PCT4ever 2011 World Cup Fantasy League Outcome

Shafiq is The Future

Shafiq made a well compiled unbeaten 78* in Pallekele.

World Cups are stages where heroes are made and true gems are discovered. Over the years some of the world’s finest players have announced themselves to the World at a World Cup event which famously includes Inzamam Ul Haq in 1992 when the youngster took the world by storm by playing phenomenal match winning knock under pressure in the semi final at Eden Park New Zealand where victory looked improbable, but the class and exuberance of Multan’s Sultan had other ideas in mind as he blasted the Kiwi attack to all parts of the ground and single handily stamped his authority to give Pakistan an unlikely victory when they were chasing down a tough total.

Recently, Asad Shafiq got his chance after Umar Akmal pulled up an injury which side lined his participation in Pakistan’s penultimate Group Fixture against Zimbabwe and in his very first of World Cup appearances notched up a delightful knock to guide his side over the line. He caught the eye of many experts including former England left hander Mark Butcher who was impressed by the youngster as he highlighted in his post match analysis in the Sky Sports Studio.

Shafiq showed a great deal of maturity, application and determination as he walked out to bat at number 3 following the early exit of Ahmed Shehzad. Initially he looked a touch scratchy, but once he battled through the nervous patches up front, he began to find his comfort zone and was in full flow.

Asad is a short lad with a very well composed level headed stance. He generally favours the on side. Against spin he uses the crease very well to rock back and create room and this is a key scoring option he turns to. Occasionally every now and then he comes out of his blocks and can execute lofted shots. He has the ability to knock the ball around and play the ball late like a cheeky operator and tends to go about his business at a good rate.

Against pace he is very strong off his legs with anything slanting into him which he frequently tucks away neatly into the gaps. He usually gets behind the ball nicely in defence and when the width is on offer he ensures he doesn’t miss out by crunching the ball through the off side. He gets on top of the ball well and looks in control, but occasionally is found wanting playing the wrong line outside the off stump. His attitude is admirable and he has the gift of solid temperament and mental strength to carry him through and show some fighting resistance when the going gets tough or handle different match situations efficiently.

Asad models himself on Mohammad Yousuf who is one of his role models as a middle order batsmen. There are similarities already visible between the two. Specifically referring to the elegance, strike rotation and commanding presence they have at the crease as they look to dig in hard and accumulate.

In the field he is alert, agile and has top notch hand eye coordination. We have seen him make some wonderful stops and take some cool headed catches. Additionally, he provides a keeping option and is regarded as a handy glovemen who can stand in if needed.

With 2 ODI half centuries and 2 Test Half centuries already under his belt within just 18 international appearances in all formats the future is looking promising for the emerging player who has settled into international cricket very well. He can form the future of Pakistan's batting line up along with the likes of Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal and some domestic prospects like Usman Sallu, Babar Azam, Rameez Aziz and Shan Masood who have pushed through the ranks in this concluding 2010/11 season.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Thread Build Up

It’s a big encounter and one which we are all intriguingly looking forward to. The home side and hosts take on their Asian Rivals. It should be a fascinating, exciting and interesting encounter for all concerned and is clearly up there as one of the best games in the group stages. Both teams will be eagerly determined to win this in order to kick start their campaigns and place themselves in a good position to finish high up in their group and generally go far and do well in the overall tournament. I reckon this match will be absolutely crucial in giving us an insightful indication of how far we can expect PK to go and what they are capable of achieving. A date for your diary: Saturday 26th February 2011. Bring on the challenge and comeon Pakistan.........

Afridi To Lead Pakistan

04/02/11: Pakistan's WC Jersey was revealed too.




Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi is named as Pakistan's 2011 World Cup Captain. That is that. Misbah will be the vice captain. Both have key roles and responsibilities and will need to work together to get the best out of the team. Good luck Pakistan! =D

The good news is that although Afridi is officially named captain, in the PCB media report they have indicated Misbah has a lot of authority in the team when it comes to selection, on field assistance and genuine leadership responsibility. Along with the back room staff like Waqar Younis and Inti, these 4 together have a big role to play in commanding and organising the side professionally on and off the pitch.

Team Unity and Spirit

Yeah the run out in the last game from Misbah demonstrated that. Afridi immediately went to him. Everyone was playing with spirit and vision. Misbah still is the better captain, but it's understandable why they don't want to change at this stage with the results and increasing commercial pressure!

My WC Starting Line Up
Shehzad
Hafeez
Umar (WK)
Younis
Misbah (VC)
Afridi (C)
Razzaq
Wahab
Gul
Ajmal
Akhtar

Official PCB Media Release
Official PCB Media Release:
Captain, Team Management and Tour Selection Committee for World Cup

Lahore February 4, 2011: Pakistan Cricket Board announces Shahid Afridi as captain of Pakistan Team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Misbah ul Haq has been announced as Vice Captain for the event.

Commenting on the decision Chairman PCB said “I had detailed discussions with team management and players in New Zealand regarding captain and vice captain and am pleased to state that everyone fully endorsed these decisions”.

The Team Management will comprise of:

- Mr. Intikhab Alam Manager
- Waqar Younis Coach
- Aaqib Javed Bowling Consultant
- Shahid Aslam Assistant Team Manager
- Dr. Faisal Hayat Physio
- Saboor Ahmed Trainer
- Muhammad Talha Ejaz Analyst
- Muhammad Akhtar Masseur
- Wasim Ahmed Team Security Manager


Following will be the Tour Selection Committee:

- Manager (Chairman)
- Coach (Member)
- Captain (Member)
- Vice Captain (Member)

PCB Media Department

Quote Of The Day

"It doesn't make a difference whether Misbah leads the side or I lead the side because we both are playing for our country" - Shahid Afridi reiterates the unity in the Pakistani ranks. {Cricinfo}

Pakistan's World Cup Song By Ali Zafar

Promising Signs

Day 3 Stumps
New Zealand 356 & 11/0
Pakistan 376

Azhar Ali reached his 6th Test Match half century in his 10th Test after scoring a well played 67 in the first innings.
The young lad continues to impress and grow in stature.



Finally since dropping Malik, Farhat, Butt and Kamran and all these tried and tested Test Match failures, Pakistan’s batting is finally showing guts, determination, stability and authoritativeness. We are now successfully posting totals in excess of 300, something which was virtually unheard of during the English summer and before. Forget all this exaggerated aggression, stylishness and free scoring values in Test Cricket. Of course you might need the odd spark from time to time as if and when Umar Akmal returns, but I can now happily say that Pakistan’s batting is finally learning the art how to play Test Cricket the good old way which deserves our admiration and appreciation. The bowling may not be as potent as before, but will always stand a chance of being competitive and replaceable over time.


The venue for the 2nd Test is a wonderful picturesque sight

The Test at the Basin Reserve is interestingly poised. All 3 results are very much still possible. Here is my tactical input ahead of what is to follow on what should be an exciting day of proceedings.

Plan A) Attacking field setting trying to entice early wicket taking opportunities and still giving Pakistan a good shout of winning this. Seamers will need to come charging in with good intent, energy and motivation.
Plan B) Containment. If New Zealand get away early on and start pushing on, quick action is needed with a change mindset to uphold their advance and tie things up. Here Rehman would be handy with his guile, accuracy and nagging line and lengths. By all means do not go defensive too early on, but if this scenario occurs precision and thoughtfulness is required from Mr MBA Graduate.

Pakistan will feel confident and comfortable at chasing anything under 250 which is realistically achievable. Ideally, under 200 would be better as the visitors look to chase their first Test Series win in 11 attempts.