On Adnan Akmal's 5-fer

Who says Akmal’s can’t keep? After having seen Kamran drop dollies for the last 8 years, any wicketkeeper playing for Pakistan, who takes regulation catches, is like a breath of fresh air. Pakistani fans were obviously hoodwinked by the elder Akmal into thinking that he is the most competent keeper in the family while the savior (from Kamran’s torturous wicket keeping) was living in the same house.

© Arun Ramkumar for Cricinfo

Adnan is now officially the 9^th wicket keeper to have taken 5 or more catches in an innings for Pakistan. Topping the list is obviously the legendary Wasim Bari who took 7 catches in a match against the same opposition in 1979.

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New Zealand are still 6 down and Akmal has an opportunity to take if not 2 then at least 1 more catch to get to 6 catches in an innings. It will be a huge confidence booster for the still relatively young WK.

Another thing I would like to mention is his batting performance in the 1^st innings of the first test. It wasn’t a perfect innings and he scored most of his runs playing risky shots but it was a good indication of where he stands as a batsman. He showed positive intent and will only get better with time playing international cricket, practicing with top Pakistani bowlers on a regular basis.

I can only hope and pray that he DOES not go down the Kamran Akmal way.