shortage) and we eat together, iftar and dinner. It is amazing to see when 200 families or 400-500 people eat IFTAR & DINNER under one roof and that too having a huge variety of food from all ethnic backgrounds such as Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan and then, it is Punjabi, Kashmiri and Peshwari, Bihari and Lucknowi dishes.

Actually some people prepare food for say, 20-30 people e.g. biryani and, 10 people are requested to bring biryani – so there are ten varieties of every item, its fun – it is anytime better than ordering food from a restaurant or from one single source and then collecting money from people to pay, which they don’t like, but they love preparing fresh food and bringing it along. Some people bring just anything they have prepared for their family and share with others.

As regards, kids spying on whether or not the host has tasted every single item? I haven’t heard of that but, it sounds amusing.

Seems like all the bloggers are sleeping. England vs. Netherlands match started, with England openers doing well and it appeared they will score 200 plus runs but, then there was a collapse and they ended scoring only 162.

Mr. Kasim

I saw Nannes bowling and he was very impressive, bowled the last over very intelligently and did not give many runs (5 of the over) and he could be real problem for Pakistani openers. I think, England will give a tough time to Pakistan and I dunno what the Pakistani think tank is doing to sort out their opening conundrum and the number 3 slot.

Netherlands already lost their first wicket in first over 2-1

“WHAT A MATCH”

England lost to Netherlands, what a match, what a finish, a nail biter till the last ball. A major upset of the tournament and a BIG TIME PRESSURE FOR PAKISTAN.

England made their biggest mistake by resting KEVIN PIETERSEN and a lesson for Pakistan not to do this and play their full strength against Netherlands.

Wasim Akram’s blookers: Not once, but all the time he was saying:

NEITHER LAND instead of Netherlands.

Well Well Well…The first match was a cracker of a game…The Dutch winning on the last ball with Broad missing a run-out !!!Now the Group A has also become the Group of Death!!!

Didn’t I say T20 is such a lottery!!!

Javed, I agree, this result makes Pakistan’s task that much harder. If Pakistan loose against England this Sunday which is entirely possible, as England will play doubly hard, then Pakistan’s last match would be crucial for both teams. So, every match is a tough match now.

At this stage the best teams appear to be SA, NZ, Aus and India. Possible four semi-finalists?

Varun

“Now the Group A has also become the Group of Death”.

It does look that way. Mind you England missed many run outs and that was the difference in winning and loosing.

Varun

Your home team has won and what a sensational start to the tournament. The Rain Gods cried for England and wiped off the opening ceremony. The Dutch Boyz played so well from the word go that they were looking winners throughout the game and there was not a single moment that I doubted they will not win. I am glad they did because now Pakistan will be under tremendous pressure. The Dutch came without any pressure and they came victorious. For Pakistan, Ireland and now Netherlands or Wasim Akram’s “Neither Land” will be too dangerous. I wonder what will be strategy of Younus Khan & Co.?

The Dutch batsmen are hard hitters and were playing well against the seamers as well as against the spinners, they hit 4 sixes and one of them was a huge one 94 meters, which could be a six on any cricket ground in the world. Adil Rashid gave 36 runs in his 4 overs, so beware Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal, they are not going to spare anyone. Also, they did not miss any single, and it was this reason that England fielding (besides rain) came under pressure. Four run out chances were missed, two in Broad’s last over and he even dropped a return catch. It showed how much pressure England were feeling by scoring only 162 runs on the board.

There must be celebrations in Amsterdam tonight and all the bars on the canal banks must be full

Awas

When Pakistan will play against Netherlands it would be like the World Cup final for them, unless they beat England and eliminate them from the tournament. But, like you’ve said, England will play doubly hard with Pietersen back in the team will give Pakistan a real tough time.

Pakistan also have to worry about Rain Gods, if they loose against England and their match against Netherlands is wiped off because of rain, they are out. I haven’t seen the schedule and whether they have reserved a second day or not? Can anyone please confirm. Thanks.