Any reason to be afraid?

I really shouldn't update during the last over but I couldn't put off updating any longer. It looks like Pakistan will win this one, Inshallah. They need 27 runs from the last over with Umar Gul bowling at the death. He's very good at this. Unfortunately for South Africa, I don't see them winning this. 27 is a massive effort...and why should they win this? They can win the rugby world cup this evening!

Ok and we won! Yay! First time since I've started writing this blog that we've won something! Well done Pakistan!

Now a brief overview as I have to move on to less interesting things before the rugby World Cup final tonight. I have no idea what the rules are and the only way I'll know South African players is by their uniforms. But I have some patriotism to my country of residence...and rugby is the only way I can do that because I hate the cricket team and would be ashamed supporting such a pathetic soccer team. Anyways, moving on. I know South African's read this...please don't get me wrong, I love SA...maybe not as much as Pakistan but I do have a true affection for my country(s).

Pakistan won the match by 25 runs. Their openers left them lacking as per usual and if it wasn't for the century by Mohammad Yousuf and half century by Shoaib Malik, we would have been in serious trouble. Kamran Akmal went out for a duck (if it wasn't for his average wicketkeeping, he would so be out of the squad) and Imran Nazir followed him a few overs later for 2. If this guy doesn't have a good game next time, he can also kiss his place bye-bye.

A nice partnership was building between MoYo and Younis Khan and it was unfortunate the way Younis went out, caught out of his crease as MoYo waved him back from a run. My favourite captain comes out and has quite a decent innings, scoring 56 from 52 balls (without making a single 4, only 6's, lol). Misbah-ul-Haq started off quite well and scored 21 before being caught by Smith. Shahid Afridi makes me laugh...he plays like me. Hits a boundary and then goes out. He smacked a six off Kallis before going out the next ball. We have to stop thinking of Afridi as a match-winner or someone who can turn things around. Yes he can play brilliantly sometimes, but he's too inconsistent and either does two things under pressure...smashes all around the field or goes out. MoYo only went out in the second last over for a brilliant and match saving 117. The last two overs were a debacle however as Pakistan lost Abdur Rehman and Iftikhar Anjum in quick succession and it was only a 6 and a few quick singles by the tail to bring Pakistan to 265.

I didn't know they implemented the no ball equals free hit in ODI's but I guess they did. Despite an early no-ball, Gibbs goes out for a royal duck. Next to fall was Kallis who also went out without scoring a run. While things were looking pretty for Pakistan...what happened to the fielding performances from the Twenty20?! This was atrocious with numerous dropped catches. Gul dropped Smith in the 11th over...and the next over, De Villiers was dropped as well, both easy catches. Smith was dropped again in the 15th over and I think the man's evolving into the cat with 9 lives. De Villiers put a decent 35 on the scoreboard before going out. During an over by Afridi, Smith basically lobs the ball back at him and Afridi drops it...pathetic.

Kemp couldn't get a good wind and he and Boucher left, not putting much on the board and despite Smith's presence, things were looking good for Pakistan. Smith finally went out in the 35th over and Pakistan should have cleaned up the rest...Pakistan is a team of gentlemen however and they have to give the other team a sporting chance -roll eyes-. Morkel started creating some trouble with Pollock and was dropped in the 39th over. How many dropped catches have their been now? Finally Morkel was run out and Pollock also left by the 46th over. Unfortunately, Pakistan let them go to the last over before SA was 240 all out.

And that's that. Have a good day Pakistani's and Go Springboks!

Today I found lots of news!

Nice weather here today...except I'm a bit cold...and sleepy...and hungry. Ah, the life of s student. Since I couldn't take the initiative to start my varsity assignments yet, I decided to take initiative in another way and surfed some sites for more cricket news than just what Cricinfo gives. True this kind of initiative won't let me pass the year, but who cares when all I want to do is make people read this? Yesterday I had a new record...10 visits in one day...Whoo-freakin-Hoo! Lots to talk about...I guess.

I don't know what's up with India's and Pakistan's fans. It's like they're still so sore and bitter about all those years of colonialism that they feel being racist (like the colonialists were during that time) is totally going to even things out. And in the end, they just look really stupid. And they probably end up going to jail. Four Pakistani fans were arrested for abusing the South African team in Lahore and the ICC really is cracking down on the subcontinent, where Indian fans are also talking crap. It really isn't cool to yell racist rants at the Australians or the South Africans. Isn't it more productive to beat them in the game? I think I've made my point in a roundabout way and we can move on.

Nasim Ashraf, PCB chairman feels that Shoaib Akhtar needs some psychiatric evaluation and counseling. For his anger management problems? For his issues with authority? Hmmm, there's so much going on with this guy. But he is behaving for now...so let's take advantage of his pace before he gets himself banned for life.

Pakistan were a bit late in asking the BCCI whether it was possible to change a test match in their India series to two Twenty20 matches, with the proceeds going to Bob Woolmer's family. The Indian Cricket Board rejected the request saying it was too late to change the games. While that is a noble gesture, I still can't agree with the two-test series format. You can't just play two tests, it has no point since the team who won first can't lose the series then. More open-endedness please!

Finally, an inquest has been started in the Caribbean about the death of Bob Woolmer, 5 months after he passed away. I mean, while it was the Pakistani teams fault that he died (admit it guys, they killed him with their pathetic cricket display and exit), you can't really charge them for that and the whole hallabaloo that they made in the West Indies, blaming everyone from Inzamam-ul-Haq to Bugs Bunny was pretty disgusting. So according to them, they have to conduct this inquest...because the last one was such a mess? Ag, you can try and work it out.

And that's it. Cheers all.

A draw maybe?

Ever since I started writing this blog, things haven't been looking good for Pakistan cricket. I'm hoping that we'll have better luck in the ODI's and at best, Pakistan could manage a draw with this second test. I hope it's a draw! I don't want Pakistan to lose the series so badly...

News today...well, they declared at 305/4 and with Salman Butt going out for 6 early, it seemed like another bad day. But Kamran Akmal and Younus Khan are both almost on 50...wouldn't it be nice if they got centuries? Pakistan need 349 runs on the last day...not a really gettable total, unless they start playing Twenty20-esque cricket without losing the wickets.

I can't talk about it. It's too depressing really. Let's talk about something just as cheerful...Mohammad Asif's elbow. He's been ruled out for the rest of the Test and may only play later on in the ODI's, after suffering from a recurrent elbow injury...it's a slight inflammation, but whatever.

Shoaib Akhtar is seriously not a happy chappie, being handed a 13 match ban (which includes the Twenty20 tournament...meaning he could play in the last ODI against SA) and a huge fine of US$57,000 for disciplinary infractions. He's also on a 2-year probationary period, meaning if he screws up once more, he'll be banned for life. Does anyone want to bet with me over how long before he's banned? I say 5 months, tops.

Akhtar says:

"I have apologised to Asif, my team-mates, the country. It was a nightmare for me and something that happened in the heat of the moment. I have suffered enough in the last four weeks.

"I want to put this matter behind me now and focus on cricket. I want to thank the board for considering this matter carefully. I will pay what penalties I have to but I want to get ready for India now."

It would be nice to let him play in India...not only is it a chance for him to relive past glories (so he says), it would also be great to see Pakistan with a 3-pronged fast bowling attack. Asif, Akhtar and Umar Gul. Guess we'll have to see.

Now I'm out of here...c'mon Pakistan, you can draw this...

Talk about a suck-fest

Seriously, what's wrong with Pakistan?! I don't mean to rant and since my own cricket skills are pathetic, I really shouldn't be judging theirs, but helloooo! I don't play in the national team and I don't have a whole nation (who's mostly hungry, which makes them quite pissed off) holding their heads that we went from 90/0 to 206 all out! What is this?

While Pakistan ended badly yesterday with the quick wickets of Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt, Younis Khan (that idiot, a senior player should be taking more responsibility rather than going out in 3 balls) and Mohammad Yousef (who should practice more), Inzimum ul Haq was at the crease with Misbah ul Haq at the end of the day. Would having two Ul-Haqs at the crease scare the South African bowlers with the frightening co-incidence of their names? Of course not! Though I do have to give my "home" team some credit. The South African's all gave Inzi a guard of honour as he walked onto the field...though I have to ask, was that necessary? I mean, he probably would have been back for the second innings, the state that Pakistan's batting is at. Will they clap for him again when they wipe the floor with us? Below is the video...

South Africa started off today well, dismissing Inzi and Shoaib Malik quickly. Do you know how depressing that is to read that when you're going for a sucky day to campus? It's very depressing...thanks a lot Pakistan, you destroyed my already ruined day! Once Misbah and Abdur Rehman went out, it was all over and SA showed Pakistan what it means to get rid of the tail (and it doesn't mean letting them score 100! Look at how happy Boucher is getting up there!)

And now, SA are 151/2, after losing Gibbs and Amla early on, Graeme Smith and Kallis are increasing the lead to 302 runs. Unless there's a middle order collapse (unlikely), Pakistan will be the first major subcontinent team to lose a test series to SA after many many years. Well done, boys! You all seem to like playing Twenty20 so much that you're still playing like that, even the guys that weren't in the tournament. Yes, I'm bitter and frustrated, but I (and every Pakistani supporter) have the right to be. I don't mind Pakistan losing too much...as long as they went out fighting and trying their best. This isn't their best and the starry-eyed hopes I had for a new era of cricket under Malik are seriously diminished.

I dunno...maybe some better news later?

Lots of news today...

Morning all, or afternoon or evening, where the heck you're from.

Whole bunch of things happening. Religion is waking up with Shahid Afridi, who asked to be excused from the two tests against South Africa because he's fasting. I have to say I admire that...when he gets the time, he can also work on his batting.

"I asked the Pakistan board to allow me to skip the two Tests against South Africa because it would be difficult to fast and play in Ramadan,"

"We lost the final due to poor batting and I apologised to the fans for not doing my part in the final but that did not influence my decision of not playing Tests."

So, the two things aren't connected and we'll have Afridi back in time for the one-days, to hopefully mow through South Africa's middle order. Did you notice I don't have much loyalty to my country of residence? Maybe I would if the team weren't a bunch of arrogant chokers...though I did feel sorry for them when they lost to India.

While I'm happy Mohammad Yousef is back in the squad, I still have some doubts about his loyalty. I like the guy, I mean, he's a converted Muslim and that's great, but he took his exclusion from the Twenty20 squad bitterly and went to ICL, knowing that his chances of playing in Pakistan again would be very low. The only reason he's back is because he's a good player and Pakistan need him when it comes to Tests and ODI's

"Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan,"

"I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously."

Wasn't there a loyalty bonus thrown in there? Whatever MoYo, you know you left for money and pride. No-one is that 'bholla-bhalla' (innocent and naive). Try scoring a century o two against SA and then maybe we'll forgive you for selling out.

Since Inzimam ul Haq retired from ODI, we all knew his career was over, despite him saying he was available for Test matches. So it's a given that he wasn't included in the squad to face SA, though dear Misbah-ul-Haq was and frankly, Misbah deserves this place. I hope he can really make a difference to the squad. Shoaib Akhter isn't in the squad however, probably for the safety of the other players, in case he wants to go on a random vendetta with a cricket bat.

Pakistan squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed, Taufeeq Umar, Abdur Rehman

Finally no-one will have to feel the fear since Shaun Pollock is out for the first test, basically because he sucks but more diplomatically stated as 'South Africa is giving younger bowlers a chance'. Shaun is surprised obviously, since he feels he'll be deadly even bowling at 100.

Have a good iftaari all, or sehri, or whatever. Just go eat.

Can Pakistan carry on winning?

Yes, according to our dear captain. He thinks the team really shoed their talent during the Twenty20 tournament and their good form can be carried on to the one day series against South Africa. South Africa arrived today in Pakistan for a month long tour that involves two tests and five one day games.

Shoaib says:
"South Africa are a very good team so we have to be at our best to beat them. But I am confident that we have some good players who can transform their Twenty20 form into Test cricket,"

He also talks about the final against India and does concede that it was Pakistan who played badly. But it is still nice to see how Pakistan made a comeback from the crap ICC World Cup a few months back when they got kicked out in the 1st group stages...the only good point being is that at least India went out too, lol.

"Twenty20 cricket is different, so a player can come good at one time and can fail in the next, so all the available players made the team stronger..."No, it's not that we were playing against India, There was no such pressure. We batted poorly and India defended an achievable target of 158. But all in all it was a good final and a very good tournament for Pakistan."

"The players are very committed and that was proved by their performances,"

"We don't think about what happened in the past; our focus is on the future, especially on the series against South Africa, then the tour of India and finally on the series against Australia."

So things sounding good for Pakistan cricket at the moment. Don't know how long it'll last though. SA will be looking to prove that they're not chokers by playing well against Pakistan...which doesn't really prove anything since they are a good team when it comes to normal matches. Though I have hope for Pakistan...I'm hoping this is a start of a new era when we have a good team that's not selling the matches, Whoohoo!

Lol, I'm exuberant and there's really great weather here which puts me in a good mood. Have a great day everyone...well, the 5 readers who've been here so far.

A quiet morning...

Unfortunately, that's the problem with cricket. There's not always much going on, especially when there aren't any matches being played. It's not like soccer where there's always something happening, even if it is off the pitch. Cricket doesn't have the controversial players who do stupid things...I mean, they do, but since the Pakistan team started behaving, we have a serious lack of controversy...which is a blessing I'm sure.

I guess the Twenty20 news will have to continue...

Cricinfo has player ratings about the top 20 bowlers and batsmen from Twenty20 based on technical ratings and a bunch of math that scares me. Pakistan obviously has a few in there.

Batsman:
At number 5 is Misbah-ul-Haq. Obviously a given, the man has saved us from humiliating defeats twice. I mean, we were defeated, but it was very close both times. I don't think anyone can make a fuss that he was chosen over Mohammad Yousuf...but I think it would have been nice if we had brought both along...maybe left Younus Khan at home?
For some strange reason, Imran Farhat is in the list at 9...did he even play? I mean, I watched every one of Pakistan's matches, but I really can't remember him. I thought we went to play for the Indian League? Must be domestic stats.
Right after him is our Cap'n Shoaib Malik. Except for the final match, he's played like a pro. A cute, cool-minded pro. Beautiful to watch.
Number 14 goes to Asif Hussain. Youngish player...not in the tournament. All his stats from domestic cricket.
At 17 is Abdul Razzaq. Once again I have to question exclusions from the squad...Why aren't these players there when they have good figures? Though obviously, those are all numbers to me and they could random stats about Pakistan's nucleur cababilities and I seriously wouldn't know the difference.

Bowlers:
Fawad Alam in at number 4. Really should have played in the Final...extra batsman and bowler for us...also, he's so cute to watch. He looks like a kid. I'm sounding alot more like a girl now and less like a hardened and informed Pakistani fan, right?
Sohail Ahmed comes in at number 5. Wasn't in the team...can't comment.
7 is Umar Gul, one of the most deserving and he played beautifully to restrict teams at the death.
Mushtaq Ahmed right behind him. I didn't even know he played Twenty20, he's like 37, which translates to ancient in cricket.
I'm sure there's one or two more obscure Pakistani players in that list but my last focus is on Shoaib Malik at 17. He rocks, what more can I say?

There's a list of all rounders too. Shoaib, Fawad and Imran Farhat are in there, also Abdul Razzaq. Too tired to write more now.

I think that's enough for the day. Here's the article where I got the info from...if you can stomach the math and numbers.

Have a good day!