No Social Media for Cricketers

Pakistan Cricket Board has banned cricketers' use of facebook and twitter. Coach Intikhab Alam told media that PCB has revised its discipline policy and as the result, cricketers will wont be able to use social networking websites as facebook or twitter.

Zulqarnain Haider [disappeared]

Pakistani Wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider has disappeared from Dubai. One of the key-players of the 4th ODI against South Africa left hotel at 6:30am and is still missing.

On a message left at Facebook, Zulqarnain said that “I’m leaving team after threats from someone”. “Provide security to my family”, demanded young wicket-keeper in his message. He added that he’s moving to England. His brother Raza Haider has verified that Zulqarnain had threats from identified sources.

On the other hand, Manager Pakistani team Nadeem Sarwar said that, “Zulqarnain took his passport back last night for some reason.”

Where has he disappeared? Left or kidnapped?

The final of leveled series has to take place today. Umer Akmal will replace Zulqarnain behind the wickets.

Razzaq's incredible 109 outclassed SA

Star all rounder Abdur Razzaq's match-winning century brought a thrilling win to Pakistan against South Africa in 2nd ODI. Abu Dhabi stadium, on 31st October, witnessed the rampant and fierce innings of Abdur Razzaq where he stunned the SA team with 109 runs off 72 balls. Pakistan won by just one wicket with one ball remaining.

The target of 276 by SA seemed unachievable when Pakistan lost early wickets of Asad Shaif, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez on just 70. This is where Fawad Alam (48) and Shahid Afridi (49) supported the team with a sensible partnership. Abdur Razzaq inherited a lost game when Fawad Alam was his only hope and after Alam's dismissal, he had the lower-order batsmen.

Razzaq started off patiently and strengthened Pakistan's position. His aggressive batting brought Pakistan back to the game. in 47th over, Razzaq launched 3 sixes and after that a series of boundaries brought Pakistan closer to the win. In last over, Pakistan required 15 runs where Razzaq stunned SA with 2 sixes and a four on the second last ball of the over. What a memorable innings by him!

The outrageous performance of Razzaq witnessed 10 sixes and 7 fours (strike rate 151.38)

Smart Stats:

* Abdul Razzaq's ten sixes in the innings moved him into joint third position among batsmen to hit the most sixes in an ODI innings behind Xavier Marshall (12), and Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi (both 11).

* Razzaq finished with a strike rate of 151.38, which is the highest among 100-plus scores in ODIs against South Africa. The previous best was Matthew Hayden's 101 off 68 (strike rate 148.52).

* The 12 sixes in Pakistan's innings were the second highest number in an innings while chasing.

* This was the fifth occasion that Pakistan have won a match by one wicket. All five wins have come against a different opposition.

* This was the fourth highest total chased successfully against South Africa in ODIs and the tenth highest by Pakistan

* This was Razzaq's first 50-plus ODI score in more than four years, and his first century since September 2004.

Salute to the match-winner!

ICC probes Suresh Raina's links with bookie

The ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is probing why the Indian Board kept quiet about a report of its player Suresh Raina being seen in the company of a woman linked to an associate of an illegal bookmaker, a media report said in London.

Making it clear that Raina was not suspected of any wrongdoing, 'The Sunday Times', quoting a senior ICC source, said the incident related to India's tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year.

With the heightened security concerns following the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan, the Sri Lankans deputed a former general to look after the Indian team.

CCTV Cameras installed at the Indian team hotel showed that on more than one night Raina was in the company of a woman known to be an associate of a man allegedly linked to a bookmaker.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/icc-probes-suresh-rainas-links-with-bookie/701734/


A report, including the CCTV footage, was submitted by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to their Indian counterparts.

Umpire of the year - Aleem Dar wins it again!

PCB Umpire Aleem Dar has been honored again by ICC. He has consecutively won the ICC award for best umpire. The ICC Awards 2010 ceremony was held at Bangalore, India, where Dar had strong competitors in this category like Steve Davis, Tony Hill and five-time winner Simon Taufel.

Dar, 42, was voted by the captains of the ten full members of the ICC and the eight-man elite panel of ICC's match referees for the period August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010. Their choice was based on his decision statistics and officiating skills over the past 12 months.

A quick view on his umpiring career:

Tests: 60 matches
ODIs: 133 matches
T20Is: 18 matches

Fast bowler Mohammad Aamir was also a strong nomination and was expected to win, but unfortunately, the controversy has deprived him of that award.

Collecting the award, Dar said: "I think the fact that I'm still playing cricket in Pakistan makes me a good umpire. In the last four times I've played cricket I've scored centuries so I definitely think that has helped."

Anyway, atleast one award won by a Pakistani. Thank you Dar for making us proud once again!

- Jibran T.

ICC awards nominations

Cricketer of the year: Hashim Amla, Doug Bollinger, Michael Clarke, MS Dhoni, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Virender Sehwag, Dale Steyn, Graeme Swann, Sachin Tendulkar, Daniel Vettori, AB de Villiers and Shane Watson

Test player of the year: Hashim Amla, James Anderson, Mohammad Asif, Doug Bollinger, MS Dhoni, Tamim Iqbal, Mahela Jayawardena, Jacques Kallis, Simon Katich, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Virender Sehwag, Dale Steyn, Graeme Swann, Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Watson

ODI player of the year: Hashim Amla, Doug Bollinger, MS Dhoni, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Ryan Harris, Michael Hussey, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, AB de Villiers, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson and Cameron White

Emerging player of the year: Mohammad Amir, Umar Akmal, Tim Bresnan, Steven Finn, Shafiul Islam, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Angelo Mathews, Eoin Morgan, Pragyan Ojha, Tim Paine, Wayne Parnell, Kemar Roac, Steven Smith, Paul Stirling and David Warner

Associate and Affiliate player of the year: Ashish Bagai, Richie Berrington, Muddassar Bukhari, Tom Cooper, Ryan ten Doeschate, Trent Johnston, Kevin O'Brien, Mohammad Shahzad, Samiullah Shenwari and Paul Stirling

Twenty20 international performance of the year: Suleiman Benn 4 for 6 v Zimbabwe, Deandra Dottin 112*v South Africa Women, Chris Gayle 98 v India, Michael Hussey 60*v Pakistan, Mahela Jayawardena 100 v Zimbabwe, Mahela Jayawardena 98* v West Indies, Nuwan Kulasekera 3 for 4 v New Zealand, Ryan McLaren 5 for 19 v West Indies, Brendon McMcllum 116* v Australia, Eoin Morgan 85* v South Africa, Nehemiah Odhiambo 5 for 20 v Scotland, Ellyse Perry 3 for 18 v New Zealand Women, Suresh Raina 101 v South Africa and Darren Sammy 5 for 26 v Zimbabwe

Women's Cricketer of the Year: Suzie Bates, Nicola Browne, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Devine, Jhulan Goswami, Lydia Greenway, Sarah McGlashan, Shelley Nitschke, Ellyse Perry, Laura Poulton, Mithali Raj, Gouher Sultana and Stafanie Taylor

Umpire of the Year: Billy Bowden, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Asoke de Silva, Billy Doctrove, Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, Tony Hill, Daryl Harper, Rudi Koertzen, Asad Rauf, Simon Taufel and Rod Tucker

source: Cricinfo

Fielding positions

'Gaind Balla' brings for you, the fielding guide :) enjoy...

Picture of the day: This is how you ball a 'Doosra'

Veteran off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq shares bowling tips with Saeed Ajmal.

The smiling assassin: Murali's name engraved forever

The day of 22 July 10’ will be etched in every cricketing mind. Sri Lanka brilliantly trapped the Indian team in follow-on and in the second innings. India was 338 for 9 wickets but that wasn’t the focus anyhow. The spotlight was at Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary off-spinner, who was left with just one wicket to complete his 800 wickets, more importantly in his last match. And he did it, India’s last batsman was dismissed by the ‘smiling assassin’ Muralitharan where the team celebrated Indian team’s collapse as well as Murali’s 800 wickets. The legend was carried on shoulders, what a farewell!!!

Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest bowlers of all time, made his debut against Australia in 1992. With his best of 9 for 51, Murali has caught 800 victims in just 133 test matches maintaining the average of 22.72. Next to him are Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

Murali’s cut-throat ‘doosra’ and magical spin troubled any batsman who dared to face him. Former Pakistani wicket-keeper Moen Khan calls him a ‘dangerous’ bowler that he never liked to face. The living legend, the deadly swinger and former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram said that it’s difficult to surpass Murali’s record. 'Despite being a fierce competitor, he is a great human being and a happy person. His greatest contribution to Sri Lankan cricket has been the fact that he brought crowds to the ground because of his persona. I have never seen a bowler like him before and don't think I will ever see another in the future as well,' he said.

Before that, Muralitharan announced retirement from Test cricket when he was short of 8 wickets to reach the milestone. The humble and smiling Murali proved himself a furious hunter to achieve the target. He will be remembered.

The spin-machine will remain as a great inspiration for the forthcoming spinners, his retirement is a big loss not only for the Lankans but for everyone who believed in watching quality cricket and thrilling spin. Jibran

Picture of the week

Akhter back, Hasan and Amin join

Asia Cup is expected to be a thrilling competition as three strongest teams of ODI will combat. As a positive change, aggressive Shoaib Akhter and all-rounder Shoaib Malik have returned to strengthen the squad. Unfortunately, the full-time spinner Saeed Ajmal has been dropped. The bowling line-up comprises of Akhter, Aamir, Asif, Malik, Razzaq and Afridi.

On the other hand, the dangerous Muralitharan and Malinga are back to frighten the green shirts.

Can Pakistan really win?

Pakistan will be meeting Australia in the T20 world cup semi-final at St. Lucia. Hopes high after the last victory against South Africa but is it possible for Pakistan to win against a strong team? Let’s have a look at some facts:

Throughout the tournament, Australia is WWWWW while Pakistan is WLLLW.

Batting performance of expert Pakistani batsmen:
Misbah-ul-Haq – 5 matches 68 runs (ave.17)
Abdur Razzaq – 5 matches 57 runs (avg.19)
Shahid Afridi – 5 matches 83 runs (avg.16.60)
Mohammad Hafeez- 4 innings 39 runs (avg 9.75)
Fawad Alam – 2 innings 17 runs (avg 8.50)

Do we really need to keep Misbah, Fawad and Hafeez in the squad? Isn’t it the time to try giving the fresher Hammad Azam a chance?

In the semi-final, where Australia will step in with 3 pacers Tait, Johnson and Nannes, Pakistan will have only Aamir. Razzaq’s pace has dropped to a worst extent. Dirk Nannes has been outstanding throughout the tournament with 13 wickets making him highest wicket-taker. Johnson and Tait are 8,8.

Average comparison: Australia’s top 4 averages are 55.50 (Hussey), 53.50 (White), 29.60 (Warner) and 29.00 (Watson). On the other hand, 47.75 (Butt), 26.00 (Kamran), 24.75 (Umer Akmal) and 19.00 (Razzaq).

Australia’s highest total 191. Pakistan: 172/3

Let’s sit and watch J Good luck Pakistan!!!

Jibran T. Siddiqui

Pakistan and T20 world records: A glimpse

Despite the poor performance in T20 world cup 2010 till date, Pakistan enjoys a prominent position in T20 records. Let’s have a quick view:

- Pakistan set a new and unique record against Australia where Mohammad Amir’s last over earned 5 wickets in a maiden over. (3 by Amir, 2 run-out).

- Kamran Akmal is still the wicket-keeper with most dismissals. He has trapped 36 victims behind the wicket till date. Next to him is Dinesh Ramdin (West Indies) with 18 dismissals.

- Kamran Akmal has also made most stumpings in his career that is 21. Next to him is NJ O`Brein (Ireland) with 8 stumpings only.

- Kamran shares the record of most dismissals in an innings i.e. 4 dismissals. Others are Adam Gilchrist (Aus) and MJ Prior (Eng).

- Pakistan shares most consecutive wins in T20 (7 matches) with South Africa.

- Pakistan has the record of most batsmen reaching double figures in an innings (8 Batsmen vs. Scotland in 2007)

- Umar Gul is the highest wicket-taker in T20i with 43 wickets. Next to him are Shahid Afridi (40 wickets) and Daniel Vettori (33 wickets).

- Umer Gul has also the best bowling figures in an innings. He has taken 5 wickets off 6 runs in the match against New Zealand (T20 worldcup 2009).

- The record of most wickets in calendar year is shared by Umer Gul and Saeed Ajmal (19 wickets) with 208 and 242 runs respectively.

- Shahid Afridi shares most Man-of-the-match awards with Sanath Jayasuria (Sri Lanka), 6 times.

These are the records where Pakistan tops the list; there are many other records where Pakistan stands on prominent positions.

The most noticeable thing is that most of the records are based on individual performances (Most wickets, most dismissals etc) but in Team records, Pakistan stands nowhere (Highest team totals, victory with highest margin etc).

Pakistan and T20 world records: A glimpse

Despite the poor performance in T20 world cup 2010 till date, Pakistan enjoys a prominent position in T20 records. Let’s have a quick view:

- Pakistan set a new and unique record against Australia where Mohammad Amir’s last over earned 5 wickets in a maiden over. (3 by Amir, 2 run-out).

- Kamran Akmal is still the wicket-keeper with most dismissals. He has trapped 36 victims behind the wicket till date. Next to him is Dinesh Ramdin (West Indies) with 18 dismissals.

- Kamran Akmal has also made most stumpings in his career that is 21. Next to him is NJ O`Brein (Ireland) with 8 stumpings only.

- Kamran shares the record of most dismissals in an innings i.e. 4 dismissals. Others are Adam Gilchrist (Aus) and MJ Prior (Eng).

- Pakistan shares most consecutive wins in T20 (7 matches) with South Africa.

- Pakistan has the record of most batsmen reaching double figures in an innings (8 Batsmen vs. Scotland in 2007)

- Umar Gul is the highest wicket-taker in T20i with 43 wickets. Next to him are Shahid Afridi (40 wickets) and Daniel Vettori (33 wickets).

- Umer Gul has also the best bowling figures in an innings. He has taken 5 wickets off 6 runs in the match against New Zealand (T20 worldcup 2009).

- The record of most wickets in calendar year is shared by Umer Gul and Saeed Ajmal (19 wickets) with 208 and 242 runs respectively.

- Shahid Afridi shares most Man-of-the-match awards with Sanath Jayasuria (Sri Lanka), 6 times.

These are the records where Pakistan tops the list; there are many other records where Pakistan stands on prominent positions.

The most noticeable thing is that most of the records are based on individual performances (Most wickets, most dismissals etc) but in Team records, Pakistan stands nowhere (Highest team totals, victory with highest margin etc).

Pakistan v/s Australia - Interesting facts

Pakistan lost her second match of T20 world cup against Australia. Lets see some interesting facts of the match:

1. It was Pakistan's 10th consecutive loss against Australia.

2. Pakistani batsmen prefered singles at the time when they needed more than 14 runs per over.

3. Batsman Fawad Alam applied full of his power to hit a six finally. Next six next year. (Fawad Alam - 164 runs in 20 T20 internationals, avg. 23.42, only 7 sixes and 6 fours in his entire T20i career and still called a T20 specialist).

4. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt tired after scoring 73 in match against Bangladesh, refused to score against Australia and hopefully for the entire tournament.

5. In the playing Xi, 4 players are above 30 years and 3 are 29. Pakistan needs some fresh element for T20 ;) Shahzaib Hassan, Hammad Azam and Imran Nazir aren't bad options.

Good luck Pakistan.

Raina becomes third to score T20 century

Indian Batsman Suresh Raina has smashed the Indian bowling line-up by scoring feirce 100 against South Africa. He scored 101 off just 60 balls (strike rate 168.33) with 9 fours and 5 sixes. Raina becomes 3rd batsman to score a T20i century after Chris Gayle and Branden McCullum.

Sami to play T20's first match

Fast bowler Mohammad Sami has been selected to play the first match of Pakistan against Bangladesh. Swinger Mohammad Asif was more likely to play in the team but Sami has been prefered due to weather conditions and the wicket situation.

Asif has taken 50 wickets in 34 T20s (econ. 7.53) while Sami has taken 14 wickets in 15 T20s (econ. 7.45).

Good luck Sami!

Picture of the week - India pads up to win

T20 world cup - The mega carnival begins!

T20 world cup begins with a bang!

In the opening match, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 2 wickets with 1 ball remaining. Nathan McCullum grabbed it as 'man-of-the-match' for his hard-hitting shots. Another highlight of the match was JD Ryder who made 42 off 27 balls.

While in second match, West Indies made an easy win against Ireland by 70 runs.

Keep your fingers crossed for some thrilling moments!

Spinners enjoy advantage this T20 - Asian teams ready to TWIST

T20 world cup is an electrifying blend of cricket and entertainment, and one of the most awaited ICC events now. The festival has started with warm-up matches where Zimbabwe has made a thrilling 1-run win against Australia. Considering the pitches of Caribbean islands, spinners will be one of the most effective tools for any team in the tournament. Asian teams hold the benefit in this case.

A good spinner can anytime be a match-winner, especially when bowling at Caribbean. The pitches of Guyana, St. Lucia and Barbados are slow and spin wickets that are already been considered by all the teams.

Here, the defending team Pakistan holds a strong advantage when it comes to spinners. Pakistan enjoys the presence of magical Shahid Afridi and versatile Saeed Ajmal. Both of these spinners have been remarkable in T20 format. Ajmal, who has been annoyinh for batsmen with his ‘Doosra’, has played 14 T20s for Pakistan, taking 20 wickets with the best of 4/19. One the other hand, Afridi is the trump-card for Pakistan, who has taken 37 wickets in 27 T20s. Shahid Afridi stands second in number of wickets in T20 internationals, after Umer Gul while Saeed Ajmal is the eighth top-wicket taker. Pakistan also has Abdur Rehman and Mohammad Hafeez as supporting spinners. Strong enough!

The champion of first T20 world cup India also stands prepared on the spin front. Harbhajan Singh (16 wickets in T20Is) can be a lethal weapon for India. He will be supported by young and deadly Piyush Chawla. In contrast, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan are on the supporting squad. A lot can be expected from these spinners.

Sri Lanka’s deceiving spinners’ duo remains a nightmare for any team. Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis are equipped with various spin varieties. Although Murali has not been impressive enough in T20, yet remains a match-winner. Beware of these two.

The other two Asian teams in the competition are Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s spinner’s line-up is equipped with Samiullah Shenwari and Nowroz Mangal. On the other hand, Shakibul Hasan will be the leading spinner of Bangladesh. Lets see what they have at Caribbeans.

Another interesting fact is that 3 out 5 top wicket takers in T20 are spinners. Shahid Afridi, Daniel Vettori and Ajantha Mendis stand at number 2,3 and 4 respectively.

Now the tournament is about to start, the Asian teams and their spinning squad are the centre of attraction. Lets see what does ‘Googly’ and ‘Doosra’ make at West Indies.

Jibran T. Siddiqui