Pakistan crush sorry New Zealand

Pakistan cruised to a 103-run win over New Zealand in the third and final Twenty20 international at Christchurch.Having already lost the three-match series after defeat in the opening two games, Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad's 54 off 34 balls helped his side reach 183 for six as they sought to salvage some pride.

Abdul Razzaq, who hit a superb 34-run cameo, then took figures of three for 13 and
skipper Shahid Afridi picked up four for 14 as Pakistan bowled out their opponents for just 80 to record their biggest victory in T20 cricket.

New Zealand were never in with a shout of getting the required runs, with their top four batsmen all dismissed for ducks.

After winning the toss, dismissed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez (34) shared an explosive 81-run opening stand that was finally broken by James Franklin, with Hafeez caught at extra cover.

Shehzad brought up his maiden T20 fifty in 41 deliveries, but was trapped lbw in the 11th over by Franklin when going for consecutive boundaries.

New Zealand managed to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs, and also picked up the wickets of Younis Khan (five), run out by Nathan McCullum, and Asad Shafiq (eight), caught at long-off.

But with Afridi out for just 14, Umar Akmal provided stiff resistance in the final overs with his 30, while Razzaq smashed three boundaries and three sixes in the final two overs for his unbeaten 11-ball innings.

In sharp contrast, the hosts lost their top five batsmen with just 11 runs on the board.

Martin Guptil, Jesse Ryder, Dean Brownlie and Ross Taylor departed in the space of just 13 deliveries without troubling the scorers, with Razzaq and debutant Tanvir Ahmed doing the damage around Brownlie's run out.

Following Razzaq's third scalp - Franklin bowled for three - Scott Styris led the fight back with some quick boundaries, but spinner Abdur Rehman bowled Peter McGlashan to leave the Black Caps reeling at 36 for six.

Afridi got rid of McCullum, trapped lbw for eight, before clean bowling both danger-man Styris for 45 and Tim Southee (nought) in successive deliveries.

And the Pakistan captain wrapped up proceedings in the same fashion, bowling Kyle Mills for seven, as victory came with just over four overs remaining.

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Afridi hails 'matchwinner' Razzaq

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi did not hold back in his praise for "matchwinner" Abdul Razzaq.

Pakistan on Thursday, cruised to victory in the third and final Twenty20 international against New Zealand at Christchurch.
Despite having lost the three-match series 2-0 on Tuesday, the visitors put in a solid performance with both bat and ball, with Razzaq providing a 34-run cameo to set the Black Caps a target of 184.
And the paceman blew away the hosts' top order with figures of three for 13, as New Zealand were skittled out for just 80, giving Pakistan their biggest-ever win in T20 cricket.
Afridi himself claimed four scalps during the second-inning wicket frenzy, but insisted Razzaq was the architect of their morale-boosting win.
"He's a matchwinner, I've always seen him as one," Afridi said. "In the past there have been some games where victory looked unlikely, but he was able to see us through."
Pakistan have endured a tumultuous 12 months both on and off the field but Afridi maintained the win was good way forward for the country's cricketing future.
He said: "All the boys need is confidence and this game today shows what Pakistan is about and what talent we have.
"Yes we lost the series but today's win was good in order to keep our morale high."
New Zealand will go into next week's Test series on a relatively high note as well, given that they ended their 12-match losing streak in the shorter format with victory in the first T20 of this series at Auckland.
But captain Ross Taylor was still left to contend with today's below-par batting performance that saw the Black Caps lose their top four batsmen for ducks.
"Pakistan batted very well, put a very good total on the board," he said.
"But when your top four batsmen get out for nothing, it's a pretty bad taste."
When asked if the hosts had become complacent after achieving the series win in the second clash at Hamilton, Taylor added: "No. We wanted to go out and win the series 3-0 after what's happened over the last few months but Pakistan bowled really well too.
"We were looking forward to a good start given how they started, but the way Razzaq and Afridi bowled it was just outstanding."

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PCB delays announcement of ODI squad

PCB has delayed the decision on granting clearance to some senior players for the ODI series against New Zealand.

Only after the committee's clearance Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria and Yasir Hameed could be considered for selection in Pakistan's World Cup Preliminary squad and ODI series in New Zealand.

The committee met in Lahore on Thursday and interviewed former captain Malik, wicketkeeper Akmal, leg-spinner Kaneria and Hameed in a marathon session but no details were released by the Board on the outcome of the meeting.

"The integrity committee not only questioned the players but also went through the documents about their assets submitted to the Board.

"Apparently some documentation issues with the players still remain but the committee is likely to give a decision particularly on Malik and Akmal soon," the source said.

The national selectors are scheduled to meet today to finalise the one-day squad for New Zealand and the World Cup preliminary list of 30 players.

The International Cricket Council has already given the PCB an extended deadline of up to January 5, 2011 to submit the preliminary squad.

The committee had asked for some documents from the senior players after suspicions were raised about the sources of their income and assets following the spot-fixing scandal.

"No details are available on what exactly happened at the meeting but apparently all the players were given a thorough grilling by the committee members and the PCB Chairman about how they had acquired their assets and their sources of income.

"Retired Justice Jamshed Shah who is a member of the committee also questioned the players in legal terms," the source said.

The source said Kaneria was being investigated by the committee over his questioning in England by the Essex police while he was playing county cricket for Essex .

Kaneria and another Essex player Mervyn Westfield were investigated by the police after claims surfaced that they were involved in spot-fixing during a Pro-40 match while playing for the county against Durham in September, 2009.
Yasir Hameed apologises to PCB for his interview
Test discard Yasir Hameed has apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being involved in an interview, in which he was shown talking about spot-fixing and match-fixing.

The interview by 'News of the World' had added fuel to the fire as just before Hameed's interview, a sting operation by the same British tabloid had led to suspension of Pakistani trio of Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Aamer on suspicion of spot-fixing.

Hameed met PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and members of the integrity committee on Thursday in Lahore and insisted that even though the undercover reporter kept on pestering him with questions about match-fixing, he hardly said anything.

Hameed said he was wrong to meet the reporter without permission of the team management but still maintains that he had no idea that the newsman was taping the 'general' conversation he was having with him.

"Yasir has submitted an unconditional apology to the Board Chairman and requested him for pardon. The batsman has said that he wants to be considered for national selection again," a reliable source told PTI.

Hameed, who has played 25 Tests and 56 One-day internationals, was dropped from the ODI series after his interview appeared during the team's tour.

"Yasir has pleaded that the undercover reporter of the NOW posed himself as a businessman interested in signing a endorsement deal with the Pakistani players.

"Yasir said he mostly mumbled and nodded his head when asked if so-and-so match was fixed. He has said that he was just taking part in general discussion and didn't know he was being taped," the source said.

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'Impossible to eradicate spot-fixing'

PCB chief Ijaz Butt believes that it is impossible to completely eradicate spot-fixing.

"To control the spot-fixing, especially prior to its happening, is almost impossible not only for the PCB but for the ICC as well," said Butt in an interview to News One channel on Thursday.

"It has to be an all out effort from all concerned to ensure that such wrongdoing does not occur in the future," the PCB chairman added.

On the measures taken by the PCB to eradicate corruption from the game, butt, without elaborating, vowed to come down even harder on the culprits in the future.

"PCB and ICC have taken a lot of steps, future plans have been drafted to pursues a policy of zero tolerance to corruption," Butt maintained.

The spot-fixing scandal had rocked world cricket after a British tabloid revealed that a bookmaker Mazhar Majeed had bribed three Pakistani players -- Test skipper Salman Butt, pace duo Muhammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif to deliberately bowl no-balls during the fourth Test against England at Lord's.

The ICC quickly sprang into action and provisionally suspended the trio in early September. Their hearing is due next month in Doha.
Butt''s lawyer reaches Lahore for spot-fixing hearing

Suspended Test captain Salman Butt's lawyer has reached Lahore from London in relation to the charges of spot-fixing which are to be heard against the Pakistani player in Doha next month by the International Cricket Council anti-corruption tribunal.

Yasin Patel, a barrister of Indian origin based in the United Kingdom, is now representing Butt in the spot-fixing allegations case after the Pakistani player changed atleast three lawyers in the past few months.

Patel said from Lahore he couldn't discuss anything about the case because of its confidential nature but confirmed he was in town with relation to the case.

"Patel is scheduled to also meet with the Pakistan Cricket Board's legal advisor, Tafazzul Rizvi in Lahore," one source said.

Patel has been hired by Butt after being represented by lawyers, Aftab Gul, Khalid Ranjha and Aitzaz Ahsan and associates in the past few months.

Gul and Ranjha had represented him in the ICC tribunal hearing in Dubai in November which heard Butt's appeal against his provisional suspension by the ICC and rejected it.

One source said that Patel was also in Lahore to talk to the PCB about their decision to suspend Butt's contract and withhold payment of nearly 8.5 million rupees which is outstanding tour fees, bonuses and match fees for this year.

Butt, along with Muhammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif were provisionally suspended by the ICC in early September after a 'News Of The World' revelation that Mazhar Majeed had bribed them to deliberately bowl no-balls during the fourth Test against England at Lord's.

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Akram: Afridi lacks leadership skills

Wasim Akram feels that Shahid Afridi's leadership in the ongoing New Zealand tour has not been up to the mark.Akram told a television channel that Pakistan lost the Twenty20 series in New Zealand because the players were not playing as a unit and if they continue like this it will be difficult to make an impact in World Cup starting next month."Because the team is not playing as one they are facing many problems and their performances are suffering," he said."One saw a lack of leadership in the team and the players also did not play to their ability and if they continue playing this way then they will also lose the Test and ODI series in New Zealand," the former left-arm pacer said.Akram though felt that the difficult conditions in New Zealand and the presence of many inexperienced players in the team had also contributed to the poor performance of the side.He said it was obvious that Pakistan were struggling against strong teams without pacers Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir in their bowling attack."The bowlers face problems against stronger teams and we are missing Aamir and Asif who were developing into a world class new ball opening pair," he said.Another former captain Moin Khan has, however, advised the PCB against appointing another captain at this juncture, saying it would be making a big mistake to change the leader so close to the World Cup."It would be a big folly to even think about changing the captain now because the World Cup is now very close and there is no time at all for experimentations," he said.Moin said that it would be sensible for the PCB and selectors to stick with the combination of Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq and retain the former as captain for the World Cup.He also called for consistency in the selection of national teams and said the players should be allowed to settle down to perform to their potential.

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Hameed apologises for accusing players

Yasir Hameed said that he has apologised to the PCB for accusing fellow team-mates of match fixing.

"Yes, I have apologised to the board, I have told them I am very sorry I broke the players' code of conduct which requires them to get permission from the team management before meeting anyone even for a business deal or before speaking to the media," Hameed said.

"I told the board that although I was trapped and misled into the interview, I am sorry for hurting my fellow players and also causing damage to Pakistan cricket's image," he said.

Hameed, 32, who has played 25 Tests and 56 ODIs, was summoned by the PCB's integrity committee yesterday for the interview that appeared in September, just two days after the ICC had suspended Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir for their alleged role in spot fixing.

The interview also led to Hameed being dropped from the Pakistan team during its summer tour of England.

"I was told that I was going to meet a businessman over a endorsement deal, I didn't know that person was an undercover reporter for the "News of the World" tabloid," he said.

"And throughout the interview, while I wanted to talk about the endorsement deal, he kept on pestering me with questions about fellow players and fixing," Hameed said.

"I was trapped into the whole thing but still I am responsible for my actions and for the embarrassment it caused to fellow players and board," Hameed said.

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Pakistan WC squad not announced yet

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) national selection committee has delayed announcing the preliminary squad for the World Cup.

The national selectors concluded a two-day meeting in Lahore today but postponed the announcement of the squad for the tournament, scheduled to be played in the sub-continent from February, as the trio is yet to be cleared by the PCB over their alleged links with bookmakers.
Chief selector Mohsin Khan, who chaired the meeting, admitted that the announcement had been delayed due to questions over availability of some players.
"We had lengthy discussions on performance and availability of many players. We were of the opinion that since we still have a few days before the deadline for announcing the World Cup squad it would be better to wait until there is a clarity from the PCB on the availability of certain players before announcing the 30-member preliminary squad," Mohsin said.
The PCB has already taken an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its deadline until January 5 to announce its preliminary squad. The selectors also couldn't reach a conclusion on announcing the one-day squad for the series in New Zealand in January.
Well placed sources said that the selectors were keen to have wicket-keeper Akmal and former captain Malik in the World Cup squad and were prepared to wait for clearance from the board.
"The integrity committee is still not satisfied with the details of their assets, accounts and sources of income submitted by Malik and Kamran while there is also an issue with some documents related to from leg-spinner Danish Kaneria," a source said.
The three players appeared before the integrity committee in Lahore yesterday and were questioned by the members.
The source said the integrity committee wanted to be absolutely sure before clearing these players for national selection as the PCB had given a commitment to the ICC that it would not pick any player suspected to be involved in illegal activities.
"As far as these three are concerned the board still has doubts over their alleged role and links with bookmakers," the source added.
The integrity committee was constituted recently after the ICC gave the PCB a deadline for introducing reforms in its administration and seriously implementing anti-corruption laws in Pakistan cricket.

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Akmal co-operates with investigators

Kamran Akmal has co-operated fully with PCB's integrity committee in a bid to gain clearance to resume his international career.

Akmal, who along with Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria has been investigated over spot-fixing allegations, has confirmed he has presented full details regarding his movable and immovable properties, and activities other than cricket, to the PCB.

The 28-year-old told PakPassion.net: "Whatever the PCB integrity committee has asked for, I have provided them.

"I have co-operated fully with the committee and I have presented all of the documents that they had requested."

Akmal felt Thursday's meeting with the integrity committee was a cordial one and hoped he would now be able to continue his Pakistan career.

"The meeting was very cordial," he said. "Of course I can't go into full details of exactly what was discussed, but I hope now that this matter is behind me and that I can now be given approval to recommence my international career.

"I've always tried to give my best for my country and will continue to do so in future."

Despite not having been charged by the board, the trio have not played for their country since their summer tour of England and were left out of Pakistan's tour of the United Arab Emirates to play South Africa.

Akmal and Malik were also recently denied permission to play league cricket in Bangladesh, despite Mohammad Yousuf being allowed to play.

The PCB were supposed to announce their 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup on December 19, but asked the ICC for a later date and have been given until January 5.

The selection committee met yesterday but have agreed to reconvene on Tuesday due to the current lack of clarity regarding the availability of Akmal, Malik and Kaneria.

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Afridi, Waqar to appear as witnesses

Shahid Afridi and team coach Waqar Younis will be produced as witnesses before an anti-corruption tribunal after an ICC request.

Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday that both Afridi and Younis will appear "either in person or through teleconference, depending on their convenience and subject to their professional commitments."

The tribunal will conduct the hearing of Pakistan's suspended cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir from Jan. 6-11 at Doha, Qatar.

Afridi led Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against New Zealand while Younis will be with the Pakistan team in New Zealand where the first Test begins Jan. 7.

Butt, Asif and Amir were suspended in September after a British tabloid alleged that they bowled predetermined no-balls during the Lord's Test against England.

"PCB is committed to root out corruption, in any form, from cricket and has a zero tolerance policy towards corruption," the cricket board said in a statement.

"PCB is also keen to assist the ICC anti-corruption tribunal in determining the truth behind the serious allegations being made against the three Pakistan players."

Local media reports earlier this week claimed that both Afridi and Younis had raised serious doubts over the role of the three players during the Lord's Test. Afridi reportedly told the ICC code of commission that he thought the trio looked guilty when he met them in a hotel room in London.

The reports also claimed that Younis was surprised to watch Amir bowling a huge front foot no-ball and even told the fast bowler 'what the hell was that?' during the break.

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Lorgat promises tough actionsLorgat promises tough actions

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has not ruled out using the lie detector test in a bid to rid the game of cheats.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh suggested using the tests as a way of the sport regaining its integrity following problems in 2010 with allegations of spot-fixing.
Pakistani skipper Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir face an ICC tribunal which begins on Thursday to look into allegations of spot-fixing during last summer's tour of England.
"I did say some while back that we should keep our minds open and employ any sort of means to ensure the integrity of the sport," Lorgat told the Sportsweek programme on BBC Radio Five Live.
But Lorgat warned the use of such methods might not be allowed.
"There are legalities and there are practicalities," he added.
Lorgat would not comment on anything relating to the independent tribunal which will sit in Dubai.
He said: "I would want to leave it to those judges and refrain from making any comment on that subject."

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Pakistan will taste success in 2011, feels IntikhabPakistan will taste success in 2011, feels Intikhab

Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam is confident that the year 2011 will serve as a catalyst for the national side and also improve the image of Pakistan cricket.

"I am confident the way things are going now that this year the team will not only taste success but the image of Pakistan cricket should also improve," Intikhab told a television channel from New Zealand on Saturday.

The former Test captain said the reason for his optimism was not only the improving spirit and discipline among the players but also recent steps taken by the cricket board to put things right.

"There is no doubt 2010 was a very bad year for Pakistan cricket and the controversies and scandal indirectly also had an impact on the players performances," he said.

"It is hard for any team to just focus on cricket and keep on performing consistently when so many things are happening outside the field," he said.

"The last year was like a nightmare for Pakistan cricket, but it is now part of history and we have to look ahead. I have told the players just focus on cricket and the results will come naturally because we have lot of talent in our cricket," he added.

On the field also Pakistan failed to defend its ICC World Twenty20 crown in the West Indies and lost constantly.

Intikhab who was coach on the Australian tour and then removed and brought back as manager said even the players themselves realised the huge expectations on them leading up to the World Cup.

"I think we need to play really well and with focus in the coming Test series against New Zealand and try to win that series and give a new year's gift to our people. The players are also keen to make a winning start to the year," he stated.

He said he was happy at the way the players were responding to the challenges and to the new enforcement of disciplinary measures in the team.

"There are not issues within the team it is just a matter of time before the confidence starts flowing again and there is self belief we can beat anyone," he said.

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CWC 2011 50-day countdown celebrations in Cape Town

Cricket fans flocked to the picturesque and world famous V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Friday evening to celebrate 50 days to go before the start of the game's flagship event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

The tournament begins in Mirpur, Dhaka, on 19 February with the much-anticipated opener between co-hosts Bangladesh and India.

Joining the many followers of the game in Cape Town were Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and South Africa and India captains, Graeme Smith and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The full version of the official promotional film for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was also revealed at the press conference. This promotional film will be part of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 television marketing campaign that will go on air this month.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy was later displayed at the function which concluded shortly after midnight with a spectacular fireworks display.

The celebrations will continue today (Saturday) at the V&A Waterfront Shopping Centre with the fans having an opportunity to be photographed with The Cup that Counts.

Ms Zille, in her welcome address, said: “2010 will always be remembered as the year of a successful and exciting FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It is a fitting way to conclude 2010 by welcoming the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy to Cape Town."

Mr Lorgat said he was delighted to see so much interest and excitement building up amongst the players and followers of the game.

"With 50 days to go before cricket's flagship event starts, key players are starting to think and talk a lot more about the World Cup"

"The players will soon start with their World Cup focus and preparation and the related anticipation across the world will escalate with each passing day."

With the three host nations busy with extensive preparation and recognizing that a few venues were behind schedule, Mr Lorgat urged everyone to continue with the hard work required to successfully stage a world-class event.

"We must do our utmost to complete all the necessary work to deliver another memorable event," said Mr Lorgat.

He also thanked the host countries and the ICC's commercial partners for their excellent work to date.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith, whose side opens its campaign against two-time winner West Indies in New Delhi on 24 February, shared his excitement when he said: "I can't believe that the World Cup is only 50 days away! The spectacular way that 50 days to the World Cup was marked is a pointer to the magnitude of the event.

"As a unit, we are looking to make sure we head into the showpiece with the best preparation possible.

"The five-match ODI series against India starting on 12 January will be our last chance to make sure we are fully prepared and we hope to bring home the silverware."

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he can feel the World Cup buzz around him.

"With just 50 days remaining before we launch our campaign to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, I can clearly feel and sense the tremendous excitement which is gripping the cricket fraternity," he said.

"It is not a surprise to me as it doesn't get any bigger than the World Cup. It is the ultimate dream of every cricketer to represent his country in this competition and win the glittering trophy at least once in his career.

"Every one of us in the India dressing room wants to lift that cup, not only for ourselves, but also for the billions of fans supporting us around the globe. It will require a lot of hard work, self belief and also a positive approach which Team India is capable of displaying at the highest level."

Commenting on his side's preparations for the World Cup, Dhoni said: "I'm happy with our preparations so far as we have gelled well, we have backed each other all the way and have played some excellent cricket lately. But we are also aware that we need to peak at the right time and maintain a winning momentum as the competition will be tough and every team will enter the event fancying its chances.

"Each team and match will bring a fresh challenge and we will have to play to our potential every time we take the field."

The charismatic India captain urged the spectators to play their part in making the event the most successful ever.

He said: "I also take this opportunity to urge the India public and spectators to support the tournament and all the teams taking part in it. I would love to see every stadium packed to capacity even when we are not playing.

"With billions of eyes following the World Cup on television, this would be another great opportunity for us to showcase our love and passion for this great sport. Let us all unite and make the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in the subcontinent the best ever."

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