Cricket Blog

This is the mother of all rivalries. Even Geoff Lawson, coach of Pakistan, has acknowledged that an Indo-Pak contest is far more intense and gripping than the Ashes. As if we did not already know that. The rivalry got a healthy boost after the Twenty20 World Cup final. A match that showcased what an India vs Pakistan encounter can truly be, no matter what the “format”.

Pakistan have already begun their tour on a winning note after defeating Delhi in their tour match. Its amazing how similar these two teams always are in their strengths and weaknesses. This time around the similarity is in the key middle-order batsmen that both sides are missing - Inzy and Dravid. Both these players have been pillars in the middle order and have helped their respective teams get out of trouble on numerous occasions. The difference here is that Inzy has retired and Dravid has only been dropped for the first 2 ODIs. He will be back depending on the performance of the team in the first two matches.

In the pace department, once again both sides are similar in terms of experience. Shoaib Akhtar will lead the pace attack for Pakistan and Zaheer will do the same for India. The inexperience in the pace department is going to be the key differentiating factor between the two sides. India have a top-heavy batting order, and if the Pakistani pace bowlers are unable to pick up early wickets then expect the scores to be 300+ if India bat first. For Pakistan, the top order is very shaky and Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah ul Haq will have to perform extremely well for their side to have any chance in winning the tournament.

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This video has got to be seen. Awesome collection of clips. This author has done a splendid job.

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As Dean Jones so affectionately calls him, the Big Bear has finally put in the towel and announced his retirement ( Part 1 and Part 2 of the presentation). I would like to, first of all, pay my tributes to a legend who has enriched the game by his spectacular batting. A man who announced himself on cricket’s biggest stage at the World Cup in 1992. Then a lanky 22 year old, Inzy has had a fruitful, eventful, and often controversial career. He has played some truly remarkable innings and has caused quite a few heartaches, thanks mostly to his legendary shocking running between the wickets.

Below is his career statistics, but figures don’t always tell the entire story. The game of cricket has truly lost a legend. From the incident that saw him almost maul a fan in Toronto, to his captaincy and Pakistan’s shocking ouster from the 2003 World Cup, the man has been involved in a lot of things.

The above stats are even more mind-boggling considering Inzy’s complete lack of a fitness regime. Hopefully, he will still be attached to the game as he still has a lot to offer.

Image source: Cricinfo.com

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The Indian Cricket League announced its full list of domestic and international players. Although most of the international players are either retired or not playing for their respective national teams, the list is still pretty impressive.

1. Brian Lara (West Indies)
2. Inzamam-ul Haq (Pakistan)
3. Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan)
4. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan)
5. Imran Farhat (Pakistan)
6. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
7. Nicky Boje (South Africa)

There is sure to be more players waiting to be invited or are about to sign contracts.

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