The Loss Of Pakistan's Cricketing Heritage!

As Pakistan lurched to a somewhat humiliating loss to the West Indies you couldn't help but be dismayed by their lack of respect to their cricketing heritage
A heritage that has somewhat been lost in the current age with fans being in awe of the Pakistani players natural talents and flashy shot making.Which is duly justified for its truly captivating,but behind the mastery of this for the likes of Javed Miandad,Zaheer Abbass and Inzamam ul Huq forgotten is the true grit and fight of these players.Even outside of these greats the lesser players like Mudasser Nazar and Mushtaq Mohammad to name but two again epitomised the characteristic of the cornered tiger moniker that is often attached to Pakistan.
And it must be said throughout it's cricketing history always embraced.......
This more than anything taught in 1958 by the man regarded as the father of Pakistan cricket in Hanif Mohammad.Who like most of Pakistan's batsman had the flash and the pizazz with his invention of the reverse sweep is testimony to this.
Though more than anything he cast in stone the true meaning behind success and respect in Test cricket for the future Pakistan players to follow.In regards to grit, concentration,fight and persevering no matter what the situation.
A day in Bridgetown,Barbados saw to this legacy in a situation about as dire as you'd get on a cricket field. In regards to being 473 behind on the first innings with three days still to play....
Put down your glasses guaranteed defeat in those circumstances........................!
Though this is where the game was popularised from a splinter sport in Pakistan to the hysterical following it has today.In a stay of over 16 hours at the crease that reaped a remarkable 337 against an attack that had the fire of Roy Gilchrist,the swing of Eric Atkinson and the class of spinners Collie Smith and Alf Valentine. Topped with the precocious youthful talents of Garfield Sobers. So you can see he wasn't playing against mugs to ease the pressure of in this cauldron like situation.In prevailing against these overwhelming odds. Hanif treated every ball as though it was a loaded grenade and saw his side to a draw that must go down as one of the most remarkable in the games history.
One of the truly inspirational individual acts in the games history that in truth gives me chicken skin recollecting on it...
Though in this age where batsmen struggle to bat out a mere session, let alone a day. The inspiration is indeed lost and the message with it.Even more condemning as you watched the Pakistani batsman go down like nine pins with little or no fight in England last year and now against a West Indies Team that hadn't won a Test in two years.
Disturbingly strange in a way when you think of the cultural reverence of Pakistan people in general to the teachings of their elders.And this is no different in cricket with lessons passed on from old to young like Chinese whispers.You only have to think of the generational passage of reverse swing for Pakistan's fine pacemen.
So why can't the current Pakistan batting youth see the relevance in Hanif's lead to restore their sagging image on the World scene?For you don't need the highest talent to show the same application and concentration that this innings embodied.Even if they wanted further proof they only had to look at their chief destroyer recently in Darren Sammy.A man that is universally slated for his lack of talent,but forging success through adhering to the basics of the game.
It seems apparent that the current breed of Pakistan player pays homage to the sexiness and flash of Shahid Afridi and his like,rather than the old school teachings of Hanif Mohammad.Buying into the relative ease of the formers example,rather than forging hard and struggling to adhere to the difficulty of the later and the substance it represents
So with the ignorance to their heritage that Hanif forged in stone for all to follow.Sadly with it the current breed of players will burn Pakistan's image to the ground and leave it in ashes
How Hanif must have his head in his hands in mourning over this in his Karachi home!

Pakistan Vs West Indies. Test Series Preview

Preview-West Indies versus Pakistan Test Series
After the World Cup and the circus IPL, finally the purist get to immerse in a Test series.This 2 Test series between the West Indies and Pakistan hasn't the high profile as some of the more recent series.Though is intriguing by closeness between the two sides due to the incompleteness in their respective Teams.So with this in mind it should be a very tight series.


Here is my look at it starting with the host the West Indies


West Indies
Sadly for not only the Caribbean fans,but cricket fans in general the Windies have been beset by their Team being ravaged by players missing the Tests for the Indian Premier League.Then further undermined by the continued incompetence of their Board and not helped by the responses from their players.Leaving the Team in a mess.Arguably they start the Test series with their two best players in Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo counting their riches in the IPL.


My Team
The Team has many question marks with Chris Gayle leaving a gaping hole at the top of the order.The candidates to partner Lendl Simmons at the top were the veteran Devon Smith,who has previously struggled at this level of the game.Then the precociously talented youngster in Kraig Braithwaithe with Smith being preferred.Veterans in Ramaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels are back as is Shiv Chanderpaul after his conflict with the WICB.
Promisingly in the Team was the selection of the fine young leg spinner Devendra Bishoo,but tempered by Braithwaite being left out
This would be my Team


Simmons,Samuels,Sarwan,Bravo,Chanderpaul,Nash,Baugh,Sammy,Roach,Bishoo,Edwards


Key Men


Kemar Roach
This promising young quick showed he is starting to mature into a fine young bowler as seen in the Test series in Sri Lanka last year.Then backed it up with a very fine bowling display in the World Cup.The Pakistani batting without the class and steel of Younis Khan has talent,but lacks temperament.Though countering this is outside of Roach is the lack of class in the West Indian bowling-made worse with Dwayne Bravo not playing.So the Pakistani batsmen despite their inadequacies might be able to be a factor.This won't be the case if Roach bowls as he can and probably is one of the key factors in the series


Lendl Simmons
The Windies without Gayle are very fragile at the top of the order.The form of Simmons in the Odis recently showed that he is indeed an improved player from the one that had been found out in Tests recently.If he can indeed perform well at the top of the order. It will be a huge factor in the Windies not only being competitive,but having a chance to win


Darren Bravo
Every time you see this guy bat you drool at his potential greatness.Which has lead to him being unfairly labelled the 'Next Lara'.There is no doubt that he has the potential to be the next very fine West Indian batsman,but let him be the first Darren Bravo before comparing him to an icon! Though if in this series he can start to turn some of that potential into performance.The effect on the series will be huge


XFactors-Devendra Bishoo and Shiv Chanderpaul
The Windies lack class in their bowling,but in Devendra Bishoo they have a young leg spinner that to date has shown immense promise.In this series against the Pakistani's who aren't renowned for their temperament in the longer form of the game.He could be like a hot knife through butter with his refined bowling
Shiv Chanderpaul -throughout his excellent career Chanderpaul has been renowned for his shyness and unwillingness to talk as much as anything.Though in the wake of his recent treatment by the Selectors he has been akin to a Town crier.
So with the talk over now.....it's time to walk the walk Shiv.....
Whether he can will be crucial in the series


Pakistan
The Pakistani Team has been ravaged by the loss of their bowling Kingpins in Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer and then further weakened by the loss of their batting supremo in Younis Khan.As always with Pakistan the Team is loaded with talent,but the key question being whether they have the temperament for Test match cricket.Plus outside questions over their batting is the queries over the effectiveness of their bowling without Asif and Aamer.Then always their fielding or incompetence in it will be huge in how they go

My Team
The loss of Younis Khan is huge in this series for it means that the Pakistani Team will be without it's best player and a man who can help guide the youngster at the crease.The bowling is workmanlike without having a key strike bowler and will try to make spin be a key factor in the series.
Keeping this in mind this will be my Team


Taufeeq,Hafeez,Azhar,Misbah,Shafique,Umar Akmal,Salman.Gul,Wahab,Ajmal,Tanvir


Key Men
Azhar Ali
This young number three batsmen has all the makings of being the next very fine Pakistani batsman.For he is very unlike the rest of the young Pakistani batsmen being a player built around temperament and technique,rather than flashy stroke play.In this series against a rather weak West Indies bowling line up the table is set for him to dominate


Wahab Riaz
This young left hand quick in his brief career has shown when he gets it right is one very dangerous bowler.In the World Cup in his dismembering of the legendary Indian batting in a high pressure match.You swore his was the sequel to Wasim Akram with his pace and lethal swing both traditional and reverse.
If he can replicate that the Windies batsman will be supremely outclassed


The Pakistani Spinners
In the Odi series the Pakistani initial dominance was built on the back of their spinners and the West Indian batsmen struggles against them.Here in the longer form of the game with the hosts batting looking very fragile.How the Pakistani spinners go against them will be key to the outcome of the series


XFactors-Pakistan's Temperament and Fielding
There is no doubt that in the shorter form of the game where flash is a key component Pakistan are very fine competitors.Though here in Test cricket where everything is about substance in regards to the success of Teams.No one will doubt the talent in the Pakistani side,but that only gets you so far with temperament in all regards getting you the rest of the way.To not only be competitive,but also to be victorious.
This will be the key for Pakistan in this series
Fielding-Throughout their history bar on a few brief occasions,Pakistan's fielding has been tantamount to a joke.Here in a series that promises to be tight it could be the deciding factor........


Prediction
This 2 Test series has draw written all over it due to the closeness of the Teams due to their inadequacies.Though the key difference between the two is Pakistan's inadequacies is born through players being talented,but yet to be factors in Test cricket.Whereas the West Indies have many in their line up who have been tried and failed at Test level or who just aren't up to the standard demanded.Unless of course their Team is improved by the return of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo during the series
Keeping this in mind I think Pakistan will win 1 nil (1 all draw if Gayle and Bravo were playing)


Man of Series-Azhar Ali
I think this young Pakistani batsman will dominate in this series against a weak (bar Roach) West Indian bowling line up

Are these players Test Class?

As a series of Tests are about to start in every side there is one or two players that the fans know have talent and have even been in awe of their abilities on the occasions they have performed.Though sadly despite all this these players make you pull your hair out for they always tantalise and tease rather than being known for consistency
So can these maybe men become the players their Teams need?

Australia:
The Aussies after years of dominating have suddenly been challenged and slated.So they are forced with the prospect of having ageing veterans,young players who aren't up to it and players in the Team that are constant disappointments.They need quality in all departments,but here are two players that are a constant cause of consternation

Phil Hughes
This precociously talented opening batsman when he burst onto the scene by scoring twin hundreds in South Africa against an attack containing Steyn,Morkel,Ntini and Kallis.It wasn't just the runs he scored but how he scored them that had the Aussie fans drooling.The sensationalist Press labelled him as 'The Next Bradman' such was his fanfare and belief in him being the real deal....
Though sadly for Hughes everything after his exceptional debut series in South Africa has been downhill with his next series in England in the Ashes seeing him being exposed to having a weakness outside off.Which was duly exploited with him struggling and dropped.Then after he has been in an out of the Team and in the current Ashes series where he played 3 Tests he again struggled mightily with the same weakness being exposed.
Test Future-Yes-In time
Hughes is the man that Australia so need,but at present isn't Test class because of his looseness outside off.Though this is more a failure of the Coaches in Cricket Australia who have failed to address his weakness.The fact that he is young at 22 and in his junior career known for his determination and work ethic.If Cricket Australia get the right Coach that addresses his issues he should be a long term player for Australia.In the interim he should spend time in first class cricket honing his technique till it's adequate for Test cricket

Mitchell Johnson
This guy when he performed in South Africa with both bat and ball showed himself to be the most devastating player in the game.Though since he has done his best to emulate Steve Harmison from England in regards to being such a tease with both bat and ball.His bowling which is most coveted by the Aussies is very one dimensional with him rarely if ever swinging or seaming it.He just relies on the natural angle that he gets as a left armer.So he was rendered impotent by the English tactics of just letting him go in the knowledge of his inability to swing it in.Then picking off his bad ball which are often for he is erratic.
Test Future-No-Too many chances
In his career he has shown an inability to improve his technique in regards to swinging the ball so is very one dimensional and has been worked out.So time for Australia to stop reminiscing of his devastation in South Africa and live in the now and discard him


Upcoming Youth-Nic Maddison (opening batsman),Josh Hazelwood (fast bowler),Shaun Marsh (batsmen),James Faulkner (bowling allrounder),Luke Butterworth (bowling all rounder)


India:
The Indian's are on Cloud 9 after their World Cup win and continued excellence in Tests.Though their side is desperately in need of some quality in the bowling ranks.Then there is a place in their batting line up in question.Here are two who could fill these needs


Ishant Sharma
In 08/9 series against Australia in India he was the answer to every Indian's prayers.A fast bowler who got it into the 140's with swing,seam and menace.Though after this his promise turned into a false dawn with him disappointing more often than not.To the point where he went through a period where he lost his pace,swing.seam and basically everything and was just a gift to batsmen.
Test Future-Yes-Just needs guidance in the mental side of the game
His age is with him being only 22.Though it seems apparent that he has great skill,but suffers with the mental demands of the game.A good idea would to have a past player or Coach closely mentor him.Plus he needs to be properly managed so as to not play too much cricket and burn out.He showed glimpses of late of a return to form,but the tour to England where conditions will be to his liking will be a huge judgement on his future in Team India

Yuvraj Singh
In the wake of the World Cup win and his huge role in the victory there will be huge pressure to include Yuvraj in the Test side.For as he has done on occasion if he can replicate his devastating batting in Test as he does in Odi's then his benefit to India is huge.Plus his useful spin could be a factor too.
Test Future-No-Hasn't the technique/temperament for Tests
Though he is one of the most devastating players in the shorter forms of the game he hasn't the technique to last in Tests.Especially in conditions away from India.Plus he hasn't the mental toughness either as shown to how offended he was to the 'waterboy' taunts in Sri Lanka last year.


Upcoming Youth-Varun Aaron (fast bowler),Virat Kohli (batsman),Cheteshwar Pujara (batsman),Amit Mishra (leg spinner),Ravi Ashwin (off spinner)

Pakistan:
The men in green have been cut to their bones through losing the stars in their line up in Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer.Also they have a batting line up in transition with more young players inserted.Though the key question with Pakistan is never ability,but more so temperament.For which they struggle with mightily in the longer form of the game.Here are two who could have a marked effect on their side


Wahab Riaz
The loss of Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer has basically ripped the heart out of Pakistan's bowling.In Wahab Riaz we always knew he was a strong big hearted performer as seen in the Pakistan A Tour in Australia a few years back.He had pace and could swing it with the benefit of being a left hander.In his 5 Tests he has shown potential to be a factor and then other times where he's been erratic and been flayed
Test Future-Yes
His ability to swing the ball coupled with his pace means that more than likely he will be a very fine bowler in Tests for Pakistan


Umar Akmal
This young batsmen has all the talent under the sun as seen in New Zealand where he more often than not flayed the Kiwi bowlers all over the park.Though after he struggled in Australia then in England showed a disturbing lack of mental aptitude and heart
Test Future-Yes-In time if he tightens up and mentally matures
Akmal is a difficult one for he has such talent,but is so mentally weak.In Tests talent only gets you so far and the rest is mental.So on this basis its hard to have faith in him being a long term Test player.Though on his side is he is only 20 and mental toughness might come with more maturity.So based on this we have to err on the side of believing in him


Upcoming Youth-Babar Azam (batsman),Raza Hasan (spinner) Anwar Ali (fast bowler)Umar Amin (batsman)Hammad Azam (allrounder)

South Africa:
South Africa is always a Team that has threatened to dominate Test cricket,but always falls a bit short.Though they are not that far away with most aspects of the game covered with excellent options.These two could take them to the top of the Test tree


J.P.Duminy
We saw him in Australia in 08 be a good imitation of Brian Lara with how he played.He had everyone abuzz with thoughts of what he could be and then he is also a more than useful part time spinner.Though since he was found out by spin and had questions of mental frailty put on him.Duly being discarded from the South African Team
Test Future-No
It's very difficult judging Duminy with just how good he looked in Australia.Though since he has struggled and his inability to play against off spin is very difficult to overcome.Plus queries on his mental side makes him a player that might struggle with Tests in the future


Imran Tahir
This leg spinner has been in more places across the Globe than most of the 17th Century explorers.Though at 32 has yet to play Test cricket which poses the automatic question as to why?His first class record is very impressive and the fact that he is a leg spinner makes this even more puzzling.Then you see he spent a lot of his career in Pakistan and start to understand in part why....
Test Future-Yes-Few outside Asia are good against spin
He looks like the South African version of Australia's Colin 'Funky' Miller and like Miller I expect him to be just as successful.Especially in a South African side with the pressure exerted through their bowling might.


Upcoming Youth-Rilee Roussouw (batsman),Wayne Parnell (fast bowler)

Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan's had a Team to challenge the very best when they had Lasith Malinga playing.Though his retirement from Tests has left them short of quality in bowling to be a factor in the longer form of the game.Though these two could still make them a dangerous Team


Angelo Mathews
This young Sri Lankan is lauded for his potential both as an all rounder and a leader.Though up until now he has been adequate with bat in Tests,but struggled mightily with the ball.In Tests so far he has yet to have a break through performance to back up all the hype about him.
Test Future-Yes
Mathews is only 23 and every time you see him you feel he has a presence.So it's only a matter of that he starts to be a huge factor in Test cricket with both bat and ball.Then ultimately as a leader

Ajantha Mendis
The call around the cricket World is that the 'Mendis Mystery' has been solved.....
I don't share that view for id agree that the Indian's have solved him,but the fact that the Kings of spin the Indian's struggled against him initially shows his potential.For Indian's as a rule maul any spinner.
Test Future-Yes
The fact of Mendis is in his 15 Test career he has played only 4 against non Asian opposition.So that automatically makes it hard when your a spinner.I still think he has a role to play in Test cricket for the non Asian players won't find playing him particularly easy.Especially in Sri Lankan condirions as we saw with the West Indian struggles against him recently


Upcoming Youth-Dinesh Chandimal (batsman/keeper),Suranga Lakmal (fast bowler),Suraj Randiv (spinner),

West Indies
The Windies has been beset by players being lost to the IPL and general incompetence from their Board.So been hard to have a competitive Team be assembled in these circumstances.Though still amongst the gloom there are promising players


Devendra Bishoo
This young leg spinner was a revolution in the World Cup and then recently in the 5 Odi series against Pakistan.It made you automatically think can he be a factor on the Test scene as well
Test Future-Yes
I think Bishoo will turn out to be a very fine Test bowler for the West Indies.He is a lovely traditional leg spin bowling with his main intention being to get wickets.Plus along with his leg spinners bag of tricks he has the accuracy that is so crucial with being a factor with his difficult craft.For many leg spinners often let the pressure off in overs with loose balls.Bishoo isn't one of these.

Lendl Simmons
This young attacking batsman had one visit to Test cricket a few years back but was found to be wanting technically.Though on his return to the International arena in the recent Odi series against Pakistan he showed he has worked hard on his game and dominated.
Test Future-Borderline-but yes on his work effort and willingness to improve
I still have doubts about his technique and temperament in the Test arena with him being flashy and flash doesn't last long in real cricket.Though with the obvious work he has put into his game and the confidence he is showing he deserves a chance to see if he is up to it.Plus he is a determined lad and you can never underplay that in sport


Upcoming Youth-Kraig Braithwaithe (batsman),Darren Bravo (batsman),Jason Holder (fast bowler)

England
The English are still celebrating their mauling of the Aussies in the Ashes.Though the questions we all ask after seeing that is are they that good or made to look good by a very weak Australian side?These two players could help strengthen their Team


Ravi Bopara
The man who is touted to be the favourite to take Paul Collingwood's place at number 6.Who in his previous visit to Test cricket a few years ago struggled with the demands.In a sense he is a similar player to what Paul Collingwood represented for England at 6.A batsman that can bowl useful medium pace,but unlike Collingwood lacks his renowned grit.Also suspect against swing bowling.Which is never good when you are an English player!
Test Future-No
There are many in England more suited to the number 6 spot than Bopara.


Stuart Broad
The pin up boy of English cricket with ability in spades in regards to both bowling and batting.Given a huge recommendation with his appointment as T20 Captain.Though can see the boys ability aren't sold on his mental aptitude.He seems to be a churlish little boy in a mans body and to me that my stifle him from turning potential into consistent performance
Test Future-Yes but needs a KP type shake up
The boy has got most things given to him to easily so I would favour him being dropped for the Sri Lankan Tests.This to show that he is not irreplacable and needs to grow up.For with his ability and maturity added he has the potential to be one of the best players in World cricket


Upcoming Youth-James Taylor (batsman),James Hildreth (batsman,Chris Woakes (all rounder),Danny Briggs (spinner),Jade Dernbach (fast bowler)

New Zealand

Tim Southee
Ive watched this lad since he was 17 and even then from a technically point of view.He is such a beautiful natural swing bowler.That has struggle with the expectations,but as seen in the World Cup is slowly starting to mature.Also a very decent lower order batsman
Test Future-Definitely!
I can see him being the next great Kiwi bowler and good enough with the bat to get a few hundreds


Ross Taylor
This lad has all the ability in the World to be a very fine Test player,but then just lacks the temperament.Hopefully with the leadership bestowed on him in 2010 in Odi's it will make him be more mature.
Test Future-Yes but will never be what he could be
On his ability should be one of the very best but hasn't the mental aptitude to make this a reality.So will be on occasion a great player,but more often than not just serviceable bordering on frustrating


Upcoming Youth-Kane Williamson (batsman),Hamish Bennett (fast bowler)

Bangladesh
The Tigers are symbolic by their youth in the Test arena.In terms of having talent,but very little temperament.Though these youngsters might make a difference


Jahurul Islam
I saw him in England in his debut series and he looked like a player that paid homage to the technical side of the game.Plus it seemed that he had a nice temperament.
Test Future-Yes in time
Though initially he hasn't got the runs on the board.He shows that he has what is needed in Tests cricket in term of technique,temperament and grit


Shafiul Islam
This slippery fast bowler in the World Cup showed that he has the ability to lead the attack.Showing he has skill to swing and seam the ball at decent pace
Test Future-Yes
Shafiul should be the long term leader for Bangladesh's young attack and can mature into a very decent bowler


Upcoming Youth-Noor Hossain (leg spinner),Suhrawadi Shuvo (spinner)

Who Should Lead Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka-Make Angelo Mathews Captain!
Wow........what a fall out that has ensued in Sri Lankan Cricket since the World Cup defeat.....!
Firstly Kumar Sangakkara relinquishes the Odi/T20 Captaincy and will stay on as Test leader only in the short term.Then Mahela Jayawardene quits as Vice Captain followed by the Selection Committee giving up their posts.Also Trevor Bayliss gave up the Coaching position to be replaced by fellow Australian Stuart Law
So reading between the lines it seems that the Sri Lankan powers that be have decided that after coming up short by being Runners Up in the previous two World Cups.That their planning for a full assault on the 2015 version begun as soon as India hit the winning runs.This indeed has merits for it's time to try all the precocious youth on the paradise Island to see which are the men for 2015.Logically the two most important men going forward will be the leaders of the Team.
So this begs the question as to who they should be?
In the short term the logical replacement would be Tillekeratne Dilshan.Which in the interim would indeed be a very adequate choice.Though with the actions of the incumbents to quit it would appear that they are indicating the need for the Team to be built around youth.So as such Dilshan will be unlikely to be in the next World Cup
Thus this leaves Sri Lanka with only a few options in maybe Upul Tharanga or Lasith Malinga. Though like Dilshan these players would be fine in the short term,but not in the long term.
The wise decision would be to select two young players as leaders and allow them to build the Team around them...........
So with this in mind it would be a great decision to give the natural leader in Angelo Mathews the Captaincy in Odis and T20.Then in a years time when Kumar Sangakkara relinquishes the role in Test cricket too.Mathews would have the experience in leading the Team in the shorter forms of the game.To be reasonably comfortable and confident in his pedigree to lead Sri Lanka in Tests.
The choosing of his under study would also be a choice for the 2015 World Cup with youth in mind......
I'd install Dinesh Chandimal as his Vice Captain with this Tournament in mind.For there is no doubt young Chandimal is the young star on the rise in Sri Lankan Cricket.Who not only has very refined skill,but also that rare gem of natural leadership
This will provide Sri Lanka with a Captain at 23 in Mathews and a Vice Captain at 21 in Chandimal.Both who over the next four years will gain in experience in leadership and arrive at the 2015 World Cup at the peak of their powers as players and as leaders.

It would indeed be an inspired choice for Sri Lanka's future!

India World Cup Win-The Moments That Mattered

1.2 billion cricket crazy Indian's who im sure are still euphoric in the wake of this World Cup win that was not only a great gift for them.Though also a red letter day for the fine Nation of India and a compelling joyous memory for the fine city of Mumbai,after its great tragedy in 08. Sadly in an event like this there can be only one winner.So a Team that so bedazzled us throughout the Tournament in Sri Lanka were on the losing end.Just beaten by a better Team on the day. Here is my take on the Final

Moments That Mattered-Sri Lankan Innings:

Heads....Tails....Well Bat...No You Won't!-Toss Again!

Lol... bit of theatre before the game with M.S.Dhoni thinking he won the toss and automatically exalting he'd bat.Though his Sri Lankan counterpart in Kumar Sangakkars claimed he indeed called correctly in the first toss.So it was a re toss. Sri Lanka win and bat

Zaheer Khan's Initial Spell.

After the mauling he received in his previous World Cup Final in 03.There must have been sweat on Zaheer's brow as he ran into to commence this World Cup.Though like night is to day was his start to this World Cup.He didn't concede one run in his first 3 overs and strangled the life out of one of Sri Lanka's key strengths in their openers.Which duly upset Sri Lanka's crucial early momentum and captured Upul Tharanga's wicket.

India's Fielding

This was out of this World for the most part especially in the first 20 odd overs.Where so many dives that stopped boundaries and desperation by all was crucial. In truth it probably was the difference of an extra 30 runs to Sri Lanka

Yuvraj Singh Getting Kumar Sangakkara

To me this was akin to Kapil Dev catching Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup when he was looking deadly dangerous. Sangakkara was moving up in momentum and had hummed his way to 48 with little duress.Indeed looking for much more and in truth had big century written all over him and with it a huge Sri Lankan total.Though enter the man with the golden arm in this Tournament for India in Yuvraj Singh.And he claims Sangakkara caught behind. Crucial is the sincerest sense!

Hope We Had The Video On Record For Mahela Jayawardene's Genius

This innings was a masterpiece and must go down as one of the best seen in a World Cup Final... For after Sangakkara was dismissed the questionable Sri Lankan middle order was exposed and duly the weight of the World fell on Mahela.His artistry and pacing of the innings was truly the stuff of a master.Then his assault at the end in the Power Play overs where his innovation was true brilliance. Well again hope you had it recorded for prosperity

Finally A Power Play was utilised!

The Sri Lankan's looked like they'd be lucky to get to 240.Though on the back of Mahela's brilliance and then some late order hitting by Kulasekera and Thisara they got to 274.This pair of hitters crucially contributed 54 off just 39 deliveries Getting Sri Lanka to an imposing total

Part 2-India's Innings-Moments That Mattered

Lasith Malinga Initial Spell

The dreadlocked cult hero was truly stellar.In his first over getting Sehwag plumb LBW and then a few overs later getting Sachin caught behind.After the Sachin dismissal silenced the crowd.Most thought the Sri Lankan ribbons were going to be attached to the World Cup in victory

The Use Of Lasith Malinga

Of course there are plans that are adhered to the letter about the use of bowlers.Though I thought in regards to Malinga and how he was bowling.That if he had of been kept on with how he was bowling and indeed knocked over a few more Indian's.The result would have definitely gone in Sri Lanka's favour. Though this is pure speculation for the way Gambhir and Kohli played they might have seen him off.Plus in regards to Malinga,there are always questions about his knees,so a longish spell might not have been an option

The Impotence of The Other Sri Lankan Seamers

Both Nuwan Kulasekera and Thisara Perera were treated with disdain by the Indians.Going for 119 between them off 17 overs-OUCH!

The Sri Lankan Spinners Neutralised

The Sri Lanka spinners were indeed neat and tidy.Though crucially in this Final they only claimed one wicket between them.That of Virat Kohli to a freak of a caught and bowled by Tillikaratne Dilshan.The duo of off spinners in Randiv and Murali were economical,but not as effective as they were needed to be.For Sri Lanka to win.

Redemption #1-Gautam Gambhir

Im the hugest fan of Gambhir as a player based on his exploits in Tests and because I rarely watch Odi's.Though here in the World Cup he has let down my lofty reading of him.Especially in the crucial Semi against Pakistan where he virtually sacrificed his wicket with a brain fade. Though here after Sachin fell and all Indian's thought the worst.He was the one that steadied the ship and duly chartered his Team to victory He was the rock that the chase was built around and his innings was truly top shelf

Redemption #2-M.S.Dhoni

In this World Cup Dhoni although adored by all has been rubbish in all regards.... Though after the Final are we going to remember him for anything,but for his exploits in the Final? After Kohli went down he showed his leadership by demoting Yuvraj down the order and walking in at 5.All dues to you M.S.Dhoni! Then he not only walked in,but he played one of the most compelling innings seen in World Cup history. Belting 91 off 79 deliveries and sealing India victory. Greatness is seen when the stakes are at it's highest and the pressure at its most intense and for this fact.M.S.Dhoni sealed his greatness in the games history.....

Post Match Meaning #1-Sachin Tendulkar

Though their were many hearts that broke when Sachin was dismissed with the true Indian fans bemoaning his meaning to the Team.Then the zelots cursing that he won't score his 100'th hundred. This aside you can't deny the greatness of Tendulkar and his meaning to the game.... He is not only the holder of individual records that more likely than not will never be beaten,but from a purist sense.He is one of the proudest participants in this fine games history.Always staunchly upholding its traditions and ethics. For that he will always be lauded by purist like I Though it was compelling how sincere his team mates were in their embraces of him after the match.For they know his meaning to them and to India. Thus were so happy to cap his brilliant career with Team glory that he so deserved For to a man as proud as Sachin,individuals honours mean nothing.Its the Team honours he so craves and was duly given today

Post Match Meaning #2-Muttiah Muralidaran

Sadly as bigger an icon as Tendulkar is to India and the game.Muttiah Muralidaran replicates this meaning to Sri Lanka and the game. It was sad to see him go out a loser,though he will always be seen as one of the greatest winners in the game. Holder of the Test Wickets record that will probably never be challenged and the highlight of his career being the 1996 World Cup win

Post Match Meaning #3-Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj winning the player of the World Cup was very fitting considering his great performance throughout the Tournament

Mission Mumbai Failed.. Alpha is down, Alpha is down! abort the mission I repeat abort the mission! All men fall back

By Syed Fahd Ali

Finally, the Pakistan cricket team's journey of pursuing the dream of 180 million people is finally over and they are expected to reach home by later tonight after losing the semi final against India.The Dream is over, hearts are broken and the question in mind is: Are we still supposed to love cricket and the Pakistan team or not?

They took a shaky start in the World Cup in the match against Kenya. The most brittle batting order has suffered collapses many times. After Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwer, nobody has been able so far to open Pakistan's innings. So the opening stand has been under experimentation; Shahzad was a failure. "Plan B", Kamran and Hafeez, also opened but didn't work and also failed to give a STRONG stand except once in the ONE-SIDED match against the West Indies. All batsmen were also unable to score a century in this mega event.

Now, as Pakistan lost their semi final to arch-rivals India, their 5th defeat in World Cup against them has had a great impact on the hearts of Pakistan cricket lovers. In fact, I cried like someone is dead to me. I was too much upset last night thinking about the shameful defeat against India.

OH! no man! Why shame? Our team has reached a semi final after 12 years. Before the start of the tournament, nobody expected that Pakistan could be a strong competitor for the cup. Is that the same team who has been in controversies for many years, completely white washed against Australia in all 3 formats of game? And remember all that happened in England,with Pakistan losing the test, ODI and T20 series and the match-fixing scandal! Remember Pakistan lost the T20 and ODI series against South Africa though they did fight well. Oh yeah!

It is this same team in the semis while Australia, England and South Africa got sent back home. The only reason behind this is our love and support to our team, we never stopped supporting our team though they disappointed us many times and this time disappointment is extraordinary but we are never gonna stop bucking up for our team. Hats off team Pakistan and all the especially our beloved captain Shahid ALPHA Afridi for being such brave and promising captain in all circumstances and leading from the front in all situations.

Last but not the least I want to give thanks again to my love, the Bullet Rawalpindi Express for his great services to the Pakistan Cricket team. Mr. Unfit performed way better than 100% fit bowlers. We'll miss you so much and will never forget you.

Pakistan Zindabad!

Afridi:- Shoaib's timing was wrong

Critical of Shoaib Akhtar for announcing his retirement in the middle of the World Cup,Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi on Friday claimed the pacer did not consult the team before making his decision public.

"His timing was not right and he should have properly consulted and spoken to us about his decision. He should have either announced his intention to retire before the start of the tournament or after it, it made no sense to announce his retirement in the middle of the World Cup," Afridi said on arrival after Pakistan's 29-run loss to India in the semifinals.

Akhtar announced his retirement from international cricket after the group match against New Zealand and was not given a game after that due to fitness issues.

Afridi also implored his countrymen to stop treating cricket matches with India as war and accept victory and defeat in a sporting manner.

"I don't understand why this hate aspect when we play India in cricket. Where is this feeling when we watch their movies and dramas in our living rooms and enjoy them? I don't think there is a need to treat matches with India like a matter of life and death. We need to take cricket as cricket," he told reporters.

Afridi said there was pressure on the players when they saw the build-up and hype to the match with India.

"Treat cricket like a sport," he stressed. The Pakistan skipper also advised senior players in the side to take a break and allow selectors to try new players on the forthcoming tour to the West Indies later this month.

"It is time for the selectors to look ahead and I think the coming tour is the best chance for them to give exposure to new players. Already we have uncovered good talent in Asad Shafiq and Wahab Riaz who played brilliantly in the semi final," he noted.

Afridi said he was satisfied with the way the team fought and supported him to reach the semifinals.

"Unfortunately the batting remained a problem in the tournament and our worst fears came true in the semifinal," he said.