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Pakistan pay for spilling their catches

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Kamlesh Purohit | 12:57 UK time, Sunday, 11 November 2007

It was interesting that both teams wanted to bowl first at the toss in the third one-day international in Kanpur.

Pakistan got to do so, but were , and perhaps Shoaib Malik will hope to lose the toss for the last two matches.

So far the toss winner has lost every game of the series.

Both teams opted for the extra spin option (Abdur Rehman and Murali Kartik respectively) and with cracks in the wicket likely to break-up as the game progressed, India's job was to get a score they would feel confident of defending.

So it proved, though not without a little help from the Pakistani fielders.

by wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal off Shoaib Akhtar.

And the Prince of Calcutta, with his partner Sachin Tendulkar, made Pakistan pay, hitting 67 from the first 10 overs.

India celebrate as the match turns in their favour

After that initial flurry, Sohail Tanvir and the Pakistani spinners tightened things up as the wicket started to dry and turn.

India knew a big score was possible providing they had wickets in hand and the acceleration came in the 34th over, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Dhoni each hitting a pair of sixes as 50 came off just four overs.

The pair put on 100 off 91 balls for the fourth wicket, though not without a little luck for Yuvi, first dropped by Salman Butt at extra cover, and then surviving a close lbw shout off Rehman.

The last time I was in , I didn’t blink too much despite some of the worst pollution in the world.

Just as well otherwise I would have missed most of .

That knock I suspect was very much in his captain’s mind when he promoted the big-hitting all-rounder to opener, something which appeared to be paying off as 24 runs came off the first two overs.

On this occasion though, Afridi’s innings was a comparatively brief one, out in typical fashion, bowled trying to hit Irfan Pathan out of the ground.

Opener Butt oozed class with exquisite strokeplay as he hit a superb 129.

But there was only modest support at the other end for him, and when he was ninth man out the match had already started to slip away.

Yuvraj deservedly took the man-of-the-match prize for a fine all round performance: 77 with the bat, brilliant fielding to run-out Mohammad Yousuf, and then trapping Malik lbw.

And Pakistan must now win both the remaining two matches if they are to clinch this series.

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  • 1.
  • At 01:43 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Akber Kassam. wrote:

Pakistan are in trouble, they have t win remaining two matches to clinch the series.

Akber Kassam.
NYC.

  • 2.
  • At 01:59 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • sheeraz wrote:

the way pakistan approche the game was negitave they fielded like loosers just like school side,i dont no what kamran akmal doing in the side?he suppose to b a wicketkeeper but i m sorry to say he just look like lost his touch and need a break its time to think and do some thing, congrats to india for a fine allround display.

  • 3.
  • At 03:06 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Pvora wrote:

Excellent India
Once again team India proved that they are better side after winning 1st and 3rd match comfortably and losing the 2nd one very closely
Congrats India

  • 4.
  • At 03:36 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Dr Cajetan Coelho wrote:

India's world renowned opening pair came up with yet another fine partnership for the first wicket. Saurav and Sachin are carrying on their good work without showing any signs of wear and tear. Indian batsmen who followed made significant contributions.

Indian bowlers too did not give away much. Zaheer, Harbhajan, Murali and Yuvraj made things difficult for the visitors. Tanvir and the Rawalpindi Express bowled well for Pakistan.

Salman Butt scored a sparkling century which is said to be his fourth against mighty India. Except for the reliable and combatant Misbah, the other Pakistani batsmen came and went without sufficiently challenging the home side.

A little more application and longer partnerships could have made the game much closer. As a team India showed depth, determination and hunger to excel.

Let us wish the two sides well in round four.

  • 5.
  • At 03:50 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Tasawur Ali wrote:

Inconsistent, Nervy and Impuslive Team!
The Coach should think about sending the guys for yoga and meditation under any Indian Guru! That's how they can learn to keep their cool! We as Paki Audience are becoming more and more numb to these "Usual" defeats! I guess the Ausi Coach should only teach them how not to be "All Fingers & Thumbs" - particularly the clumsy Wicket Keeper!

  • 6.
  • At 04:21 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • ATIF,from pakistan wrote:

India is good but Pakistan is also a very good side.where were india when it looses to Aussies?Inshallah we will come back inthe series and win the series 3-2,inshallah

  • 7.
  • At 04:22 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • seville wrote:

Pakistan were incosistant trough out-(apart from Butt though, he played like a warrior). The fielding was diabolical and Akmal needs a break. But Pakistan can win the series and be optimistic. CHUK DE PAKISTAN!!!!!

  • 8.
  • At 05:29 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Hussain wrote:

Pakistan played very bad in the field. but india didnt do all the best either.

The thing is Shoaib Malik doesnt know when to play a bowler at a time when he is needed, not blaming him because hes one of my favourites but hes at the learning stage. so inshallah all will go good for him and the team.

all credit to salman butt for giving us a nice century to watch.

and congrats to india for the win but we will be back dont you worry.

  • 9.
  • At 08:11 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • Bilal wrote:

A wasted oppurtunity by Pakistan but we will come back hard and will win the esries 3-2

  • 10.
  • At 10:14 PM on 11 Nov 2007,
  • John wrote:

A wasted opportunity for Pakistan (before I went to sleep Pak was 37/1 after 4.3 overs), but India should've helped themselves to at LEAST 300. Instead, like declining cake after dinner and regretting it, silliness with the bat forced them to decline it.

Let us hope Round Four will be another one for the ages!

  • 11.
  • At 01:19 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • waheed afzal wrote:

just onething to pakistan cricket board that what,s kamran akmal rol in pakistan cricket team he can,t catch,feild,runing and batting. please give him a log break pleasa and give a chance to others wecket keeper and bring yaser hameed back and give him bit chance to prove not just one match

  • 12.
  • At 01:32 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • gaurav wrote:

Well Congrats to India for this win.
But the performance was quite average on both sides barring individual ones from Yuvraj, Dhoni and Salman. I would love to see both sides up the ante to be competetive to the likes of Australia.

  • 13.
  • At 07:42 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • ADIL wrote:

ALTHOUGH PAKISTAN HAS LOST THE MATCH.AND NOW PAK IS 2-1 DOWN IN THE SERIES.BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT BUT IS THERE AND ALL THE PAKISTANI PLAYERS ARE GOOD FIGHTERS AND NO DOUBT THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO COME BACK.AND INSHALLAH THEY WILL COME BACK AND WILL AIN THE SERIES.

  • 14.
  • At 07:47 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Jagpreet Singh Ganda wrote:

Pakistan should themselves to blame for the loss to the Indians in Kanpur,they were not so active in the field,with Kamran Akmal dropping S. Ganguly off Shoaib of the very first delivery.I think in One Day cricket,catches should not be dropped.With India now leading the series 2-1,the momentum is with them.Yuvraj and Dhoni played sencibly and superbly and provided momentum in the middle overs which was needed desperately.Pakistan bowled well with pacemen S. Tanvir and Umar Gul producing brilliant deliveries,troubling the Indians throughout the match.Pakistan need to field very well ,their bowlers should also cut of extras which come into account.
IT IS A REQUEST TO Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú WORLD NEWS CHANNELIF THEY CAN CONVEY A MESSAGE TO BCCI AND ICC WHICH ARE THE BODIES CONDUCTING THE INDIA PAKISTAN ODI SERIES.
Let me just explain,on November 15,2007,Akal Takhat,sikh relgion's biggest body has requested all the sikhs across the world to stand on their feet and offer prayers from 1630 to 1646 hours(IST) on the date mentioned earlier.So,on November 15,2007,the day night encounter between India and Pakistan will be played in Gwalior.The match will begin at 1430 hours(IST) and if India bats first,then Harbhajan and Yuvraj Singh will need to offer prayers at the above mentioned time,(i.e. from 1630 to 1646 hours(IST).Your request can suspend the match for 16 odd minutes in the meantime ,the players can offer prayers.I have provided you my mail address ,for any query ,please contact me.

  • 15.
  • At 08:04 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Farooq Ahmed wrote:

Obviously India was to win as they were playing with 12 players while pakistan with 10.
Kamran Akmal playing for India.

  • 16.
  • At 11:58 AM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

pakistan played good and i thinh the need to be more motivated for the next game the can win the series if afridi goes boom booom

  • 17.
  • At 12:00 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • ANSAR wrote:

Pakistan is better side despite the fact they lost yesterday. Couple of mistakes costs them the match. They need to control extras 31 in this match and dropped catches at important times. I think Malik should bat after Misbah. Malik is not in good farm and he wasted too many balls and put presure on Misbah and Butt. How empire gave Butt out I do not know and He should be Man of the Match because is was player of the Match.

  • 18.
  • At 12:08 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • samir wrote:

wat are u guys sayin man afridi is a awfull batsman but yuvraj is a sweet timer of the ball

  • 19.
  • At 12:21 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • BIGGA wrote:

Mr Sohail Tanveer this is online blog for civilised people not your street corner where you can use these kind of words. im also angry about many pak players bt i wont use the 'f' word against anyone. WHEN U WANT TO PROVE A POINT GIVE SOLID REASONS.
and Mr blog editor are u sleeping?

  • 20.
  • At 12:25 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • khurram wrote:

Pakistan will do it inshallah...just loosing a match in kanpur can't change everything...!!! Pakistan will do it definitely...WITH 4-1..!!

Now everybody say..with me...!!
"PAKISTAN ZINDABAD"

  • 21.
  • At 12:40 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • nadeem wrote:

long live pakistan.....boom boom afridi

  • 22.
  • At 12:44 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Zeeshan wrote:

I have to say i agree with John why didnt they choose Salman butt as man of the match. (he is a young boy and he deserved it) but these Indian officials hah!! so unfair i still cant believe only allocated 265 seats for Pakistani supporters!! (plus they don’t clap when Pakistanis take good catches or hit six) soo sad! i feel sorry for them

  • 23.
  • At 12:52 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • TrueCricfan wrote:

Kamlesh, you really need to moderate your posts more closely. The type of blatant abusive language posted in comment number 21 really muist not get through the filter.

Wake up, son.

  • 24.
  • At 01:41 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • TrueCricfan wrote:

Kamlesh,

i commend you on your prompt action in removing an abusive comment(originally number 21 - Sohail Tanvir altho I think it is a sick joke to use a cricketer's name).

Having removed the abusive comment, you have renumbered the following ones, which is confusing. Anyone reading my comment 28 or the current comment number 24 for example would be confused because the current comment 21 (originally 22) is perfectly valid and acceptable.

I suggest you leave the slot of the offensive comment at number 21 and replace its text with an editor's note saying that the comment has been removed for profanity / abusive language.

This would serve to send out a message to the louts and would also avoid disrupting the order of comments which ofter make reference to earlier posts by using its comment number.

  • 25.
  • At 01:49 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • SR wrote:

Even I thought Butt shoulf have got Man of the match, but apparently Yuvraj got it due to all-round performance. Runs, a big wicket and a run-out. So I don't complain. BTW, it is not the India officials who decide the award, it is the Match refree. And Mr.Zeeshan, I feel sorry for you bro, you are pathetic.

  • 26.
  • At 02:01 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Sunny wrote:

Pakistan is a world class team.so,I hope they will bounce back.

  • 27.
  • At 04:09 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Furzeen Ahmed wrote:

The match consisted a very good fightback from indivual players such as for India, Yuvraj Singh and Pakistan, Salman Butt. However both teams are equal in the fielding department for there were quite a few errors which did cost the teams in a very bad way. Pakistan will Inshallah come out fighting and be determined to win the 4th match, yet there is alot of work to do for both teams for they cannot let the game go one sided, meaning there should be a better effort in all aspects of the game other than just batting.

PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!

I have heard numerous rumours that the series between the two Pakistan & India has been fixed. If this is to be true than Pakistan are SCHEDULED to win the next match and then India win the final match, so India winning the series overall.

  • 29.
  • At 04:14 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Roop wrote:

Its the game of love and unity so we need to see an interesting match and to supprt india

  • 30.
  • At 04:21 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Pawan wrote:

I think both teams are pretty well matched and some of the fielding mistakes by Pakistan cost them dearly.

Other than the players, don't you guys think that both Arun Lal and Laxman Sivakrishna are annoying. I hate their commentary and they just don't seem to stop. Please let other commentators speak too. big turn offs on otherwise nice cricket.

  • 31.
  • At 04:24 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • iky wrote:

yoo hw come no indian fans posted ne comments wen pakistan won eh ?? lmaoo have faith in ur team....lool yeh india wa better on the day...they played better cricket overall...however..2 years ago pakistan where 2-0 dwn - they came back to win 3-2 so get ready 4 some de-ja-vu..lmaoo pakistan zindabad!!

  • 32.
  • At 04:27 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Reuben wrote:

Yess India has done it once again after losing the 2nd.The winnig gives pleasure and hope. I wish them 'Best of Luck' for the matches to come.

  • 33.
  • At 04:35 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • sohib wrote:

Yurraj is not all good as every1 sayin
His jus a good timer
but afridi AND tanveer are difffertent they smash it it as far as possible insahllah pakistan willl bounce bck

  • 34.
  • At 04:43 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Zeeshan wrote:

Mr or Mrs SR,

this is for you.. dude are you one of those official to choose yuvraj as man of the match? see it makes me laugh you indians get Banana very soon. hahaha

chillout dude.. i'll ask you whoz pathetic when PAK win the series in a few days time :p hahaha

come on now say with me.. Pakistaaan Zindabad ;)

  • 35.
  • At 04:46 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • nat wrote:

It is common knowledge they have to give the man of the match to a player from the winning team.
End of the day, runs on the board and the spinners won the game for India in the end.

I think Dhoni has a slightly better team allround and as a result can adapt the bowling/batting depending on the situation of the game. He also has the confidence in his players.

Malik just doesn't have the quality to draw on when required in the bowling department and I think we all agree that his batting is very poor of late. The team should be looking up to him, but if he doesn't have the fight, how do you motivate others ?

Pakistan look fairly average at the moment and were lucky to win the second ODI.

But one thing is that Pakistan fight much harder when their backs are up against the wall. This is what India should be worried about.

  • 36.
  • At 05:03 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • INDAIN wrote:

YESSSSSS!!!!INDAI WILLL WIN EITHER 4/1 OR 3/2!!!!CHAK DEEEEEEEEEEEEE INDAI!!!!!
BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD

  • 37.
  • At 05:40 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • RMD wrote:

Pakistan did well to keep India under 300. The ball was swinging early in the innings but Pakistan couldnt take advantage.
Sohail Tanveer and Umar Gul again displayed great talent with some good tight bowling.

I think the problem is at the top of the order - finally i thought at the last match, Pakistani mgt had got it right in sending Afridi right down the order. Why make him open? they might as well send in a bowler.

I think Malik should open - he was awesome as a number 3 batsman for Pakistan in ODI's

  • 38.
  • At 09:58 PM on 12 Nov 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

yooo,
INDIAN u r pissing me off, man relax there are two matches left and PAKISTAN have won 23 more matches than india if u look at the stats. The umpire who was also indian did not give the correct decision ganguly lbw, it cleary touched the pad and bat was not in contact and Salman butt out was also wrong decision, the ball was not hitting the stumps.
INSHALLAH Pakistan will win the odi and test series AMEEN

  • 39.
  • At 12:41 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • adil akhtar wrote:

When will Pakistan stop meddling with there batting order, Afridi and Akmal are not opening batsmen they are both lower order batsmen, if afridi had come in at six down Pak would have had a good chance of getting the required runs, but this has happened too many times its about time this problem was sorted. Running between wickets is disgraceful, there shot choice is schoolboy cricket like. Akmal needs a break from cricket he makes too many mistakes/missed catches. Find another batsmen to open with Butt, i'm sure there are plenty about. Geoff Lawson and his coaching staff have a lot of work to do, Love the team but they have let us supporters down too many times.

  • 40.
  • At 02:10 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

Mr. Adil Akthar,
You are right that the team let us down but if we ee the past result Pakistan is better than india. Even though india won two matches, Pakistna is still better. For example, if people think irfan pathan is a good bowler then, they should also find out who made him and thought him swing and stuff like that, it was Wasim Akram. Abdul Qadir made shane warne. They should bring in the new wicket keeper Sarfraz Ahmed and make him open with Butt.

  • 41.
  • At 03:52 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • MS wrote:

Does Mr. Ali think Irfan pathan and Shane warne would not have played cricket at all or extremely poor cricket but for Wasim Akram and Abdul Qadir respectively. International cricketers, especially the outgoing ones always pass on their experience to younger promising cricketers irrespective of nationality. that shows their magnanimity and commitment to the game. MRF pace foundation in chennai just does not open doors to indians alone. it welcomes cricketers internationally (best eg is chaminda vaas). to this end mr. Ali's comments appear very childish, immature and potrays his lack of sportsmanship. learn to enjoy the game, be passionate towards supporting your team, that does not mean that you need to behave mentally blind when the opponents outwit you in the trade. let pakistan and india reach a level from where they match up or beat australia regularly.

  • 42.
  • At 04:05 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Sheeraz wrote:

Sorry to burst the bubble
Its all panned to make it a 5 game series which Pakisan will win and india will win the test

Come on did you see how Younis Khan just let the ball Hit his wicket and Mohammed Yousif running so slow my grandmother would be proud of that

Relax , Pakistan will beat India end of story stay cool


ITS BOOM BOOM TIME

  • 43.
  • At 04:27 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • billa wrote:

Ali - It is obvious you have never played any sport in your life. Sportsmen are not made by someone, they work hard to get there. There is knowledge sharing amongst players and nothing wrong with it. But that doesnt mean Qadir made Warne or Akram made Pathan. Before Akram parted knowledge to Pathan, Kapil had guided Akram on various occasions. Now does that mean Kapil made Akram? NO.. If crickets are made like that then you would be holding bat and facing Bret Lee...not writing these nonsensical comments..Good luck on the next match.

Pakistan should bring Afridi in middle order. And they should open with another wicket keeper not from Kamran Akmal. Because Kamran don't deserve to be in International Team.

  • 45.
  • At 08:00 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • JASDEEP SYAN wrote:

For Zeshan.

man of match is decided by MATCH REFEREE and he is ROSHAN MAHANAMA a SRI LANKAN not INDIAN. no improvement in uq case bro.. ur still pathetic.
;-)

  • 46.
  • At 08:47 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • M.Anns Minhas wrote:

Every trouble require a patience planning. But first the commitment to solve it. And Pakistani team hane the lack of confidence and commitment. One plays and all depends on one`s innings. We can not say about any player that he is a match winning boy. Kamran Akmal has been given so much time to improve himself but he totally failed.Now he has to go and should be. Every player has to understand his responsibility. Pakistani Nation want to see the team on top.

  • 47.
  • At 09:48 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Imran Hussain wrote:

Pakistan will win the next 2 games inshallah and our main man Afrdi will go Booooooooom Boommmmmmmmmmm:D

  • 48.
  • At 10:02 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • suncy wrote:

hey guys....... The most important concern is that this series is not like earlier ones.... seriously no more competitive cricket left in these two teams, both r playin like any gully side team n whoever wins will hav done just one misttake or let me say blunder less than the other...... rather than fighting for these teams in this column, better watch some really good cricket........

  • 49.
  • At 11:02 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • SR wrote:

Being an Indian, I wish Pakistan all the best to give a tight series.

  • 50.
  • At 11:39 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • SINGH wrote:

SUNCY

No great cricket being playd these days. australia is pipping sri lanka. newzealand played hopelessly against south africa.
and this series in india. ugh!

  • 51.
  • At 11:53 AM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Naeem wrote:

I think neither side can claim ascendency over the other, as both are far too inconsistent in bowling and fielding.....

The difference being, India having played more consistently at the crucial times. Pakistan have been let down by school boy errors in the field, mostly by Akmal. For me he needed to be rested for the ODI series against SAF, as now it is perceived to be a BIG risk playing Sarfraz Ahmed in a big ODI decider for PAK (being 2-1 down). However, he is a far better option than Akmal or makeshift Hameed (very average batting technique let alone keeping)....The basis of selecting any wicketkeeper must be good keeping (you may laugh), the plus being his batting. I dont think the basis for selection should be changed - if the likes of Gilchrist, Sangarakarra or Dhoni dont exist in PAK.

Furthermore, Malik does not consistute a place in the team as a Batsman alone - his average suggests that too. For me, he has always been a valuable utility player. IF he bowls, we can replace Rehman with Nazir upfront - thus allowing Afridi to remain at No7.

Unfortunately, coz of the current think tank....i doubt any of the above will be heeded - my worst fear is for a keeper in bad form to be replaced by a part-time keeper (who bats just as inconsistently and cruciallly grass more catches).....

  • 52.
  • At 01:32 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Tahir wrote:

Its very true, before it was so much fun watching Ind vs Pak but not anymore. Kamran Akmal and than the opening pair are ruining our fun and wining hopes. I like Afridi but m so disapointed in him he thinks of every single ball a six hit even a yorker and too much of show off. Pakistani batsman made themseleves out by playing stupid shots. Current Pakistani team have only 3 batsmen if they play well Pak may win esle one can hardly expect a good game from the rest of the team. The blame also goes to the Coach and Selectors who select wrong players.

  • 53.
  • At 03:20 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • bari wrote:

loos pretty bleak for the pakistanis
i am afraid they've all but lost the series

  • 54.
  • At 04:27 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • rathina samy j wrote:

catches win the matches. It is always true which was explicitly seen in the II and III matches where India lost in II Odi because of their lapse ingrabbing catches at crucia; time and Pakistan in III ODI
so it is well evident if u strong in fielding and have a mindframe to win definitely u can achieve. It is always a war like battle in cricket whenever played between India and Pakistan as well as between Australia and New zeland . It is always healthy competition and the spectators are blessed with the best game. Let us hope that the remaining games also finished with close end and wishing the better performer win the match and I pray god for Sachin's Ton in the remainging 2 ODIS

  • 55.
  • At 04:28 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Abbas Rizvi wrote:

Both sides are not looking consistent in all the departments so far India has upper hand in this series.
What is Shoaib Malik role in Pakistan side?Is he taking any responsibilities as a captain?He should be opening with Salman Butt instead of keep trying Kamran Akmal who has been failed in both keeping and batting since past series.Abdur Rehman plays as a spinner but he has not delivered any good spell in the series.What about Fawad Alam why cant Pakistan give a chance to this young player a good hitter of the bowl and can deliver some spin bowling.

  • 56.
  • At 04:35 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Mubasher Nazir wrote:

I think that there is not very much understanding between the players and which is seen in the last four matches.According to my point of view if that thing is never be removed the Pakistani cricket team is looking like a looser hockey team so i never see the future of pakistani team very bright.

  • 57.
  • At 04:51 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • NR wrote:

Pakistan Cricket had been going through a rough time. The present cricket team lacks the punch, talent, and consistency of days when Imran, Wasim, Saeed, and Inzimam used to play. In my opinion we don’t need mediocre players like Younis Khan or unreliable ones like Shahid Afridi who can click once in every tem matches.

Just a thought, put this team in and see the awesome results!
Most of these folks played in the under 19 world cup that Pakistan won, Bring them in; Get oldies out(except Shoaib Akhtar and Misbah):

1) SALMAN BUTT (very reliable)
2) ALI ASAD (attacking batsman and
wicket keeper)
3) SHOAIB MALIK (still young and
learning)
4) HASNAIN ABBAS (just 20 and
already making a mark)
5) HASAN RAZA (youngest player to
ever play for Pak)
6) ANWAR ALI (all rounder)
7) ZULQARNAIN HAIDER (wicketkeeper)
8) SOHAIL TANVEER (all rounder)
9) SHOAIB AKHTAR (Captain)
10)KASHIF RAZA (extremely fast)
11)NAJAF SHAH (new Wasim Akram in
early 20s)

Let me know what y’all think of the team above and also pass it on to the higher ups in Pakistan Cricket board.

  • 58.
  • At 05:21 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • undercover sachin wrote:

kamran akmal is a dire wicketkeeper, the worst on the international circuit by miles, even including the annoying but more able matt prior of england he needs to be dropped because if he is the best wicketkeeper in pakistan ill play. Pakistan have a chance if they bring in somebody else how can akhtar bowl full pelt with no confidence in the man behind the stumps.

  • 59.
  • At 05:23 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

Mr. NR,
What about afridi, yousuf and younis? Our middle order will collapse man. You are right they should try young player but they should try them with oldies so they gain experiences. Like australlia is doing it

  • 60.
  • At 06:43 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • junaid wrote:

i believe in one thing and that is if pakistan lost 2 matches it does not make india a better team. pakistan fielded bad rather very bad and that gave india an edge. we dropped catches but than if indian players are so well why did they keep giving catches. both teams are of about the same class so stop arguing about who is better, talk about the flaws players carry

  • 61.
  • At 07:10 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • NR wrote:

Dear Ali,

Thanks for your feedback. I am not saying get all the seniors out but get the mediocre players out who had been given alot of chances and they only perform in 1 out of 15 games.

Younis is inconsistent and relies on leg, sweep and reverse sweep kind of useless shots.

Shahid Afridi is NOT AT ALL RELIABLE.

I would probably keep Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah from the present team. And then add the new folks who are all in their 20s and very talented specially these players:

ALI ASAD (Best player of Junior
World Cup)
HASNAIN ABBAS (Best domestic player)
ANWAR ALI (Best all rounder of
Junior World Cup)
ZULQARNAIN HAIDER (Wicketkeeper)
NAJAF SHAH (Working with Wasim Akram)

  • 62.
  • At 08:36 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • altaf wrote:

pakistan should have team oder like this:

1) salman butt
2) wicketkepper
3) younus khan
4) mohammed yousuf
5) soaib malik
6) misbah-ul-haq
7)shaid afridi
8) mohammed hafeez
9) sohil tanvir
10) soiab akthar
11) umar gul

  • 63.
  • At 08:48 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

To Mr. NR,
I understand what you are saying. THey should kick Kamran Akmal out of the team first and replace him. Arfidi is all right, cuz if he perform one day then Paksitan wins the match. I really want them to let Fawad Alam play. I believe if they change the middle order bring a new player and put him in the team and train him with the seniors players like australlia does it everytime. They bought shaun tait in the team, when they had mcgrath.

  • 64.
  • At 10:12 PM on 13 Nov 2007,
  • ali islam wrote:

i very sorry india is lose the next match

  • 65.
  • At 08:21 AM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • altaf wrote:

i know that india is going to lose the next match.it will be good to see india lose the next match and in the fainal match you don't know who is going to win?

  • 66.
  • At 08:29 AM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • Zeeshan Ali wrote:

Pakistan should field well & drop Kamran Akmal. He needs at least two to three weeks rest, no cricket. We should opt for Sarfaraz & Malik should open the innings. Inshallah Pakistan will win this series.

  • 67.
  • At 10:27 AM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • Tahir wrote:

How many of us think the current 11 players (apart from few)in the Pak team are the best in the whole country. Its been going on for a while now and I can't believe they cant find a decent wicket keeper or opening pair in the country. Selectors have chosen these 11 players out of millions than shouldnt they be if not perfect atleast best at playing decent cricket.

We risks our jobs, do sickies, close our daily business just becoz our national cricket team playing and wot we get is a disapointed results. Anyway I hope someday Pak will become the best team in the world and wish goodluck to Ind Vs Pak for the rest of the matches.

  • 68.
  • At 10:34 AM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • Naeem wrote:

In reality, what will probably happen is that a mediocre Hameed will keep wicket and open....so not only can we expect more catches to be dropped but also another low opening stand.....lol!

The Pak think tank will normally do the opposite of the popular choice... i personally think Shoaib Malik is better as a Vice Capt - i would have gone for Afridi - though his over friendliness and apologetic nature seems rather worrying....why the hell was he saying Sorry to Gambhir - clearly he was running towards him??

I know these guys are friendly off the field....but that takes the pee!

There is no harm in having friendly relations with your opponents, but i think it should be restricted to the pavillion......only baggage u should carry to the field is the will to win (within the confines of the game)!

Only hope if Akmal does play tomm, is that he has another howler and is dispelled from the team for atleast 6-12 months....

  • 69.
  • At 11:48 AM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • fatima wrote:

my godd cant believe pakistan lost but anywayz i beleive in them dat deyr gonna win inshallah......india is gonna get der butt kicked.....lol lol

I Don,t know that why pakistanies can not pick the tallent from all arround pakistan
like
aasim kamal wonderfull left hand batsman
and take rest to yousaf, akmal

akmal played last few year but he has setteled himself in the team

yunus khan wicket keeper
thanks

  • 71.
  • At 03:24 PM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • rizwan wrote:

i think pakistan will win this series because when pakistan come 2 india thay have won and when india went 2 pakistan india have won one day series so i think the one day serise was fix.

  • 72.
  • At 05:21 PM on 14 Nov 2007,
  • zaheer ahmed wrote:

no special comments.

  • 73.
  • At 03:20 AM on 15 Nov 2007,
  • hasham wrote:

Pakistan need to rule out akmal.
best luck for 4 th one - day

  • 74.
  • At 07:17 AM on 15 Nov 2007,
  • Haider wrote:

Poor fielding by our side like always.Kamran Akmal should be replaced by someone more compitent.But surely they have the potential to do well & i'm sure that they'll do it in the next game.As they showed in the 2nd game.C'mmon PAKISTAN you are the best side of the world.Win the series.

  • 75.
  • At 04:18 PM on 15 Nov 2007,
  • Karan wrote:

"i know that india is going to lose the next match.it will be good to see india lose the next match and in the fainal match you don't know who is going to win?" - altaf

Like you guys knew Pak was gonna win the twenty20 world cup too ???? :P

  • 76.
  • At 12:33 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • j gill wrote:

well done india u r the best in the world,and will be for long time.

  • 77.
  • At 12:54 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • Ali wrote:

Mr. Karan and Mr. Anjit Tendulkar,
Relax india is still behind Pakistan in stats!!!

  • 78.
  • At 05:37 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • Syed Raza Abbas wrote:

I have only one word to say for Pakistan "Pethatic" another word "Simply Pethatic". It is the beginning of a new era of INDO-PAK cricket we will see India's domination for a time to come.Well Played India you deserved to win.

It is not the catches which has forced pakistan's fall. It is their game approach some one blame's batting i blame lack of planning bowlers they have no plan shoaib only wants to be on the 100 mph mark he never bowls at the weakness of the batsmen no matter how big a batsman is he has weaknesses.Australia is the best because every one contributes to their win.

Having a foreigner coach is the only remedy PCB thinks to lift the game. Was Imran khan a foreigner ? he saw Waqar bowling on a domestic match being televised on TV and saw the talent in him and justified it for more then a decade. Now after the series loss there will be a wave of resignations in the board.Coming back to Imran he knew Wasim he knew Saeed's caliber he knew Inzama's Caliber saw him bat in the nets and offered him the world cup tournament. A country which has turmoil in it cant have best people in the best places a country where jobs are offered on the bases of personal likes and dislikes cannot find people to win games. We were once champions of Cricket, Hockey, Squash and snooker but sadly we don stand any where in any of them. Pakistan has contributed a lot to cricket and it is really sad to see the downfall of a team which was once world beaters.
Only prayers can lift sports in Pakistan now but then again only prayers cannot see off the calamities steps planning and good will are also the main ingredients.

Congrats India over a very disciplined show and series win.

  • 79.
  • At 06:15 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • aaron wrote:

Hey ev one...um pakistan they are a good side..the lack the right leaders...
they need someone with a vision..like Imran khan..someone the team can look up to..someone who can lead from the front..inspire...let s see who can lead among them...right now...malik seems a lil overwhelmed by what s happening around..he needs a mentor..treat them right...these players are so talented..they burn with talent..but right vision and leadership...thta s the thing pakistan has missed sorely ever since Wasim Akram stepped down!!!
And by the way rivalry is good...Im an Indian who idolises Afiridi and the others...but v should really cherish the kind of relationship that uis growing between the players...Bad blood cannot take nieghbours anywhere..!!!

  • 80.
  • At 08:43 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • Naresh Potla wrote:

Hi guys stop talking funny things abt cricket its all over for Pakistan. Where all these Paki fans are doing when U r president imposed emergency in u r country. plz look after u r country b'coz its very dangerous

  • 81.
  • At 10:26 AM on 16 Nov 2007,
  • microMega wrote:

Comment #70, by FATima! Now who's got whose FAT butt kicked! Inshallah hope that hurt and deservedly so. Pakistan cricket team, it's just the reflection of the country, gone down the drain! Inshallah may this continue. Here's to the rise and rise of good old INDIA, and any other civilised countries.

  • 82.
  • At 07:42 PM on 19 Nov 2007,
  • NR wrote:

This team "WILL WORK", believe me:

1) SALMAN BUTT (very reliable)
2) ALI ASAD (attacking batsman and
wicket keeper)
3) SHOAIB MALIK (still young and
learning)
4) HASNAIN ABBAS (just 20 and
already making a mark)
5) HASAN RAZA (youngest player to
ever play for Pak)
6) ANWAR ALI (all rounder)
7) ZULQARNAIN HAIDER (wicketkeeper)
8) SOHAIL TANVEER (all rounder)
9) SHOAIB AKHTAR (Captain)
10)KASHIF RAZA (extremely fast)
11)NAJAF SHAH (new Wasim Akram in
early 20s)

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