Showing posts with label Pakistan vs Newzealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan vs Newzealand. Show all posts

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Adnan Akmal - The Batsmen

Played some attractive shots. Looked busy and compact. Terrible way to be dismissed. He is an underrated batsman. He has glimpses of class. He has a tight defence. His FC batting stats are a misleading reflection of his capabilities. Made 36 in no time. Pakistan have caught up with the Zimbabwe lead this morning. Ray Price has dismissed YK for 88. Much deserved wicket for the toiling honest working left arm spinner. A definite workhorse. Previously Adnan has made an important 44 in New Zealand at Hamilton.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Tour Review

On the whole, the New Zealand tour has been a resounding success. Finally, we successfully managed to break the shackles and win a Test Series and ODI series after several attempts and that too on foreign territory.

There were plenty of encouraging signs. Thanks to New Zealand Cricket for having us and providing an excellent tour schedule. It was an exciting, thrilling, significant and well contested tour where many great on field moments were witnessed.

Overall we have won 5 out of the 11 encounters across all formats on this tour. And we have only lost 4 out of 11 encounters (2 being iT20s). The next step is the World Cup which the whole Pakistani fan base is very excited about and it would be reasonable to feel more hopeful and optimistic about Pakistan's overall chances of doing well in the grand tournament now after some refreshing and pleasing outcomes.

Positives
-Misbah Ul Haq: Was absolutely outstanding throughout. By far the stand out performer.
-Umar Gul: In the Test Series was the leading wicket taker with 13 scalps at an average of just 20. Coped with the added responsibility of leading the attack magnificently.
-Wahab Riaz in the ODI series: 8 wickets for 145 runs in 3 outings effectively. At an average of approximately 18 and a SR of 20 was certainly an in form bowler who grew in stature and demonstrated his credentials in this starting line up.
-The emergence of Ahmed Shehzad who should be an integral part of our World Cup Plans. The youngster thrived, made his mark and impressed one and all. His backers and supporters who were demanding for him to break into the national team certainly showed their worth and accurate assessment of his usefulness and capabilities as an exceptionally talented young opener.

Negatives
-Razzaq's batting form in the ODI series where he averaged 9.
- Shoaib Akhtar's fitness levels which is a significant area of concern.
-Sohail Tanvir's shocking and highly expensive bowling performances in the ODI series.
- Younis Khan's contributions in the ODI series which were poor by his high standards.
-Not playing a specialist spinner in the starting line up when you have 2 available in the 15 man squad and one of them will play in the sub continent during the World Cup with the assistive conditions. Questionable selection here as neither got any valid preparation and therefore face the possibility of being undercooked when the World Cup gets under way in 2 weeks time.

In short, 2011 has provided the magical change Pakistan Cricket needed. So far everything is running well. It would also be good if we could take this opportunity to congratulate the all important figures in Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq and Intikhab Alam for their hard work, continued support and achievements during this Tour. All have played their parts with their leading authority and can take a great deal of credit for the conduct, personal performance and team performance.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Pakistan on The Brink of an ODI Series Win....!

Another visit to Hamilton for Pakistan. Their 3rd of the tour.


PK have not won an ODI series in New Zealand since 1994. Perfect opportunity to do so beckons today and on Saturday too at Auckland if things today do not go according to plan at Hamilton for the 5th ODI for whatever reasons. Can we expect New Zealand to successfully bounce back and keep proceedings alive? Can we afford to take the series to an all to play for decider considering our “chokers tag” record in these encounters, especially in the last 6 years or so where we have failed miserably to win them? PK have not won an ODI series since November 2008 where they managed to successfully whitewash the West Indies on home soil in the UAE. It’s about time they do so NOW, will be bitterly disappointing if they are unable to do so. More significantly, the Greens are showing spirit, building momentum, discovering their strengths, executing their plans and showing much needed important signs of form which could and should put them in good stead for the forthcoming World Cup Spectacle which commences on the 19th of February. Fingers crossed things can only run smoothly from here on in and we can consolidate on these back to back wins! Go Greens!

Match Commentary 4th ODI At Hamilton By Shehzeb Imam

Close Pakistan Cricket follower. These were his facebook updates throughout the game. Very insightful stuff with plenty of expression. Provide highlights for anyone who missed!

1)...Poor Bowling from Pakistan after the 35th over has led to NZ making 262/7 in 50 overs after being 79/5! Absolutely unacceptable especially when this keeps on happening everytime we get on top and than gift away the momentum...Tough chase ahead for a traditionally poor Pakistan chasing team!


2)...Younis Khan & Misbah showing great composure on the field under pressure chase...Keep it going Old Timers!

3) ...Excellent Innings under Pressure Misbah...well made 50, now carry on and get us Home!


4)...ISS UMPIRE KI SIRI!!!!!!!!!!! AFRIDI WAS NOT OUT!!!


5)...All on Razzler & Misbah! 45 off 6 overs now! C'mon!!!


6)...Can Misbah finally do it? Can he Finally get the Monkey off his back? 36 from 5 overs!


7)...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAZZLER GONE!!!!!!!! 25 off 19 with Misbah still there! Tension Rising!


8)...24 needed in 3 overs with Misbah & Riaz at the crease, PP is over...


9)...Crap Riaz gone, 13 off 13 needed with Misbah still there but only 2 wickets left!


‎10)13 off 2 overs...C'mon Misbah!

11) ,..Sohail Tanvir You Beauty!!!!!!! 2 4's in a row!!! 3 off 8 needed now!!!

12) ...AND SOHAIL TANVIR SEALS IT WITH 3 CLUTCH 4'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAN OF THE MATCH MISBAH FOR HIS MAGNIFICENT INNINGS OF 93* UNDER PRESSURE! PAKISTAN WINS BY 2 WICKETS...OH BOY WHAT A THRILLER!!! PAK UP 2-1 NOW! ALAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Shehzad The Opener

A 3rd wash out in 9 ODIs does not make great reading for a stunning venue. A paradise surrounding, but the weather was not kind and ended up being the overall winner.

2nd ODI
31/0 4.2 overs
Match Abandoned
New Zealand lead the series 1-0 with 4 to go


Ahmed Shehzad scored 25* from 16 balls before rain took over at Queenstown



Ahmed Shehzad epitomises the beauty of controlled and calculated aggression. This is something Umar Akmal could/should take a leaf out of. He demonstrated glimpses of genius in whatever play which was possible in today’s wash out. Loved the intent and positivity. This was not the first time either! In short, both Umar and Shehzad have the capabilities to take the world by storm in the forthcoming fast approaching World Cup with their fearlessness, flair & exuberance of youth. Pakistan continues to thrive, lead the way, pride & flourish in producing and throwing in young gems and Ahmed Shehzad is no exception. I have always backed, hyped and rated this youngster since he was catching the eye in the domestic arena and will continue to do so in the future. What a mouth watering prospect in the making, probably one of the most talented teenage batsmen on the planet. He is someone I have felt needs to be utilised at the top of the order instead of inconsistent, overrated, unnecessary, unreliable and to a large degree tainted performers like Kamran, Nazir, and Shahzib to name a few. AS from Lahore, give us more, the sky is the limit.......

Friday, January 21, 2011

Pakistan vs. New Zealand Stats

A 6 Match ODI series will get under way in less than 12 hours ahead of the World Cup.



Pakistan have only won 12 out of 34 ODI matches they have played in New Zealand. Last time they toured New Zealand they lost the series 4-1 in 2004. Last time they played an ODI series against New Zealand they lost 2-1 in UAE November 2009. They have not won an ODI series in New Zealand since 1994. New Zealand are not be underestimated, but in all fairness Pakistan should definitely win this ODI series rather comfortably.

Overall Pakistan have won 48 out of 82 ODI encounters against the Kiwis.

Younis Khan has never played an ODI in New Zealand!

Team announced for 1st ODI at Basin Reserve. 6 AM PST and 1 AM GMT: Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Misbah ul Haq, Umer Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Akhtar

Gul is rightfully being rested as is Wahab.It's perfectly reasonable as they deserve a rest to re-charge their batteries. Plus gives us an opportunity to tinker with the line up and look at other options available too. Look at the depth in the batting. Spin will be a key factor too. Definitely a bat first strategy should be in mind.