Afridi say his dream of winning World Cup for Pakistan become a reality

Pakistan's limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has said that his dream of winning the coveted World Cup trophy for his country is on its way to becoming a reality as he led his team to a thumping victory against the West Indies in the quarterfinal on Wednesday.
"It's my dream to do something for my country. It's my dream to help Pakistan win the World Cup and today all of us are extremely happy that we have taken another step towards that direction," The News quoted Afridi, as saying.
He expressed his confidence that his team, which registered a 10-wicket win against the Windies in the knockout stage, would maintain its golden form in the March 30 semi-final match.
"I'm confident that the team will maintain its form in our next match," said the seasoned allrounder.
Afridi took four wickets for 30 runs to take his tally in the tournament to 21, becoming Pakistan's most successful bowler in a World Cup. Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan owned the previous record with 17 wickets in the 1987 tournament.
But the skipper made it clear that personal goals were not important to him.
"It's all about the team and Pakistan," he said. "We are here to give the best for our country and each and every player in our team is trying to do that."
Pakistan may encounter archrivals India in the semi-final stage, if the co-hosts beat Australia in Thursday's quarterfinal in Ahmedabad.
Expectations are high in the cricket-crazy region for a mouth-watering Pakistan-India clash for a slot in the World Cup final match to be held at Mumbai on April 2, but Afridi said that he would not be losing sleep over it.
"It doesn't matter if we play India or Australia in the semifinal," he said.
"The good thing for us is that we are going to Mohali and now our aim is to win a place in the final. I'm confident that the team will maintain its form in our next match," he added.

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I am playing for very special person: Yuvraj

AHMEDABAD: Yuvraj Singh, who has had a dream run in the World Cup, says that he is playing the tournament for a mysterious "someone special" whose name he did not disclose.

"I am playing for a very special person that comes in my mind and whenever things are not going well I think of that person and things work out," man-of-the-match Yuvraj said after India's five-wicket win over Australia in the quarterfinals in which he made an unbeaten half-century and grabbed a couple of wickets.

His dream of guiding India to a win over Australia in the World Cup realised, Yuvraj said he is now focussing on the semifinal against Pakistan, saying the much-anticipated game would be a battle of equals.

Looking ahead to the clash in Mohali on March 30, Yuvraj, who collected his fourth man of the match trophy in the ongoing World Cup, said it would be another dream game.

"The India-Pakistan game is going to be another dream game after India-Australia. It's a great victory for India today. We would be playing our best cricket against Pakistan. They know our game we know theirs both teams are equal. They have had a very good tournament and have beaten West Indies and Australia," Yuvraj told reporters here after India's five-wicket win over the defending champions.

"We don't want to think about the Pakistan game now. It has been a high-pressure game for us (against Australia) and lot of our system has been drained. We would like to relax for a couple of days and then make plans about Pakistan game," he added.

Yuvraj it was very difficult to keep his emotions in check in the high-octane quarterfinal.

"Over the last one year I have been dreaming of staying till the end and taking the team to victory against Australia in the World Cup and the moment has come. This is the moment I have lived for as a cricketer," he said.

He admitted that it was a tough situation with enormous pressure on him and any small mistake on his part could have thrown India out of the World Cup.

"It was very hard to control emotions. It was difficult to control oneself in such a situation as one mistake and you will be out of the World Cup. I tried to just watch the ball, play down the ground and not lift the ball in the air," said the left-handed batsman.

Yuvraj conceded that the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, who was run out due to a misunderstanding with him, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in quick succession had put the team under pressure but Suresh Raina lived up to the challenge in crucial stages.

"When Gambhir got out I thought I will get a good partnership going with MS (Dhoni) but when MS got out I knew I was in trouble. When Raina came in I told him to take his time and let's get 20-30 run partnership. He has shown nerves in a crucial stage and this will boost his confidence also," he said.

He said he had already apologised to Gambhir for the mix-up that resulted in his partner getting run out today.

"I have apologies to Gautam for the miscommunication on the field. We have not played together much. I think it was probably my fault," said Yuvraj.

Though he got his fourth man-of-the-match award in the tournament, Yuvraj sounded modest and said the team effort was crucial.

"I feel good to have contributed to the team but the victory cannot be achieved by one person, it's a team effort," he said.

He said though he cherished the centuries he had scored in his career, even scores like his 52 not out last night were special as they resulted in the team winning a crucial tie.

"Though centuries are very special for a player, when you are able to contribute 20 or 30 runs which help the team win crucial matches they also become special," he said.

Looking back at the past one year which had seen him being axed from both the ODI and Test teams, Yuvraj said he was very happy that things have turned around for him.

"Last year everything I touched turned into mud. This year it has been a good year," he said.

Praising coach Gary Kirsten for the contribution he has been making, Yuvraj said that was the vital difference from 2007 when the team was knocked out in the first round of the World Cup.

"In 2003, the team was very great (when it made the final). I don't want to talk about 2007. In 2011 with Gary coming in, our confidence in each other has grown. Players confide in each other and the way Gary keeps the team like a family that shows in our performance," he pointed out

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India Will Beat Pakistan In Mohali??

With India registering a famous five-wicket win over Australia in the quarter-finals, the stage is now set for the ‘Mother and Father of all battles’ in Mohali on March 30.

India and Pakistan come face-to-face for the fifth time in the history of the mega-event. Although there is still nearly a week left for this mega semi-final clash, the anticipation for this high-voltage encounter started the minute Team India booked their place in the last-four with a tense win in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Interacting with journalists at the Sardar Patel stadium after his team crashed out of the mega-event, Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting made his prediction for the Mohali encounter. “If you look at the bowling attacks of both teams, they are quite similar. Pakistan and India, of late, have been using a two-pronged pace and two-pronged spin attack. But India’s batting gives them an edge. I think India will beat Pakistan in Mohali,” said Punter.

India and Pakistan have faced each other four times before in ICC Cricket World Cups. The Men in Blue have emerged victorious in all the encounters played in the 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003 editions.

Cricketing ties had all but normalized between these two nations in this decade with regular bilateral series taking place. But after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the arch-rivals have faced-off on the cricket field only twice. While Pakistan beat India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 encounter at Centurion, Team India took revenge for that loss with a thrilling three-wicket win in an Asia Cup match at Dambulla last year.

Hero of Thursday’s victory Yuvraj Singh mentioned that it was important for the team to relax and take some rest for a couple of days before they turn their attention on this mega-encounter. “The Australia match was a high-pressure game. So, we will take some time off before we start making plans for the Mohali match. We have played a lot of cricket against Pakistan except for the last two years, so we are aware about what their strengths and weaknesses are. I am sure the same is the case vice-versa as well,” said the Punjab southpaw.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, after his team’s crushing 10-wicket win over West Indies in Mirpur on Wednesday, had expressed his desire to face India in the semis. Now that his wish has been fulfilled, what kind of performance will the Men in Green come up with against their arch-rivals?

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DADA Haathi Predictions

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Pakistan Team Return to Hotel And Celebration Party

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Mirza,Malik at odds over Pakistan-India Tilt

India’s top women’s tennis player Sania Mirza, and her husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, will likely not be sharing the same room to watch Tuesday's highly-anticipated semifinal between the two neighbouring countries on television in Miami where she is playing in a tournament.

“I support India and Shoaib will support Pakistan as usual! The war is on,’’ said Sania Mirza.

“Be ready baby it’s on lol hahaha,” added Malik on Twitter. India’s tennis doubles star Mahesh Bhupathi also tweeted his best wishes to the Indian team.

“There we go:) enjoy it boys.. You’re half way there... We are dancing in Miami.”

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India's bowling still a concern : Gavaskar

Former skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes India's bowling is still a concern and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to add some sting to their attack ahead of World Cup semifinal clash against Pakistan.

"Bowling is still a concern. Zaheer Khan is bowling well but there is still some sting missing in the second new-ball bowler. Munaf Patel is trying but he has just not been able to get any success," Gavaskar told ESPN STAR Sports. "With R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh bowling the way they are and Yuvraj picking up wickets, a bad spell or an off day for a regular bowler is camouflaged. But now with the rounds moving to the semi-finals and the finals, India as a team cannot afford too many bad overs," he said.

Yuvraj Singh, who was the hero of India's five-wicket victory over Australia last night, has so far taken 11 wickets and scored 341 runs in the World Cup and Gavaskar feels the talented left-hander deserves to be called India's genuine all-rounder.

"He deserves the tag of being India's genuine all-rounder. He is picking up wickets. He is back to his favourite backward-point fielding position. He is a rejuvenated cricketer," Gavaskar said.

"When India were in South Africa prior to the World Cup, he looked a little out of sorts. But he has come back strongly and whatever he did in that break before the World Cup, that seems to have worked wonders for him. He is now a serious contributor in this World Cup," he added.

Gavaskar also backed Dhoni's decision to pick left-hander Suresh Raina ahead of Yusuf Pathan for the crucial encounter.

Raina scored 34 of 28 balls and added 74 runs with Yuvraj in the successful chase of 261 on a slow and dry Motera track last night.

"His inclusion for the Australia clash proved right. He is a finisher. We have seen Raina bat at five or six in the one-day games and he has gone on to finish the innings, be it batting first or chasing.

"He gives India the thrust and when the team needed to move on, Raina stepped up to the plate. When he came in to bat, and a wicket had fallen, then Australia would have clawed back into the game.

"Although Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan can bat, the pressure could have been just too much for them. So Raina played his part. Not to forget his fielding too was crucial," added Gavaskar.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, said the India-Pakistan semifinal might turn out to be a no-sweat contest for the hosts.

"It might turn out to be a one-sided game. India is a far better team and Pakistan have come through to the semifinals against all odds. The Pakistanis are undisciplined in many areas of their game. And to expect them to win three big matches successively is expecting too much," Manjrekar said.

"I would be surprised if they win against MS Dhoni's men. I expect India to win this match a lot more comfortably than they did against Australia," he added.

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Akhtar Should Play Against Australia

Wasim Akram firmly believes Pakistan should play Shoaib Akhtar against India in the semi-final.

By Faisal Kamal

The former Pakistan skipper the retiring speedster should feature in the Pakistan XI in the all-important semi-final against India at Mohali on March 30. Talking exclusively to Mobile ESPN from Karachi on Friday, Akram said that Shoaib is a gamble worth taking.

"Maybe Pakistan will play Shoaib Akhtar against India. I feel he deserves a place for sure. Wahab Riaz is bowling well but he is nothing exceptional and Shoaib could take his place. Shoaib's only problem in this ICC CWC has been his second spell. I have advised him to warm up before the second spell and that will help him," said Akram.

Going by his past record, Akhtar has always provided the psychological edge to Pakistan against arch-rivals India. The tear-away picked Sachin Tendulkar on a fast short-pitched delivery at Centurion in the 2003 edition to deny the master blaster a century. Akram feels that Akhtar is a different bowler against India.

"Shoaib against the Indians is always very dangerous. I know it is a big risk, but luck favours the brave. Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are top-class players but against Shoaib it's a different duel altogether. He is an entertainer and he loves the big stage," said Akram

With Akhtar in the side, it will be a toss-up between Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman for the Pakistan think-tank at Mohali. Akram feels it's good for Shahid Afridi to be spoilt for choices.

"Saeed Ajmal bowled well against Australia. Though Pakistan can even revert to Abdur Rehman for the semis. Probably Shahid will asses the Mohali pitch and then take a call. When a team is performing well, these are good problems to have," said Akram.

India have won all the four ICC CWC encounters against Pakistan since 1992 but records fade away when the two teams take to the field. Akram feels it will surely be a very exciting affair.

"I feel that India are the favourites against Pakistan. Though Pakistan are also playing good cricket. India are definitely strong on paper, are an experienced side. Pakistan have an edge in the bowling department, they have a better variety. India-Pakistan match is always a pressure-cooker affair, whether you play in front of an empty stand or in Timbuktu. It will certainly be a close game," said Akram.

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The tips Shahid Afridi got from former Pakistan greats seem to have worked wonders for his players who are preparing to face India in next week's high-voltage World Cup semifinal in Mohali.

Afridi, who has been praised by his teammates for seeking their advice, recently spoke to former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram about the team's campaign in the quadrennial extravaganza.

Imran confirmed that he had a talk with Afridi. "Yes, we discussed the team composition and batting order and some other issues. I gave him my advice, which I felt is best for the team, but at the end of the day he is there with the team and has to take the decisions," Imran said.

The cricketer-turned politician said that he had advised Afridi about playing Saeed Ajmal and shuffling the batting order to send Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq up the order. "But he has his reasons for some decisions," the former great added.

Imran has constantly been advising the Pakistan team to play positively and take bold decisions and not be afraid of defeat, a trait, he says, enabled him to lead Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup title.

Afridi is also said to have spoken to another former great, Wasim Akram, and got valuable tips from him. Akram has also called for the Pakistan team to play an extra specialist bowler in the crunch matches.

Sources said that Imran had told Afridi to tell the players to be mentally prepared for the semifinal against India and not take any extra pressure.

"Imran believes that it will be India which will be under more pressure compared to Pakistan as they are playing in front of their home crowd and Pakistan have their best chance of beating them in the World Cup," the source said.

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Srilanka May Pull Out From Pakistan Tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts to convince teams to tour the country seemed to have received a setback following a discouraging response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Sri Lanka touring Pakistan later this year.

According to the ICC’s Future Tour Programme (FTP), Sri Lanka are due to tour in October but the board’s chairman DS de Silva threw the ball in the ICC’s court saying it will follow directives by the governing body on touring Pakistan.

However, the PCB, itching to get a positive response, has not received a positive response from the ICC yet.

“The ICC’s response on the matter is not encouraging,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune. “Although they haven’t given us a straight no, it’s officials seem reluctant to give their go-ahead for the series when we contacted them.”

Sri Lanka left midway through their last tour of Pakistan in March 2009 after an attack on their team bus left at least eight people dead while injuring several others, including players and team officials. In the aftermath, all tours to Pakistan were cancelled and the country was removed as co-hosts of the ongoing World Cup besides failing to earn rights to any major ICC event until 2015.

“The ICC is still not convinced about the security situation in Pakistan so it seems difficult that they’d give their approval. The PCB may then be forced to host the series at a neutral venue.”

The official, however, said the PCB will keep fingers crossed and will continue its effort to host the series.

“We haven’t given up and will keep on hoping and trying to convince them. We’ll also raise the matter in the ICC meeting next month.”

The PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, who is expected to leave for India before the World Cup semi-finals, will attend that meeting scheduled to start in Mumbai on the day of the final. The chairman will be accompanied by the board’s chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed in the meeting where they are also expected to meet their Indian counterparts for talks of a bilateral series.

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India Bookies Make Pakistan Hot Favourites

The Indian bookies have shocked cricket fans round the world placing the Pakistan team as a favourite to lift the 2011 Cup.

After the beating of Australia and then the West Indies the Pakistani team is believed to be at its peak in the tournament. The Indian team may have been down graded due to home crowd pressure.

Being a favourite is never in a teams favour. However with the crashing out of South Africa it seems clear that one of the sub continent team will definately lift the cup.

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Sachin Will Have To wait for 100 international tons: Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi predicted that Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar will have to wait until after the World Cup to reach the milestone of scoring 100 international centuries.

"Sachin will have to wait until after the World Cup for his 100th international century because we are not going to allow either him or any other Indian player to play a big innings," Afridi told a newspaper.

Tendulkar has been in prolific form in the World Cup and completed 18,000 runs in one-dayers in the previous game against Australia. He needs just one more hundred to complete 100 international centuries, the first by any batsman.

Pakistan will take on India in the second semifinal of the World Cup to be held in Mohali on March 30 and Afridi said he was confident of his side beating India.

"It is a game of cricket and both teams can lay claim they will win the semifinal but given our current form I am confident we can beat India," Afridi said.

Admitting that his teammates wanted to face India in the semifinals, the skipper said, "The players wanted this clash and we are looking forward to it. We know the expectations are high but at the end of the day I have told the players that the team, which controls and keeps its nerves in such a high tension match, will prevail."

Afridi also felt that the pressure on India would be far more in the semifinal as compared to Pakistan, as they would be playing in front of their home crowd.

"Normally whenever both teams play there is great pressure because of the high expectations of the people but this time India are playing in front of their home crowd and the pressure will be greater on them," he said.

Stating that his players were under no pressure because of the fact that Pakistan had never beaten India in a World Cup match before, Afridi said, "That is history and this team has a habit of changing history. More importantly the winning momentum we have got it allows the players to be better prepared for the big match."

The flamboyant all-rounder also made it clear the players were not feeling the pressure of having to go and play in India after a gap of nearly four years.

"We have a young team and many of our players have not played in India before but it is not a problem for them because they have become used to playing even home matches abroad. I am confident they can handle the pressures of playing in India."

Afridi, meanwhile, also appealed to the fans to treat this high-profile clash between the neighbours as just another cricket match.

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Sachin didn't have it him to succeed as captain -Azhar

March 20, 2011 (CricIndian): Former Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin in a recent interview to GQ magazine has said that he doesn't want to talk about Sachin Tendulkar.
Replying to a question on why Sachin didn't succeed him as the captain of Indian team, he said, "I don't want to talk about him. There are some people I just don't want to talk about."
When reminded of reports which claimed he didn't support Sachin when the latter was captain, he said, "Not true. Check the statistics. When he was captain, I scored more runs than anyone else on the team, in both forms of the game." Azhar also added that, "Tendulkar didn't have it in him to succeed as captain."
Azhar, who was banned for life by the ICC after the match fixing scandal a decade ago, is now Member of Parliament from the Congress party. When asked about his present contacts with cricketers, he said, " I am not in touch with anybody. I have a different life now."
Azhar also denied that he never made a statement that he went through tough times during match-fixing scandal because he was a muslim. "No! I never said that. I was misinterpreted. At that time, everyone wanted a piece of the cake and they were writing what they felt like. People talk like that, and I can't help it. I was captain for nine years and I never felt that.," he said.
"No. I didn't do anything wrong. If I had, I would not have achieved so much. I played 17 years for my country. And I gave my best," Azhar said, about the match-fixing scandal.

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Shoaib unlikely to play any role in the World Cup

Enigmatic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to play any further role for Pakistan in the ongoing World Cup.

Shoaib, 35, announced on Thursday that he will retire after the tournament.

The bowler seems to have lost favour with the team management, including skipper Shahid Afridi, after conceding 28 runs in a single over in a league match against New Zealand and, according to sources, is unlikely to feature in Wednesday's quarterfinal against the West Indies.

"Shoaib basically has lost favor of the captain, coach and some of the other players after the game against New Zealand," a well-informed source said.

"Some of the players are not happy with the way he reacted after the New Zealand innings in Pallekele and behaved with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal," the source added.

The "Jang" reported from Sri Lanka that Shoaib, apparently, had argued with Kamran soon after he dropped two catches, one of his over, and than pushed him.

The source confirmed that after the New Zealand innings, Shoaib had a heated argument with Kamran over the dropped catches, leading to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room.

Pakistan lost the match to New Zealand, but the source said that the team management later spoke to the PCB chief, informing him of the incident. The PCB chief, reportedly, told the team management that if fast bowler was not behaving he should not be played again.

"Subsequently, Shoaib was fined $2000, and also told by the management in clear terms that it is better if he decided to retire from international cricket," the source said.

According to the source, Shoaib now hardly have any friends left in the team.

"Practically, Shoaib's career is over and the management has decided to at least give him the honour of retiring gracefully by remaining with the team and not going public with his feelings," the source said.

Shoaib has had a controversial and colorful career since his debut in 1997. He has been being fined and banned several times during a 14-year-long career.

However, after making a comeback to the team last year, he appeared to have reformed himself, but the source said he remained at loggerheads with the management on disciplinary issues in recent months.

"As it is there is an emphasis now on inducting and reposing more faith in the younger players and to quietly sideline some senior players, including Shoaib and Mohammad Yousuf," the source said.

He said both coach Waqar Younis and Afridi were in favour of inducting new faces, the reason why they had been showing confidence in players like Asad Shafiq and Wahab Riaz.

The source also stated that a recent statement by Shoaib that if he had played under a captain likeImran Khan it would have helped his career as Imran knew how to use fast bowlers, has also not gone down well with the management.

Manager, Intikhab Alam, however, has maintained that their was no major fight between Shoaib and Kamran, and that was not the reason behind Shoaib announcing his retirement.

"I think Shoaib had decided before the World Cup it was time for him to retire and he consulted his family members who are in Sri Lanka before announcing his retirement. It didn't come out of the blue. They are no issues within the team," Intikhab told a Pakistani newspaper.

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Pak Players Pay Rich Tribute To Bob Woolmer

Former Pakistan foreign coach Bob Woolmer may no longer be in this world but some of the players still have happy memories of the times spent with him and believe the Englishman was the best coach to be associated with the national side.
Three days after Woolmer's fourth death anniversary was observed with memorial services in Karachi and Lahore churches, Pakistan's one-day skipper Shahid Afridi paid glowing tributes to him.
"I still remember him a lot and have happy memories of working with him. I credit him for my comeback to the Pakistan team," Afridi told Geo News in Sri Lanka.
"Woolmer was a top coach and it is not possible to fill the vaccum created by his tragic death," he said.
Woolmer died in mysterious circumstances in the team hotel in Jamaica at the 2007 World Cup, a day after Pakistan lost to minnows Ireland in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, a defeat that sent Pakistan crashing out.
"I still miss his guidance and commitment to the Pakistan team. He was totally dedicated to seeing Pakistan cricket reach greater heights," Afridi said.
The Pakistan captain, like many of his teammates, believed that if his team could go on to play the World Cup final, it would be a fitting tribute to the late Woolmer.
"He always felt that our team had the potential to win the last World Cup. Unfortunately, we went out of the tournament early. This time we are working hard to reach the final," he added.
Pakistan's in-form pace bowler, Umar Gul said the team wants to dedicate the World Cup win to him and the people of Pakistan, who have gone through tough times in recent years.
The Pakistan cricket Board has named its national cricket academy after the late Woolmer in Lahore.
Pakistan's banned pace bowler, Muhammad Asif also credited Woolmer for his comeback into the national side in late 2005 against England.
"I remember how Woolmer told me I would play regularly for Pakistan after watching me bowl in just one first class match," Asif told a cricket website in London.
"Working with Bob was an absolute honour for me. To be taught and coached the finer arts of cricket by such a fantastic person and coach was something that I will always cherish and I would just like to pay my personal tribute to Bob Woolmer.
"I had a lot of respect for Bob as a person and as a professional and I believe that he did a fantastic job for Pakistan cricket and took it to unforeseen levels during his time as coach. He was a great man - humble and approachable.
He was always available for advice and help," Asif said.

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Pakistan’s hard-hitting young and aggressive middle order batsman Umar Akmal played a responsible innings on Saturday to steer into the Quarter-Finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 as Group A leaders at R Premadasa Cricket Stadium against the might of Australia.Chasing 177 runs for the famous victory,
Pakistan were looking dented hard by Brett Lee at 142 for the loss of six wickets when Shahid Afridi once again played a brainless shot to gift his wicket away to the Aussies.
This was the time when Umar Akmal was looking good at one end but was in desperate need of a partner and Abdul Razzaq proved just the man to do the job with him.
The pair helped Pakistan cross the line and enter into the knockout stage as Group A leaders. Umar Akmal scored 44 runs from 59 balls on a wicket which wasn’t conducive for stroke-play. He hit four boundaries and a six.
In the end, Pakistan completed the target in 41 overs for the loss of six wickets but it was Umar Akmal who provided the impetus and very rightly was declared Man of the Match.
The Sports Encounter presents its cricket-crazy fans the highlights package, compiled by ESPNSTAR, show-casing the brilliant shots played by Umar Akmal.

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The Drop Machine

We must first pay tribute to the man who made it all possible – the Maharajah of Missed Chances, the Don Corleone of Dropped Catches, the Earl of Err, the Pharaoh of Fumble, Lance Corporal Granite Hands himself, Kamran Akmal.
Let us count his Dropped catches and Missed Stumping.

Pakistan in England Test Series – 1st Test
England v Pakistan
1) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225255.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
63.2 Collingwood was on 79(Final Score = 186)
Umar Gul to Collingwood, no run, gone, out, no! Dropped! Leg-cutter, outside edge straight to Kamran Akmal ? dreadful shot from Collingwood I might add ? and, somehow, Akmal shelled it. Deafening silence from the captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, and not much more being said from the slips. Ooh, that?s a shocker
Pakistan in England Test Series – 3rd Test
England v Pakistan

2) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225257.html?innings=1;view=commentary
38.2 Collingwood was on 21(Final Score = 31)
Shahid Nazir to Collingwood, no run, yikes, Collingwood hangs his bat out to dry ? good away-swing from Shahid again ? but it passes his outside edge. Nevertheless, Akmal somehow drops a clanger and the ball bobbles from his gloves
3) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225257.html?innings=3;page=1;view=commentary
5.4 ME Trescothick was on 7(Final Score = 58)
Umar Gul to Trescothick, no run, DROPPED, Kamran Akmal has dropped him. A terrific ball from Gul rising on Trescothick who feathers an edge. Gul goes up to celebrate but Akmal, with iron gloves, clangs a sitter

Pakistan in England Test Series – 4th Test
England v Pakistan


4) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225258.html?innings=3;page=1;view=commentary
36.1 KP Pietersen was on 15 (Final Score = 96)
Danish Kaneria to Pietersen, no run, oooh, outside edge and dropped. Snorter of a delivery, Pietersen’s caught in two minds, and Akmal can’t hold on to the feather. Kaneria’s just not having the luck today.
West Indies in Pakistan Test Series – 3rd Test
Pakistan v West Indies


5) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvwi/engine/match/257767.html?innings=2;page=2;view=commentary
83.1 DBL Powell was on 1 (Final Score = 1)
Umar Gul to Powell, no run, DROPPED! good length delivery wide outside the off stump, pitches and moves away, comes forward and feels for it, gets the edge to the right of Akmal, who dives across and puts down the catch.
6) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvwi/engine/match/257767.html?innings=4;page=2;view=commentary
63.3 Ramdin was on 10 (Final Score = 25*)
Abdul Razzaq to Ramdin, no run, Dropped! fraction short on the off stump, swinging away nicely, Ramdin moves back to defend, gets squared up by the outswinger, thick edge and Akmal dives to his right and fails to catch.

Pakistan in South Africa Test Series – 2nd Test
South Africa v Pakistan


7) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=1;view=commentary
17.2 AG Prince was on 2 (Final Score = 2)
Mohammad Sami to Prince, no run, ooh, dropped by Akmal. That was a long way across Prince, who slashes a thick edge through and it pops in and out of Akmal’s gloves at chest height. What a costly miss that could be – Prince has been in such good form
http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=1;view=commentary
22.3 Gibbs was on 2 (Final Score = 2)
Danish Kaneria to Gibbs, no run, ooh! Edge again – but dropped. Kaneria sent the ball bending back in at the right hander, taking the edge and spilled again by Akmal. Good bowling, this
9) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=3;page=2;view=commentary
70.1 Kallis was on 63 (Final Score = 91)
Danish Kaneria to Kallis, no run, oh no – has Akmal dropped yet another one? Ooh, not sure – Kallis went chasing that one and seemed to feather it through to Akmal who drops it. But the replays are inconclusive. Akmal’s having a poor match anyway.
10) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=3;page=3;view=commentary
103.1 MV Boucher was on 27 (Final Score = 46)
Mohammad Hafeez to Boucher, no run, Akmal drops another one! tossed up and this one turned back in sharply, Boucher defends on the back-foot and the ball clips the inside edge and goes behind but Akmal fails to hold on to a fairly easy chance. He is clearly having a tough time out there
11) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=3;page=3;view=commentary
117.3 MV Boucher was on 44 (Final Score = 46)
Danish Kaneria to Boucher, 2 runs, cuts and gets an edge, DROPPED! by Akmal, who lets another chance go by
South Africa in Pakistan Test Series – 1st Test
Pakistan v South Africa

12) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299004.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
54.5 Kallis was on 36 (Final Score = 155)
Danish Kaneria to Kallis, no run, outside off, short, forcing off the back foot, DROPPED, edges, Akmal can not hold on
South Africa in Pakistan Test Series – 2nd Test
Pakistan v South Africa


13) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299005.html?innings=3;page=1;view=commentary
13.4 Smith was on 18 (Final Score = 133)
Danish Kaneria to Smith, 1 run, DROPPED, drives from the front foot, turns back from the rough, inside edge, pad, Akmal tries to get the full glove to it, hard chance put down
Pakistan in India Test Series – 2nd Test
India v Pakistan

14) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297807.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
55.6 Tendulkar was on 28 (Final Score = 82)
Mohammad Sami to Tendulkar, 1 run, dropped by Akmal. Not a surprise, actually. Only surprise is he usually catches Tendulkar. It was banged in short, outside off stump, Tendulkar decides late to go for a upper cut, doesn’t connect properly and Akmal thrusts his right glove out but fails to hold on and ends up palming it behind him.
Sri Lanka in Pakistan Test Series – 2nd Test
Pakistan v Sri Lanka

15) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvsl/engine/match/388994.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
59.4 Samaraweera was on 69 (Final Score = 214)
Danish Kaneria to Samaraweera, 1 run, dropped, Kamran this time, outside off, stretches forward and gets the edge, Kamran puts it down.

Pakistan in Sri Lanka Test Series – 1st Test
Sri Lanka v Pakistan


16) http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvpak2009/engine/match/403367.html?innings=1;view=commentary
7.2 Jayawardene was on 0 (Final Score = 30)
Mohammad Amir to Jayawardene, no run, Dropped Akmal’s the culprit, Aamer bowls it in the corridor outside off and induces a nick, Akmal didn’t have to move, he’s dropped a sitter

Pakistan in Sri Lanka Test Series – 3rd Test
Sri Lanka v Pakistan


17) http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvpak2009/engine/match/403369.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
29.3 AD Mathews was on 12 (Final Score = 31)
Saeed Ajmal to Mathews, no run, dropped, Akmal spills it, spun back in but not as much as Mathews expected, played inside the line while trying to defend, got a thin edge but Akmal could not pouch it, tried again at the second attempt but failed.

Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series – 1st Test
New Zealand v Pakistan


18) http://www.espncricinfo.com/nzvpak2009/engine/match/423778.html?innings=1;page=3;view=commentary
123.3 Vettori was on 91 (Final Score = 99)
Umar Gul to Vettori, FOUR, Dropped Confusion between Farhat and Akmal, Gul holds the length back and Vettori hangs his bat out and gets a thick outside edge, the ball flies through the gap between keeper and first slip and both went for it but the ball beat them both.

Pakistan in Australia Test Series – 2nd Test
Australia v Pakistan


19) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406200.html?innings=3;page=2;view=commentary
52.6 Hussey Was on 27 (Final Score = 134)
Danish Kaneria to Hussey, no run, trying playing defensively from the crease, Hussey’s beaten by a ball that rips past the outside edge of his upright bat
Subsquent replays suggest this may have been a dropped catch by Kamran Akmal. If it was it only got the faintest edge from Hussey’s bat.
Oh yes, definitely an edge looking at it from front-on.
20) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406200.html?innings=3;page=2;view=commentary
62.2 Hussey Was on 45 (Final Score = 134)
Danish Kaneria to Hussey, no run, dropped, defensively forward, inside edge onto pad, through to the keeper who spills it
21) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406200.html?innings=3;page=2;view=commentary
66.4 Hussey Was on 52 (Final Score = 134)
Danish Kaneria to Hussey, no run, dropped, pushing at a ball outside off, a thick outside edge is split by the wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal.
22) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406200.html?innings=3;page=3;view=commentary
113.2 PM Siddle was on 25 (Final Score = 38)
Mohammad Sami to Siddle, 1 run, dropped, short ball down leg, Siddle swishes at it, gloves it but it’s dropped by the keeper to his left, should have taken it, the ball runs away for a single
Pakistan in England Test Series – 1st Test
England v Pakistan


23) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426413.html?innings=1;view=commentary
4.3 AJ Strauss was on 15 (Final Score = 45)
Mohammad Amir to Strauss, no run, 136.0 kph, dropped! Kamran, what have you done? Perfect outswinger from Aamer, Strauss edges and Akmal puts down the simplest of chances. Kamran kept so well against Australia – relatively speaking, anyway – but this is the worst possible start for him against England
24) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426413.html?innings=3;page=1;view=commentary
22.4 Collingwood was on 0 (Final Score = 1)
Umar Gul to Collingwood, no run, 142.1 kph, oh no! Kamran has gone from hero back to zero! Dropped! After just pulling off a stunner he’s put Collingwood down first ball, it was wide, Collingwood flashed a cut and edges it towards first slip, Akmal flew across and dropped the chance
Pakistan in England Test Series – 3rd Test
England v Pakistan


25) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426415.html?innings=1;view=commentary
37.3 MJ Prior was on 29 (Final Score = 84*)
Mohammad Asif to Prior, 4 leg byes, 128.9 kph, and that one’s dropped, but a very tough chance for Kamran. You can’t expect him to take that – it’s an inside edge onto the thigh and then sneaking past the stumps, Kamran dives and just gets his left fingertip to the ball as it runs away towards fine leg for a boundary
Steve Davis has called that leg byes, but there was an inside edge on it, no question
Pakistan in England Test Series – 4th Test
England v Pakistan


26) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426416.html?innings=1;page=3;view=commentary
115.3 Broad was on 132 (Final Score = 169)
Saeed Ajmal to Broad, no run, 94.6 kph, dropped a beauty…he played forward again and it grazes the outside edge but Kamran Akmal can’t hold on. There was very little reaction from the players

India in Pakistan ODI Series – 3rd ODI


27) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/236809.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
15.1 Tendulkar was on 36 (Final Score = 95)
Umar Gul to Tendulkar, no run, down the leg side, Tendulkar gets an edge, fielded by Akmal, who drops the catch.
Pakistan in Sri Lanka ODI Series – 3rd ODI


28) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/238215.html?innings=1;view=commentary
10.1 Tharanga was on 19 (Final Score = 23)
Abdul Razzaq to Tharanga, 2 runs, dropped! good ball first up, bit of movement, pushes with an open face, gets an edge, Akmal dives to his left and fails to hold on to the chance.
NatWest Series [Pakistan in England] – 2nd match


29) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225246.html?innings=1;view=commentary
6.3 Ian Bell wan on 8 (Final Score = 9)
Shoaib Akhtar to Bell, 1 leg bye, wow, that was quick and full on off, Bell drives but is beaten all ends up, ball brushes something but Akmal fails to collect it to his left, ball runs away and they steal one, umpire calls it leg byes, was there bat on that though? Looks like it, according to the replays

30) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225246.html?innings=1;view=commentary
6.6 Trescothick was on 6 (Final Score = 6)
Shoaib Akhtar to Trescothick, no run, good length ball on off, Tresco stands tall and drives but makes zero contact, a tight over coming to and end, should have had Bell but Akmal dropped another catch to add to his summer’s tally of non-takes
ICC World Cup – 1st match, Group D



31) http://www.espncricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/match/247457.html?innings=1;view=commentary
38.3 Lara was on 28 (Final Score = 37)
Shoaib Malik to Lara, no run, ooh, ooh. Interesting. Malik annoyed that Akmal failed to pouch that one, dropping the fine edge. Akmal’s glovework leaving much to be desired as is, sadly, often the case
Warid Cricket Series – 2nd ODI



32) http://www.espncricinfo.com/waridcricketseries/engine/match/293505.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
4.2 Kapugedera was on 19 (Final Score 20)
Mohammad Asif to Kapugedera, 1 run, dropped! He chases a short delivery outside off stump, gets the nick, and Akmal drops a simple take behind the stumps…poor stuff from him
South Africa in Pakistan ODI Series – 3rd ODI


33) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299008.html?innings=1;view=commentary
22.3 Smith was on 24 (Final Score = 48)
Shahid Afridi to Smith, no run, dropped by Akmal. It was a googly outside off stump, Smith stabbed at it and edged it to Akmal who fails to hold on. The ball pops up and it falls between a lunging Akmal and Younis at first slip.

34) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299008.html?innings=1;view=commentary
32.1 Smith was on 48 (Final Score = 48)
Abdur Rehman to Smith, 1 run, dropped,though it was tough. Tossed up wide, Smith gets across off and plays at it, getting a thick edge which Akmal doesnt read, and the ball clips his pad to run fine
South Africa in Pakistan ODI Series – 4th ODI


35) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299009.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
29.2 Pollock was on 61 (Final Score = 90)
Abdur Rehman to Pollock, 1 run, oh ho! Full and flat on leg stump, Pollock gets forward and paddles it up in air, Akmal turns and stumbles and doesnt make any effort to dive for the catch … sums up Pakistan’s evening

South Africa in Pakistan ODI Series – 5th ODI


36) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvrsa/engine/match/299010.html?innings=1;view=commentary
2.3 Kallia was on 6 (Final Score = 86)
Shoaib Akhtar to Kallis, no run, dropped, Akmal drops an absolute sitter, this one was a touch fuller, it pitched on a good length and drew Kallis forward, the ball kissed the outside edge and flew at an easy height straight to Akmal who couldn’t take it cleanly, Kallis has had a poor ODI series so far and Pakistan could have had him cheaply once again
Pakistan in India ODI Series – 1st ODI


37) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297801.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
6.1 Gambhir was on 7 (Final Score = 44)
Shoaib Akhtar to Gambhir, FOUR, dropped, by either Akmal or Younis, Gambhir pushed tentatively away from his body at a good length delivery outside off stump and got a regulation edge that flew between the wicketkeeper and first slip, neither Akmal or Younis moved an inch

38) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297801.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
14.5 Ganguly was on 37 (Final Score = 39)
Shahid Afridi to Ganguly, no run, dropped, Ganguly tries to run the ball to third man and got a faint edge to Akmal, the ball hit the gloves and rolled towards third man, Gambhir came half-way down the pitch from the non-striker’s end but was sent back by Ganguly, that’s the third catch Pakistan have grassed

Pakistan in India ODI Series – 2nd ODI


39) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297802.html?innings=1;view=commentary
13.4 Gambhir was on 17 (Final Score = 57)
Iftikhar Anjum to Gambhir, 1 run, Dropped by Akmal. It was full in length, outside off stump, Gambhir drives on the up and gets a edge which flies low and just in front of Akmal who couldn’t quite wrap his gloves under the ball
Pakistan in India ODI Series – 3rd ODI


40) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297803.html?innings=1;view=commentary
0.1 Ganguly was on 0 (Final Score = 39)
Shoaib Akhtar to Ganguly, no run, Dropped! Would you believe it? Kamran Akmal drops a regulation ‘keeper catch. It was full in length, outside off stump and Ganguly had a poke at it with an open-face of the bat. Sure, the ball was dipping as it went to the left of Akmal but he should have held it. What a start. Hold your mails. We know many of you don’t rate Akmal much.
Bangladesh in Pakistan ODI Series – 2nd ODI


41) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvbdesh/engine/match/343760.html?innings=1;view=commentary
32.5 Mahmudullah was on 14 (Final Score = 58*)
Shoaib Malik to Mahmudullah, no run, spins down the leg side and the Akmal misses a good stumping chance as the batsman came down the track.

Bangladesh in Pakistan ODI Series – 3rd ODI


42) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvbdesh/engine/match/343761.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
36.2 Shakib Al Hasan was on 35 (Final Score = 75)
Sohail Khan to Shakib Al Hasan, 1 run, dropped! Outside the off stump and Shakib Al Hasan drives, gets the outside edge to Akmal behind the wicket, who dives low to his right and drops the ball. That should have been taken

Kitply Cup – 1st match



43) http://www.espncricinfo.com/kitplycup/engine/match/345468.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
33.5 Abdur Razzak was on 0 (Final Score = 26*)
Umar Gul to Abdur Razzak, FOUR, Dropped by Akmal. well he didn’t even reach it. He should have as it wasn’t too far to his left. Gul had produced a jab and a edge wit ha delivery that straightened outside off stump from round the stumps and Akmal was late in reacting

Pakistan v West Indies ODI Series – 1st ODI



44) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvwi/engine/match/374059.html?innings=1;view=commentary
39.5 Marshall was on 2 (Final Score = 26)
Shahid Afridi to Marshall, no run, dropped, that was short of a good length outside off, Marshall gets onto the back foot to punch it wide of the covers, gets an outside edge and Akmal spills a regulation chance!!

Pakistan v West Indies ODI Series – 2nd ODI



45) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvwi/engine/match/374060.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
30.4 Findlay was on 0 (Final Score = 12)
Shahid Afridi to Findlay, no run, dropped, that was an off spinner pitching on off, Findlay lunges forward to defend, gets a thick outside edge that Akmal puts down

Sri Lanka in Pakistan ODI Series – 2nd ODI



46) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvsl/engine/match/385750.html?innings=1;view=commentary
19.1 Kandamby was on 16 (Final Score = 59)
Shahid Afridi to Kandamby, no run, dropped, quicker ball that spun away sharply after landing on the off stump, tries to defend off the back foot, gets a thick outside edge and Akmal puts it down behind the wickets. Straightforward
Sri Lanka in Pakistan ODI Series – 3rd ODI


47) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvsl/engine/match/385751.html?innings=1;view=commentary
40.4 Kndamby was on 28 (Final Score = 32)
Shoaib Malik to Kandamby, no run, missed stumping, Pakistan have been poor, flighted outside off inviting Kandamby out of the crease, he goes for a loft over extra cover but the ball spins away, he misses and so does Kamran Akmal who makes a mess of it behind the stumps

Pakistan in Sri Lanka ODI Series – 1st ODI



48) http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvpak2009/engine/match/403370.html?innings=1;view=commentary
1.1 Jayasuriya was on 1 (Final Score = 15)
Abdul Razzaq to Jayasuriya, no run, dropped, again on the leg stump, it goes down the leg side, Akmal has to dive low to his right to take that, he fails to collect it, and his reaction suggests Jayasuriya had edged that
ICC Champions Trophy – 6th match, Group A



49) http://www.espncricinfo.com/iccct2009/engine/match/415278.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
22.3 Dhoni was on 0 (Final Score = 3)
Saeed Ajmal to Dhoni, no run, Dropped by Akmal. Tough chance. T’was a topspinner outside off stump, Dhoni tries to cover drive, edges and it deflects to Akmal’s right pad
Asia Cup – 4th match

50) http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/match/455234.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
36.6 Sharma was on 9 (Final Score = 22)
Shoaib Akhtar to Sharma, 1 run, all night Akmal has been appealing without any edges, now he gets a regulation edge and he drops it! Poor keeping really! Beats me how this man is keeping in international cricket! Sharma goes chasing, edged away slightly wide of him, he sticks out one firm hand and it bounces off it. Really didn’t have to go too far
Asia Cup – 1st match



51) http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/match/455231.html?innings=1;view=commentary
2.5 Dilshan was on 12 (Final Score = 18)
Shoaib Akhtar to Dilshan, FOUR, Edged between the keeper and the first slip. It pitched well ahead of the cordon and rolled away. It was around 145 kmph back-of-length delivery and Dilshan went for the cut and edged. Kamran dived but couldn’t reach in time
52) http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/match/455231.html?innings=1;view=commentary
8.4 Jayawardene was on 0 (Final Score = 54)
Mohammad Asif to Jayawardene, FOUR, Edged but Kamran couldn’t get to it. It was a lovely leg cutter around off – a classic Asif delivery – and Mahela had a lame poke at it,. Almost fatal. The gap between the keeper and slip was wide and Kamran dived but couldn’t reach

53) http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/match/455231.html?innings=1;view=commentary
41.2 Kulasekara was on 5 (Final Score = 14)
Shahid Afridi to Kulasekara, 1 wide, Stumping chance missed. Not a surprise if you have followed Kamran’s career. It was down the leg side and Kula had leaned forward to flick and lost balance and had stepped well out of the crease. But Kamran doesn’t collect it cleanly. Oh well
Asia Cup – 5th match


54) http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia2010/engine/match/455235.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
43.2 Shkib ul Hassan was on 2 (Final Score = 25)
Abdur Rehman to Shakib Al Hasan, 3 runs, thank God for some constants in life! Kamran Akmal has dropped one! Difficult edge, though, a thick one and a decent deflection. But thankfully some things never change
NatWest Series [Pakistan in England] – 3rd ODI


55) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426430.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
18.5 Yardy was on 0 (Final Score = 4)
Umar Gul to Yardy, 1 run, Kamran Akmal drops it! Calamity Kamran strikes again! Gul finds a thickish outside edge that goes low and wide to Kamran, diving one-handed to his left and he couldn’t quite hold on. Looks to have damaged his finger as well
Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series – 5th ODI


56) http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/473927.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
44.1 NL McCullum was on 4 (Final Score = 14)
Wahab Riaz to NL McCullum, 1 run, somethings in Pakistan cricket never change. Like the fact that inevitably, Kamran Akmal will drop a catch. He’s done it again. Short ball, Nathan gets a top edge behind his head and it was a dolly for Kamran who was moving back. And he put it down.
ICC Cricket World Cup – 10th match, Group A


57)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433567.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
30.1 Sangakkara was on 22 (Final Score = 49)
Abdur Rehman to Sangakkara, 5 wides, Kamran fluffs a stumping, all is well with the world, Rehman beat Sanga with some flight, and angling it down the leg side, he got some extra bounce again, which beat Kamran totally, Sanga was in no position to get back
58)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433567.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
34.6 Sangakkara was on 33 (Final Score = 49)
Abdur Rehman to Sangakkara, 1 wide, Kamran, oh Kamran. Another fluffed stumping. Same as before, Sanga jumps out a mile looking to flick. Rehman sees him and fires it wide, Sanga misses and is halfway down the track. Kamran whips the bails off. Find the missing link – yes, Kamran did not collect. I now know the only weak link in Pakistan’s side. It is behind the stumps.
ICC Cricket World Cup – 17th match, Group A


59)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433574.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
3.1 Gunasekera was on 8 (Final Score =
Umar Gul to Gunasekera, no run, dropped by Kamran or did it go off the back thigh? It cut across from the leg stump line, went right across the batsman who was squared-up in defense. the ball flew to left of Akmal, who was initially moving to his right. He then threw a big dive with outstretched left hand but couldn’t hold on. Replays don’t confirm an edge. It seems it went off the thigh.
ICC Cricket World Cup – 24th match, Group A



60)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433581.html?innings=1;view=commentary
13.2 Taylor was on 0 (Final Score = 131*)
Shoaib Akhtar to Taylor, FOUR, Ross gets a birthday gift, it’s the Kamran moment, Shoaib got the edge with a perfect delivery that zipped away just a shade, the ball flew between younis and Kamran, who initially appeared to go for it, and then did the keeper’s version of shouldering arms, stood stone still, as a bemused Younis looked on

61)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433581.html?innings=1;view=commentary
13.4 Taylor was on 8 (Final Score = 131*)
Shoaib Akhtar to Taylor, no run, oh I don’t believe this, two birthday gifts is too much, from the same man too, Shoaib has Ross pushing at a one that held its line,and the healthy edge goes ever so slowly to Kamran who is in good position to take it, gets gloves on it, and clangs it, Shoaib can’t do anything about it, boy is he distraught
62)http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433581.html?innings=1;view=commentary
30.4 Styris was on 4 (Final Score = 28)
Shahid Afridi to Styris, 1 run, another drop from Kamran, outside off, Styris looks to stab it from the crease, edged and Kamran’s horror day continues, Afridi is not amused
Pakistan Vs England, Trent Bridge, 2010.
63)
http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426413.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
70.2 Collingwood was on 48(Final Score = 82)
Danish Kaneria to Collingwood, no run, missed stumping! Kamran’s really not having a good day… Collingwood charged down the track, was beaten in the air and by the turn. He was practically walking off he was so far down, but Kamran fumbled the take, and couldn’t pick the ball up before the batsman got back in. Kaneria really needed that wicket – Pakistan needed it!
Pakistan Vs England, Oval, 2006.
64)
http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225258.html?innings=1;view=commentary
40.3 Mahmood was on 0 (Final Score = 15)
Danish Kaneria to Mahmood, 4 byes, ah, should have been out. Mahmood came down the wicket aiming to hoick that over mid-on; instead he completely missed it and should have been stumped by yards but Akmal didn’t even move and the ball flew past his gloves really easily
Pakistan in South Africa Test Series – 2nd Test

65) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/250666.html?innings=3;page=1;view=commentary
40.4 Prince was on 17 (Final Score = 22)
Danish Kaneria to Prince, no run, stumping chance missed! A lovely teasing flighted delivery, again Prince comes down the track and is beaten by the flight and the dip. The ball threads through the bat and pad gap and is just outside off stump and Akmal clangs it. Would have been definitely out had he gathered.
Sri Lanka in Pakistan ODI Series – 2nd ODI


66) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvsl/engine/match/385750.html?innings=1;view=commentary
34.2 Jayawardena was on 5 (Final Score = 24)
Shahid Afridi to Jayawardene, no run, went through him! Kept low there, pitched on a good length outside off, just fractionally wide of the off stump, and spun away, Mahela failed to get his bat down in time and the ball clipped his back pad on the way to the keeper. Replays indicate there was an inside edge, but a really tough chance there for the keeper.
Pakistan v West Indies ODI Series – 3rd ODI


67) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvwi/engine/match/374061.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
15.2 Gayle was on 34 (Final Score = 122)
Saeed Ajmal to Gayle, no run, looks like an edge and Kamran up to the mark (his own) dropped it
Pakistan in India Test Series – 3rd Test


68) http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvpak/engine/match/297808.html?innings=1;page=3;view=commentary
118.6 Pathan was on 23 (Final Score = 102)
Danish Kaneria to Pathan, no run, fullish and outside the off, played at with hard hands, the ball slips past bat, the reactions from Akmal, who gloves the ball to the floor, and the bowler, suggest that there might have been an edge to that
Pakistan in Australia Test Series – 1st Test


69) http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406199.html?innings=1;page=2;view=commentary
74.6 Ponting was on 30 (Final Score = 57)
Mohammad Asif to Ponting, no run, forward with bat and pad to a good delivery that nips through the batsman’s defence, if he nicked it it was of no consequence since Kamran Akmal failed to take it cleanly
Replays suggest Ponting probably got an inside edge. So perhaps we can put that one down as a drop to Kamran Akmal.
NatWest Series [Pakistan in England] – 2nd ODI


70) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426429.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
40.6 Morgan was on 1 (Final Score = 16)
Mohammad Hafeez to Morgan, no run, edged, and dropped by Kamran! It was a really thick edge and a big deflection as Morgan tried to cut, the keeper did well to even get a glove to that
Bangladesh in Pakistan ODI Series – 5th ODI


71) http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvbdesh/engine/match/343763.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
25.3 Dhiman Gosh was on 21 (Final Score = 29)
Shahid Afridi to Dhiman Ghosh, no run, uses his feet and looks to work it through the onside, misses it and Akmal misses a stumping chance.
NatWest Series [Pakistan in England] – 2nd match


72) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225246.html?innings=1;view=commentary
32.3 Read was on 12 (Final Score = 30)
Shahid Afridi to Read, 1 wide, fired down the leg, batsman out of his crease but Akmal snuffles a take, Afridi not happy
Pakistan in England T20I Match

73) http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225263.html?innings=1;view=commentary
11.5 Trescothick was on 46 (Final Score = 53)
Shahid Afridi to Trescothick, no run, ooh, he nicked that one off the back foot but Akmal fluffed it
Pakistan in South Africa T20I Match

74) http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavpak/engine/match/255957.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
8.6 Bosman was on 45 (Final Score = 53*)
Abdur Rehman to Bosman, 1 run, DROPPED! swung down to long on, what a mess by the man on the fence – Akmal of all people! – and Bosman gets a life
ICC World Twenty20 – 18th match, Group F

75) http://www.espncricinfo.com/twenty20wc/engine/match/287870.html?innings=1;view=commentary
6.4 Ponting was on (Final Score = 27)
Shahid Afridi to Ponting, FOUR, Ponting tries to pull a ball that pitches on middle stump and spins across him, he gets a bottom edge which goes between Akmal’s legs for a boundary
76) http://www.espncricinfo.com/twenty20wc/engine/match/287870.html?innings=1;view=commentary
8.4 Ponting was on 19 (Final Score = 27)
Shahid Afridi to Ponting, 1 bye, Ponting comes down the pitch, Afridi beats him with a quicker ball but Akmal misses a stumping chance
ICC World Twenty20 2007 – 1st semi final

77) http://www.espncricinfo.com/twenty20wc/engine/match/287877.html?innings=1;view=commentary
19.6 Taylor was on 36 (Final Score = 37*)
Mohammad Asif to Taylor, 1 run, low full toss pulled high in the air off the bottom of the bat and that’s a poor piece of keeping from Akmal who calls for it… and then fluffs it. That may be amusing, but let’s hope for his sake that it doesn’t come down to a run…
ICC World Twenty20 2009 – 1st semi final

78) http://www.espncricinfo.com/wt202009/engine/match/356015.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
8.2 AB de Villiers ws on 1 (Final Score = 1)
Shahid Afridi to de Villiers, no run, dropped by Akmal. Lovely ripping leg break turning from the off stump line, AB pushed hard at it, got the thick edge and Akmal couldn’t hold on to slightly difficult chance
ICC World Twenty20 2010 – 4th match, Group A

79) http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/match/412680.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
6.5 Mohammad Ashraful was on 11 (Final Score = 65)
Abdul Razzaq to Mohammad Ashraful, FOUR, educated edge just wide of the keeper Akmal, who put a surprisingly low-key effort. A big dive was possibly in order, but it ran away for four
80) http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/match/412680.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
7.1 Shakib Al Hasan was on 7 (Final Score = 47)
Mohammad Hafeez to Shakib Al Hasan, no run, was that a drop from Kamran? short of a length, Shakib can’t connect with the flick but possibly got a thick inside edge, and Kamran put it down
81) http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/match/412680.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
15.4 Mahmudullah was on 0 (Final Score = 0)
Mohammad Sami to Mahmudullah, no run, dropped by Kamran Akmal! Thickish inside edge that darted in, and Kamran had to regroup and dive to his left. In the end, he did well to stop what would have been a sure four
ICC World Twenty20 2010 – 21st match, Group E

82) http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/match/412697.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
14.2 AB de Villiers was on 34 (Final Score = 53)
Abdur Rehman to de Villiers, no run, goes for the sweep shot, it bounces over the middle stump line and Akmal doesn’t collect it cleanly. Was there an edge? The replays aren’t conclusive. BAd angles basically
Pakistan in England T20I Series – 1st T20I

83) http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/engine/match/426417.html?innings=2;page=1;view=commentary
12.2 Yardy was on 13 (Final Score = 35)
Saeed Ajmal to Yardy, 2 runs, dropped by Kamran, tough chance as it flicked the edge, Kamran didn’t even get a hand on it, it just flicked the edge and went off his knee

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Afridi In Real Life

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Mumbai to welcome Pakistan Team For World Cup Final

The people of Mumbai are ready to welcome the Pakistani cricket team to their city if the latter is successful in reaching the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup of 2011, said veteran Indian journalist and activist Jatin Desai, while addressing an international seminar titled “Progress Needs Peace and Stability” which was organised by the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) at the campus auditorium.

“While Pakistani players may be allured by the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, they also remain fearful of Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and consider it a serious threat to their safety. Despite this fact, we Mumbaikars or Bombayites are ready to welcome the Pakistani team if reaches the ICC Cricket World Cup final and will be more than happy to have them in our city,” said Desai.

The Indian delegate hoped that this year, the ICC Cricket World Cup would end up being a showdown between the teams of Pakistan and India, adding that such an occasion would be appreciated by the youthful, peace-loving cricket enthusiasts of Mumbai.

Desai told the youth attending the seminar that it was imperative to settle differences between India and Pakistan by resuming composite dialogue, which had been stalled since the Mumbai Attacks in 2008. He added that it was the prime responsibility of the youth to promote peace and harmony between the two rival states.

Mazher Hussain, another Indian delegate, while focusing on bilateral relations between the two countries, highlighted that the youth of the both nations are the best agents for bringing peace and stability in the region.

“When I visited Pakistan in 2003, I happen to meet a ninth-grader who blamed the leaders of the time for the unstable relations between the two countries. This made me realise that how the masses, especially the youth, are concerned about the issue,” shared Hussain, Executive Director of the Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA) in Hyderabad Deccan.

Hussain acknowledged that South Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world as there are certain elements that are thriving by making conflict into a growing industry. He added that no progress is possible without peace and believed that the youth can make it likely. “The trend is not going to reverse by itself, but the youth can bring about a positive change,” commented Hussain.

While discussing other matters of concern, including the issuance of Indian visas to Pakistani nationals and vice versa, Hussain suggested that if visas were hard to attain, the people of both counties should rely on social networking websites to communicate in order to maintain ties. “Visiting a place is not important and we should use the latest internet technology to stay connected,” suggested Hussain.

The Indian speakers at the seminar mutually agreed that they felt at home during their visit to Pakistan. However, they added that the main challenge ahead was to eliminate the barriers between the two states.

Former member of the Indian Parliament and Editor of ‘Nai Duniya’, an Urdu daily, Shahid Siddiqui also agreed with his compatriots. But he was disappointed with the attitude of the civil society which, according to him, could easily help influence policymakers to make positive decisions through constant pressure.

“Do not blame your leaders for everything, as you the youth, possess the greatest power of all,” Siddqui said in a firm tone, while pointing to his young audience. He remained hopeful that the younger population of Pakistan could help bring about the change needed to mend relations.

“Our hope is the generation of today. We need to deliver or else we will be dumped into the dustbin of the history,” he warned his listeners.

Shahid Siddqui also believes that visa processing should be made free for students to boost exchange programmes between India and Pakistan.

Panelists Jatin Desai, along with Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar, Member of the Indian Parliament and a leading economist all agreed that both countries are facing identical issues. “Like Pakistan, 77 percent of the Indian population is earning mere Rs 20 a day.”

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