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cricket Inzamam
should bat at No.5 in the World Cup Flashback
1983: cricket New Zealand
surprise world champions with a whitewash
cricket Struggling Pakistan need nothing but a miracle Not only the team failed miserably in both the Test and limited-over rubbers, they also lost the confidence and whatever pride they had in their abilities as a top cricket-playing nation By Imran Farooqi Pakistan's recent trip to South Africa culminated in sheer disappointment as, unfortunately, have the previous ones in the recent past. Cricket assignments in South Africa and Australia are always a very tough call for any side in the world let alone an inconsistent Pakistan outfit, whose earlier visits to that country do not hold very pleasant on-field or off-field memories either for the players or for their supporters. The tour in question was no
different. Not only the team failed miserably in both the Test and
limited-over rubbers, they also lost the confidence and whatever pride they
had in their abilities as a top cricket-playing nation. Injuries to key
players did the rest. A hurried look at Pakistan's home and away record during the last decade is enough to expose the painful, yet true, reality that against Australia and South Africa -- the two sides that have done very well in both forms of the game during the said period -- Pakistan always struggle to challenge their dominance and usually end up on the losing side. No doubt Pakistan's figures against other sides, be it Test or one-day cricket, paint a pretty impressive picture, but when it comes to locking horns with the Aussies and the Proteas Pakistan seemingly run out of gas as well as ideas to dictate the course of a game. Their success rate against South Africa and Australia is a pathetic 20% and 30%, respectively. The same players who keep blasting century after century against lesser mortals suddenly hit a run drought while facing stronger teams. Once that 'terrible' series is over, these players rediscover their appetite for runs. And this rule -- if it can be termed one -- applies to all players, especially batsmen, without exception. In such situations those batsmen who are experienced enough and are supposed to carry most of the burden churn out mediocre performances. The West Indies-bound team, although very impressive on paper, do not appear to be as strong as the 2003 World Cup squad that fell at the first hurdle in South Africa, where they lost their opening-round fixtures to Australia, England, and India, and could not advance to the Super-Six stage. This time Pakistan are quite lucky as they will only have to deal with minnows Zimbabwe and Ireland after taking on the hosts West Indies in the group matches. Barring a huge upset nothing can prevent Pakistan and West Indies from sailing into the Super Eights round. With the 2007 edition only a couple of weeks away Pakistan are currently engaged on several fronts. An unreliable opening pair, a badly out-of-form middle -- and lower-order, a bowling line-up that is short on confidence as well as fitness, and a wicketkeeper, who has almost forgotten how to keep wickets, are issues that do not augur well and call for immediate remedial measures. With so many areas to cover before the tournament gets underway, the prospects look fairly gloomy. There is little room for argument as far as the composition of the squad is concerned. The selectors have picked the best available players and all those who deserved a spot will be on the plane to the Caribbean. The selectors have done their bit, and now it is up to the players to stand and deliver. Though it'll be very difficult for Inzamam-ul-Haq's men to lift their game and morale radically following the disastrous tour to South Africa, it's not impossible to trigger a turnaround in fortunes. In 1992 Pakistan were almost down and out of the tournament, but hit back and went on to become world champions. The same players who had almost packed their bags suddenly bounced back to achieve what is history now. Such a spirit is required again. Talent-wise the current lot is absolutely superb, but their performance on the field tells a different story. The players are way behind the serious contenders for the world crown as far as their fielding and physical and mental toughness are concerned. It is how you deal with pressure that invariably decides the outcome of a game. It's no secret that the side that can hold their nerves in unfavourable situations come out winners. It's Pakistan's over-cautious approach and lack of planning that let them down. To compete with stronger teams immaculate planning covering all aspects of the game, technical expertise of players and supreme fitness are the key. Unfortunately Pakistan lack in all these spheres. To beat the opposition you must be able to exploit its weaknesses and must know its strengths. All players, be they batsmen or bowlers, do have certain weaknesses, but only those succeed and are ranked among greats who dictate the terms and do not allow their opponents to take advantage of their Achilles' heel. In their pursuit of dominance over more fancied teams Pakistan sometimes indulge in undue exuberance which more often than not leads to disastrous consequences. Aggression means making the most of your opponents' weaknesses in a way that forces them to lose their nerves. Throwing bat at every ball or trying to rip a batsman's head off his body is not what aggression is all about. In order to give their team blazing starts in one-dayers, Pakistan's openers become easy prey and the hunter becomes the hunted. The best approach is to latch on to any opportunity that presents itself while respecting the opposition at the same time. Fitness is another area where Pakistan need to concentrate. Shoaib Akhtar's availability for the whole tournament will only be known once the event has concluded, and the fitness level of other front-line pacers, too, is not all that impressive. A serious breakdown during the World Cup may further dampen whatever hopes Pakistan have of reaching the semis. Pakistan will be banking upon the experience of their middle-order to carry them through. In the absence of a settled opening pair, Inzamam, Younis Khan, and Muhammad Yousuf will be under additional pressure. Pakistan will need solid contributions from them although the three struggled for runs in South Africa. But the conditions in the West Indies are likely to assist batsmen, and regaining form shouldn't be a problem for these players. Keeping in view the existing scenario Pakistan's chances are not very bright, and they're not likely to mount a strong challenge for the trophy. They will have a chance only if all the 15 players stay fit and are in the right frame of mind for the tournament. Even then Pakistan will require some outstanding efforts and immaculate execution of plans to compensate for the 2003 fiasco. Inzamam should bat at No.5 in the World Cup I heard Sarfraz Nawaz saying on TV that Inzamam's reflexes are exhausting and he is just trying different things to prove his existence in the side By Syed Ahsan Ali We play less cricket on the field and more off the field. The biggest decisions regarding our team are usually made by experts, sitting in studios of TV channels. Inclusion of Danish Kaneria in the World Cup squad presents one such instance where the bowler has been selected without having any prior one-day practice and daresay enough credentials for the job. In 2003, when Pakistan's
first-round exit at the World Cup shocked the entire nation the Pakistan
Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Javed Miandad as national People follow these national heroes, so the board follows their advice, but most of the time hastily and untimely. Another such instance is the alteration in the domestic cricket structure, so TV channels are playing a major role in shaping up our national cricket. Another such issue which was highlighted immensely by our media experts through our tele-screens during the recently concluded tour of South Africa is Inzamam-ul-Haq's batting position in the team. He has been under fire over this pseudo-issue. But the thing which does not suit the stature of this stalwart of Pakistan cricket is the way Inzamam has been blatantly criticised without inquiring the reason behind this drop down the order. Some veterans are opining he is old, passive and worried. Others are saying he is now fatigued and outworn after a long international career. A number of them are considering this as a tactical move of our skipper as a cover-up against the new ball. I heard Sarfraz Nawaz saying on TV that Inzamam's reflexes are exhausting and he is just trying different things to prove his existence in the side. Inzamam may be old, a little slower in his movement, but the thing which I cannot assimilate is that he is hiding behind others to stay in the side. After having watched him play over 17 years of top-notch international cricket with well over 11,000 one-day and 8,000 Test runs, now we are asking our national skipper some horrendous questions before probably the biggest test of his life, sorrowfully we are doing a disservice to Pakistan cricket. To me, the logic behind this move on part of our premier batsman is to keep the lower middle-order intact in crunch situations while chasing big scores. We all know that Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi can be quite lethal with their powerful hitting in the last few overs. But we cannot rely on them to spend precious time in the middle if the Pakistan batting fails to score at the top. Inzamam is just doing what Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara have been doing by coming late in the order. Nobody asks their motives. It has been announced recently that Dravid will come at No.5 to bolster the lower middle-order to finish things off with composure. Michael Hussey has probably been more prolific than Ricky Ponting in the last couple of seasons, but we hardly notice any change in their tactics regarding Mr Cricket (Hussey). They identify him as the best finisher, and probably the best in the eleven to endure nerve-wracking situations then they are sticking to it. Inzamam is the only man who can be categorically called and termed as "The Finisher" in pressure scenarios for Pakistan. His average in the second innings while chasing as skipper is 48.19 which is better than most around the world. His average in the last 10 encounters is surely 27.50, but what we have to look at is the class and experience of the man. Secondly, he looks far more composed and serene in finishing stages of the game better than either of Younis Khan and Yousuf. Taking whole calculations and permutations in the mind with the right pace to take the game towards eventuality makes him the right man to hold the innings. Another important feature which gives Inzamam an edge over others is that this giant of a man has all four gears to his batting. He can be very skilful with placing the ball in gaps, and at the same time can turn himself into a real pulveriser. So the man having everything in his repertoire from late cuts to monstrous hits qualifies and justifies his place at No.5. So, all those who ask his purpose behind coming at No.5 can come up with better solutions for the role of the Finisher in Pakistan line-up with available 15 players for the World Cup. Thirdly, another dent which we are causing by asking Inzamam's role at No.5 is to Mohammad Yousuf. Everyone says harshly that Inzamam is our premier batsman and he has to come early to stabilise the ship in crisis. With all due respect to everyone, I think Yousuf has earned this tag from Inzamam after his recent exhibitions lately. With no doubt in my mind, Yousuf has been playing far better cricket than either Inzamam or Younis to claim this title of the premier batsman. Yousuf has better batting average in the shorter version of the game, has superior run-making form and has the right age to hold fortress in middle overs. So, your best batsman Yousuf does come early where you want your best batsman to come. There is no harm in admitting this. The whole India accepts that Dravid is their premier batsman in spite of Sachin's presence in the team thanks to Dravid's technique, composure and cool head under pressure. Is there anything wrong in doing it? Chris Gayle is more important to the balance of the West Indies these days than Lara in the 50-over-game. Roles do change with the passage of time. What is wrong with that? Was Imran Pakistan's best paceman in the 1992 World Cup? No, certainly not. Wasim Akram was the man, and he proved his worth in the end. What is important is to fit in the role nicely. So, kindly accept that Yousuf is our premier batsman. It will do a lot of good to both Inzamam and Yousuf. If Inzamam is the man to finish the innings in chasing scenarios, then why are we behaving obstinately to send him at No.3? We have to shrug off this futile debate and concentrate more on our opening combination and fitness of our pace battery. So kindly halt this media trial of the man. Ergo, Inzamam is the one of the best finishers in the game, and in spite of his poor run of form lately he should come at No.5 in the World Cup because the man has the will to survive. Flashback
1983: By M Shoaib Ahmed The third world Cup, the last to be sponsored by the Prudential Assurance Company, began with two fine surprises, when India beat West Indies and Zimbabwe beat Australia in the opening round of matches, and ended with the greatest surprise of all, when India beat West Indies again, this time in the final at Lord's. None of the eight sides had to make do without a victory. The competition differed from its two predecessors in that in the preliminary groups the sides played each other not once but twice. This was partly to increase revenue but also to lessen the chances of a side being eliminated through having greater misfortune with the weather than its rivals. In the event, no sooner had the sides started to arrive in England for the 1983 World Cup than the rain, which had made the month of May one of the wettest on record, clearly away. Of the 27 matches played, only three were not begun and finished in a day. Many were played in warm sunshine, and throughout the competition, from June 9-25, interest ran high. After losing their opening match, West Indies carried all before them until failing, for the first time, to win the final. Australia had a disappointing fortnight, and with Imran Khan unfit to bowl for them, Pakistan were a shadow of the side which had trounced India and Australia in the previous winter. New Zealand's main batting provided them with insufficient runs for a consistent challenge, while Sri Lanka, though they won their return match against New Zealand were too short of bowling to be a serious threat. Zimbabwe, playing for the first time, having qualified as winners of the ICC Trophy 1982, made a welcome contribution. Their side included several players with first-class experience, acquired when, as Rhodesia, their country played in the Currie Cup. Apart from beating Australia they gave West Indies a run for their money at Worcester. India's unexpected success (they were quoted at 66 to 1 before the competition began) came under a young and relatively new captain (Kapil Dev) and owed much to the presence in their side of three all-rounders (Kapil Dev, Roger Binny and Mohinder Amarnath) who, at critical moments, found enough in the conditions, to help form an effective attack. Who would ever thought before a ball was bowled that leading wicket takers in the competition would be the Sri Lankan de Mel and Binny, with his gentle medium pace? Each side received 60 overs. No bowler was allowed more than twelve overs per innings and, to prevent negative bowling, the umpires applied a stricter interpretation than in first-class cricket in regard to wides and bumpers. The total amount of the Prudential Assurance Company's sponsorship was £ 500,000 and the gate receipt came to £ 1,195,712. The aggregate attendance was 232,881, compared with 160,000 in 1975 and 132,000 in 1979. The surplus distributed to full and associated members of the international cricket conference, was in excess of £ 1,000,000, this being over and above the payments of £ 53,900 to each of seven full members and one of £ 30,200 to Zimbabwe. In addition to the trophy and silver-glit medals for each player, India received £ 20,000 for their victory. As runners-up West Indies won £ 8,000. The losing semifinalists England and Pakistan each won £ 4,000. There were also awards of £ 1,000 for the group winners, plus Man of the Match awards (£ 400 for the group matches, £ 2000 for the semifinals and £ 6000 for the final).
FIRST SEMIFINAL England v India at Manchester on June 22, 1983 India earned a place in the Prudential World Cup final for the first time by capitalizing on England's deficiencies and outplaying them to win by six wickets in a taut, tense semifinal at Old Trafford. The entire Indian team crowded on to the pavilion balcony to witness one of the greatest moments in their nation's cricket history as Patil (51 not out) and captain Kapil Dev completed victory with 5.3 overs to spare. Fears about England's middle order batting were at last sadly realised, with no one playing the lengthy innings required ion conditions which demanded application and India's Amarnath, successful with both bat and ball, was a worthy winner of the man of the match award.
SECOND SEMIFINAL Pakistan v West Indies at The Oval on June 22, 1983 West Indies, by their usual exuberant standards, advanced in almost leisurely style towards the World Cup final when they beat Pakistan by eight wickets with 12 over to spare. Having restricted Pakistan to 184 on a hard and fast wicket the West Indies, after modest beginnings, were in no mood for histrionics until Viv Richards and Larry Gomes had put the issue beyond doubt with 1 132 run partnership for the third wickets. Richards was at the crease for 30 overs in reaching his half-century and Gomes for 29 overs in completing his. Yet both made frantic progress in comparison with Mohsin Khan, whose courageous 70 for Pakistan spanned almost four hours.
FINAL India v West Indies at Lord's June 25, 1983 Clive Lloyd won the toss and followed his custom of asking the opposition to bat first. Roberts bowled first from the Nursery End and Garner opened from the Pavilion End. There was a relentless menace in the pace of the West Indian attack. Survival appeared to be the only possibility. Much depended upon Gavaskar, but, in the fifth over, with only two scored, he pushed indecisively at Roberts and was caught behind by Dujon. Amarnath, the most reliable of India's batsmen in the competition, joined Srikkanth and was greeted by a boundary from Garner, but he swayed gently away and settled to lay the foundation of India's innings. Srikkanth had been watchful and unaggressive, but now he unleashed a series of stunning shots. If Srikkanth could sustain his bold, attacking, powerful cricket for more than an hour and a half. Off 57 balls he scored 38 exciting runs before falling to Marshall who looked to be an even greater menace than Roberts and Garner. Amarnath and Yashpal Sharma moved into a more solid if less adventurous period and they gave hope of substantial Indian total, but, with the score at 90 and lunch approaching, Amarnath was surprisingly bowled between bat and pad by Holding. Two runs later came a dreadful waste when Sharma committed the Indiscretion of trying to hit Gomes high over cover and failed to get the pitch of the ball so that Logie, fielding for Haynes who had hurt his hand, took a simple catch. After lunch, Kapil Dev played two fine shots off Gomes, but, in attempting to hit a six, he was caught at long-on. In the next over, Kirti Azad was caught at square leg and in the 36th over, Binny went the same way. 130 for 7 and five wickets had fallen in 7 overs for 40 runs. All predictions as to a one-sided contest were coming true. Madan Lal, Kirmani, Patel and Sandhu all scored useful runs which mocked the efforts of some of the earlier batsmen. Sandhu was hit on the head by a Marshall bouncer but batted courageously as the last wicket added 22. When Haynes crashed Sandhu through extra covers for four it appear that West Indies would win sooner than later, but then came a shock. Sandhu was bowling from the Nursery End. He pitched a ball outside Greenidge's off-stump and the batsman lifted his bat to let the ball passby, but it moved back at him and knocked his stumps overs. This brought in Richards. He walked to the wicket with an air of arrogance and disdain. He translated that air into physical terms when he pulled Sandhu to mid-wicket for 4. Kapil Dev was driven through mid-off and mid-wicket for further boundaries. Madan Lal came on at the Nursery End and Richards him for three fours in his first over -- West Indies were racing to victory. In Madan Lal's next over, however, Haynes drove loosely and was caught at extra cover. In his next over, the 14th, Richards swing eth ball contemptuously and high over mid-wicket. There was a roar of approval from West Indies supporters at another great hit, but the ball hovered and sprinting back, Kapil Dev a splendid catch. For West Indies this was the moment of truth. The Indians had never lost heart, but now their play took on a new urgency. Again Madan Lal moved in from the Nursery End. His away swinger found the age edge of Gomes's bat and Gavaskar held on to a smart catch at slip. Immediately, Lloyd attempted to thump Binny through the covers, but, instead he hit the ball straight into the hands of mid-off. At tea, West Indies were 76 for 5 from 25 overs, and the game had changed completely in the space of quarter of an hour. The interval, as thought, would restore some sanity to the West Indian batting. They needed only108 to win in 35 overs. There followed a period of tension as Dujon and Marshall batted sensibly for the run-rate required was still little more than an over and 43 runs were added with out fuss. Madan Lal's glorious spell was now at an end and Kapil Dev's options were becoming fewer. He brought on Amarnath at the Nursery End. His first ball was a gentle loosener and Dujon responded by dropping it down just as gently onto his stumps. 65 runs were needed from 18 overs with three wickets in hand, but five runs later an innocent looking seamer from Amarnath moved a fraction and Gavaskar clung on the chance at slip. Kapil Dev returned for the final onslaught and he had Roberts lbw 25 for 9 and only Garner and Holding standing between and famous victory. The last pair stood firm against Kapil Dev and the score edged closer to the target, but then Amarnath beat Holding's shuffle and hit him on the pads. Umpire Harold Dickie Bird's finger went up and India were champions of the world. The crowd swarmed onto the field and the Indian players galloped off in undisguised joy. It was the greatest day in the history of Indian cricket. It was also a day to savour, a monument for the greatest of games.
NCA chiefs vow to meet future challenges 'We are also outlining a programme to pick shining players through different age group camps from around the country and then we will impart education to them according to international requirements' By Ghalib Mehmood Bajwa It is quite natural and obvious that any new set up or system takes a certain period to prove its worth and utility and then one can expect any kind of results from it. Similarly, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which is already contributing quite effectively in different ways these days, would play an even more important role for the bright future of the game in the coming years, these views were expressed by former Test all-rounder and Director NCA Mudassar Nazar and Manager Coaching Education Shahid Aslam while talking to 'The News on Sunday' (TNS) last week. Soft-spoken Mudassar said
that NCA, which was established a couple of years ago, would be an ideal
cricketing institution in the next few years. NCA, which is first of its kind
in the country, is being run by some determined and committed "At NCA we do focus on players' physical fitness, mental toughness and other related weaknesses. Every cricketer plays the game as per his individual potential or abilities but at NCA, we provide cricketers such an environment in which they can rectify their not only cricketing flaws but other problems such as behavioral, discipline and media interaction etc. "At the academy, the players are groomed in a way that they can converse in public with great amount of confidence. For this purpose there are computer literacy programmes and English language courses to enhance their reading and writing skills." To a question regarding importance of English language courses, Mudassar said they are planning to launch the said courses at regional academies as well so that our youngsters especially from remote areas, can face international media and cope with such a situation anywhere with confidence. "We are also outlining a programme to pick shining players through different age group camps from around the country and then we will impart education to them according to international requirements," he elaborated. Replying to another question, Mudassar said, "Level III Coaching Course would also be introduced at regional level soon and the candidates would be free to choose Urdu or English language to appear in the said course. "We are developing such an infrastructure through which we would be able to organise high profile Level 4 Coaching Course at NCA till 2009," Mudassar, who represented Pakistan in 76 Tests and 122 ODIs, further told. "The NCA has been playing a great role for the modification of bowling action of many bowlers including Shabbir Ahmed, Shoaib Akhtar and Shoaib Malik etc," he further said. Mudassar, a prolific opener of yesteryear, said that they were working for the improvement of comprehensive physical and mental skills of cricketers. "Efforts are under way to better players' spoken English and communication skills, mannerism, diet control, social skills and confidence building," he added. The academy follows a proper plan and controls the eating habits of players for maintaining their good health. "We have arranged a panel of doctors and physical trainers to cope with any problem relating to physical fitness. "Systematic and progressive coaching techniques are also being taught at NCA. We also hold regular trial matches and situational exercises to fine tune players' abilities and skills," he informed. Regarding the Indoor Cricket School at NCA, Mudassar told that this unique school provides the players round the clock practice with latest facilities. "The spacious Indoor School has five synthetic pitches of two different natures. The school is also equipped with bowling machines of international standard. The five lane indoor school will further expand the opportunities for players, coaches and even umpires to improve their level of respective skills," he concluded. PCB's Manager Coaching Education Shahid Aslam, who was also present on this occasion, explained the importance of NCA saying "The NCA, since its inauguration, is contributing a lot and will continue to contribute in future. However, one can evaluate its exact utility after three or four years," he opined. The National Cricket Academy provides all essential ingredients to ensure positive results of our training programmes. "Various techniques are being adopted in each segment of the programmes to achieve the desired objectives. Different coaching camps at NCA will further help in improving the technical and tactical skills of the players," he added. Here I want to mention that proper Sports Education can play a vital role in building a career of a player in any game. "As we know that sports and sports-mindedness teach us discipline and ways of positive living," he told. Responding to a query regarding standard of Pakistan coaching, Shahid, who did various international coaching courses including Level III (ECB), ICC High Performance Course, Bowling, batting and fielding specialist courses (ACC), Tutor Educator Course (ACC & ECB), confirmed that Pakistan was way ahead than India and Sri Lanka as far as standard of coaching and coaching structure were concerned. Shahid, who appeared in 17 first-class matches, was of the view that the standard of coaching in Pakistan is at par with international level. In the near future, ICC is about to take charge of coaching besides setting up an academy at Dubai. And we are quite confident that Pakistan's coaching courses would be recognised in every cricket playing country," he expressed his determination. Shahid further said that one can observe visible improvement in the functioning of NCA since the induction of leading Test stars -- Mudassar Nazar and Aaqib Javed as Director and Chief Coach, respectively. While informing about the strength at NCA, Shahid told that apart from Mudassar and Aaqib, former first-class all-rounder Ali Zia is acting as Assistant Director, former international cricketer Mansoor Rana is looking after the batting department. Another former player Mohtashim Rasheed is responsible for bowling activities at NCA. "There are 11 cricket regions in the country and every region has its own head coach, assistant coach and physical trainer," Shahid disclosed. "You know in modern day cricket, a physio played an important role in keeping players fit and after some time, we would be in a position to provide NCA-trained physiotherapists to our regional academies," he continued. "I would try my best to grab Sports Bio-Mechanic Degree and clear Level 4 Coaching Course in the coming years," Shahid, who played league cricket in England and Scotland from 1991 to 2001, told while unfolding his future plans. Shahid, who has vast knowledge of cricket coaching, maintained that only England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been holding Level 4 Coaching Course for the last two years and ECB has so far restricted this high profile course only to county coaches, he informed.
The writer is a staffer at 'The News' in Lahore ghalibmbajwa@yahoo.com New Zealand surprise world champions with a whitewash New Zealand's total of 350 for 9 was the second-highest in a successful run-chase, next only to South Africa's 438 for 9. This result also means that the top four successful run-chases in ODIs have all come against Australia By Khurram Mahmood It would be a usual story if Australia beat their opponents by 5-0 or a 3-0 margin, but nobody can imagine that Australia could face a whitewash against any team, even the stringest World XI. New Zealand has whitewashed
Australia in a limited overs series for the first time in its history. This
was also the first time since 1997 that Australia have been But New Zealand surprised world champions Australia to sweep the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series by 3-0. Just one month back New Zealand had failed to qualify for the triangular series final in Australia also involving England. However, at their home ground they took full advantage of the absence of regular skipper Ricky Ponting, vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, main striker Brett Lee and batsman Michael Clarke. From a captaincy point of view it was a nightmare tour for stand-in captain Michael Hussey. As skipper he has led the world champions on four occasions in the absence of regular skipper Ricky Ponting but remained unsuccessful in search of his first win. After the series he also accepted that "It's pretty difficult and I feel pretty demoralised really. I'll probably take a little while to get over it. It just goes to show we have to execute when we are under pressure." The Black Caps not only won the bilateral series but also improved their ICC ODI ranking from fourth to third place just behind South Africa and Australia. The ODI series win against the world champions and improvement in the team ranking must boost the confidence of Fleming's side and they have sounded the alarm for the other favourite teams in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies next month. Losing the tri-series final against England by 2-0 and a whitewash must be upsetting the Australian World Cup preparation, but after all odds Australia are still one of the favourite side for the world crown. Return of regular captain Ricky Ponting will not only strengthen the batting department but he very well knows how to tackle the pressure. In the first ODI at Wellington the visitors lost the game by 10 wickets -- it was the heaviest defeat in Australia's limited-overs history. Batting first Australia were bowled out on just 148 runs in 49.3 overs. Obviously it was not a winning score but nobody was expecting that it would be a one-side contest. Stephen Fleming and Lou Vincent thrashed the Australian bowling and reached the target in just 27 overs. The second match at Auckland was a high scoring game. Australia posted a huge total of 336 thanks mainly to the skipper Michael Hussey (105), Brad Hodge (97) and 42 off 19 balls by Cameron White in last few overs helped the visitors to a winning score. But New Zealand was not in a surrendering mood. Ross Taylor (117) leds the side while Fulton (76) and McMillan 52 off 30 balls guided the home side to an unassailable series lead of 2-0. At Hamilton New Zealand won their third toss in a row and again invited Australia for batting. This time the Aussies responded more powerfully, Matthew Hayden (181 not out) and Shane Watson (68) bulit the foundation for another high scoring contest and Australia finsihed at 346 for 5. In the chase of around 7 runs per over the home side lost their four wickets on just 41 runs. But the Black Caps did not lose hopes as McMillan (117), McCullum (87 not out) and Fulton (51) provided their side the first whitewash over the world champions. This was Australia's fifth deafeat in a row. New Zealand's last two wins involved two of the four largest successful run chases in One-day Internationals, all of which Australia has lost. New Zealand's total of 350 for 9 was the second-highest in a successful run-chase, next only to South Africa's 438 for 9 in that astonishing game at Johannesburg. This result also means that the top four successful run-chases in ODIs have all come against Australia. Australia lost to South Africa in Johannesburg last year after scoring 434 for four -- then the highest total in the history of limited-overs cricket -- and have since lost three times to New Zealand after scoring more than 330. In the third ODI Matthew Hayden's unbeaten 181 was the eighth-highest ODI score in limited overs internationals. But during his marathon innings Hayden broke his toe though he continued his innings with a runner. In the high-scoring match at Hamilton a total 26 sixes were hit from both sides -- 16 by Australia and 10 by New Zealand -- that equals the record for most number of sixes in a record breaking game between Australia and South Africa. The only two players who have been a part of all four highest run-chases are Michael Hussey and Nathan Bracken, and neither has done a bad job in these games. Hussey has notched up scores of 88 not out, 81, 105 and 13 -- 287 runs at 95.67 -- while Bracken has taken 9 for 218 from 38.3 overs -- an average of 24.22, and an economy rate of 5.66 runs per over. Shane Watson's figures of 2 for 88 is the second-most expensive ten-over spell by an Australian in ODIs. Only Mick Lewis, who haemorrhaged 113 at Johannesburg last year, has a higher figure. This is the third instance when both teams scored over 300 runs in successive games of a series. The first such instance was during India's tour of Pakistan in 2004-05, when both teams exceeded 300 at Karachi and at Rawalpindi. This was repeated in the previous edition of the Chappell-Hadlee Series, when both New Zealand and Australia went past 300 at Wellington and Christchurch. Matthew Hayden was the top scorer of the ODI series with 219 runs at an average of 109.5 while McMillan (169) scored most runs for New Zealand with an average of 84.5. On the bowling side Shane Bond took the most (six) wickets in two matches at an average of just 10.33. For Australia Shane Watson took five wickets with the average of 34.80. Surprisingly Glenn McGrath remained wicketless in two matches, conceding 76 runs.
The writer works in the art department at 'The News on Sunday' in Karachi khurrams87@yahoo.com |
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coach and Aamer Sohail as the chief selector. Both are big names with enough
services to claim such responsible posts in the national set-up, but what had
made them instant choices? It may sound little hilarious to you, but you
never know with our decision makers that the decision could well have been
taken thanks to their frequent appearances as experts on several TV channels
at that time.
individuals and there's no reason we couldn't achieve our goal in the near
future. It's wrong concept that NCA is only a cricket academy, actually we do
provide world class coaching, accommodation, medical cover and even
entertainment to our entrants simultaneously at NCA, he informed.
blanked 3-0 in a bilateral series. On that occasion, England had thrashed
them by that margin in the Texaco Trophy series.