PCB denied the report of rift between Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah ul Haq

Naveed Akram Cheema - The Manager of PCT said the reports were part of a ‘negative campaign’ to dent Pakistan’s confidence ahead of its ODI series against South Africa.

“It is a part of negative propaganda against the team and its members which aims at demoralizing its confidence ahead of the ODI series after its success in the T20 match,” 

“The team is fully united and there is no rift between Hafeez or Misbah or any other player and all the players are looking to the one-day series with renewed zeal,” he added.

Courtesy: - Dawn News

Clash Between Misbah and Hafeez

Serious Clash between Hafeez and Misbah before the 1st ODI against SA. Hafeez not ready to play
one down, Misbah wants to open the innings with Kamran. Whatmore and the rest of tour selection
committee give preference to Hafeez's instructions. Hafeez doesn't agree with Misbah on batting order issue.

Misbah is out of form nowadays and in present conditions, if he wants to open the innings, the its ridiculous thinking. We all know that he is hated for his slow batting style and known as "Tuk Tuk". The former players are advising the players to play aggressively, but if he start the innings, then it seems to be difficult to play aggressively because he can't play with such aggressiveness that we are talking about.

“They wasted the chance to win after creating good opportunities,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune after facing whitewash against South Africa in Test Series. 

I think, Misbah should calmly retire from ODIs now without any hesitation and with honour after the series. Hafeez or Afridi should replace him as captain of Pakistan Cricket Team in ODI.

Wasim Akram made me better, says Shami

Indian bowler Shami Ahmed, who performed admirably against Pakistan in Delhi, has given credit to Wasim Akram for his success, according to cricbuzz.com. The 22-year-old from Bengal made a promising debut against Pakistan in the third and final ODI at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Sunday. “The small things that he’s taught me have made me a better bowler,” said Shami of the Pakistani legend. “For example, bowling with the old ball, reversing it and maintaining it, which line to bowl when you’re trying to reverse-swing the ball. He taught me a lot when it comes to using the white ball.”

Published in The Express Tribune

Kamran Akmal is hopeful of putting up a good show for his team

Following their humiliating whitewash in the Test series against South Africa, Pakistan bounced back to outclass the hosts by 95 runs in the second Twenty20 (T20) after the first fixture was washed out and clinched the series. The ODI series will begin with the first tie at Bloemfontein on March 10.

Seasoned Kamran, who has played 143 ODIs for Pakistan, said the team has the potential to do well against the tough home side in the format.

“I am hopeful the team will show a similar display (to that of T20),” said the wicket-keeper. “In South Africa, pitches favour both the bowlers and batsmen.

“The batsmen particularly have a good chance of doing well here. The players just need to play with a positive frame of mind; we are looking forward to repeating our T20 performance in the ODIs.”

The 31-year old has over 400 victims in all formats, but is no more an automatic choice for the team owing to the rise of wicket-keepers like Sarfraz Ahmed and younger brother Adnan Akmal.

Kamran said he never felt undue pressure for retaining his place in the team due to the growing competition.

“I just try to give my best for my team like the others do. I am looking forward to do well for my team in the series.”

‘Batsmen need to be aggressive’

Meanwhile, former pacer Jalaluddin said Pakistan must come out of their Test whitewash disappointment and focus on doing well in the upcoming series.

“The batsmen will be required to play attacking cricket,” said the former fast-bowler, who recorded the first hat-trick in ODIs.

He added both the teams have equal chances of winning the series.

“The return of Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers has boosted the team’s confidence. We have Saeed Ajmal in bowling while Mohammad Hafeez could also play a vital role.”

Pakistan snatch close win in warmup

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured a thrilling one-wicket win in the final over against a South African Invitation XI in the only warmup match at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Abdur Rehman (35*) and Junaid Khan (nine not out) put on an unbeaten 28 for the final wicket to steer the team to victory.

Earlier, Invitation made 266 for eight in their 50 overs, with Quinton de Kock being the top scorer with 65.

Captain Stephen Cook (34) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld (36) were the other main scorers. Pakistan spinners Shoaib Malik and Abdur Rehman took a brace each.

None of the Pakistan batsmen reached fifty, with Imran Farhat (40) and Kamran Akmal (47) the most successful batsmen, while fast bowler Hardus Viljoen and leg-spinner Imran Tahir took three wickets apiece.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2013.

Indian Premier League team Sunrisers Hyderabad have roped in legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis as its bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League in April-May, The Times of India reported on Friday.

“One of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Waqar Younis will be the bowling coach for SunRisers Hyderabad!” the team said in a tweet.

“Yes, I have decided to join the Sunrisers Hyderabad. I am very happy to join the IPL and I hope my experience will help them,” Younis was quoted as saying.

Younis has previously coached the Pakistan national team as national coach and bowling coach till mid-2011.

Sunrisers, who took over the Hyderabad franchise from Deccan, have Tom Moody as their head coach and Kris Srikkanth as their team mentor.

Younis’ wards in the Hyderabad team will include South Africa’s Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma, Clint McKay and Sudeep Tyagi.

The 41-year-old picked 373 wickets in 87 Tests. His ODIs tally read 416 in 262 matches.

Courtesy: - Express Tribune

World Record By PAKISTAN CRICKET TEAM on 3rd March 2013

Did You Know That!

World Record: Pakistan bowled out South Africa in just 74 balls (12.2 overs) in the Twenty20 that was played on Sunday at Centurion.

This is actually a World Record. 74 is least amount of deliveries a team has taken to make the opposition all out, not only in Twenty20s but in 136 years of International Cricket. Previous best was: England bowled out South Africa in 75 balls at Birmingham 1924.