Howzat! Archives - ARY NEWS

RIZ-WON: The T20I runs machine should be vice-captain

Shoaib Jatt — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:52:28 +0500

“He can’t bat, He can’t hit BIG”, “He can’t handle the pressure, He doesn’t fit in the national side”, these were few sentences which Mohammad Rizwan had to listen to early during his career although he was proving everyone wrong with his performance in domestic circuit and with Pakistan’s A team.
Actually when a captain is wearing gloves then it’s very difficult to get place for another wicket-keeper in main squad and this was happening with Mohammad Rizwan too.
He got few chances under Sarfaraz’s captaincy but couldn’t cement his place, but when winds were against Sarfaraz and the former lost his captaincy, Rizwan got a chance and he made sure this wasn’t the last one as he impressed not only with gloves but also with bat.
The team management had to support him and he was promoted up the order.

Rizwan who was performing with white ball is now considered a runs machine for Pakistan as he has scored 11 fifties in 27 games in just one year with one memorable innings against arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC T20 World Cup (@t20worldcup)

His resilient 67 against Australia in the semi-final was another treat to watch.
Interestingly, 2021 is the year of Rizwan.
In past many years including 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020, played 26 T20I games, scored 313 runs with 5 sixes and 31 fours which made people think that he can’t hit big or can’t play in shorter format, but in 2021 he turned the table with 1201 runs in just 24 innings where he remained not out eight times.
Now ranked fourth in the world, Rizwan has emerged as Pakistan’s top batter of T20I cricket and has so far played 53 matches where he has scored 1514 runs with the help of 12 fifties & 1 ton.
Yes, Rizwan is scoring consistently but his strike rate of 132+ is always under discussion as critics thinks he has to work on that as in modern day cricket if a teams want to take a T20 score over 200 then the opener must score with the strike rate of 170+.
However, 53 games 46 sixes and 143 fours are enough to assure all that Rizwan can hit out of the park whenever he needs.
His leadership of Multan Sultans, his overall performance, dedication and the way he has supported his captain Babar Azam makes him an ideal candidate for Pakistan team’s vice-captaincy. I, for one, believe that he can perform miracles if tasked with supporting Babar Azam as vice-captain.
Rizwan, nevertheless, is not only making Pakistan win but is also making new records, that is why, the cricketing world is calling him “RIZ-WON”

Inimitable Asif Ali

Ashraf Ali Siddiqui — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:02:49 +0500

Asif Ali became Pakistan’s superhero when he smashed four sixes in the 19th over from pacer Karim Janat to give Pakistan a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in Dubai.
That came two days after he smashed three sixes — two in one New Zealand pacer Tim Southee’s over— in Pakistan’s five-wicket win over New Zealand in Sharjah. Everyone acknowledges that it is a not easy to hit Tim Southee over the ground as he is rated to be high-lass bowler.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Asif Ali has proved with his talent that he could not be ruled out of the game though he has been criticised on his failures and lack of performances and even his selection for the Twenty20 World Cup received flak, not only on national television channels but also vociferously on social media.
Asif also struggled with his form after his 18-month-old daughter, Noor Fatima, died of cancer in 2019, on the eve of the 50-over World Cup in England.
Related: Viral interview: Asif Ali talks about his love for bikes, first-ever prize money
But the 30-year-old has rebounded and silenced his critics with his wonderful batting performance that was second to none.
Asif has risen from humble background as he was once a labourer in an iron foundry and it actually was Misbah who while leading the Faisalabad team in Pakistan’s National Super Eight Twenty20 tournament saw a clean hitter in Asif and brought him into his team.

Remember the name @AasifAli2018

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 29, 2021

Asif was an instant success, hitting a century on his Twenty20 debut and then he performed well for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
However, Asif found the international stage tough and with his every failure, Misbah was equally condemned for giving Asif more chances than others.
Misbah justified Asif’s performance by saying that number six is a tough position to bat particularly for a hitter but now Asif has come up to expectations.
Asif was rated as a real talent and his performance was praised when he became one of the stars of the 2018 PSL final, smashing a six-ball 26 with three sixes as Islamabad beat Peshawar. He is an impact player and can change the game in a jiffy.
He featured in the 2019 50-over World Cup but after he scored 19 runs in two matches, the selectors dropped him. Asif admits it has been a painful journey but he maintains that he ignores social media flak.
His T20 World Cup statistics — 19 balls faced, seven sixes and 52 runs, without being dismissed — could be any player’s dream.

T20 World Cup and Pakistan

Faizan Khan Jadoon — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:10:59 +0500

The lush green banks of Durban’s Kingsmead Garden beamed with a small crowd of enthusiastic Pakistan supporters on the 12^th of September, 2007. Pakistan had just walked out of a disastrous ODI World Cup in the West Indies, lost their coach in the process and seen a few 50-over stalwarts retire.
There was a general air of skepticism within cricket fans in the country. This new format did open a sea of opportunities for Pakistan to rise and shine, but the wounds of West Indies were still fresh and fans hadn’t recovered from them.

Pakistan’s encounter with Scotland at Durban was the start of their odyssey at T20I World Cups. Fans back home were glued to the screen – having recently lost to Ireland, Scotland came across as a worthy nemesis.
There were doubts over the longevity of the format, the performance of the team, the overall unity within players and the general attitude as a whole. All doubts put to rest on that day.
A swashbuckling Shahid Afridi did what he did best – walked out and swatted one over cow corner on his first ball. He went on to hit a few more, Pakistan hit a few more, no one kept a count back home. This was a new format, this was cricket at its exciting best, and for once viewers didn’t have to keep a count on sixes.
The very first game created a wave of excitement back home. People were talking. Gul with his yorkers, Afridi with his ‘anywhere for six’ attitude, Malik with his calm leadership – the T20I world cup was here to stay.
The bowl out against India followed in the very next match, oohs and ahhs echoed from every neighbourhood in Pakistan. This was a new form of cricket and Pakistan seemed to be enjoying it. A team of misfits had come together to create what looked like a match-winning outfit.

Pakistan eventually went on to lose to India in the final of the first edition. Misbah rues his odd scoop to date, Afridi pocketed the Man of the Tournament, and the cricketing world knew Pakistan would be the team to beat in T20Is.
The finalists of 2007 went on to win the next edition in 2009. Manchester, Nottingham and Lords were all host to Pakistan scripting their own scripts. Our unpredictability was at its peak. The only constant being Afridi’s raised arms. The Starman took one step forward and won his country the cup. No scoops this time, it’s a leg bye, who cares, as long as the job is done.

Pakistan also went on to become semi-finalists in 2010 and 2012. Only a mercurial Mike Hussey robbing them of the final spot in 2010.
The peak of the first few editions later met a rather timid Pakistani outfit during 2014 and 2016. Both editions saw some individual performances of brilliance; Umar Akmal against Australia in 2014, Afridi against Bangladesh in 2016 and Ahmed Shehzad against Bangladesh in 2016. But the actual laurels have evaded us for long.
Fast forward to today. The unpredictability of T20I cricket has now made way for an era of greater consistency and effort. Pakistan, known for their unpredictability, walk into this edition as outcasts – outsiders that do stand a chance, but would probably deflate in the pressure.
Critics would argue that this is where we perform at our best. 2017’s Champions Trophy comes to mind. The ’92 world cup with our walls pinned to the back. But, is our unpredictability alone a factor to rejoice over today?
As of now, Pakistan’s team has left for the UAE. They have a band of fresh players and experienced prodigies. Our captain – T20 cricket’s most ominous performer – hasn’t played a World Cup in the shortest format yet. To put it right, T20I’s biggest stage has yet to see the class ooze out of Babar’s bat. Babar’s partner, Rizwan, this year’s top performer, has taken the spotlight off Babar; imagine that. These two coupled with Shaheen Shah Afridi give Pakistan something they have generally lacked; consistency. Three consistent performers.
Shaheen also burdening the additional responsibility of helping the Afridi name fly high in UAE. Shahid Afridi’s namesake, Shaheen, is young, he’s fiery and has the Starman pose to top it all.

The days leading to the World Cup saw general pessimism surrounding our chances in this year’s tourney. A successful NT20 cup and a few changes to the squad have squished all that pessimism for greater optimism.
The T20I World Cup is back. After five long years, the grandest stage of cricket’s shortest format is back. We may not be defending champions or clear favourites, but the format is ours.
Honed by the craftsmanship of exciting players before and sustained through the abilities of our current lot, this is where true jazba meets elegance and skills.
We lock heads with India on the 24^th. Until then, Babar, Riz, SSA and the lot. Make us proud. Reclaim what’s yours. Position yourself on the throne of Cricket’s most exciting format. We may not be consistent, we may not be predictable, but ‘exciting’ is our tag and we’re not letting go of it anytime soon.

Diplomacy and its Impact on International Cricket

Danyal Ur Rehman — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:32:07 +0500

Using sports and other forms of interactions to bring people of two countries closer or to make a political statement is not a novel concept in today’s world .
A recent example of this was seen when New Zealand, hours before the match to be held in Rawalpindi, refused to step on the pitch and announced that they will return to their home country as they feared potential safety threats.
This was the case presented by them to the worldwide media. But those who know the world of politics from a closer angle says that it was a pure case of Cricket Diplomacy.
Cricket Diplomacy in simpler terms is the art of using the game of cricket as a political tool to enhance or worsen the diplomatic relations between two cricket playing nations. It is one of the most effective way of either establishing good relations or peace between two countries.
Cricket Diplomacy has two primary advantages. The first benefit is that it may be utilized as an icebreaker when two opposing leaderships are unable to communicate with one another.
The second reason is that when two opposed groups meet, the atmosphere of conversation improves because they have a better knowledge of each other, and inter-state interactions are heavily influenced by interpersonal relationships.

One example that is the most relevant to the people belonging to the Indo-Pak region is the cricket diplomacy exercised between the nations of Pakistan and India.
Cricket finesse holds a unique position in the relationship between Pakistan and India. Following General Zia’s visit, General Pervez Musharraf paid a visit to India under the guise of watching a cricket match, which resulted in more discussion and improved cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Then the semi-final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup has seen to have improved ties between India and Pakistan following the polarizing 2008 Mumbai attacks. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, took advantage of the opportunity to welcome his Pakistani counterpart, Yousuf Raza Gilani, and invite him to watch the match with him in Mohali. Gilani agreed to watch the match with Singh after accepting the invitation.
Mostly, Cricket diplomacy is used to better relations between two countries, but in the case of New Zealand and Pakistan, it was used to worsen the diplomatic relations.
According to seasoned journalists and expert analysis, it was India’s influence that led to such a drastic step by the New Zealand cricket board. The reason why India has such a lasting impact on the Kiwis is that most of these players participate in IPL against hefty amounts.

Following New Zealand’s exit, England also announced that they will also not visit Pakistan for their upcoming T20 series.
This is nothing but an attempt to isolate Pakistan on the international front and break their bilateral ties.
The PCB said it tried its best to convince the Kiwis, but “cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world are disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal (of New Zealand).”
Pakistan’s history with Cricket Diplomacy
After the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan became a no-go zone for foreign cricket teams for almost a decade. The national team had to play its home games in the United Arab Emirates.
The country struggled for 10 years to bring back the game on home soil. International teams resumed touring Pakistan in 2019, with the Sri Lankan team making a much-heralded return in December of that year. That was followed up by a visit from the Bangladesh cricket squad in February 2020, before COVID-19 put an end to most international sports travel.

Over the years, cricket has been a constant victim of the India-Pakistan relationship.
While cricket diplomacy had the potential to alleviate tensions between the two countries, it has now been reduced to a method of maintaining strife and politics off the field.
While tensions between the nuclear powers of South Asia are at an all-time high, the upheaval on and off the sports field is evident. In light of the increasing tensions, India has refused two Pakistani shooters permits to compete in a global event.
In response, India has been reprimanded by the International Olympic Council for not following the policy of non-discrimination, further suspending India’s bid to host Olympic events. In the case of cricket as well, the noticeable presence of political issues has grown.

Best athletes of the last decade

Ashraf Ali Siddiqui — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:19:26 +0500

The top athletes of the last decade deserve approbation as they won tough matches, major competitions and big championships, making the most of the past decade by raising the bar, setting new records and establishing themselves at the top of their respective disciplines.
In the process they have entertained people with their excellent and ceaseless physical activity. They are widely emulated and their discipline is greatly appreciated.
Lewis Hamilton
After watching Sebastian Vettel dominate the early 2010s, Lewis Hamilton stepped up to take the lead during the second half of the decade. Since 2014, the English race-car driver has won four Formula 1 Championships for a career total of five.
Currently, Hamilton holds a very comfortable lead in the current championship making it quite possible that he will clinch his fifth title of the decade.
A win would make him the second most victorious driver of all time, just behind Michael Schumacher.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

Roger Federer
While the 2010s were not as glorious as the 2000s for Roger Federer, his achievements over the past ten years will undoubtedly secure his legendary status in the sport.
First, he added five Grand Slam victories to his 15 existing titles. Add to that an appearance in the 2012 London Olympic finals and a 2014 Davis Cup win as a member of the Swiss team, big steps toward re-establishing his brilliant track record.
Federer remains the only player in history to have won three Grand Slam tournaments five times, namely the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. With a little luck, he will surpass Jimmy Connors in total wins on the ATP circuit within the next year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)

Michael Phelps
Considered by many to be the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps spent the 2010s surpassing his already amazing accomplishments of the 2000s.
Between the London and Rio Olympic Games, Phelps added no fewer than nine gold medals and three
silver medals to his credentials. By the end of the decade, he won more swimming World Championships than anyone in history. On top of that, Phelps currently holds the world record in the 400-metre individual medley and the 4 x 100-metre freestyle relay.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00)

Mikaël Kingsbury
While acrobatic skier Alexandre Bilodeau dominated the 2000s, it was Mikaël Kingsbury’s turn to rule in the 2010s. After first winning a silver medal during the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014, Kingsbury won gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games.
On the international stage, Kingsbury has absolutely prevailed, reaching the podium at 80 World Cup competitions, taking top spot at 56 of them and setting an all-time record.
To date, he has won eight overall World Cup titles earning him the big crystal globe and his sport’s highest honour each time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mikael Kingsbury Skier (@mikaelkingsbury)

Lionel Messi
While he never managed to lead his nation’s team to the top spot, Lionel Messi made a huge impact during the 2010s and is hailed as one of history’s greatest soccer players.
FC Barcelona’s success during this period remains unparalleled in Spain: seven La Liga championships, five Supercopa de España victories and two Champions League titles. On a personal level, Messi has been awarded four FIFA Golden Balls, one Adidas Golden Ball, and six European Golden Shoes, placing him far ahead of his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the race to set all-time records.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Simone Biles
Simone Biles may only be twenty-two years old, but many already consider her the best gymnast of all time, and with good reason! Since 2013 when she began competing as a senior, she has won no fewer than 19 World Championship gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals.
At her first Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, this American superstar added four gold medals and one bronze medal to her collection. Despite her youth, she has already become history’s most decorated gymnast, a status that will only grow more firmly established in the coming years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

A sorry tale

Ali Salman Andani — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:10:02 +0500

The third test match between Australia and South Africa was not a normal one, as Australian cricket team was found guilty of attempted ball tampering that was carried out by Cameron Timothy Bancroft .
Captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner were also found to be involved and all three received unprecedented lengthy bans from international cricket.

Bancroft has been banned for nine months from international cricket while the ball-tampering plot’s architect David Warner and Captain Steve Smith have been awarded one year suspension from the international cricket .
Cricket – just like other sports- is now more digitally advanced . With cameras recording every movement on field , how these cricketers can get involved in such reprehensible acts is beyond my understanding.
While the culprits have been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council, experts say that it is just a beginning of the fall-out.
British media have ripped into former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith for breaking down at his press conference at Sydney Airport on Thursday after returning to Australia following the ball tampering issue . Smith cried as he extravagantly apologized saying “good people make mistakes.” While I personally am not getting his say on what he has done .
“Captain Cry Baby” , this is how British media has reacted to his press conference .

Cricket stars from around the globe have tweeted their views on the issue .
Rawalpindi Express –Shoaib Akhtar tweeted : “Gutted to see Steve Smith breaking down. And also the way people are treating him. It’s sad, leave that poor chap alone now.”
Ex-South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs tweeted: “Hard scenes watching the interviews. Having been through it all, take it on the chin and live with the consequences but remain true to yourself.”
Former Australia bowler Mitchell Johnson said “Tough to watch Cameron & Steve go through the two statements they just made. They will learn from this and be better in the future I’m sure.”
Ex-England batsman Mark Butcher also posted his views on the matter : “Just watched Smith presser. Hope everybody has had their pound of flesh now.”
Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar showed sympathy for the Australian trio and requested all cricket fans to give them some space during these hard times .
Millions of cricket fans around the globe watched Smith’s press conference live on social media.
On one hand fans showed sympathetic reactions towards the number one test batsman , while on other captions like “Captain Cry Baby” and “Baby Smith” were used at the same time by various media institutions . It is to be noted that Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann resigned after ball tampering scandal .
“Speaking to the players and saying goodbye, telling them the news. That was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Lehmann said while talking to media on Sydney Airport.
Several leading cricket figures criticized the bans and the players’ union has now queried the “severity and proportionality” of the punishments . Australian Cricket Association spokesperson said that sanctioning such severe mistakes is right and should be awarded to the culprits in a fair and proper way . National game which is loved by all must always demonstrate standards consistent with regulations and spirit of cricket .
ACA has said that the guilty trio will receive legal and welfare support ,while Cricket Australia insists that it will offer support to Smith , Warner and Bancroft .
Caught red-handed , Australian cricket team is just facing some initial fall-out effects .
On one hand during all these hard times the team is getting support from the cricketing world but on other critics won’t stop captioning their views in upcoming days .
Remarks like “Cry Baby” sound harsh to some but not to all . After all , what you do is what you get !