Cricket Tournaments

Pakistan chased down the target of 162 that was set by Zimbabwe in their Group A game at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at the Pallekele Stadium near Kandy. Pakistan ended on 164/3 in 34.1 overs. Umar Gul was the man of the match for his good bowling.

Zimbabwe needed to win this game to have any chance of qualification for the next round but after heavy losses to Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, they wouldn’t have harboured too many hopes. Pakistan, on the other hand, were almost through to the quarter-finals but a loss here would have made that path more difficult as they would either have to beat Australia in the last game or lose by a small margin.

Chasing 162 for a win, Ahmed Shehzad’s poor run of form continued to haunt him. He made only eight but he will be disappointed by the shot he played when he tried to charge Ray Price but was stumped by the wicket-keeper Taibu.

However, playing in his first game of the tournament, Asad Shafiq joined Mohammad Hafeez and the pair took the side to the realms of safety. Hafeez fell when he was one short of his half-century but Shafiq went on to make his 50 and despite the early dismissal of Shahid Afridi (3), he ensured that the win was Pakistan’s.

It was a surprising decision by Zimbabwe to win the toss and elect to bat first, that, on a track which was evidently moist. To add to that, the conditions were overcast and one would have expected the side wanting to bowl first. Especially given that the Pakistanis have a bowling attack which can exploit the conditions rather well.

The other surprise was the playing eleven. Under such conditions, it was difficult to comprehend the rationale behind going into the game with only one medium-pacer in S Masakadza. Masakadza was playing his first game of the tournament and the two from the previous game, Tinashe Payangara and Christopher Mpofu were both consigned to the dressing room.

Zimbabwe were quickly pegged back in the very first over of the game as Brendan Taylor was dismissed by Abdul Razzaq for four. Taylor edged one to Kamran Akmal, who seemed to have overcome his catching issues and the batsman had to take the long walk back. In the very next over, Umar Gul had Regis Chakbva dismissed lbw for a duck and then, when Vusi Sibanda departed for five, the Zimbabweans looked like they were in a soup at 13/3 in the sixth over.

Tatenda Taiu added 30 with Craig Ervine but Waha Riaz sent him back to peg the side to 43/4. Ervine batted on and in partnership with the likes of Greg Lamb first and then captain Elton Chigumbura, ensured that they weren’t going to fall away for nothing.

Rain played its part in reducing the overs to 43 but with Zimbabwe’s score reading 151/7 in the 40^th over, rain fell again to reduce the game to 39-a-side. Duckworth-Lewis came into the picture and Pakistan were set a total of 162 in 38 overs. Ervine made 52.

It was a game that was Pakistan’s for the taking. But, four crazy overs of slog over bowling and some childish fielding from the unpredictable Asians turned things around 360 degree. Ross Taylor, who was dropped twice at the start of his innings, one being a simple, straightforward chance to wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and one going between the keeper and slips, went on to play the innings of the lifetime. Until the last five overs of the innings, Pakistan were in control, courtesy Umar Gul whose tight bowling and wicket-taking kept New Zealand’s score under check.

Unfortunately for Pakistan, it was actually the silence before the storm. Shoaib Akhtar bowled a plethora of full tosses and was treated by the well-set Taylor with the least of respect. All those deliveries found their way over the ropes as Akhtar could do nothing but watch in embarrassing amazement. Taylor threw his bat at everything and was rewarded suitably as he also brought up his birthday century. There was more come in the innings of the lifetime as Taylor dished out similar treatment to Abdul Razzaq. Like Akhtar, Razzaq was also guilty of bowling a number of full tosses. And not surprisingly, those deliveries were dispatched easily over the ropes. And even when the bowler managed to land the ball on the pitch, the ball was creamed to the fence along the ground. The bowlers had absolutely no answer to the Taylor assault. Inspired by Taylor, Nathan McCullum and Jacob Oram also played wonderful cameos as Pakistan bowlers succumbed to the pressure.

Taylor’s was the kind of innings New Zealand needed to lift themselves up following some disappointing efforts in recent times. Taylor hadn’t been the greatest form going into the tournament. In fact, he had been struggling for quite a while. Also, his record on the sub continent had been below par prior to this tournament. In spite of all this, Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori had backed Taylor to come good sooner rather than later in the tournament. And that’s exactly what happened. Taylor went from strength to strength as the innings progressed and hurt Pakistan badly for their misdemeanours with both the ball and in the field.

Once Taylor and co had blasted Pakistan in the manner they did, there seemed to be no way back for the Pakistanis. So shell-shocked were they that in time the Pakistanis had lost six wickets and the game was all but over. It was only a blazing counter attack by Abdul Razzaq that the Asian giants something to cheer about. He got some good support from Umar Gul towards the end. But, that was only a case of too little too late.

Apart from Taylor, Martin Guptill’s half-century will also give assurance to New Zealand at the top of the order. He has been in good form of late and the Kiwis will want him to continue that in the coming matches as well. What they need now is for Brendon McCullum to find his groove. He did perform well in the previous game against Zimbabwe. However, New Zealand will need McCullum to be more consistent in the coming games. Among the other worries, the injury to skipper Vettori will be a bit of a worry to them.

From Pakistan’s point of view, they will need to get their bowling act at the death right. Also, their fielding needs to go up by a few notches. And, of course, their batting under pressure needs to improve. They have been caught napping on more than a couple of occasions now and were bailed out by Shahid Afridi. The business end of the tournament is just about to begin and Pakistan need to put the past victories behind them and look ahead to the bigger battles that are ahead.

Salman Butt

Salman Butt’s third century and his first in four years ensured that Ricky Ponting did not enforce the follow on as Pakistan were bowled out for 301. Australia went in to stumps at 59 for 1 at the end of the third day’s play with a healthy lead of 277.

Pakistan were in dire straits when play resumed but, it were the old foes Butt (102) and Malik (58) who put on a 129 run stand for the 5th wicket which gave the Pakistan total some much needed respect.

Malik batted well in his comeback innings and was decisive with his footwork. Salman butt was exquisite with his shots through the offside and seemed to pierce the field at every attempt he made in doing so. Butt did well to reach a hundred, however his captain wasn’t seen cheering his century.

On display were typical “Asian wrists” as the duo flicked their way to lunch unscathed. The Australian bowlers were disciplined but results never seemed to come until Ponting brought on part timer Simon Katich who accounted for Salman butt and Debutant Sarfraz Ahmed within two overs.

Australia looked all set to enforce the follow on when Pakistan were reeling at 248 for 9. However, the last wicker pair of Umar Gul and Mohd. Asif put on a 50 run stand thus putting enough doubt into Ponting’s mind about the follow on. The Australian pacers were far too short to the tail-enders especially with a new cherry in hand.

After the second day’s play Ponting was quite intent on enforcing the follow on. However, the last wicket partnership took its toll on the Australian seamers as they took a 106 Overs to bowl out Pakistan. In spite of the two major partnerships in the day Pakistan’s batting left a lot to be desired.

Pakistan are missing a number 3; Pakistan are missing YOUNIS KHAN. Ponting then decided to have a bat although the weather forecast over the next couple of days isn’t too good; thus ensuring the match will last five days. Australia lost Shane Watson to early in the mix leaving the score at 1 for 1.

A rare flop for Watson who has had a wonderful season with the bat. Ponting (25*) and Katich (33*) batted through to stumps leaving Australia in a commanding position at the start of day4. The surface looks a good one to bat on as shown by the inability of the Australian bowlers to clean up the tail.

Australia must declare with a sizeable lead between Lunch and tea tomorrow if they want to complete a whitewash. They must consider the unpredictability of the Pakistan batting line-up and the trueness of the surface. The fourth day’s play promises to be an intriguing one.

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.

21st June, the historic day in Cricket history, especially for Pakistan it’s the unforgettable day. Pakistani Fan’s prayers accepted, and Pakistan won over by high spirits and delight. Afridi swung willow wand and leaded the Pakistan to become ICC World T20 Champions. Pakistan determination, spirit and brilliancy in the game were apparent and each player gave his every bit of effort for the fancied victory. Expectations were high from Pakistan; to be pressurized instead it uplifted the spirits and motivated Pakistan to believe in itself. Consequently, we have Pakistan as ICC World T20 Champions beating considerably Sri Lanka off 8 wickets.

London Lord’s stadium, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, though decision was sensible but it wasn’t fateful for the Sri Lanka. Lankans came to bat but blunder started from very first over; Aamer taking essential wicket of Tilakaratne Dilshan (0), then in second over Jehan Mubarak (0) was ducked by Razzaq. Then Sanath Jayasuriya(17), Mahela Jayawardena (1), Chamara Silva (14)and Isuru Udana (1); batting line up collapsed in a nick of time. But Kumar Sangakkar (64) on the other end was still holding the pitch and hopes, with vital support of Angelo Mathews (35); Sri Lankan total reached 138 runs off 6 wickets.

Pakistan bowling was spectacular, we could see the Pakistan bowling magic thrilling to fans and threatening to Sri Lanka. Pakistani bowlers Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi were outstanding and line and length was just near to perfect. Every Pakistani bowler bowl seemed tough to play, and every fielder clenching for the one’s and two’s equally bitter the batsman and made every effort of batsman worthless. Senior player Abdul Razzaq had been lucky for the Pakistan, with his return Pakistan spirits uplifted and in the final we saw he him out performing Sri Lanka by taking 3 wickets.

Lankans put forth 139 runs target, Pakistan was confident to achieve it and win the championship. This kind of optimism was radiant on every Pakistani player, and something like hunger we felt in them to win this world cup. As expected each player entertained spectators, Kamran Akmal (37) and Shahzaib Hasan (19) from the first over made Lankans restless and power play also proved to be fruitless. After Akmal, Afridi came to bat, and fans roared as he walked out of pavilion. Expectations, and prayers were being chanted and every bit of it got fulfilled. Shahid Afridi knocked unbeaten 54 runs of 40 balls and Shoaib Malik (24) also contributed well enough. Pakistan won the match by 8 wickets sparing 8 balls.

Afridi and Razzaq terrific performance just made the day only for Pakistan. After Sri Lanka qualifying for the finals Afridi growled to them to beware. In the same manner Afridi executed and terrified Lankans with his terrific performance eventually leading the Pakistan to the T20 World Cup win. Whole stadium was loaded with Pakistani supporters they cheered outrageously for the Pakistan in the End.

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.