Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal may have vehemently denied the allegations of match-fixing against him, and a couple of Aussies may have come out in support of his stand. However, it will do little to reduce the amount of damage the disastrous tour of Australia has done to Pakistan.

From hitting out at ex-captains and teammates, to ogling at girls instead of fielding, everything that has been leaked out has made the Pakistan cricket team nothing less than a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. Controversies have never been alien to Pakistan, but this one should be a first even for them.

A couple of months back, when the suspension orders were handed out to the guilty players, many termed it as harsh. But, in the light of the recent revelations, the punishments now seen rather lenient. Like in India, cricket is a national craze across the border too.

As such, representing the country in the sport can be nothing short of the greatest prestige of life. Thus, it is unfathomable how cricketers, seniors and rookies, can form groups, gang up against each other and be prepared to fight within the squad rather than against the opposition.

There is no harm in being competitive and batting for places with one another. If done in the right spirit, such bloodthirsty attitude can, in fact, benefit the team in the longer run.

The examples of the two Ws – Wasim and Waqar – is often cited in this context. And, there cannot be a more apt place to reiterate it. The two made no bones about the fact that they weren’t the best of friends in personal life, and also that both always looked to outdo the other when on the cricket field.

Never once though did their personal issues spill on to the ground to affect the team’s chances – even if it did both did exceedingly well to never make it visible. And, this was obviously because they loved playing for the country.

It has now been a few years since both have hung the boots, and whenever the two talk about each other, they only have kind words to say about each other’s performance. No wonder, ever here they often try to outdo one another.

However, what two Ws had, and the current squad does not, is a tough yet sensible mentor to guide them through difficult times. At the start of their careers, both Wasim and Waqar were lucky to have Imran Khan among the ranks. The duo has often acknowledged that they wouldn’t have as successful but for the contribution of Pakistan’ sole World Cup winning captain.

It wasn’t that Imran was wholeheartedly accepted by the team. Tales still float around as to how the members of the 1992 World Cup squad were disgusted when Imran preferred to speak about building his dream cancer hospital than praise the team after the historic win, or that some senior players nearly revolted against Imran during their winning campaign.

But, the commanding figure that he was, the great all-rounder managed to channelize even the negative energy around him into match-winning performances.

When Imran left, Wasim took over and did a commendable job though he wasn’t as talented with his man-management skills. Under Wasim, Pakistan remained a force to reckon with at the international level.

Even then, they weren’t a united bunch, but had a leader who stuck to his guns. The problem began when Inzamam-Ul-Haq took over the reins. An unusual choice for captaincy, Inzamam got the job only because Pakistan did not have a choice.

Not known as a decision-maker (and we are not even referring to his running between the wickets) too many things wrong went during his tenure – the Oval fiasco and the 2007 World Cup disaster to name a few. It is a known fact that Inzamam was coaxed into taking a number of erroneous decisions.

The state that Pakistan cricket is in today has a lot to do the absence of the mandatory transition phase. Post Inzamam’s retirement, captaincy was thrust onto Younis Khan, then presented to Shoaib Malik on a platter before being experimentally handed over to Mohammad Yousuf.

Expectedly, nothing worked, but the players began behaving like spoilt brats who were free to play mischief in the absence of caretakers. Here, the players alone aren’t to be held responsible.

The PCB, which injudiciously played merry-go-round with the captain’s hat, is equally accountable. But, does any such word exist in Pakistan cricket’s dictionary?

Medium-pacer Ryan Harris picked up his second consecutive five-wicket haul as Australia inflicted yet another embarrassing defeat on the hapless Pakistanis. Batting first, Australia recovered from a poor start to post a challenging total of 277 for 8, thanks in main to half-centuries from Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz.

Harris then carried on his demolition job, akin to Adelaide, as Australia trounced Pakistan by a mammoth 135-run margin. None of the Pakistani batsman could reach even 50. Umar Akmal ended up being the top-scorer with 38 as the visiting side crumbled to 142 all out, well before the stipulated 50 overs.

The chase for Pakistan just never took off. Harris, bowling at a rather quick pace, was in his elements right from the word go. Salman Butt edged one that was directed in the other direction and Cameron White picked up one of the better catches you will see in the slips. Younis Khan went as quickly as he came, poking his bat at an outswinger from Harris. Pakistan never managed to recover from there on. On the contrary, they only went deeper into the mire.

Peter Siddle joined in the fun scalping two crucial wickets. He had the struggling Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Yousuf, both caught behind of Brad Haddin, who ended up plucking five catches. There was a semblance of resistance in the form of a partnership between Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam, but alas it could not last long enough to trouble the Aussies. Alam was run-out by Hauritz while Harris cleaned up Umar to all but seal the game. Shahid Afridi played a breezy cameo before departing, but it hardly had any impact on the game. Harris eventually returned to do the mop up job and finish with another five-for.

Earlier, in the day, Pakistan squandered their umpteenth golden opportunity to put Australia under immense pressure. Despite having them tottering at 190 for 6, they managed to let them off the hook as Hussey and Hauritz added 80 valuable runs for the seventh wicket and propelled their side to a highly competitive score.

All this after Mohammad Asif had dismissed Shaun Marsh cheaply and Naved-ul-Hasan accounted for Haddin just when he was beginning to look dangerous. Michael Clarke also failed to contribute much before getting run-out, while skipper Ricky Ponting’s promising innings of 30 was cut short by Afridi.

The in-form Cameron White began the resurrection work for the Aussies, in the company of Hussey, with a gritty 44. Still, Pakistan held the upper hand when Saeed Ajmal managed to send back White and Asif returned to dislodge James Hopes. Unfortunately, Pakistan could not capitalize on the strong position and allowed Hussey and Hauritz to get away.

While Hussey took his time initially, Hauritz went hammer and tongs to post an unbeaten 53 off just 39 balls. As Pakistan began to feel the heat, Hussey too joined in the action. He was brilliant in the powerplay overs. Australia scored at over 10 runs per over during this phase and it was enough to rattle the already flustered Pakistanis.

Cameron White

Start of season, Australia back in green and gold—more green then gold. 1st ODI of the summer. Pakistan VS Australia at the wooloongabba. Pakistan for a change won the toss and decided to bat. They were off to a rollicking start. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt got off to an explosive start.

They put on 62 before Akmal was foxed by a Watson slower one. In came Younis Khan; his first international game in about three months and understandably he looked scratchy. Salman Butt took off from where Kamran Akmal left off and was soon the aggressor. He pulled, made room and smashed ‘em over cover all be it with a streak of luck—Butt was taking the attack to the Aussies.

Finally, Ponting brought on Bollinger back who was hustling in. He banged one in and Butt miscued the pull which went straight up in the air to be caught by Haddin. Bollinger accounted for Yousuf as well when he bowled a brilliant short delivery which bounced over chest height from just at good length.

Yousuf defended it; the ball bounced behind him and was bowled. Quite a dismissal! Umar Akmal looked in splendid form before he played a lose shot outside the off-stump and was taken by Haddin. Soon, wickets fell quickly and Pakistan were at 227 for 7 struggling to make it to 250. However, Afridi had other ideas. He smashed the ball to all parts of the ground. His 26 ball 48 consisted of 3 sixes and 5 fours. His cameo enabled Pakistan to reach a sizeable total of 274.

Australia were hit hard early by Mohd Aamer who bowled a brut of a delivery to Shane Watson. Australia were soon reduced to 37 for 2 and then 84 for 3 with no major contributions from the top 3. Pakistan were bossing it. Cameron white, the blonde bombshell from Victoria came in and along with Michael Clarke put on a 102 run stand bringing Australia right back into the contest.

Clarke eventually fell for 58 run out by Rana Naved. But, there was no stopping white as he continued on his merry ways. At the 40th over mark Australia still needed 75 of 60. Pakistan could still make a match of it. The next over by Afridi changed the course of the match. The over went 1, 6, 6, 6, 1, 1.

Ferocious hitting by White! Absolutely Brilliant! His first six was a waft over mid wicket. His second was another swing towards cow-corner (a very flat one). The third, best of the lot—took it from length and hammered it over the straight long on boundary. It was the flattest of the flattest—not more than 10 feet above the ground. The equation was simple then 54 of 54. Australia cruised home with Cameron White (105) getting to his second ODI century (1st at home). Michael Hussey yet another not out to him and more importantly yet another victory for Australia.

Quite a few days have passed since the Sydney debacle. However, the backlash from Pakistan continues unabated. And expectedly so, as the Pakistan cricket team made a mockery of the Test at Sydney. This was not the first time they had committed hara-kiri of such magnitude, and definitely won’t be the last.

But, it was among the worst chasing efforts ever in the history of Test cricket, that too against the weakest Aussie side of the last two decades. What should have been golden chance for Pakistan turned out to be yet another missed opportunity. The loss has not only hurt Pakistani fans, but cricket lovers the world over, since all expected a tough contest between the two teams.

While the Sydney hurt will stay with the Pakistanis for some time to come, they have to try and look forward to putting up an improved showing at Hobart. The series may be lost, but they have a lot to play for. Avoiding a clean sweep – they have been blanked on the last three occasions – will be an achievement in itself.

Keeping that in view, expect a few changes. For one, Sarfraz Ahmed, who has been sent a SOS, will definitely replace Kamran Akmal, who might not be seen in whites for a long time following his schoolboyish effort at Sydney. Non-performers like Faisal Iqbal and Misbah-ul-Haq too need to go.

Even as the changes are mandatory, the team and the management need to do more than just shuffle around their players. Sadly for Pakistan, they do not get to play Test cricket at home these days due to the constant terror threat in their country. But, that is something beyond their control and they need to try and focus on the job at hand, which they clearly haven’t been doing on current evidence.

First and foremost, their new skipper Mohammad Yousuf needs to get his act right. He has been doing reasonably well with the bat, but his captaincy has been far from inspirational. The manner in which he allowed Australia to get away on the final day at Sydney was baffling. Agreed, he is still learning the tricks of leading the side.

However, he has enough experience to at least decipher how to react to a situation. Instead, Yousuf was prepared to sit back and watch. Pakistan would do well to resolve their inner conflicts and get back their first choice skipper Younis Khan as soon as possible.

That said, one can’t entirely blame the loss on Yousuf’s negative captaincy. As he rightly pointed out, both prior to and after the disaster at Sydney, the younger generation seems keen only on T20. And as if to add credence to their skipper’s comments, the team went out and batted like they were playing a 20-over game.

They way they crumbed made one wonder whether these players can survive even 20 overs in the shorter format. Clearly, this is a dangerous sign for Pakistan cricket and unless they are willing to learn from their mistakes, there is a bumpy ride ahead for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria produced a magnificent spell of 4/117 as his side looked set to trounce Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground and draw level in the series after the embarrassment at Melbourne.

When stumps were drawn on day three, the home side were struggling at 286 for the loss of 8 wickets, a lead of a mere 80 runs. Michael Hussey was holding fort for the Australians on 73, but it is a clear case of the Aussies requiring a miracle to escape defeat from such a precarious position.

It was not all that bad at the start for the home side. After wrapping up the Pakistani innings for 333, openers Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes were involved in an impressive century opening stand. But what followed was nothing short of catastrophic. Kaneria was responsible for separating the Australian openers after 105 runs were added.

He sent back Hughes by taking a neat return catch. Further, he added Marcus North to his kitty with one that turned the other way and had North looking south. Kaneria’s next victim, Mitchell Johnson, too had little clue about Kaneria’s wrong ‘un. The left-handed all-rounder was beaten all ends up and clean bowled. Finally, the leggie trapped the dangerous Brad Haddin plumb in front of the wickets, a decision even the referral by the batsman could not change.

While Kaneria’s spell capped a perfect day for the visitors, one cannot forget the contribution of pacer Umar Gul, who was no less effective. Gul has always had the knack of picking up major wickets even whilst conceding runs and he proved his mettle on a day when Pakistan needed him to fire. He dismissed Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting cheaply, having him edge one to slip.

More importantly, he cut short Watson’s fighting effort three short of a hundred. Watson, who was aiming for back to back hundreds, fell going for a cut just too close to his body and was out in the 90s for the third time in four games. Pakistan weren’t complaining though as Watson’s dismissal put them right on top. Gul carried on the good work, adding the scalp of Nathan Hauritz as Pakistan looked set to upset the Australian applecart.

Amazingly, Pakistan find themselves in a winning situation despite some horrendous work in the field. The game could well have been over on the third day had the visiting side fielded sanely. Watson was dropped by Kaneria near the fine-leg boundary. Further, he was all but run out as play approached lunch. For some reason, Kamran Akmal refused to remove the bails when the batsman was not in his crease. Akmal’s poor day turned worse as he put down Michael Hussey three times, and that too off Kaneria’s bowling.

It seems that the New Year has definitely turned around Pakistan’s fortunes. All they must do now is finish off the Aussie innings early on the fourth day and march their way towards victory.

In Nottingham, at Trent Bridge Stadium on 18th of June, ICC World T20 semifinal was played between the unpredictable Pakistan, and invincible South Africa. Star player Shahid Afridi with his indefatigable efforts with bat and bowl snatched the victory out the South Africa who had been on winning streak up till. In this exciting semifinal, the Trent Bridge was howling with screaming and overwhelming Pakistani supporters for the Pakistan. Shahid Afridi blasted with bat 51 runs off 33 balls giving the Pakistan head start and again with his magical spell of leg-spin caught the South Africa with awe by taking 2 wickets of 16 runs. Eventually being the significant factor for the Pakistan unpredictable and unprecedented entry into the ICC World T20 finals, making it the strongest contender.

South Africa after losing to Pakistan, yet again consolidated the notion that South Africa being perennial chokers. South Africa chasing 150 fall short of 7 runs and proved to be succumbing to the pressure.

Pakistan got blasting start by Kamran Akmal (23) with the initial hiccup of falling duck wicket of the opening batsman Shahizab Hasan (0) by Wayne Parnell. Then Akmal wicket fall on 28 by Dale Steyn, Afridi came to bat and knocked 51runs off 33 balls, taking the score to the 95 with the stabilized support from Shoaib Malik (34) end. But sooner the Afridi and Shoaib Malik were returned to pavilion by Duminy and Merwe respectively at 95 for 3 and 124 for 4. Pakistani middle order was sluggish and no boundaries were knocked in last 5 overs and Younis Khan (24) and Abdul Rassaq (12) finished innings with 149 runs.

South Africa was expected to easily achieve 150 runs target, but sooner it was realized that it’s going to be tough though. Jacques Kallis stronger innings of 64 off 54 balls, strengthened the South Africa innings. But on the other end the falling of wickets continued with Graeme Smith (10), Herschelle Gibbs (5) and AB de Villers (1) by Aamer and Afridi respectively at 46 for 2, 50 for 3 and 111 for 4. Lethargy and increasing Run Rate proved to be fatal to South Africa and in a fit to break the idleness Kallis took the uncalculated shoot by Shoaib Malik and was caught. Gul with outstanding leg cutters and Yorkers in the crucial 17th and 19th over was able to confine South Africa to 6 runs only. Hence forth despite JP Duminy (44) endeavor South Africa felled short of 7 runs and lost the semifinal.

As the 10 runs on last ball left, the Pakistani supporters were swayed by exhilaration and deafening scream. As it was predicted South Africa lost to Pakistan for just 7 runs, and Pakistani supporters were just jubilant. South Africa nerves took a toll of them and Pakistan unnerving and unflinching confidence led them to finals and making them stronger contender for ICC World T20.

Women’s ICC World T20:

Watkins Led New Zealand In The Finals By Crushing India

Indian cricket women’s team made it to the semifinals, as there opposite sex Indian cricket men’s team lost all their matches in the super 8. Hope rose higher for Indian cricket women’s team even though they previously lost to England crushingly. India stood with higher expectations in front of stronger New Zealand, but as they clashed in first semifinal on 18th of June, India couldn’t sustain a bit and lost to the New Zealand by 52 runs. New Zealand powerful team played like winner and came out eventually with pre-ordained victory.

Nottingham, at Trent Bridge, New Zealand faced India; Aimee Watkins contributed solely to the huge total of 145 runs for 5 by her stunning 89 runs of just 58 balls. Aimee Watkins brilliancy with bat and captaincy gave no vent for India to make a slightest of modifications to the precedence over match. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first and with the greater contribution of Aimee Watkins, New Zealand aggregated 145 runs off 5 wickets.

Kiwis came to bat, but initially kiwis stumbled by losing Suzie Bates (10) to a ferocious catch by Harmanpreet Kaur on bowling of Amita Sharma. With initial dent, Aimee Watkins came to bat and trampled the hopes of Indians and played sustainable and stunning innings of unbeatable 89 runs of 58 balls on here other end the wickets kept on falling with Lucy Doolan (3), Amy Satterthwaite (10), Nicola Browne (5) and Sara McGlashan (4). Amita Sharma with her bowling figure was impressive, by taking 2 significant wickets and just giving 21 runs. Rumeli Dhar and Priyanka Roy were out of other 7 bowler who took 1-1 wickets. Indian bowling was impressive still it was not able to confine Aimee Watkins.

New Zealand aggregated 145 runs off 5 wickets after them India came to bat to chase 146 runs target. India was expected to put up some entertaining show like Aimee did, but Indian batting order felled like playing cards palace. Anjum Chopra (15), Mithali Raj (20) and Amita Sharma (24) were only to bat double figures and still they were not able to contribute and none sustained on the pitch. Wickets kept falling one by one and not a single player was able to stay on the pitch. New Zealand fielding and bowling under the captaincy of Aimee Watkins was too tight and beautiful that it gave not a single opportunity to the India. Sophie Devine, Kate Pulford, Suzie Bates took 1-1 wickets and Sian Ruck and Suzie Bates took 2-2 wickets, showing off the stronger and stable bowling line up of New Zealand.

India toddling at 93 runs for 9 wickets, New Zealand winded up with the last match with great margin of 52 runs victory over India. First semifinal of New Zealand Vs India was lop sided, and New Zealand winning the match made it into the ICC Women’s World T20 finals.

Pakistan, loosing finalists of last year’s T20 WC competition came closer to booking a Semi Finals spot with a convincing 39 runs victory over Ireland. With the Kiwis having injury worries ahead of their crucial encounter against SriLanka, the only way for Pakistan to be knocked out of the competition is through a comprehensive New Zealand victory over Sri Lanka. This looks highly unlikely as the Lankans have been the in form team in the competition thus far.

The Pakistanis decided to bat after winning the toss and looked comfortable while piling up 159 runs by just loosing five wickets against the Irish bowlers. Kamran Akmal took the experienced Irish bowler Trent Johnson, to the cleaners by smashing 20 runs of his second over of the match. The only Irish bowler to have troubled the Pakistani batsman was Boyd Rankin. His steepling bounce caused a lot of anxiety for the Pakistani openers and kept them under leash. The Pakistani batsman looked in control thereafter with notable contributions from Kamran Akmal (57 runs), Shahzaib Hasan (23 runs), Sahid Afridi (quick fire 24 runs), and Misbah-ul-Haq (20 runs) to take the score past 150 and set a challenging total for the Irishmen.

The target 0f 160 seemed to be a long distance away for Ireland with a lethal Pakistani bowling attack going full throttle against them. Saeed Ajmal spun a web around the Irish batsman with his 4-wicket haul thereby spinning Ireland out of the match. Umer Gul joined the party with a 2-wicket haul to leave Ireland 39 runs short of the target. The Ireland batsman never looked in control during the run chase as wickets tumbled on a regular interval throughout the match.

Pakistan thus ended the Super 8 stage of the competition with two consecutive victories to come close to a Semi Final spot from group F. A win for Sri Lanka against New Zealand would ensure that both the Sub continental teams reach the Semi finals from this group. Things could change with a win for New Zealand, which would force the Semi Finalists selection based on run rate, thereby leaving the Semi Final door open for all the three teams in this group.