August 21, 2010

From being down and out two weeks ago Pakistan kept the series alive but not without a few frayed nerves as they had to overcome a late wobble before securing a four-wicket victory at The Oval. During a tension-filled afternoon session outstanding bowling from James Anderson and Graeme Swann threatened to turn the match of its head, in an example of Test cricket at its compelling best, before Umar Akmal and Mohammad Amir carried their side over the line.

Amir, having played a match-winning role with the ball as he claimed 5 for 52, showed calmness beyond his 18 years as he and Umar, a player not known for his restraint, struck a pressure-relieving boundary apiece after England had suffocated the scoring. Umar eventually tucked the winning single past short fine-leg to end the home side's six-Test winning sequence.

Imran Farhat's positive innings set the right tone for Pakistan's chase, but nervous moments were to follow © Getty Images

At lunch Pakistan needed 33 with seven wickets in hand and Mohammad Yousuf was entrenched at the crease. However, having shown a positive mindset during the opening session Pakistan went into their shells after the break and the scoring dried up. Azhar Ali's run out sparked the wobble as he chanced a single to midwicket and was well short as Swann helped the ball onto the stumps. Seven runs later Yousuf received one of the balls of the series as Anderson uprooted the off stump with a yorker which straightened past the outside edge.

Back in January, at Sydney, it was Yousuf's dismissal that began their fateful collapse and for a while it looked like history would repeat itself. The Akmal brothers are known as shot-makers but couldn't break the shackles as England sensed a chance. Kamran Akmal's struggles with the bat continued when he padded up to Swann at which stage Pakistan still needed 16 then five consecutive maidens were strung together to ratchet up the tension.

However, despite the late scare this was a remarkable success for Pakistan who, barring half the third day at Edgbaston, had barely given England a challenge in the opening two games. That changed here, though, as the batting resolve was stiffened by Yousuf's comeback and the bowling attack was finally supported by some far safer catching.

It was the combined performance of Amir and Saeed Ajmal the previous evening that set up the victory as they hustled though England's batting order once Alastair Cook departed for 110. Amir became the youngest player to collect a five-wicket haul in England when he ended England's second innings with the fourth ball of the morning as Stuart Broad clubbed his pull to mid-on to complete a collapse of 7 for 28.

It meant the momentum remained firmly in Pakistan's court, although England struck back quickly when Yasir Hameed edged his first ball to second slip where Swann held on at the second attempt. Anderson was fired up by the success, but England wasted the new ball while Andrew Strauss set some odd fields which allowed easy singles.

Farhat led the chase with an aggressive innings which immediately put the bowlers on the back foot. He twice upper-cut the quicks over the slips and also thumped Swann's third ball just over the head of mid-on. It was a calculated gamble, but ensured Pakistan made rapid inroads into the small target.

Farhat's positive mindset almost went too far when he came down the pitch at Steven Finn and inside edged past leg stump and he fell moments later against Swann when he went for an expansive sweep and was plumb lbw. It left the innings in Salman Butt's charge and the Pakistan captain played his best hand of the series with a calm, mature approach.

He has been an impressive leader throughout the series, but scores of 1, 8, 7, 0 and 17 were adding the pressure of a challenging role. This time, though, he put those problems behind him and became increasingly fluent as the target came into view. He took three boundaries off an over from Broad who persisted with bowling outside off stump which fed Butt's cut shot.

He took the target below 50 before edging Swann to slip and he will have known in the back of his mind that the job wasn't finished. While Yousuf remained in the middle it was all under control for Pakistan but, in similar style to their victory against Australia at Headingley, the final push for victory proved the hardest. Again, though, a young side dug deep and it sets up a mouth-watering finale at Lord's next week.
Andrew McGlashan is an assistant editor at Cricinfo

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Pakistan, set 180 to win, lost four wickets for 40 runs before finishing on 180 for seven and a three-wicket win as they levelled this two-Test series at 1-1.

Left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer was five not out and Umar Gul, who hit the winning run off Mitchell Johnson, one not out as Pakistan ended a run of 13 straight Test defeats by Australia - a record for one country against another.

Pakistan were still five short when Australia's Michael Hussey appealed for a gully catch against Kamran Akmal on 13, off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson but replays were inconclusive.

And then left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer, who took seven wickets in the match, edged Ben Hilfehnaus through the slips for four to tie the scores.

But there was one more twist with Kamran Akmal brilliantly caught by Hussey off Johnson and this time there was no doubt.

Gul, though, hammered his first ball from Johnson through the offside and Pakistan had won with more than a day and two sessions to spare.

Left-arm quick Doug Bollinger, starting Friday, took three wickets for five runs in 17 balls on his way to three for 51 and Ben Hilfenhaus three for 39 but even Australia could not turn this match around.

Ultimately, Australia paid the price for being bowled out for just 88 in their first innings - their lowest Test total since they were dismissed for 76 by the West Indies at Perth in 1984

Australia 'held' Pakistan to 258, with medium-pacer Watson taking a Test-best six for 33, following his previous best of five for 40 in Australia's 150-run first Test win at Lord's last week, after the frontline quicks had been mostly ineffective.

And Australia then maded 349 with Michael Clarke and Steven Smith, in his second Test, both making 77.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting contributed 66 as he became only the second batsman, after India's Sachin Tendulkar, to score 12,000 Test runs.

But Aamer still managed to take four for 86, giving the 18-year-old left-arm quick Test best match figures of seven for 106.

Aammer and Watson won their teams' respective man-of-the-match awards.

Pakistan resumed Saturday on 140 for three, needing 40 more runs to win with Australia requiring seven wickets.

However, as recently as the Sydney Test in January, Australia bowled Pakistan out for 139, chasing a victory target of 176.

Azhar Ali resumed on 47 not out, with Umar Akmal unbeaten on two.

Ali, off Bollinger's third ball Saturday, cover-drove a full toss to the boundary to complete a maiden Test fifty off 108 balls with six fours.

But next ball, he could only edge Bollinger to keeper Tim Paine.

Ali was out for 51 and Pakistan were 146 for four.

Bollinger appealed for caught behind and lbw against Kamran Akmal, still on nought, in successive balls but Rudi Koertzen, in the South African umpire's 108th and last Test before retirement, correctly rejected both pleas.

Shoaib Malik - on 10 - was brilliantly caught at the second attempt off a well-hit drive by Marcus North at short extra-cover off Hilfenhaus and Pakistan still needed 19 to win, with four wickets standing.

Kamran Akmal, with three boundaries, took Pakistan to the brink before Gul gave Salman Butt victory in his first Test as Pakistan captain.

Pakistan now have a short turnaround before a four-Test series against England starts at Trent Bridge on July 29.

Australia have to two Tests away to India in October before attempting to regain the Ashes from England on home soil, in a five-Test campaign that starts in November.

This series was played in England after international cricket in Pakistan was effectively suspended after an armed attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore in March last year.
Courtesy Geo.tv

Australia, chasing 163 to win, were dismissed for 151 with 18-year-old left-armer Aamer taking three wickets for 27 runs in his maximum four overs - the same figures as he returned during Pakistan's 23-run win here on Monday.

The man-of-the-match struck early to remove openers David Warner and Michael Clarke before having Mitchell Johnson lbw late on to the delight of a pro-Pakistan crowd.

With just one wicket standing, a target of 19 off the last over proved beyond Australia and Shaun Tait was run out with two balls left.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and fellow spinner Saeed Ajmal kept the pressure on with three middle-order wickets.

As was the case in their dramatic Twenty20 semi-final win over Pakistan in St Lucia in May, Australia's hopes, with 35 needed off the last three overs, rested with Michael Hussey.

But the left-hander, whose dashing 60 not out turned that match on its head, was lbw to paceman Umar Gul for 25 when he missed an ambitious reverse sweep.

Australia's bowlers had done a good job in holding Pakistan to 162 for nine with left-arm quick Dirk Nannes striking twice in two balls to remove dangermen Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi.

Nannes finished with three for 30 while left-arm spinner Stephen O'Keefe, on his international debut, took three for 29 including two tailend wickets.

No Pakistan batsman made more than Kamran Akmal's 33 although Aamer hit two sixes late on as he finished on 21 not out.

But no Australia batsman made more than David Hussey's 33.

Australia saw captain Clarke promote himself to opener in place of Shane Watson who, along with leg-spinner Steven Smith, was rested.

Clarke was in superb touch while making 30 as his side slumped to 33 for three.

Warner was lbw for one to Aamer, although replays suggested the ball was narrowly missing leg-stump.

Shoaib Akhtar then had Tim Paine skying to Umar Gul at mid-off for nought.

James Hopes and David Hussey staunched the flow of wickets and Australia were 78 for three at halfway, needing 85 off the last 10 overs.

However, a fifty stand was ended when Hopes, on 30, was smartly stumped by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal off leg-spinner Afridi.

Courtesy Geo.tv

ISLAMABAD: Captain of Pakistan cricket team, Shahid Afridi Wednesday urged fans to back the team.

"I am proud of the team, which played as a unit," said Afridi, who led the defending champions in the World Twenty20 for a semi-final finish.

"I would request fans to support us because we have seen difficult times in cricket and only unity can help us," said Afridi upon the team's return from the West Indies.

"We did not do well in initial matches but were back in rhythm with our Super Eight win against South Africa and that is why the semi-final defeat hurt us," Afridi said.

"Had we won against Australia and lost the final it would have been acceptable," reported a private news channel qouting him as saying.

"But I am satisfied with the overall performance of the team and whoever becomes captain the most important thing should be unity of the team and the support of the fans," said Afridi, captain only of the Twenty20 side.

He also backed off-spinner Ajmal."I know a lot of people criticise the decision to bowl Ajmal in the last over, but I still maintain that he is a match-winner and bowled us to victory in the last over against South Africa a match earlier," said Afridi.

"I would request fans to accept this result and support the team because we are coming out of difficult times in our cricket."

Courtesy Geo.tv

The victory kept Pakistan’s own qualification hopes alive. The result meant England, who have won both opening Super Eight games, would qualify for the semi-finals regardless of the outcome of their final match against New Zealand later here on
Monday.

But, in order for Pakistan to progress to the last four, they have to hope England beat New Zealand by a sufficiently wide margin to go through on net run-rate.

New Zealand, also on two points, will go through with a win over England. Their victory would send them into the knockout stages.

Pakistan and South Africa both have two points from three matches but Pakistan have a superior run-rate.

Umar Akmal struck 51 from 33 balls as Pakistan recovered from a poor start to make 148 for seven.

In reply, South Africa were only 56 for three after 10 overs but a spirited 53 off 41 balls from AB de Villiers gave them a fighting chance which they were unable to make the most of as Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal took four wickets.

Brief scores:
Pakistan 148-7, 20 overs (U Akmal 51; C Langeveldt 4-19)
South Africa 137-7, 20 overs (AB de Villiers 53; S Ajmal 4-26)

Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs.

Courtesy Geo.tv

Pakistan come through Bangladesh resistance

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia: Pakistan got the defence of their World Twenty20 title off to a sound start with a 21-run win over Bangladesh at the Beausejour Stadium here on Saturday.

Victory was built around a huge opening stand of 142 between Kamran Akmal and man-of-the-match Salman Butt, who both made 73.

It was the third highest opening stand in all Twenty20 internationals and just shy of the tournament record posted by the West Indies duo of Chris Gayle and Devon Smith against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2007.

The win more than atoned for Pakistan's warm-up loss to Zimbabwe and set them up nicely for their Group A match on Sunday against Australia, who also lost to the Africans in the preliminaries.

This match looked all over when Bangladesh were 31 for two in the sixth over of their reply.

But Mohammad Ashraful (65) and captain Shakib Al Hasan (47) kept Bangladesh in the game with a third-wicket stand of 91 in 10 overs.

Ashraful, whose fifty came off 38 balls, struck Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi for six high over long-off and Shakib struck Hafeez for two big sixes over long-on. With five overs left, Bangladesh needed 53 runs for an improbable win.

But, two balls later, Shakib holed out off Mohammad Sami to long-off.

Sami then turned 122 for three into 123 for four when he had Mahmudullah caught at point.

Ashraful though was undaunted driving Afridi for six and Bangladesh's target was down to 38 off 18 balls.

However, his innings ended when he was caught behind by diving wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal off left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer, having faced 49 balls with three sixes and six fours.

But a target of 32 off 12 balls proved just beyond Bangladesh, who finished on 151 for seven. Sami took three wickets for 29 runs and Aamer two for 16.

Earlier Kamran Akmal was dropped on 13 by Ashraful, running back at mid-on, off Mashrafe Mortaza, whose four overs cost 39 runs.

Fellow paceman Abdur Razzak's four overs were even more expensive, going for 41 runs and Bangladesh's spinners were unable to repair the early damage.

Butt's stylish fifty took just 29 balls, with two sixes and six fours, while Akmal, who looked to be scoring the quicker of the pair, reached the landmark in 43 balls, with six boundaries.

Shakib did though take two wickets for 27 runs with his slow left-armers.

Akmal was the initial aggressor, pulling Shafiul Islam for four and then somehow striking a low leg-stump full toss from the same bowler through the covers for another boundary.

But Butt was soon into his stride, going down on one knee to hoist Abdur Razzak over midwicket for six

Akmal exited by slapping a Shakib full toss to cover while Butt was clean bowled by Shafiul Islam as he tried to reverse sweep a straight ball.

Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes's exited for nought in the first over as an attempted drive off the lively Aaamer saw him sky to Misbah-ul-Haq at short third man.

And spinner Mohammad Hafeez then struck third ball to have Tamim Iaqbal caught and bowled off a soft return catch.

Bangladesh finish the group phase against Australia in Barbados on May 5.
Courtesy Geo.tv

KARACHI: Former captain and world record holder batsman Mohammad Yousuf on Monday announced he was to quit international cricket in protest against an indefinite ban.

"I received a letter from the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) that my staying in the team is harmful for the team, so I announce my retirement from international cricket," he announced at the Karachi Press Club.

"I thank the fans around the world, all the senior players and family members for supporting me throughout my 12-year career," said an emotional Yousuf, dressed in traditional Pakistani dress.

"I always played for my country and if my playing is harmful for the team then I don't want to play," he said.

The 35-year-old Yousuf played 88 Tests, nine as captain and scored 7,431 runs at an average of 53.07, including 24 centuries. He also scored 9,624 runs in 282 one-day internationals.
Courtesy Geo.tv

No lifetime ban on Yousuf and Younus: Butt


KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt took a U-turn hours after imposing lifetime ban on former captains Younus Khan and Muhammad Yousuf and said that the duo was not banned for life and they can be considered anytime for selection.

Earlier, PCB chose to implement the recommendations of an inquiry committee to also hand out 12-month bans to Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved and fine Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal three million rupees ($35,000) and Umar Akmal two million ($24,000).

"Mohammed Yousuf and Younus Khan... attitude has a trickledown effect which is a bad influence for the whole team (and they) should not be part of (the) national team in any format," the PCB said in a statement on Wednesday.

Pakistan lost every match against Australia in their three-test, five one-day and solo Twenty20 series.

The PCB said the six-member inquiry committee, headed by its chief operating officer Wasim Bari, had based its recommendations on information gathered during several hearings with the players and reports from the team management.

Tafazzul Rizvi, who sat on the inquiry team, said that Yousuf and Younus had the right to appeal and former captain Rashid Latif expected them to win their cases.

"You can't hand out such severe punishments to players of the calibre of Yousuf and Younus Khan," Latif said.

Another former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was also scathing of the decision.

"Why was action not taken earlier against these players? Why did the board keep quiet for so long when the team was on tour?" Inzamam questioned.
Courtesy Geo.tv

KARACHI: Naseem Hameed after becoming the fastest sprinter of South Asia and winning a gold medal for Pakistan at the South Asian Games, received a very warm welcome here at the Jinnah International Airport on Thursday.

Present on the occasion were hundreds of people including members of her family, relatives, residents of her area, minister for sports Sindh, officials of the Pakistan Army athletics and members of the Federation of Pakistan Athletics Association.

In an exclusive talk with Geo News at the airport, Naseem said that she has come after fulfilling all her expectations with which she had gone to Dhaka.

She said that Allah blessed her with more than she expected and her parents’ prayers and encouragement brought her to this place.

Naseem said that she would work hard with further zeal and spirit in future.

She said that she is more glad to earn her country Pakistan and her township Korangi a great name.

The fastest woman of South Asia said that her coaches have highly cooperated with her due to which she got success.

From the airport, Naseem has reached the Governor House where a ceremony has been arranged in her honour.

President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated Naseem Hameed and said that she is a role model for Pakistani women and her success reflects the government policies to uplift the women of the country.
Courtesy Geo.tv

MELBOURNE: Allrounder Shoaib Malik has been appointed captain for the only Twenty20 International which will be played against Australia here at the MCG on February 5.

Pakistan team will not have the services of T20 captain Shahid Afridi as he is facing a ban for two T20 matches for his ball-biting in the fifth and final One-day International at Perth.

This may be recalled that Shoaib Malik was removed from captaincy after the ODI home series against Sri Lanka in January last year.
Courtesy Geo.tv

KARACHI: Captain Pakistan Twenty20 cricket team Shahid Afridi reacted angrily on the auction of the Indian Premier League and said that not only he but the Pakistani nation has been made fun of.

Talking with Geo News from Sydney, Australia, Shahid Afridi said "The way I see it, the IPL and India have made fun of us and our country by treating us this way".

"For me the attitude of the franchises was disappointing. I feel bad for the Indian people who I am sure wanted to see us play in the IPL this year," said all-rounder Afridi, who was on offer for the relatively low base price of USD 250,000.

Afridi said that the cricket lovers wanted to see Pakistan players taking part in the IPL.

He said that the Pakistan team is the T20 world champion and every member of this team is valuable but no franchise offered any price for them which reflects their intentions for Pakistani players.
Courtesy Geo.tv

Pakistan’s poor batting form worries Intikhab

HOBART: Pakistan is likely to make one or two changes in the team for the third and final test against Australia in Hobart.

Intikhab Alam, Pakistan coach, has expressed his complete satisfaction with the team’s bowling performance while batters’ disappointing form is still a cause of serious concern for him.

He said young wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed would make his test debut in the Hobart test.
While Shoaib Malik could also be fielded in place of struggling middle order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq in the final eleven.

There is also a possibility of Kamran Akman playing as a specialist batsman. Fit-again Muhammad Amir is also likely to replace Muhammad Sami or Umar Gul.

“If Pakistan scores 400 runs, we can expect favorable results,” he said.
Courtesy Geo.tv

SYDNEY: Pakistan took full control of the second Test match here at the Sydney Cricket Ground when their bowlers grabbed eight wickets of Australia’s second innings on Tuesday.

Australia were reeling at 286 for eight when the play ended on the third day of the five-day match.

Michael Hussey, who came at number four is still at the crease struggling on 73. The other batsman is tail-ender Peter Siddle (10 not out).

Pakistan need only two wickets to go for chasing an expected easy target to beat Australia at their own ground.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria captured four wickets for 117 runs while seamer Umar Gul claimed three for 62. Fast bowler Mohammad Asif took one wicket while Mohammad Sami could not get any wicket.

Earlier, openers Shane Watson and Phill Hughes provided a solid start of 105 after Pakistan were all out for 333 with an impressive lead of 206 runs.

Australia were 86 for no loss at lunch but lost three wickets in the second session.

First, Hughes went for 37, later captain Ricky Ponting lost his wicket for 11, then Watson fell for 97.

Australia resumed at 199 for three after tea but Danish Kaneria destroyed their batting line taking three more wickets. He dismissed North (2), Haddin (15) and Johnson (3) before Asif removed Micheal Clarke for 21.

Umar Gul claimed the eight Australian wicket getting Nathan Hauritz out four.

Courtesy Geo.tv

Afridi available for selection in Test team

SYDNEY: Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi Thursday said that he would not turn down any opportunity for the return to Test cricket.

After team’s defeat to Australia in the first Test, Pakistan captain Muhammad Yousuf said that Twenty 20 cricket was killing country’s cricket.

However, T20 captain Afridi told Geo that there were few plays in the Test team who perform better in ODIs and Twenty 20 matches.

He suggested Pakistan should hunt new talent for Test matches so that players like Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan could be inducted into the team.

Afridi was of the view that T20 cricket does not make much difference in the cricket.

“I will be available to return to Test cricket if the national team needed my services,” said Afridi.

Courtesy Geo.tv

Aussies 111-3 in 2nd innings at stumps

MELBOURNE: Australia were 111-3 for the loss of 3 wickets in their second innings at close on day three and had secured lead of 307 runs coupled with 1st innings lead of 196 runs here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, Geo news reported.

Michel Clark and Shane Watson were playing uneaten on 21 and 64 runs respectively and had contributed together the formidable stand of 71 runs following loosing 3 quick wickets at 40.

Muhammad Aamir took two wickets while medium pacer Mohammed Asif struck once in the innings.

Those lost their wickets in this innings from Australia were Simon Katich (2), Rickey Ponting (12) and Mike Hussey (4).

Courtesy Geo.tv

Pak team arrives in Australia

HOBART: Pakistan cricket team captained by Muhammad Yousuf has reached Australia to play Test and one-day series.

Pakistan will kick off the tour with three-day match against Tasmania on December 19.

Talking to media in Hobart, Pakistani manager Abdul Raqeeb said Pakistan team is determined to perform well in the series. Replying to question about Younis Khan, he Abdul Raqeeb said he is unaware about come back of former captain. Chief selector Iqbal Qasim will decide this on the basis of Younis performance in domestic cricket.

Pakistan will play three Tests, five one-day and one Twenty20 match during Australian tour.

Courtesy Geo.tv

Pakistan fall at 223 in Napier Test

NAPIER: New Zealand bowled out Pakistan at 223 runs on the opening day of third Test here on Friday.

Opener Imran Farhat remained not out with 117 runs. Earlier, Pakistani skipper Muhammad Yusef opted to bat after wining the toss.

Ianin O'Brien, who is emerging as the wrecker took four wickets. Tuffey also took four wickets for New Zealand.

Opener Imran Farhat remained not out with 117 runs whereas Muhammad Aamir was another prominent batsman of Pakistani innings with 23.

Faisal Iqbal caught for 6, after Salman Butt was bowled by Tim Southee for 9. Muhammad Yosuf, Umer Akmal and Misbahul Haq back to the pavilion without scoring a single run.

Courtesy Geo.tv

WELLINGTON: Pakistan thrashed New Zealand by 141 runs in second cricket Test match to level the series by 1-1 here at Wellington on Sunday, Geo news reported.

New Zealand were all-out for 263 runs in their second innings falling short of 141 runs of 405-run target.

Muhammad Asif claimed five wickets in second innings, 9 wickets in match and was awarded man of the match.

New Zealand, chasing an unlikely 405 to win, were bowled out for 263, Mohammad Asif doing most of the damage with 5-67.

Ross Taylor top-scored for the Black Caps with 97.

Pakistan, who lost the first Test by 32 runs, led by 165 in the first innings in this Test after bowling New Zealand out for 99.

But they then teased the home side with their own batting collapses before reasserting control of the second Test on day three yesterday.

Their second innings folded between lunch and tea for 239 - seven wickets toppled for 42 runs - although it barely offered a glimmer of hope to a New Zealand side who managed only 99 in their first innings.

The Kiwis were left chasing 405 to win and by stumps were 3-70, still 335 adrift.

The only consolation was Ross Taylor's continued presence at the crease.

If New Zealand are to complete the fourth highest successful run chase in Test history and eclipse their previous best pursuit of 5-324 against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994, much will rely on New Zealand's only in-form batsman.

Taylor was not out 15 and Peter Fulton has 12, although both had lives on 13 and three respectively as Pakistan's catching woes continue.

With two days remaining, yet again the exploits of a weary bowling attack - deprived of first-Test hero Shane Bond - appear destined to go unrewarded.

Chris Martin and Iain O'Brien added four wicket hauls to Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori's identical returns in the first innings.

Martin improved from 0-44 to 4-52 as Pakistan deteriorated, O'Brien bristled with aggression throughout to record four for 66 - sterling service considering the duo barely had their feet up between bowling assignments after New Zealand's first innings lasted only 36.5 overs.

Medium pacer Grant Elliott also made a belated and inspired arrival in the 72nd over, having Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal caught behind with his fifth and sixth deliveries.

Martin also found himself on a hat-trick with the second new ball by ending captain Mohammad Yousuf's stout resistance after a failed leg before wicket appeal was overturned. Tailender Danish Kaneria then snicked to Taylor at slip.

Yousuf produced the only bedrock innings of the day -- and one New Zealand's remaining batsmen will need to emulate if Friday's third test in Napier is not to be a decider.

Yousuf took his time making 83 from 200 deliveries, a top score and 30th test fifty made between the 17th and 86th overs.

With the benefit of a 229-run advantage when play began, Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq were in no hurry.

Since combining late yesterday they added 77 for the third wicket in 35 overs at a snail paced 2.20 runs per over.

O'Brien was instrumental in accelerating Pakistan's scoring rate. Misbah's demise caught at the wicket for 33 was the catalyst for the continuation of Umar Akmal's stunning debut series.

Only five boundaries were recorded in the 23 overs before the 19-year-old arrived and instantly set about mangling Daniel Vettori's figures.

The New Zealand captain conceded just 21 runs from his first 17 overs; Umar then proceeded to crack 27 from Vettori's next four through a trio of boundaries, brace of sixes and three singles.

Umar passed fifty for the third time in his four-test career in just 32 balls though his audacity got the better of him a ball later when a lofted drive was collected by Vettori retreating at deep mid-off.

He thudded his pad in disgust but still has the consolation of 302 runs in the series at 75.50.

The third Test starts on Friday.
Courtesy Geo.tv

Pak bundle NZ at 99 in second Test

WELLINGTON: Pakistan bowled out New Zealand at 99 runs in second Test here on Friday.

Muhammad Asif took 4 whereas Danish Kaneria grabbed three wickets for their side. Pakistan leads New Zealand by 165 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan's three-pronged pace attack put on display another master class of speed, movement as accuracy to leave New Zealand's top order in familiar disarray at tea on the second day.

Pakistan secured two more wickets when play resumed after tea that left New Zealand 85-6. Muhammad Asif took 3 while Umer Gul and Muhammad Amir got one wicket each.

The bowling attack got down to business after Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul helped Pakistan add 103 to their overnight score, lifting their total to a competitive 264.

Courtesy Geo.tv

Pak players get foreign ministry clearance for IPL

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijjaz But said foreign ministry has allowed Pakistani players to take part in third edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) however; we are waiting for interior ministry clearance.

Talking to Geo News, PCB chairman said PCB has received the written permission from foreign ministry and now we are waiting for the reply of interior ministry. PCB chairman said he wants to see Pakistani players in action in IPL 2010 and hopefully cricketers will hear the good news soon. IPL has set December 7 deadline for Pakistani cricketers, he added.
Courtesy Geo.tv

New Zealand reeling on 147-8 in 2nd innings

DUNEDIN: Fiery bowling by Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir brought Pakistan back in the game as new Zealand were reeling on 147 runs for eight wickets at stumps on the fourth day of the first Test match here on Friday.

However, New Zealand have an overall lead by 244 runs by the virtue of the first innings lead of 97 runs.

Earlier in the morning, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 307 for eight wickets but could add only 25 runs and all out for 332.

For New Zealand, Shane Bond captured five wickets.

The Kiwis began their second innings with a good lead of 97 runs but they lost their early two wicket without making any score as young fast bowler Mohammad Aamir dismissed Martin Guptill and Daniel Flynn for nought.

Later, Ross Taylor and McIntosh tried to repair the damage and made together 87 runs for the third wicket before Taylor was brilliantly run out by Khurram Manzoor.

Then, wickets began to fall at regular intervals and when the play abandoned due to rain the Kiwis were 147 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Asif claimed four and Aamir took two wickets while Umar Gul got one wicket.

Tomorrow will be the last day of the match.
Courtesy Geo.tv

HYDERABAD: Pakistani cueists Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Sajjad continue winning streak at World Snooker underway in Indian city of Hyderabad.

Muhammad Asif whipped Australia’s Stave Misfud with a score line of 82-17, 47-62, 70-34, 47-55, 50-67 and 54-67.

Mohammad Sajjad beat Juha Erkinmikko of Finland by 4-0 with score 69-25, 50-64, 67-1, 59-16, 70-34.
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DUBAI: Pakistan overcame a late order flurry from New Zealand to win the second Twenty20 international by seven runs at Dubai Stadium here on Friday, taking the two-match series 2-0.

Teenager Umer Akmal lifted Pakistan to 153-5 before they survived a late charge by Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) to maintain their 100-percent record against New Zealand.

Pakistan, who won the first match by 49 runs here on Thursday, have now won all four Twenty20 matches against the Black Caps.

McCullum and Styris kept New Zealand in the hunt during a 66-run partnership as New Zealand needed 51 off the last five overs and 38 in the last three.

But once big-hitting McCullum holed out to off-spinner Saeed Ajmal in the 19th over, New Zealand's task of making 18 in the last over proved too difficult.

McCullum hit three fours and six off 41 balls.

Paceman Umar Gul dismissed Styris off the last ball to finish with 2-29.

Styris's 33-ball knock had two fours and as many sixes.

Styris and McCullum repaired the innings after New Zealand were 66-3 after 11 overs.

BJ Watling (seven), Martin Guptill (17) and Ross Taylor (13) fell in quick succession as Pakistan kept the pressure on from the start.

Earlier, Pakistan were lifted by Umer Akmal's maiden half-century which kept his team in the hunt for a good total despite paceman Ian Butler's 3-28.

Akmal, whose 49-ball knock included five boundaries and a six, added 45 for the third wicket with captain Shahid Afridi (22) after Pakistan lost the quick wickets of Imran Nazir (19) and Kamran Akmal (26) to Butler.

Butler then dismissed Shoaib Malik (seven) and James Franklin captured Abdul Razzaq (nought) before Umer and Fawad Alam (17 not out) added a quickfire 39 for the fifth wicket.

Nazir and Akmal gave Pakistan a robust start of 40 with Nazir hitting three fours and six, while Kamran hit four boundaries and a six before New Zealand's bowlers slammed on the brakes.

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Opener Imran Nazir lifted Pakistan to a competitive 161-8 on a pitch of variable bounce before the bowlers unleashed a tight line and length to dismiss New Zealand for 112 in 18.3 overs.

The victory was Pakistan's 20th in 26 Twenty20 internationals and their third in as many matches against the Black Caps.

Brendon McCullum, leading the side in the absence of the injured Daniel Vettori, raised hopes by smashing 17 off the first over bowled by Mohammad Aamir.

But Aamir came back strongly by claiming McCullum (19) in his second and Ross Taylor (five) in his third to quash any hopes of an upset. Aamir finished with 2-21.

Abdul Razzaq (2-9) then dismissed Scot Styris (four) and Neil Broom (14) before spinners Shahid Afridi (2-21) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (2-18) wrapped up the New Zealand's innings.

The second match will be played here on Friday. Pakistan lost the preceding three-match one-day series 2-1.

Earlier, Nazir hit five boundaries and four towering sixes off 38 balls before New Zealand, who put Pakistan into bat, hit back by taking the last six wickets in the space of 69 runs.

Nazir and Kamran Akmal (13) took Pakistan to 34 as Nazir hit two successive sixes off Ian Butler's fifth over.

Nazir added a quickfire 36 with captain Afridi (24), also completing his second Twenty20 half-century off just 34 balls. Paceman Shane Bond had Nazir caught in the outfield in the 12th over to put the brakes on the innings.

Aaron Redmond, bowling occasional leg-breaks for the first time in a limited overs match, dismissed Afridi for 24 and Shoaib Malik (six) to finish with 2-24, before hobbling off with a groin injury.

Abdul Razzaq hit a 15-ball 26 with three boundaries and a six to give Pakistan's innings a final flourish.

New Zealand started the match without captain Vettori who was ordered to undergo a CT scan after being hit on the grill of his helmet during the second one-day international at Abu Dhabi and began to feel unwell.

McCullum led the team, which was also missing pacemen Kyle Mills (shoulder) and James Franklin (back).
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National hockey team meets warm welcome back home

LAHORE: After superb success in World Cup Tournament qualifying round in France national hockey team has reached back home Tuesday morning.

When hockey team arrived at Lahore Airport citizens of Lahore warmly received them and danced on drumbeats.

On this occasion Secretary PHF Asif Bajwah said credit of this superb success goes to excellent teamwork.

Pakistan team is eyeing solid preparation for Champions Challenge One Event being held in coming December, he added.

Pakistan hockey team's superb performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, particularly their attacking style, has been praised by former hockey players, who on Monday said that the country deserved to be in next year's World Cup.
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ICC announces World Cup 2011 schedule

MUMBAI: Pakistan, who were wary of playing in India due to political tensions between the two nations, will play its six league matches of the World Cup 2011 in Sri Lanka.

India will clash with Bangladesh in the opening match of the 2011 World Cup in Dhaka on February 19, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday.

The first match takes place two days after the opening ceremony of the 14-nation showpiece at the same venue in Dhaka on February 17, according to the schedule released by the ICC here.

The final of the 43-day tournament, being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will take place at the renovated Wankhede stadium in India's financial capital of Mumbai on April 2.

The teams have been divided into two groups of seven each for the preliminary league, with the top four from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

Defending champions Australia head group A which includes Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and two qualifiers, Canada and Kenya.

The other group comprises India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and qualifiers Ireland, Netherlands.

India will host 29 matches at eight venues, Sri Lanka 12 at three venues and Bangladesh eight at two places, after Pakistan were removed as co-hosts by the ICC due to security fears in the volatile nation.

Pakistan, who were wary of playing in India due to political tensions between the two nations, will play its six league matches in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will host five of its matches at two new venues in southern Hambantota and Pallekele, near the hill town of Kandy, where cricket stadiums are under construction.

The remaining seven games in the island nation will be held at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo.

India has picked eight regular Test centres -- Mumbai, Mohali, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi -- for its matches.

The Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka will host six matches and the opening ceremony, while two games will be played in the port city of Chittagong.

The 2011 event is a week shorter than the one held in the Caribbean in 2007 and will have 49 matches, two less than the previous tournament.
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Improvement in fielding must to win series: Younis

ABU DHABI: Pakistan cricket team captain Younis Khan said fielding should be improved if we want to win the series against New Zealand.

Talking to Geo News correspondent Faizan Lakhani in a program ‘Captain’s Corner’ , Younis said the fielding of New Zealanders was superb and we also need to improve fielding to win the series.

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Earlier, Pakistan gave 288-run target to New Zealand to win in a match in which Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first and scored not so impressive 287-9 runs in 50 overs.

Afridi hit 70 runs—the biggest score from any Pakistani players, followed by Kamaran Akmal 76 and Khalid Latif 64.

Malik, who scored a hundred against India in the Champions Trophy last month, was dropped to adjust a regular opener in Khalid Latif, while allrounder Abdul Razzaq also returned to the side after a two years gap.

New Zealand decided to leave out paceman Kyle Mills, who is nursing a shoulder injury.

The second and third matches will be played here on Friday and Monday.

Pakistan: Younus Khan (capt), Salman Butt, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Yousuf, Umer Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (capt), Brendon McCullum, Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Shane Bond, Ian Butler

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Pakistan 15-member cricket team led by Captain Younus Khan Friday landed in Dubai on Friday from Lahore to play three ODIs and two Twenty20s in UAE. All rounder Shahid Afridi will lead Pakistan in T20 matches.

Talking to media at airport Intikhab denied reports of differences within the team. He said the team comprised of the best talent and fully capable to beat Kiwis in one-day matches as well as in the Twenty20s.

The first one day match will be played on November 3, second on November 6 and third on November 9. Two Twenty20 matches will be played on November 12 and 13.
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