Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - It's time to focus with enough vigour and sizzle

The Zimbabweans are here for a five-match One-day (ODI) series and I can say with confident that the Tigers are in a better shape than the visitors. The Bangladeshi boys are more confident than the Zimbabweans and after the recent Banglawash over the Kiwis; the Tigers are determined to repeat the same feat against Zimbabwe whose current status is not pretty good.

But in cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty anything and in the limited-overs version the uncertainties happen more and which the Bangladesh must keep in their minds. In cricket or any other sports, the underdogs are a dangerous species. They can gift shockers at any moment and in the history of limited-overs cricket such species are the masters of devouring the best in no time.

As for example, the Tigers started the ODI series against New Zealand as the underdogs and according to many, they were no-hoppers but, the way the series had ended will remain as One-day cricket’s most eventful series ever. So, it’s hard to undermine any of the underdogs in the limited-overs versions. Such formats are ideal for the underdogs to trigger shocks and in that sense, Bangladesh must be well aware of Zimbabwe.

Every series is a new series; every game is a new game. All the glories of the past might be erased from the fans’ memory bank by a defeat at the hands of an underdog team and for which, no lackluster body language and over-confidence must be allowed.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced the team for the ODI series. The good thing is the return of Mohammad Ashraful in the side. Ashraful had a terrific domestic season and the achievement of gold medal in the Asian Games cricket as a captain surely has lifted his confidence. The nation wants Ashraful to fire.

But the omission of Shahriar Nafees doesn’t make any sense. Nafees has the reputation of slicing the Zimbabwean attack into pieces. He had also fared well against the Kiwis in the recently concluded ODI series in October. But in contrast, Junaid Siddiqui was shocking against the Kiwis with scoring just 71 runs in five matches and as a fielder Junaid was shoddy. Why Junaid was preferred over Nafees remains a moot question.

The BCB have still not clarified who will be the captain against Zimbabwe. I think they need to select a permanent captain. It is very important for Bangladesh to play under a permanent captain and I think, Shakib is the best man to lead the team. If Mashrafe has injury scares then I don’t find any reasons behind his selection. We can’t be emotional regarding selection policies.

The Zimbabwe team management are considering themselves as the underdogs. They are keeping themselves in touch with the reality but it’s not that they would surrender without a fight. One must not forget that this Zimbabwe side has defeated India and Sri Lanka at their home this year in the Micromax tri-nation tournament four months ago. Even though they were beaten heavily in the third ODI against South Africa but in the previous two ODIs they really scared the Proteas in the three-match ODI series last month.

Men like Brendon Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Raymond Price and Elton Chigumbura can crank up a surprise anytime. Certainly, since the last home series in 2009 a win by a handsome margin of 4-1 against Zimbabwe the Tigers have come a long way to claim themselves amongst the better sides in world cricket but, they must not take Zimbabwe lightly.

The series against New Zealand is past. It’s time to focus on a mission with enough vigour and sizzle.

Asian Games 2010 - Bravo Bangladesh!

Just watch what cricket is gifting Bangladesh. Just notice the amazing achievements of Bangladesh through cricket. Time and again cricket is making us smile amid so many unrests and pains. The people of Bangladesh will have another moment to cheer for. They can speak proudly that they are a Bangladeshi as Bangladesh have won a gold medal in the Asian Games by beating Afghanistan in the final.

The team sport of Cricket became a medal sport at the 2010 Asian Games. The last time cricket featured in a major multi-sport event was at the 1998 Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Proteas won the gold medal by beating Australia. At a general meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in Kuwait on 17 April 2007, it was announced that cricket would be included as a medal sport in the 2010 Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou. Matches would be played on a Twenty20 format. 

To win a gold medal in a multi-sport event is a dream of every country. Bangladesh’s participation in such multi-sport events in one word  has been pathetic so far. We hardly could manage any respect in any of the events let alone targeting the gold medals. But the inclusion of cricket had given Bangladesh a new hope. And at last the Tigers has delivered the goods.

In the final, the Tigers’ opponent was the cocky Afghanistan who surprised Pakistan in the semifinals. Before the semifinal clash the Afghanistan coach Rashid Latif remarked that Afghanistan were a better side than Bangladesh. And of course, Rashid Latif deserved an answer for such a statement. 

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The Bangladeshi bowlers were at the top from the very start. They were accurate and nagging restricted the Afghans at 118 for 8 in 20 over. Naeem Islam, Shahadat Hossain and Mohamamd Ashraful picked two wickets each.

But chasing the total the Bangladeshi batting was reeling. The Afghan bowlers were wagging their tail and at 75 for 5, the Tigers were left at bay. Naeem Islam held the one end steady and a swashbuckling knock was the need of the time to reach towards the cherished goal. That goal was achieved through Shabbir Rahamn’s stormy knock of 33 off 18 balls.

Bangladesh needed 19 runs off the last two over as Shabbir Rahman  hit successive straight sixes off Karim Khan Sadeq's 19th over as Bangladesh raced to 119 with only three balls to spare. Sadeq conceded 17 run in that eventful over.

So, the gold medal has been achieved in a multi-sport event. Another glory is added in the history of Bangladesh sports. But it’s all because of cricket. Cricket has made us proud, cricket has again made us to say loudly, "Bravo Bangladesh."


Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Pakistan v South Africa - A wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan

The Proteas started as the favourites against Pakistan for the first Test at Dubai. Without a doubt, they were the better side than their counterparts a as because not only they had the players to topple any team in the world but they were also oozing with enough confidence and team spirit.

At the other end, recent controversies simply had dented Pakistan’s mojo a lot. They were a side low in confidence and adequate team spirit.

But you can’t just write-off Pakistan that easily.

On the final day, Pakistan needed something special from their batsmen to counter the brilliant South African bowlers. They were in need of a brave heart to save the day for them and Younis Khan proved to be that brave heart.

In the early morning Younis was well supported by the gritty Azhar Ali and after Azhar’s departure, Younis batted the whole day with his captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Their stand of 186 ensured a safe and a hard fought draw. Younis was dropped three times but fortune favours the brave.

Younis Khan in the first session was cautious and watchful. But after the interval he flexed his muscles to essay some wonderful strokes. He leapt down the wicket to smite a floated offspinner from Botha high over long-on and followed that up with a powerful sweep to long leg.

Steyn returned with the old ball and was immediately slapped for two fours, through mid-off and deep cover. That prompted Smith to take the new ball - already overdue - and an eventful over was completed when Younis thrust his bat out at a ball he might have left and a thick edge burst through Kallis's hands at third slip to leave the fast bowler absolutely livid.

It appeared a fourth chance had been pouched when a delivery from Morkel ricocheted off Younis's pad and Amla plucked it out of the air at short leg, but Asoka de Silva decided there had been no inside edge and was vindicated by replays. Younis retaliated by scorching an imperious drive on the up through cover, and as the heat of the afternoon began to take its toll tempers frayed on both sides.

Morkel opted for a round-the-wicket line of attack once again and after a series of bouncers engaged in some heated banter with Younis. Both Misbah and Umpire Daryl Harper stepped in to appeal for calm, Harper warning Morkel for running on the pitch.  Younis flowed past his hundred with 12 runs in a single Botha over. When Younis raised his bat in delight it seemed that he was asking Ijaz Butt of why was he being left in the cold for so long?

It was a wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Sri Lanka v West Indies - Chris Gayle loves Test cricket

How to answer your harsh critics? Rather than wasting energy via words it’s better to answer them via solid performances.

Over the last one year Chris Gayle had been on the centre of all that had been happening in the West Indies cricket. Chris Gayle’s remarks on his loath towards Test cricket made the critics more vociferous. His stubborn attitude towards the West Indies Cricket Board portrayed him as a selfish person. He was ousted from the West Indies captaincy but was included for the team’s tour to Sri Lanka.

On a bright sunny day at Galle, the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat on a placid track. From the word go Chris Gayle’s bat, which looks more like a tooth pick in his hands, started murdering the Lankan bowlers. It was an absolute carnage!

A lazy drive touched the ropes; a mistimed shot would meet the fences at ease. The Sri Lankan bowlers could do nothing to stop Gayle’s brief stay at the crease. He walloped the spinners well over long-on in signature style and his pull shots were brutal. He plundered 25 runs in a 7 ball burst to bring up his 13th Test hundred which was to be his first hundred in the subcontinent.

Gayle’s celebration on his hundred was an unconventional one: lying down on the mid-pitch for a moment to soak himself up with all the praises by his team mates and the crowd. After the celebration the Gayle juggernaut continued.

Chris Gayle’s unorthodox magnificence was at its best. There were more pulls along the midwicket, more savage cuts and plenty of brutal drives and thus, marched towards his double ton which included amazing 26 fours and 8 plundering sixes, the most by a West Indian batsman in a Test innings. The celebrations were more muted this time, with a wry smile and the raising of the bat sufficing.

On the second day, Gayle continued with his incredible batting and which broke plenty of records. First to go was the stadium’s top score. Mahela Jayawardene’s 237 run was eclipsed, Rohan Kanhai’s 256 which was the highest by a West Indian in the subcontinent, had been surpassed after the lunch and after tea Younis Khan’s 313 to make the highest score by any batsman against Sri Lanka and he surpassed his own highest score of 317.

Chris Gayle brought up his triple ton after the tea and celebrated by kneeling with his arms aloft and with this triple ton Chris Gayle etched his name in the history when he became just the fourth batsman after Don Bradman, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag to score a 300 plus runs.

Gayle’s magnificent form put Brian Lara’s 400 under threat and Lara might wake up in the morning to find out his record being broken by this tall lanky Jamaican beast. But Ajanta Mendis’ inspired spell brought an end to Gayle’s powerful knock of 333. He hit 35 fours and 9 sixes.

He might say that he disliked Test cricket but his brief stay at the crease never gave anyone the impression of Gayle’s abhorrence towards Test cricket. He was such a treat to watch. One might say about the placid nature of the track which aided Gayle a lot. But to score a triple ton it requires enormous amount hunger for runs with a rock solid Test-cricket-temperament. Chris Gayle has proved himself wrong. He loves Test cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Well done New Zealand!

 The second Test at Hyderaband has ended in a draw and with that New Zealand’s splendid show continues in India. New Zealand who rank number eight in the ICC Test ranking have now drawn four consecutive Tests against India who are the number one Test team in the world at present since 2003.

The Kiwis posted 350 runs in their first innings riding on McIntosh, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder’s sound batting performances. McIntosh notched up a hundred and New Zealand’s steady batting progress was tarnished by Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. Finally, Harbhajan Singh’s bowling also has started to click alongside his batting. Good news for India!

In reply to New Zealand’s first innings total, the Indian batting response was cyclonic. Virender Sehwag was as usual severe on the Kiwi bowlers as he went on to make a quick 96. With Gambhir, Sehwag scripted an opening stand of 160 in no time.

But the spirited Kiwis came back with a strong answer and strangle hold the Indian batsmen. Daniel Vettori bowled non-stop and kept on teasing the Indian batsmen with his left-arm spinners. As soon as Sehwag left, the runs had dried up for India.

The Indian batting was again given the oxygen by the silky VVS Laxman who scored a fine 74 and yes again, Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan went on to score his second consecutive hundred of the Test series and the first ever number 8 batsmen to do that in the history of cricket. With Sreesanth, Harbhajan built a partnership of 105 runs for the last wicket to take a lead of 122. Daniel Vettori took five wickets.

The Kiwis second innings reply was better. The Indians had lost Zaheer Khan for an abdominal strain but there should have been a splendid response from Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha on a track which was supposed to help the spinners. The New Zealand batsmen progressed finely.

The Kiwi’s second innings belonged to Brendon McCullum. The man is more famous for his swashbuckling nature but, at Hyderabad, he showed that he is well-equipped for Test cricket as well. McCullum batted for nine long hours defying the exhausting heat and reaped the rewards for his hard work milking a toothless Indian bowling unit to get to the third highest score in the second innings in India. With McIntosh, he gave the Kiwis a solid opening start of 125 and even there was a bit bother, but with Kane Willamson he just batted out the Indians.

McCullum scored his runs with style and nonchalance. The spinners tried to unsettle him by bowling round the wicket but they all found themselves to be reverse swept for boundaries. There were his Mcscoop and those un-orthodox stroke plays which he uses in the limited-over versions.

His first Test double ton was brought up with a Mcscoop and this splendid knock consists of 22 fours and 4 sixes. He looked to have keeping a pace with Chris Gayle at Galle and looked to surpass Martin Crowe’s 299, the highest individual Test score, scored by a Kiwi batsman. But Sreesanth ended McCullum’s effort wit a mock motionless expression. McCullum was out for 225.

The Kiwis gave the Indians a target of 327 and Virender Sehwag’s 54 brought some cheer among the crowd who were frustrated with the home team’s efforts. I was expecting a bit more intent from the best Test side regarding this chase but sadly, I found no such intent among them.  

But, well done New Zealand. Despite not boasting with any big names, the Kiwis have been simply brilliant in both the Test matches.

How long can they maintain this fight back?

Time will answer.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Harbhajan Singh's batting is a bonus but should not be at the cost of his bowling

 After the retirement of Anil Kumble it was thought that Harbhajan Singh will carry on the legacy of Kumble with enough guiles and with Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan was expected to reap a rich harvest. Zaheer Khan is as usual sharp and productive but sadly, Harbhajan has lost his wicket-taking abilities a lot.  

When India needed something from Harbhajan, for a while, he has always failed to deliver his team. But for Harbhajan if the wickets are not coming then he has decided to use the willow in most effective manner. In crisis moments, he might not have been able to fetch wickets but surprisingly he has been able to pluck important runs for his team quite consistently.  

 At Ahmedabad in the first Test against New Zealand, a good Indian reply on the first day met a sorry tale in the second day. India needed enough runs to post a fighting total. The cream of the Indian batting line-up had gone for the pavilion but, Harbhajan’s bat scripted 69 runs to post a respective total of 487.

In the second innings, it was a disastrous scenario for India at 65 for 6 and a shocking defeat was knocking at the door. Again, the bat of Harbhajan Singh scripted a hundred to ensure a safe draw.

In the second Test at Hyderabad, in reply to New Zealand’s first innings total of 350, India, despite Sehwag’s blast, were found wanting. New Zealand had been brilliant on the field and were desperate to stop any loose balls that were to be hit for boundary by the Indian batsmen. When Laxman was dismissed the Kiwis were jubilant and thought that thye had bagged the match.

But Harbhajan was still at the crease.

Harbhajan was never shy to play any aggressive shots but they were essayed in amore controlled manner. At 367 for 9, when Ojha left, India had gained a thin lead of 17 runs, but Bhaji decided to for more runs and with Sreesanth he essayed a partnership of 105 runs for the last wicket and India gained a lead of 122 runs. In the mean time Harbhajan Singh completed his second consecutive hundred of the series with 7 fours and 7 sixes. And with this he became the first number 8 batsman to score a consecutive hundreds in Test cricket. 

Harbhajan’s batting is more about entertainment – aggressive stroke-play but no brain-explosions. His batting speaks of a sense of responsibility, a duty which one must do when the team needs it most. He wields the bat almost like a Dhanraj Pillai and smacks the ball like Dhanraj hits the hockey ball and his batting instincts matches Virender Sehwag – if the ball is there to be hit then it must run towards the boundary.

Harbhajan’s batting is more productive than his bowling at present. To have such an effective batsman in the tail is a bonus for any team. But Harbhajan’s main task is with the ball. India needs his bowling more. It’s good that Harbhajan is turning out to be an allrounder but, that should not undermine his bowling at all.

India would love to have Harbhajan as the bowling allrounder and not as the batting allrounder. Harbhajan’s batting is a bonus for India but not at the cost of his wonderful offspinners.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Pakistan cricket - Another unwanted incident

I returned home after doing a hectic 24-hour duty on Monday. I was heavily tired and exhausted. After taking a shower and breakfast I was planning for having a nap to reduce my stress level.  

Before going to sleep, I was wandering on Facebook for a while and noticed Zulqarnain Haider’s status update: “(Zulqarnain Haider Cricketer) leaving pakistan cricket because get bad msg fr 1 man fr lose the match in last game on Sunday”.

Frankly speaking, I didn’t give that much importance thinking that it might be another fake account. But one and half hours before the match started, the cricinfo news said that Zulqarnain is missing from the hotel and can’t play the fifth One-day international (ODI). What bloody start to the classic contest!

I was trying to know the reasons. The cricinfo’s updates said that Zulqarnain received a text message in his mobile which threatened to kill him for not fixing the fourth ODI against South Africa. For which he managed his passport from the manager and then flew for United Kingdom. He was last seen at the Dubai airport before the start of the fifth ODI.

Pakistan lost the fifth ODI. After watching the ODI I went to sleep and kept thinking what kind of controversy Zulqarnain Haider will gift Pakistan this time around?

Today, after returning from the hospital I read the updates from the cricinfo and after reading those I started to think about the pathetic state of Pakistan cricket: Where is Pakistan cricket heading? Who are actually running Pakistan cricket? Are the players safe? Do they fix matches due to such death threats?

Many would say Zulqarnain did something stupid by not telling anything to the PCB or the team members and the officials. But why not say he didn’t find it safer enough to tell anyone about the matter? Perhaps, the crooks are still there in the team who are roaming free. They only play in the team to let the Pakistan team down and remains untouchable due to strong connections with the mafia.

The environment of Pakistan cricket is polluted. The youngsters don’t have enough honest people around to show them the right way and in turn they are taking the wrong path which is leading them to the don’t-know-zone. Trustworthy persons have become rarity in Pakistan cricket which is very sad.

Zulqarnain’s sudden escape has given rise to various questions the answers of which we might never get. But my curious mind says that, Pakistan cricket is being controlled by a third party whose main aim to tarnish Pakistan cricket and dent its image. Sadly, again, Pakistan cricket is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - Great show by the Kiwis

 Before the start of the first Test at Ahmedabad, the Kiwis were expected to get battered by the Indians as because, everybody thought that it would be tough for them to get out of that nightmarish tour of Bangladesh where they digested the Banglawash. But, you know what; these Kiwis are a bunch of fighters who bounce back from the most ridiculous of lean patches.

The Indians started the Test in a swashbuckling fashion. Virender Sehwag was in a belligerent mood and took the Kiwi bowlers to the cleaners while at the other end, the wise monk, Rahul Dravid’s sedate hundred helped India to finish the first day in a commanding fashion.

But it was a different story altogether in the second day. The Kiwis fought back strongly to dent a serene Indian progress. Despite the injury to their new ball bowler Bennett, the New Zealand bowlers did very well to restrict the Indians from posting a daunting total. Daniel Vettori led the attack and the Indians finished their first innings total at 487 which once looked to surpass 600 runs.

In reply, the New Zealand batters batted with enough patience and composure. Kane Williamson, who had been fantastic with the bat against Bangladesh, notched up his debut hundred while Jesse Ryder surprised everyone by curbing his natural stroke-play and scripting a hundred which was simply a un-Jesse-Ryder one! The Kiwis finished the first innings by posting 459 runs – a total which not expected from them as it was expected that they would find it tougher against the Indian spinners.

In the second innings the Indian batsmen found themselves on the mat against the controlled bowling aided by late movement of Chris Martin. Gambhir misjudged the line pushed well outside-off to the wicket-keeper, Dravid ended up poking at one away from his body to a delivery that held it’s line well just after Sehwag’s comical run out, Tendulkar was done by a late swing that kissed his bat’s thick edge and hit the stumps, Raina was caught by Taylor Off martin and India were reeling at 17 for 5. Chris Martin was on fire!

The Motera crowd was stunned to silent. The number one Test team in the world had just been given a punch on the face by a bowler whose bowling never had the teeth to harass the best in the business. But sheer work on basics and a well influx of good spirit can do wonders. Mind you, New Zealand had Bennett injured and Ryder, a part-timer, injured as well. Still their approach against India was much better than the Australians.

MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman put up a partnership of 50 but, Dhoni’s stay was cut short by Martin, who bagged five wickets and India ended the fourth day at 82 for 6.

On the final day, the unexpected didn’t happen. The Indians’ prestige was preserved by the man who is habituated to deliver the best for his team whenever it was needed. Yes, VVS Laxman stood up again to essay another composed knock of 91 as his 163-run stand with Harbhjan Singh ensured safety for India. Especially, Harbhjan Singh with the bat was enough sensible. An ideal blend of sensibility and aggression brought Harbhajan’s first Test hundred. The Kiwis were set a target of 294 and they finished the day with 19 for 1. The Test match, which was to be all India’s ended in a draw.

But this Test match belonged to the Kiwis. Their batting is the biggest gain in the first Test. After being harassed by Shakib and co in Dhaka a month ago, the Kiwi batsmen showed tremendous character and temperament to counter the Indian spinners. Their batting transferred confidence among the bowlers in the shape of Chris Martin who scripted an inspiring spell to put the Kiwis on command. And certainly, the Kiwis never give up till the end and especially, when they play against India in India.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Pakistan v South Africa - What a match it had been at Dubai!

Are we witnessing one of most the thrilling One-day series of this year? Is the One-day cricket really dying? Well, if you are following this Pakistan v South Africa five-match One-day series then you will be sure that this has been one of the most exciting One-day series of this year and of course, One-day cricket’s future is not bleak at all.

Again, Pakistan and South Africa have gifted us another heart-racing contest and without a doubt, Pakistan’s never-say-die attitude deserves enough praise. It seemed that Pakistan have rekindled the days of Imran Khan where Pakistan used to conquer adversities with astonishing finishes.

Graeme Smith’s return to the side as captain boosted the team’s morale and he was back into his groove with a productive innings of 92 and his third-wicket stand of 94 runs with AB de Villiers, who notched up a boundary-less 49, made Pakistan toil. Later on late-order-surges from Collin Ingram and Johan Botha swelled South Africa’s total as they gave Pakistan to chase down 275 runs.

For Pakistan such totals have always been tough as in the recent past, they have always choked while cashing totals in limited-overs cricket. Imran Farhat departed earlier and Younis Khan forged a 58-run partnership with Mohammad Hafeez and 56-run stand with Asad Shafiq. Younis Khan provided the kind of resolve which Pakistan needed. Younis relied more on depth touches and sending the ball into the gaps for singles and twos as maneuvering the strike had been the feature of his 73-run innings which included just one boundary.

The sun had set in Dubai and as the evening progressed to night in Dubai, cricket became even more enthralling. The departure of Fawad Alam and Shahid Afridi, who scored a blazing 29 runs off 25 balls, shifted the balance of the match towards South Africa. Younis Khan scripted a 49-run stand for the sixth wicket with Abdul Razzaq and the batting Power-play was still up their sleeve. It was the perfect combination to complete the chase – the composure and calmness of Younis alongside the brute force of Razzaq - but Morkel removed Younis via an inside edge and two balls later Abdur Rehman was run out in a hopeless mix-up. Pakistan were in a rut.

At 220 for 7 in the 42.3 overs, South Africa seemed to have already bagged the match, but Razzaq at the other end continued his stroke play till he was caught behind off the bowling of Morkel leaving Pakistan at bay on 244 for 8.

A hero was needed for Pakistan and that came in the shape of Wahab Riaz. He, along with Zulqarnain Haider at the other end, played some swashbuckling shots to raise the hopes among the Pakistani fans present in the stadium. The game which was in South Africa’s grasps seemed to have been slipping away now. Pakistan must thank the lady luck too, but fortune favours the brave.  

South Africa missed a run-out chance of Wahab Riaz as a wild throw from the deep by Botha was messed up as Riaz ran for the third, Graeme Smith spilled a tough chance of Riaz, and another run-out chance was missed in the penultimate over when Morkel hurled the ball past the stumps from his follow through and two over throws ensued.

Amidst of so many dramatic situations Pakistan were left to score just 4 runs in the last over. But another final twist had happened as Riaz was finally run out for 18. Zulqarnain at the other end leveled the score by chipping the ball over the midwicket as Parnell, again, missed another chance of a run out. Then the next ball was nudged to square-leg to seal another nerve-wrecking victory.

What a match! Can you think about cricket without Pakistan? I think, the critics must rethink about their opinion of banning Pakistan from cricket.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Australia v Sri Lanka - Bravo Sri Lanka!

What a week the world of cricket is having! This week have witnessed Abdul Razzaq’s jaw-dropping batting against South Africa at Abu Dhabi, a nail-biting two-run finish at Dubai and now it has witnessed one of the most astonishing fight backs in the history of One-day cricket – Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga simply made an impossible task possible against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Fortune favours the brave. When you still believe that you can make it no matter how tough the circumstances are, you can reach the pinnacle of glory. Mathews and Malinga simply proved that in MCG tonight.  

The Sri Lankans were given a target of 241 in 50 overs by the Australians in the first ODI.

But the Lankan batters were found wanting – Tharanga was run out, Dilshan walked for the pavilion after being done by Peter Siddle and Sri Lanka’s two most prolific batsmen, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara too could not deliver when it was needed the most. They were down and dusted at 107 for 8.

When Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga came together at the crease the game was already lost and Michael Clarke and his men were all set to take a 1-0 lead. Suddenly, Malinga – a novice with the bat – started to play adventurous strokes.  He hit Mitchell Johson for a flat batted four and treated Xavier Dohetry and Hastings with splendid sixes. While Malinga was in an aggressive mood, Angelo Matthews was calm and composed – gave Malinga the ideal support and kept one end checked – rotated the strike well by discovering gaps.

Malinga and Matthews compiled the highest ninth-wicket partnership in ODI history, beating a 27-year-old record set by Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani at the 1983 World Cup, and the 132-run stand left Australia's confidence in tatters. When just 1 run was needed Malinga was run out – a sudden twist in the tale!

The tension was enormous when Murali came to bat in his last appearance at the MCG. Australia who are the masters of clinching such thrillers, were left bemused as a flick off the pads from little Murali brought up one the most amazing wins in the history of ODI cricket.

What a match! What a finish! The world and Australians witnessed a Sri Lankan side who played the game in Australian way – never give up until it’s all finished.  

Bravo Sri Lanka!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India v New Zealand - India are the favourites but the Kiwis won't go down without a fight

The Kiwis will face the Indians on their home soil after suffering a shambolic defeat at the hands of the Tigers. The Indians are one of the best Test teams in the world at present and at home, the Indians are some what invincible. The Kiwis are in for a tough test.

But you can’t write off a team like New Zealand after just one bad series. They do have the players who can fight hard. In India, the Kiwis are a different kettle of fish. Over the years, they have shown great fighting spirit in India.  In the 1995 Test series, they didn’t wobble; neither did they surrender easily in 1999 and 2003. During 1995, 1999 and 2003, New Zealand landed on the Indian soil with weaker teams, but showed enough character throughout the Test series.

Daniel Vettori is the key man for the Kiwis. He has certainly matured as a captain over the years. Though he failed against the Tigers, but his ability as a skipper can never be underestimated. Time and again he has proved his worth as a captain whenever going got tough. Over the years, he has proved his worth as the leader of men and I think he will regroup his men well.   

Neither in the batting nor in the bowling department, are the Kiwis as stronger as India. The batting hopes largely depend on Ross Taylor while the bowling hopes rely on Daniel Vettori. On the dusty, turning tracks of India, the young batting line-up of the Kiwis are expected to reel, but one thing they have it in them and which is the fighting spirit.

On the dusty wickets, Daniel Vettori is expected to deliver the best, but at present, you can hardly notice any other bowler in the team to support Vettori. It will be interesting to see how he uses his limited resources against the might of Indian batting.

The India side on the other hand are enjoying the best time in their cricket history. They are the best Test side in the world and their batting line-up is undoubtedly, the best in the world. The bowling in contrast is not that standard like their batting. But in the likes of Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh are well enough to Test the young New Zealand batting line-up.

Without a doubt the Indians are the hot favourites to pummel the Kiwis, but New Zealand won’t go down without a fight.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Pakistan v South Africa: Cricket was the winner in Dubai

Cricket was at its very best in Dubai tonight!

It offered some high-quality cricket and which is what a cricket-lover relishes the most.

A fighting comeback from a team, a silky hundred from a batsman, some brilliant bowling and of course a tense finish – what do you need more as a cricket lover?

The third One-day international between Pakistan and South Africa is already a part of limited-overs cricket’s folklore.

The ever-improving Shoaib Akhtar jolted the South African top order, but one man stood tall and strong to do the repair work. Hashim Amla was as usual at his pristine best. There were occasional improvisations from him but otherwise, he was cool and composed.

When AB de Villiers departed due to an outrageous decision by the TV umpire, it was all left to Amla alone to keep the Proteas batting alive and he did it enough masterfully with a classic hundred and of course without enough sweating – brace of boundaries to reach a hassle-free fifty, then a sudden quietness and restricting himself to depth touches and then a dab down to third-man to bring up a hundred and then again found the odd boundaries with classic drives and ungainly pull and most importantly he carried the bat through. What a player!

Pakistan’s start was shoddy. The good work of Imran Farhat and Asad Shafiq came to an end and Pakistan innings lost its way. The last ODI’s hero Razzaq failed and Pakistan’s hopes rested on Fawad Alam – a player with enough talent but yet to create an impact in international cricket.

140 for 6 in the 41st over and still 81 runs more needed and not enough recognized hitter left in stock, Pakistan’s chances looked bleak. But if the team is Pakistan then be sure to expect some twists in the tale. You have to wait for a hero to arrive from nowhere and unleash unrelenting romance.

This time it was Fawad Alam.

Rather than flexing his muscles – as he is not a big hitter of the ball – Fawad played a supportive role to the less-fancied Pakistani hitters. A chicky 28-run stand with Zulqarnain Haider in just three overs came up and when Wahab Riaz notched-up a swashbuckling 21 off just 11 balls and swelling the Pakistani scoreboard – the game was all set to go down the wire. The South African bowlers Morkel, Theron, and Tsotsobe lost their minds, nerves, line, and length, and fielders were dropping catches – the Pakistanis had dented the South Africans psychologically.

In the 47th over, Morkel accounted for Riaz but still, 20 runs from the last three overs should not have been impossible. But Pakistan needed hitters. Fawad who struggled to clear the ball over the boundaries did take it close but his valiant 59 was not to be a deal-sealing one.

It was such a nerve-wracking finish.

Ultimately cricket was the winner in Dubai.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan v South Africa - Astonishing Abdul Razzaq!

There will hardly be any dull moments in Pakistan cricket – off-the-field chaos is a day-to-day affair in Pakistan cricket. Some of the chaoses are such venomous that it not only jolts Pakistan cricket but world cricket as well. But despite all these controversies, the Pakistani team doesn’t lose the confidence to move on.

Last night at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, in the second ODI against South Africa, Abdul Razzaq’s bat blazed in such a manner that it hardly seemed that this Pakistan team have been shaken by the recent spot-fixing saga.

If any team can do it then that’s Pakistan and if any team can blow it then that team is also Pakistan! It was simply jaw-dropping stuff from Abdur Razzaq who rose to the occasion from nowhere and pulled off an astonishing match where Pakistan looked to have lost it. 

The composed knock of Collin Ingram was forgotten, the sweet touches of Hashim Amla suddenly became a distant memory and the swashbuckling knock of JP Duminy lost its shine in front of Razzaq’s Herculian efforts under the bright floodlights of Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The crowd continued to chant ‘Razzaq’ and ‘Razzaq’ and even it seemed that the calmness of the desert and gentle night breeze also had joined the Abu Dhabi crowd to chant ‘Razzaq’, ‘Razzaq’ and ‘Razzaq’.

The day started for the Pakistanis with the sad news of the ICC’s verdict on the suspended trio, whose provisional appeal had been rejected by the ICC. Millions of hearts were broken and they needed their favourite team to deliver the goods. The fans needed a win from Pakistan to heal their wounded heart.

Pakistan were given a target of 287 by South Africa and not surprisingly, it was a shaky start by the Pakistanis. The top order departed cheaply and Pakistan found themselves reeling at 70 for 4. Shahid Afridi and Fawad Alam chipped in with a useful partnership and Afridi was looking dangerous but an innings that was flourishing magnificently perished and Pakistan were 136 for 5 in the 30th over. The Proteas were in total command of the game and a 2-0 lead was there for the taking.

Enters Abdul Razzaq into the scene!

Over the years, this charismatic allrounder has lost enough of his guile and at present is not that dangerous player which people used to know. His early presence at the crease was silent but suddenly switched into the fourth gear by getting to the pitch of an unremarkable delivery from Peterson and hitting him for a flat, straight six.

That was just wow! Are we in for some actions from Razzler?

Fawad Alam continued to play the sheet anchor role as Razzaq was picking up his tempo quite quickly. In the 38th over, Razzaq lofted Albie Morkel over deep point for a six with an open face of the bat. This was the shot of the night for me. It came from nowhere. Just before this six, Razzaq had left six or seven deliveries without scoring anything, but in the twinkle of an eye he dished out such a marvelous stroke. Razzaq was on song and the game was starting to tilt towards Pakistan’s way.

Pakistan took the batting Powerplay at the end of the 40th over. But, within the end of it, Fawad had departed gifting Langeveldt his 100th ODI wicket and Zulqarnain Haider was runout in the 45thover with the score at 233 for 7. But Razzaq decided to script a one-man show like Javed Miandad did almost 24 years ago at Sharjah against India in the Austral-Asia Cup final.

In the 47thover, Razzaq started with a six at long-off, a length-ball from Langeveldt was sent over long-on for a six, a slower-ball being hit over Langeveldt’s head for a flat six. You beauty! The night sky of Abu Dhabi was blazing! 53 runs from 24 balls became 33 off 18 balls.

Two run-outs left Pakistan with more 29 runs needed with 15 balls remaining. It was a pressure cooker situation but Abdul Razzaq was unfazed by this. And in the last over, 14 runs more were needed - Razzaq smashed Albie Morkel for a six at midwicket and thus reaching 99 and the next delivery was pummeled again at midwicket for another six to bring up an epic hundred. 

Pakistan’s one of the most epic ODI victories came when Razzaq hit the fifth ball for four.

My word! What an astonishing one-day knock it was! Can you really say that this team is traveling through the perils of dark waters? Have all those ugly occurrences deterred this team from focusing on cricket? 

Well, after watching Abdul Razzaq’s hurricane-like-century, I must say, it’s hard to dent Pakistan’s confidence. It’s hard to stop from delivering the most unthinkable things in cricket. 

You need Pakistan in cricket. 

Don't you? 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar