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ARY NEWS

Shahid Hashmi

  • Don’t write off Pakistan

    Don’t write off Pakistan

    If you ever write off Pakistan, do it on your own peril.

    Some of our armchair critics did that after Pakistan lost to India in a one-sided match. But as if that injection, that kick in the back was needed for this young and energetic squad.

    Pakistan bounced back, incredibly…. incredible, because Pakistan had barely qualified for the Champions Trophy. The cut-off date for the CT qualification was September 30, 2015 and Pakistan had to play a tri-series in Zimbabwe, also involving the West Indies. Pakistan Cricket Board feared if the team loses to any of the lower ranked teams in the tri-series it would lose the eighth ranking and would be ousted from the event.

    It turned out to be a wise decision. From nowhere Pakistan lifted the trophy. The win should go a long way in lifting Pakistan cricket. The first signs have appeared as number eight are now number six.

    Pakistan have never been able to cash on to successes, for the ineptness of the officials who are at the helm of the affairs. But Pakistan Super League’s success since it was launched in 2016 raises hopes that besides the PSL, this Champions trophy win will lift Pakistan cricket to new heights.

    Read More: Pakistan bulldoze India to win Champions Trophy 2017

    The core of this young team, admirably led by Sarfraz Ahmed and backed by an efficient team management will make it a further cohesive unit so that it could be ranked amongst the top favourites of the 2019 World Cup.

    This is a hope, an optimism but there remains fears that the good work could be wasted. If political upheavals affects cricket then, God forbid, all will be lost.

    Pakistan’s build up for the Champions Trophy was far from ideal. The manner in which Umar Akmal was sent back left a bad taste in the mouth. There were arguments, questions and apprehensions. Have we thrown out our best slog overs batsmen? Who will hit out and give the innings the much needed impetus in the final overs? Will Pakistan win a single match in the CT?

    After the one-sided defeat to India at Edgbaston on that cool Sunday, even the warmest and most passionate of sentiments were freezed. There were calls of sacking the captain, barely into handful of ODI matches. Coach Mickey Arthur was lashed out at, fitness culture which Mickey and his team were trying to introduce since last year was mocked at.

    But incredibly all were proved wrong.

    The manner in which Azhar Ali was sacked as captain and was not deemed able enough to play ODIs by leaving him from the squad for the West Indies ODIs and then selected for the Champions Trophy was inexplicable. It left Azhar under pressure but the ever-trying batsman showed great intent in transforming himself into a solid batsman. The fact that he scored three brilliant fifties — two against India — proved that his ouster was wrong. He proved that a technically sound batsman can be handy in limited over matches.

    Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Ali were outstanding. They left lasting impressions and are players for the future. Even at 18 Shadab Khan has the heart to take a review in the final and when he was proved correct, it added to his stature that he can take decisions on his own.

    Mohammad Hafeez was criticized for his lack of contributions but his innings in the final, hitting 34-ball 57 not out with three sixes and sour boundaries proved that he belonged. He is here to stay.

    Shoaib Malik has been doing well ever since he has staged a comeback in the team in 2015. His brisk 16 not out may not be notable but for the fact that his quick scoring helped Pakistan get above the Duckworth-Lewis formula once rain abandoned the match.

    All said and done, experts and fans must leave the door open when they criticize, for there are always chances that Pakistan will bounce back.

  • Pakistan surges to sixth position after ICC Champions Trophy victory

    Pakistan surges to sixth position after ICC Champions Trophy victory

    Pakistan’s stupendous rise in international cricket continued as after winning the Champions Trophy they have risen to sixth in the ICC one-day rankings.

    Pakistan started the Champions Trophy as number eight with 89 points, in fear of losing out on a direct qualification for the 2019 World Cup. But by beating world number one South Africa, world number seven Sri Lanka, world number four England and then world number three in the final, they gained valuable ranking points.

    “Pakistan has leapfrogged Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to move closer to direct qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, for which host England and the next seven highest-ranked sides as on 30 September will get straight entries,” said ICC.

    Read more: Pakistan bulldoze India to win Champions Trophy 2017

    Pakistan has gained four points to move to 95 points as its wins over higher ranked opponents in the tournament included the one in the final against India and an eight-wicket semi-final victory over England. The rankings system is weighted to reflect the difference in ranking points and Pakistan thus had noteworthy gains.

    There were no other changes in the teams standings led by South Africa, although India, England and Bangladesh have all lost a point each, ICC announced.

    Pakistan pace bowler Hassan Ali and rookie opener Fakhar Zaman are among those to make huge gains.

    Hassan, who was named Player of the Tournament after finishing with 13 wickets including hauls of three for 19 in the final and three for 35 against England, has gained 12 points to reach seventh rank. Mohammad Amir, who missed the semifinal due to a back spasm but picked three for 16 in the final, has gained 16 slots to reach 21st place while Junaid Khan has moved up nine places to 47th position.

    Fakhar Zaman’s Player of the Match effort of 114 in the final and 57 in the semifinal has helped him break into the top 100 after just four ODIs as he has gained 58 positions after these two performances to reach 97th rank.

    Babar Azam has reached a career-best fifth position after gaining three positions with scores of 46 in the final and 30 not out in the semifinal. Mohammad Hafeez has gained two slots to reach 20th rank while opener Azhar Ali has moved up 11 slots to 31st position.

  • How the players feel on the Champions Trophy win

    How the players feel on the Champions Trophy win

    How the Pakistan players and team staff felt on the massive Champions Trophy win, which made more bigger as it came against the nemesis, India.

     

    Mickey Arthur

    This is a massive win and it will go a long way in establishing and maturing this team. The platform is set for us to do well in the 2019 World Cup and we hope to build on to this win. We were ruled out after the first defeat but the kind of resolve this team has shown is great and the culture of fitness we introduced in the team is paying off.

    It’s been an up and down ride for us, but I’m so proud of the boys. We dusted ourselves off after the India defeat in Edgbaston and came back superbly. We knew we were prepared well. That loss was an aberration. It’s a remarkable achievement.

    I am heading home to Australia for a few days and then will return to Pakistan to prepare for the future.

     

    Sarfraz Ahmed

    “After the India match, one thing I said to my boys was the tournament hasn’t finished yet. I think he’s [Fakhar Zaman] a great impact player. Credit goes to him, he was playing his first ICC event, and he played like a champion player. I also want to give credit to my bowlers. Amir bowled brilliantly all the tournament, and so did Junaid, Shadab, Imad, Hasan, they all bowled very well.

    “It’s a very young team and credit goes to them and the management. It’s a very important boost for us to win this. When we arrived here, we just played like we have nothing to lose. Credit goes to my batsmen, my bowlers and the team management. I think it’s a very proud moment for me, and my team and my country. I want to thank the people of Pakistan. Keep supporting us and praying for us. Also thank you to all the supporters here who watched us play!”

     

    Shoaib Malik

    I am lost for words. It’s tough to describe this feeling in words. Back home, I’m sure roads will be blocked. People will be out dancing even though it is Ramazan. I would like to congratulate all the Pakistani people all over the world. This brings us united. I would also like to thank the Indian cricket team for playing the way they did throughout the tournament.

    “I wasn’t nervous, we were okay. Being a senior cricketer, a lot of youngsters look at you. I thought I have to calm myself and this is what I did. Credit to the boys for the way they played, controlled their aggression.”

     

    Fakhar Zaman

    Mubarak, mubarak to all Pakistan. This is a great victory and I am proud to have scored a hundred in the final.

    Mohammad Hafeez

    Great team effort! After losing the first game, we were nowhere. We were in the knockouts stage but no one gave us a chance. The way we showed character, this is for the nation. They have been waiting for this for a long, long time. This is the least we could do.

    “The platform was there, when Fakhar and Azhar gave us a stand, we thought of 300 plus. I wanted to express myself without any fear in the mind. I just wanted to hit the ball hard. We all wanted to do something for the nation. Winning any tournament is a great feeling.

    “I believe it’s not about winning against the odds. We wanted to inspire the nation because we’ve been missing this from nine years … no cricket at home. Millions of people waited for that, we’ve been waiting for a moment like this.”

     

    Imad Wasim

    Unbelievable! The crowd has been cheering like we’re in Pakistan. Thanks to all the people who supported us. The roads will be blocked, jam packed in Pakistan. I can’t wait to go home.

    After the first game, we were down and out. We sat together and decided we have to do something. Everyone was writing us off and we were like ‘don’t write us off just yet.’ Pakistan can do anything on any given day, and we beat four top sides!”

    Mohammad Amir

    We had planned to remove the top order, Rohit, Virat and Dhawan so that we can get into the unexposed middle order and that paid off. Shikhar, Rohit and Kohli were in tremendous form. I was looking for early wickets and I did it. To be honest, this is team work. The South Africa game gave us momentum.

    Azhar Ali

    I can’t describe the feeling. It’s a dream come true for all of us. The bunch of players have proved their worth and their talent. The manner in which we were ruled out was disappointing but we promised to ourselves that we will turn that around and through that resolve we did turn that in an incredible manner.

    We were very pumped up for this final and everything went in our favour so this win is for the whole nation as they were praying for us.

     

    Hasan Ali

    First of all thanks Allah. I dedicate this win and my winning wayward to my mother as she always prays for me. A year ago I wasn’t in the side but I worked hard and believed in myself, and thankfully gave a good performance. I have been learning since the start that if your body has energy you can perform well.

    “I was very calm, no pressure on me, and thankfully I did well in all our games. This was a great tournament for me as I dismissed some top players. It was very special to take the last wicket that won us. The tournament was very special for me and I will definitely remember that.”

     

    Azhar Mahmood

    It’s a team effort and a great win. I think Fakhar Zaman is a brilliant guy. Up the order he put pressure on the opposition, that’s why he made 300 odd runs in the tournament, if we’ve got a player like him to get such runs that’s a brilliant sign for us. Hasan Ali bowls with a big heart. Every time he runs in, he wants to get a wicket. The attitude is brilliant.”

     

    Junaid Khan

    I am proud to be part of this team. This win is great and we all have done extra hard work to turn around things. It’s a great team in which everyone supports the other.

     

    Shadab Khan

    I am so poud to be part of this team and a winning team so early in my career. I am happy to have played my part.

     

    Rumman Raees

    Although I got just one chance but even that chance was more than enough for me. I am sure I will get more chances but to be on the bench in the final was a great feeling.

     

    Babar Azam

    It’s a feeling of life. We have conquered the world and to have beaten India in the final is a double joy. The win is accomplished because of millions of people back home praying for us in the holy month of Ramadan. I hope this support will continue in future.

     

    Haris Sohail

    I didn’t get an opportunity but that did not stop me from enjoying the win. I was part of a squad that was backed so well and everyone was supporting the other. I enjoyed all the wins, especially the final when we beat such an over confident team.

  • Electrifying atmosphere at The Oval

    Electrifying atmosphere at The Oval

    LONDON: When arch rivals India and Pakistan cricket teams face each other in the final of a major event the buzz and enjoyment are at the peak, as a packed Oval reverberated on Sunday.

    Two years ago it was Adelaide which hosted an India-Pakistan match with numbers touching 60,000. Here at The Oval its 26,000 but the cacophony matched that of any Indo-Pak match.

    Fans had thronged the stadium since morning as India’s blue and tri-colour dominated, just like it did at the Edgbaston when arch rivals met in the first Group match on June 4.

    But this is a bigger occasion. Tickets were black marketed at many times the original price while some fans had to return dejected as there were no tickets available at the ground.

    But once teams took the field, all regrets and apprehensions were left behind.

    The last time India faced Pakistan in an ICC event final was in the T20 World Cup in 2007 when India won the title. They have also dominated Pakistan in recent matches, having won six of the nine matches since 2011 World Cup.

    That made India team favourites as Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bowl first.

    With a mouth watering clash to look forward, fans settled in the stands much after the first ball was bowled.

    Chacha Cricket Sufi Abdul Jaleel has been omnipresent in Pakistan’s matches. He had reached The Oval two hours before the start.

    “I am here to support Pakistan,” said Chacha, waiving a big Pakistan flag. “India has beaten us in most of the ICC events but this is our turn and we will show them that we can also win.”

    But Harish Panday, who has come from Baroda to watch the final, was quick to hit back.

    “It will again be India,” said Panday. “Pakistan do not have a team to beat us so it will again be India and Pakistan will have to go empty handed.”

    Stands dominated the blues and tri-colours but they have less moments of joy as opener Fakhar Zaman knocked a brilliant hundred to help Pakistan to a big 338 run total.

    Now the Pakistan fans hope bowlers will do the job for them to celebrate whole night.

  • Facts about Champion Trophy final

    Facts about Champion Trophy final

    Facts about the Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan. 

    India have won four of their last five ODI matches against Pakistan including a 124-run victory earlier on in this tournament during the group stage.

    This will be the fifth time these sides will have faced off in the Champions Trophy; the record is currently balanced with two victories apiece.

    Pakistan have reached a Champions Trophy final for the very first time; they knocked out England in Cardiff by a margin of eight wickets to get there.

    This is only the second time in India’s last five appearances at the Champions Trophy that they’ve managed to progress beyond the group stage; they did go on to win it on that previous occasion though (2013).

    India come into this game having won nine of their last 10 Champions Trophy matches (L1); that defeat came during the 2017 group stage at the Oval however (v Sri Lanka).

    Pakistan have lost seven of their nine previous matches at the Oval in ODI cricket (W2) whilst India have alternated between victory and defeat across their last six ODI outings there; they beat South Africa at the famous London venue last time out.

    If Shikhar Dhawan (India) reaches 50 in this game, he’ll have got there more often than any other batsman ever in the Champions Trophy (currently done it on six occasions).

    Of the men to have recorded 10+ ODI innings since January 2016, Kohli (98) and Rohit Sharma (72) have the highest batting averages.

    Pakistan’s Hasan Ali has taken more wickets than any other bowler in the 2017 Champions Trophy; recording his 10 scalps at an average of just 17.2.

    MS Dhoni (India) has the highest batting average of any batsman ever to record 10+ ODI innings in games between these two sides; recording a rate of 58.4 across his 29 knocks in such encounters.

  • Pakistan wants to change the myth of India defeats

    Pakistan wants to change the myth of India defeats

    LONDON: Pakistan’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood on Friday promised his team will change the myth over losing most of the matches against India in the ICC World Cups, World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy.

    Pakistan have never beaten India in the 50-over World Cups, having lost to their arch-rivals in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011 and 2015. They also lost twice in the inaugural Wold Twenty20 in South Africa followed by defeats in 2012, 2014 and 2016 — all defeats prompting Indian advertise to mock Pakistan before every ICC event.

    But Azhar hopes it will change in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final at The Oval.

    “Our record against India in all ICC events is not good but overall its better with 72 wins and 52 losses,” said Azhar. “They have an upper hand over us but this has to change and we will change that myth.

    “Definitely Sunday’s game is a big game as this is the first final between us since 2007 and there is never a dull moment in an Indo-Pakistan game, so we want to change that,” said Azhar.

    Azhar described the final as a “dream match.”

    “Yes, its a dream game for not only both the teams but also for the billions of fans and advertisers as well as organizers,” said Azhar.

    Azhar deplored Pakistan did not execute plans in the first game which India won by 124 runs at Edgbaston on June 4.

    “When you give two chances to batsmen like Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli they are not going to spare you and that is what happened,” said Azhar of dropping Yuvraj on eight who went on to make 53 and letting off Kohli on 43 who made 81 not out as India piled up 319-3 in 48 overs.”

    Azhar praised pacer Hasan Ali, tournment’s highest wicket taker with ten wickets.

    “Ever since he has come in the team he is one of our best,” said Azhar of the 23-year-old bowler. “He is a wicket taking bowler and has given us crucial wickets in the middle overs with the old ball so when you take wickets in the middle overs you move forward and push the other team on the back foot.”

    Azhar hoped The Oval will help seam and swing bowling.

    “Here the weather is good so there will be swing unlike Edgbaston and Cardiiff where there was cold and less swing,” said Azhar.

    Azhar hoped bowling spearhead Mohammad Amir will recover for Sunday’s final.

    “He bowled today without any problem whatsoever,” said Azhar. “The back spasm took two days to get over, and he’s better now. We will go with Amir if he is fit. But we don’t mind – if he is not fit, then we move on with Rumman Raees.”

    Amir missed the semi-final win over England with back trouble and was replaced by Raees.

  • Hasan wants “five” unique wicket taking celebrations in final

    Hasan wants “five” unique wicket taking celebrations in final

    LONDON: Ever since his emergence at the international level, Hasan Ali has been impressive. His unique celebration after taking a wicket has caught everyone’s eyes. It simply has a spark and a JAZBA.

    He produces a medley with arms spread a Shahid Afridi-style; then a downward fist pump, a style which Australian spearhead Brett Lee or South African express pacer Dale Steyn used to do. It is followed by a high-kick-and-hand-clap which is accompanied by a primal roar of delight.

    The 23-year-old says he would love to do this style five times in the final on Sunday, for it will be against arch rivals India.

    “My style of celebration is a bit different but its my own,” Hasan told ARY News. ” It’s like an explosion. I enjoy it very much and I hope fans will pray that I do this style four five times in the final.”

    Hasan gradually gave signs of his best in the Champions Trophy after taking just one wicket in the crunch opener against India, going for 70 runs in his ten overs.

    He then ripped through the South African middle order, dismissing Faf du Plessis and then JP Duminy and Wayne Parnell off successive deliveries to finish with 3-24 in his eight overs.

    Hasan then took 3-43 in the win over Sri Lanka and produced another man of the match performance in the semi-final against England with 3-35 in his ten overs, dismissing Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes.

    He now tops the bowling charts with ten wickets and is gearing up to win the Golden Ball award in the tournament.

    Hasan said he had set a goal for this Trophy.

    “Thanks Almighty my form is good. I have the much needed rhythm so I will do my best to continue that. Its like a dream. I had set a goal for me during the West Indies series and it was to become the best bowler in the Champions Trophy. I want to achieve that goal.

    “Now when I knew that the best bowler will get a golden ball I am determined to get that souvenir as it will be my first in my career. I am very positive about the final. What mistakes we committed in the first game will not be repeated and will try to execute the plans given by the coaches.”

    Since his ODI debut in Dublin against Ireland in August last year, Hasan has taken 39 wickets — the most by any bowler in this period.

    Hasan gives credit to bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, former Pakistan all-rounder.

    “I will give credit of my improvement to Azhar Mahmood who has been working very hard on us bowlers. ”

    Hasan said he will be under no pressure for the final.

    “No, we will take it as a normal game and will be under no pressure. My job is to get wickets and that I am doing and will continue to do on Sunday.”

  • PCB lodges protest with PEMRA on Sohail’s comments

    PCB lodges protest with PEMRA on Sohail’s comments

    LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday lodged a protest with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) over comments made by former captain Amir Sohail implying that Pakistan’s win in the Champions Trophy were influenced from outside sources.

    Sohail had alleged he knows who are behind Pakistan’s wins.

    “There is a need to tell Sarfaraz that he has not done any wonders,” said Sohail on a private TV channel. “Someone has helped you win matches, so don’t show off. We know everything what happens and what not happens. Don’t ask who did, I will give answer that its prayers and Allah but will not tell the sources. He (Sarfraz) is brought (by someone)”

    Amir further said Sarfaraz should control his mind.

    “Don’t come to our heads,” he warned Sarfaraz. “We know your ability, so play cricket quietly. If you do something wrong, we will tell you that you are doing wrong, if you do correctly, we will appreciate but even if you are doing it correctly we will let you know about your mistakes, so keep your mind under control else you cannot survive for long.”

    PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told ARY news that a protest has been lodged with PEMRA.

    “Sohail’s comments on the team and Sarfaraz when the team is winning and is in the final are unacceptable and we have lodged a protest with PEMRA as to how such comments were aired,” Khan said.

    “PCB backs Sarfaraz, the team management and the team and the whole nation is behind it.”

    Khan said Sohail’s comments are unacceptable and despicable.

    “At a time when the whole nation is celebrating and anticipating a win in the final against India such comments are unacceptable.

    Indian media had a field day on Sohail’s comments, highlighting that Pakistan’s wins were helped by bookie mafia.

  • Amir on recovery and raring to go

    Amir on recovery and raring to go

    LONDON: Pakistan’s spearhead Mohammad Amir is fast recovering from a back spasm and hopes to have another shot at the Indian team in the final of the Champions Trophy at The Oval on Sunday.

    The 25-year-old was forced to miss Wednesday’s semi-final against England at Cardiff after suffering back spasm on the morning of the match.

    But the left-armer bowled in the nets on Friday and felt no discomfort.

    “I bowled with my full speed and felt no pain, so I am ready for the final,” Amir told ARY News. “It was frustrating to miss an important match so I am determined to play and do well in the big match.

    “It’s a big occasion for all of us and I look forward to bowling well and contribute in the win.”

    Team spokesman said Amir will continue to be monitored.

    “Amir bowled in the nets and was monitored by the physio and the coaches so we hope that he will be ready come Sunday.”

    Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood also confirmed Amir is getting better.

    “We have not decided on (whether to play Amir) and that’s part of the fitness culture which we are introducing in the team,” said Mahmood.

    “When Amir did not play there was much talk about how we can cope without him but Rumman Raees filled in superbly and bowled so well.

    “That proved that we have a bench strength and anyone can be replaced.”

    Amir did not take any wicket in the first two matches before taking two crucial wickets as well as scoring an invaluable 28 runs in the fighting three-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Cardiff on Monday.

  • Pakistan climb to seventh in ICC rankings

    Pakistan climb to seventh in ICC rankings

    CARDIFF: On the back of their tremendous wins over world number one South Africa and world number four England, Pakistan have now climbed to seventh in the ICC one-day internationals rankings updated on Wednesday.

    Pakistan had started the Champions Trophy on eighth and in danger of losing a direct entry in the 2019 World Cup, lost to India by 124 runs in their opening game.

    They then beat South Africa by 19 runs on Duckworth-Lewis formula and edged out Sri Lanka by three wickets to finish second in Group B. They then upset title favourites England by eight wickets in the first semi-final.

    The latest rankings showed South Africa retaining their top position barely on decimal places, sharing 117 points with Australia. India come third while England are fifth and New Zealand sixth.

    Read More: Pakistan gave England a lesson in tournament cricket: Ian Bell

    Bangladesh are currently sixth while Pakistan displaced Sri Lanka from seventh to eighth. West Indies are ninth and Afghanistan are at ten.

    Pakistan’s rise means they will automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup, leaving the race between West Indies and Sri Lanka. But West Indies are as low as on 76 points and need to win their tow series against India and England, which looks a different proposition for the weakened West Indies.