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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Shakib becomes number-one ranked Test all-rounder


Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has become the number-one ranked all-rounder in the Reliance ICC Test Player Rankings after stellar performance with the bat and the ball against Pakistan in the Mirpur Test which finished on Wednesday.

Shakib become the first Bangladesh player to score a century and take five-for in the same Test when he scored 144 and took 6-82. This performance not only earned the 24-year-old man of the match award but has also gave him a jump of four places in the all-rounders' rankings which puts him on top of the tree.

Shakib has also improved his batting and bowling rankings.

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen, Shakib has vaulted seven places to claim a career-best 31st position while in the bowling chart he has claimed seventh position after gaining two places.

The other Bangladesh batsmen to improve their rankings include captain Mushfiqur Rahim (up by one to 44th), Shahriar Nafees (up by eight to 61st) and Nasir Hossain (up by 32 to 96th).

Pakistan players have also made the best of the Mirpur Test with one-down batsman Azhar Ali and left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman achieving career-best rankings.

Azhar Ali, who scored 57 and 34, has moved up four places to 23rd position while Abdur Rehman, who took four for 51 in the second innings, has broken into the top 20 for the first time in his career and is now in 19th position.

Other Pakistan players improving their rankings include opener Taufeeq Umar (up by seven to 42nd) and fast bowlers Umar Gul (up by one to 18th) and Aizaz Cheema (up by five to 45th).

Australia's Marsh to test back injury in Twenty/20


Australian batsman Shaun Marsh will test his fitness in a Twenty20 match on Thursday evening and is confident he will be ready to go for next week's opening test against India.

The 28-year-old lefthander, who has been struggling with a debilitating lower back injury, was named in Australia's squad for the Boxing Day test on Wednesday with uncapped all rounder Dan Christian included as back-up.

After taking part in a three-day training camp for Australia's batsmen, Marsh said his back had improved considerably and should allow him to play his first test on home soil at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Monday.

"I'm hitting the ball well, I've had a really good two or three days and I feel that I haven't lost too much of my touch since South Africa and playing tonight will give me a bit more indication of where I'm at," he told reporters on Thursday.

"I'm confident that if I can get through tonight and, with what I've done over the last (few) days, that I will be right and ready to go."

Marsh, who made his test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year and injured himself in his third test against South Africa last month, will turn out for the Perth Scorchers against the Melbourne Renegades at the Etihad Stadium later on Thursday.

Pencilled in to replace dropped Usman Khawaja at number three in the batting order should he prove his fitness, the Western Australian said it would fulfill a lifelong ambition to play in such an iconic test match.

"To play in front of 75,000 plus fans on Monday is certainly going to be a dream of mine," said Marsh, whose father

Australia drop Hughes, Khawaja from Test squad


SYDNEY : Batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja were dumped from Australia's squad named Wednesday for next week's opening Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Selectors named a 13-man squad with Shaun Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus included, but there was no place for injured allrounder Shane Watson and fast bowler Ryan Harris.

Chief selector John Inverarity said the size of the squad was due to the continuing uncertainty about the fitness of Marsh, who has been troubled by a back complaint.

"Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja have been omitted from the Australian team that played against New Zealand in Hobart and Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus have been added to the squad," Inverarity said.

"Shane Watson was not considered for selection as he has not recovered sufficiently from his (hamstring/calf) injury, while Ryan Harris has not yet achieved the volume of bowling required to be available for consideration for Test selection."

Cowan was included on the strength of his 109 against India playing for a Chairman's XI in Canberra on Tuesday along with two centuries in this season's domestic Sheffield Shield and one for Australia A against the touring New Zealanders.

The Australian squad assembles in Melbourne from Thursday ahead of the Boxing Day Test start.

Australia - Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner

Pakistan moves into fifth position on Test Championship table


Pakistan has gained a place on the Reliance ICC Test Championship table and is now in fifth position following its 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in the two-Test series which finished in Mirpur on Wednesday.

The series victory earned Pakistan one ratings point which has put it at par with Sri Lanka on 99 ratings points. However, Pakistan has been placed above Sri Lanka after the ratings were calculated beyond the decimal point.

This is Pakistan's best rankings since March 2009 when it had claimed fifth position for a couple of months.

Pakistan now trails fourth-ranked Australia by four ratings points. Australia goes head to head with India in a four-Test series in Melbourne on Monday next. The only way Australia can drop behind Pakistan is if it loses all the four Tests of the series.

Pakistan's next Test assignment is against number-one ranked England. The three-Test series will start at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on 17 January.

England leads Pakistan by 26 ratings points and as the rankings system is weighted to reflect this difference, England's failure to win the series comfortably will mean it will drop points.

To find out exactly how the forthcoming Test series will affect the Championship table, please click here. The Test Championship table, unlike the ODI Championship table, is updated only after the end of the series

ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 schedule announced


The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the schedule for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 which will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13 to 24 March, 2012.

Sixteen sides from across the globe will feature in the 12-day tournament which will be played at five venues - Dubai International Cricket Stadium and ICC Global Cricket Academy grounds No.1 and No.2 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium and the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The 16 teams have been divided into two groups with Afghanistan, Netherlands, Canada, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Hong Kong, Bermuda, Denmark and Nepal forming Group A and Ireland, Kenya, Scotland, Namibia, Uganda, Oman, Italy and the USA comprising Group B.

The tournament winner will join Australia and the West Indies in group B of the ICC World Twenty20 2012 in September 2012 while the losing finalist will complete Group A which also includes defending champion England and 2007 winner India.

ICC's Global Development Manager, Tim Anderson, said: "This is one of the most important and prestigious events on the Pepsi ICC Development Programme's calendar in which 16 leading Associate and Affiliate Members will vie for the two available places in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Sri Lanka.

"This final qualifier is the last step of a pathway that comprised 13 ICC regional tournaments during 2010 and 2011 and saw the involvement of over 90 ICC Associate and Affiliate members. The 72-match format has been designed to give the best sides every chance of making the final."

This will be the third ICC World Twenty20 qualifier. When it was last staged, also in the UAE in 2010, Afghanistan and Ireland claimed the qualifying spots.

Tournament format

According to the tournament format, the sides that top the two groups will feature in the 1st Qualifying Final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday 22 March at 1400 (local time) with the winner sealing a place in the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 to be staged from 18 September to 7 October.

Meanwhile, the sides that finish second and third in the two groups will play cross-over matches. The two winners of those matches will progress to the Preliminary Final to be played on 23 March at 1000 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The 2nd Qualifying Final - for the second spot in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 - will take place on the morning of 24 March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium between the loser of the 1st Qualifying Final and the winner of the Preliminary Final.

The winners of the two Qualifying Finals will play in the tournament final on the evening of 24 March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Background of ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier

The ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier has grown in stature since it was first held in Belfast, Ireland, in August 2008. That event comprised the then six top Associate Members - Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland.

Ireland and Netherlands shared the trophy when the final was washed-out without a ball being bowled. The two sides, along with Scotland which replaced Zimbabwe, qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 2009 which was staged at Lord's, The Oval and Trent Bridge in England. Pakistan won the tournament.

The UAE hosted the second edition in February 2010 which was contested by the top six Associate and Affiliate sides? Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland - as well as hosts UAE and United States of America (USA) who were specially invited by the ICC.

After 17 matches over six days at two venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan and Ireland reached the final and qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 2010 which was staged in the West Indies and won by England. Afghanistan won the qualifying tournament when it defeated Ireland by eight wickets.

Rehman excels as Pakistan make clean sweep


Abdur Rehman claimed 4-51 as Pakistan posted a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second and final cricket Test in Dhaka on Wednesday to make a clean sweep of the series.

Pakistan, who won the first Test in Chittagong by an innings and 184 runs, achieved their 103-run victory target off just 20.5 overs in the last session of the fifth day's play at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Abdur Rehman celebrates the dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim during the second Test.
Opener Mohammad Hafeez smashed a 52-ball 47 and Azhar Ali contributed 34, before skipper Misbah-ul-Haq finished the match with a six over long-off against Elias Sunny.

Bangladesh, trailing by 132 runs after the first innings, had been comfortably placed at 212-5 in their second innings but collapsed to 234, with left-arm spinner Rehman taking three wickets and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal two. Rehman's four-wicket haul was his best in 12 Tests.

Nasir Hossain (79) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (53) defied the Pakistani attack for more than a session, adding 117 for the sixth wicket before falling in the space of nine runs.

Rehman removed both the well-set batsmen in four overs before accounting for Shahadat Hossain (one) in the afternoon session.

Nasir, a 20-year-old playing only his fourth Test, cracked 11 fours in his maiden half-century before being bowled by Rehman. Rahim hit seven boundaries in his ninth Test half-century.

Rahim reached his half-century when he swept Rehman for a four, but soon lost his patience, stepping out to attempt a lofted shot off the spinner to be caught by Ajmal at mid-off.

Rehman got another wicket in his next over when he dismissed Shahadat, superbly caught by Younis Khan at first slip, while Ajmal bowled Sunny and had Robiul Islam stumped to complete 50 Test wickets in the year.

Nasir and Rahim had applied themselves well in the morning session to keep the Pakistani attack at bay as the hosts added 86 runs to their overnight total of 114-5 after a delayed start due to fog.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Pakistan set for white wash against Bangladesh



DHAKA : Pakistan are looking in sight of second successive victory to make a clean sweep in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh when the play ended on the penultimate day of the second Test here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

Bangladesh were reeling at 114 for five at stumps and they need further 19 runs to make Pakistan bat again.

Bangladeshi left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan finished with 6-82 as Pakistan were bowled out for 470 in their first innings before tea in reply to the hosts' 338.

Shakib, who smashed a career-best 144 in the first innings, became the first Bangladeshi to score a century and take five or more wickets in a Test.

Ellyse Perry named in the squad to face New Zealand



The Australia Women's National Selection Panel (WNSP) has today announced a 14-player squad for the Women's International Series next month against the New Zealand White Ferns.

The squad was selected by the new WNSP, comprising new Chair Julie Savage (replacing the outgoing Christina Matthews), coach Richard McInnes, captain Jodie Fields and Julie Hayes.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad is:





NAMESTATEAGE
Jodie Fields (c)QLD27
Alex Blackwell (vc)NSW28
Jess CameronVIC22
Sarah CoyteNSW20
Rachael HaynesNSW24
Alyssa HealyNSW21
Julie HunterVIC27
Jessica JonassenQLD19
Meg LanningVIC19
Erin OsborneNSW22
Ellyse PerryNSW21
Leah PoultonNSW27
Clea SmithVIC32
Lisa SthalekarNSW32


Commenting on the squad, new WNSP Chair Julie Savage said; "The WNSP has named a very strong squad to face the New Zealand White Ferns next month.

"Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Julie Hunter all return to the squad, while Shelley Nitschke, Sharon Millanta and Annie-Rose Maloney are the players out of the team.

"Ellyse returns after having football commitments last series, Julie returns from a shoulder injury and Alyssa is back in the squad as a batter after some good performances in the WT20.

"Shelley has retired from cricket while Annie-Rose and Sharon make way for the experienced combination of Ellyse and Julie."

2011-12 Women's International Series

DateMatchVenueTV/Scores
20 January1stT20I v New ZealandNorth Sydney OvalABC TV
21 January2ndT20I v New ZealandNorth Sydney OvalABC TV
22 January3rdT20I v New ZealandNorth Sydney OvalABC TV
25 January1stODI v New ZealandSydney Cricket GroundCricket.com.au
27 January2ndODI v New ZealandBlacktown International Sportspark 1Cricket.com.au
29 January3rdODI v New ZealandBlacktown International Sportspark 1Cricket.com.au
1 February4thT20I v New Zealand*Sydney Olympic ParkNINE
3 February5thT20I v New Zealand*Melbourne Cricket GroundNINE

* Double-header with men's T20I (Australia v India)

Kohli scores half-century for India as stars miss out



Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten half-century on Monday as India's batting stars failed on a rain-interrupted opening day of a three-day tour match against a Chairman's XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The young right-hander finished the day unbeaten on 55 off 93 balls as the tourists reached 162 for four off 50 overs in their final match ahead of the opening Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.

At stumps Rohit Sharma was 38 not out after being dropped on his first ball.

But while Kohli and Sharma shared an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 78 off 104 balls, India's front-line batsmen Virender Sehwag (12), Gautam Gambhir (24) and VVS Laxman (15) all missed out on a big score ahead of the MCG Test.

Sehwag smashed the highest score in one-day cricket with 219 off 139 balls earlier this month against the West Indies, but he only lasted 12 balls before falling in the day's fourth over.

He played back to paceman Peter George and was caught out in the gully.

Fellow opener Gambhir batted for 87 minutes before he was bowled out by Jason Behrendorff as he attempted to work the ball only to miss.

Laxman, who averages 55.58 in 25 Tests against Australia and has scored four centuries Down Under, was also out bowled after he tried to work a Jon Holland ball to the leg-side.

The incoming Sharma was dropped next ball in Holland's over as he pushed forward and edged to short leg.

Ajinkya Rahane was the fourth Indian wicket to fall for 15, caught by Australian Test batsman Usman Khawaja at slip off Josh Lalor for 15 off 35 balls.
India went into the final warm up game without key batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, while injured paceman Ishant Sharma was also missing.

George (1-42), Behrendorff (1-8), Lalor (1-9) and Holland (1-37) all kept things tight for the Chairman's team.

No play was possible before lunch after overnight and morning rain and there was another lengthy stoppage in the afternoon.

Pakistan take 1st innings lead over Bangladesh in 2nd Test


DHAKA : Pakistan were 386 runs for five wickets at lunch on the penultimate day of the second Test against Bangladesh here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

They have so far gained a lead of 48 runs with five wickets in hand during the first innings against Bangladesh who were 338 all out on second day.

Pakistan resumed their first innings on 292-3 with veteran batsman Younis Khan (48) and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (26) at the crease.

However, Younis could not get his fifty and was out, after adding just one run, off the second ball of the second over of the day. He was caught behind by captain Mushfiqur Rahim off Elias Sunny for 49.

Younis, who smashed an unbeaten double-century in the last Test, hit four boundaries in his 122-ball knock.

Then, Misbah joined by Asad Shafiq, succeeding not only in leveling the Bangladesh first innings total but also getting his 14th Test half-century.

Both added 66 runs for the fifth wicket stand before Misbah was caught by Mahmudullah off Shakib Al Hasan for 70.

Misbah played some attractive shots in his 123-ball knock, driving paceman Nazmul Hossain through the covers and then straight for two successive fours early in the morning.

He, however, was lucky to survive soon after completing his half-century as Robiul Islam dropped an easy catch at mid-on off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

Misbah continued to play strokes, twice reverse-sweeping left-arm spinner Elias Sunny for fours before he was caught by Mohammad Mahmudullah in the slips while attempting to sweep Shakib.

Shafiq, who scored a century in the opening Test in Chittagong, began impressively, cutting and flicking fast bowler Shahadat Hossain for two boundaries in an over.

Sunny had a chance to take another wicket but Mahmudullah dropped Shafiq on 36 a few overs before the lunch break

At lunch, Asad was batting on 42 along with Adnan Akmal (seven not out).

Umar ton boosts Pakistan in second Test against Bangladesh


Taufeeq Umar cracked his seventh Test century to help Pakistan post 217-2 in their first innings at tea in reply to Bangladesh's 338 on the third day of the second and final Test in Dhaka on Monday.

The left-handed opener was unbeaten on 117 at the break with Younis Khan (14 not out) as the tourists added 130 runs to their overnight total of 87-1 after a delayed start due to fog.

The pair have so far put on 67 for the unbroken third-wicket stand.

Umar was also involved in a 127-run stand for the second wicket with Azhar Ali (57), who hit seven fours in his 12th half-century in 18 Tests before falling in the second session.

Umar, 44 overnight, completed his second Test hundred against Bangladesh when he cut off-spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah for a four.

He played some aggressive shots after reaching his century, driving left-arm spinner Elias Sunny through the covers for successive boundaries. He has so far hit 16 fours in his 220-ball knock.

Bangladesh had a chance to dismiss Umar on 56, but wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim did not even try to effect a stumping off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan while confidently appealing for a catch down the leg-side.

Umar was lucky to survive on 66 when he cut the first delivery after the lunch break off paceman Robiul Islam, but Mohammed Nazimuddin dropped an easy catch at gully.

Bangladesh, who went wicketless in the opening session, got their first wicket in the fourth over after lunch when Shakib had Azhar caught behind with a delivery that turned away sharply.

Shakib was the most impressive bowler, conceding just 28 runs in his 18 tight overs.

Azhar, who hit fast bowler Shahadat Hossain for two fours in the opening over of the day, reached his half-century with a boundary off Sunny in the last over of the morning session.

Pakistan lead 1-0 in the series after winning the opening Test in Chittagong by an innings and 184 runs

Monday, December 19, 2011

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final to be played with pink ball


KARACHI : Pakistan will experiment with a pink ball in the final of its premier first-class cricket tournament on Tuesday.

"The final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament, will be played with a pink ball, under floodlights", the Pakistan Cricket Board announced Monday.

Pakistan International Airlines take on Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd in the final, to be played from December 20 to 24.

Last year's final was also played under lights, but with an orange ball.

Pink is widely regarded as the most suitable colour under floodlights.

The Marylebone Cricket Club, the custodian of the laws of the game, has advocated the use of a pink ball for day-night Test cricket.

An English county championship match between Kent and Glamorgan was played with a pink ball earlier this year

Pakistan need 47 runs to overtake Bangladesh’s 338


DHAKA : Taufiq Umar completed his seventh Test century as Pakistan closed in on a first innings lead by reaching 292-3 before bad light ended play on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh on Monday.

Taufiq, who was dropped twice, hit 130 before paceman Nazmul Hossain broke through with the second new ball as the home side toiled for a wicket.

Shahriar Nafees took the catch at slip to end Taufiq's gritty innings that included 16 fours.

Former captain Younus Khan was unbeaten on 48 alongside skipper Misbah-ul Haq (26 not out) with Pakistan needing another 47 runs to overhaul Bangladesh's first innings total of 338.

The home were left ruing missed chances with three catches spilled.

Nazimuddin dropped Taufiq in the gully off the bowling of Robiul Islam with the first ball after the lunch break while Nafees grassed another catch at short-leg off Elias Sunny with Taufiq on 118.

Shahadat Hossain also put down Younus Khan off Nasir Hossain at midwicket when he was on 15.

The hosts made their only other breakthrough of the day when Azhar Ali fell in the second session after the morning's play was delayed by heavy fog.

Ali had shared a 127-run stand with Taufiq when he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim off the bowling of spinner Shakib Al Hasan for 57.

Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 after a innings and 184-run victory in the first Test. (Reuters)

Philander continues to rise in Reliance ICC Rankings



South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander continues to make an upward movement in the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers after inspiring his side to an innings and 81 runs victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Centurion.

Philander was not only adjudged man of the match for his maiden 10-wicket haul, he has also been rewarded with a jump of 12 places which has now put him in the 28th position. The man of the match award was 26-year-old's second in three Tests, who now has 24 wickets to his credit.

Other bowlers improving their rankings include Chanaka Welegedara (up by four to 41st), Imran Tahir (up by 17 to 93rd), Thisara Perera (up by 25 to 110th) and Angelo Mathews (up by seven to 111th).

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen, South Africa's AB de Villiers and Mark Boucher are the biggest movers.

De Villiers, who scored 99, has moved up six places to become South Africa's second best batsman after Jacques Kallis (second) in seventh position. Boucher, who scored 65, has gained two places and is now in 50th spot.

Notable batsmen to slip in the latest rankings are Hashim Amla (down by five to 10th), Graeme Smith (down by one to 12th), Mahela Jayawardena (down by one to 24th) and Tillekeratne Dilshan (down by three to 36th).

Kumar Sangakkara's rare double failure at Centurion means his lead at the top of the table has been trimmed from 29 points to just five ratings points.

Phoenix Ogilvy & Mather Sri Lanka appointed marketing and communications agency


The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the appointment of Phoenix Ogilvy & Mather Sri Lanka as the official marketing and communications agency for the ICC World Twenty20 2012 which will take place in Sri Lanka from 18 September to 7 October.

The decision was arrived after a lengthy selection process where a number of agencies submitted their proposals and five agencies were shortlisted. These five agencies then made their final presentations to a group of ICC and SLC representatives in Colombo.

Phoenix Ogilvy & Mather will work with ICC Marketing in developing and implementing an integrated strategic global event promotion plan for the fourth edition of the tournament but first to be staged in Asia and taking place at the back of a highly successful ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 which was also co-hosted by Bangladesh and India.

Rampaging Vernon not carried away by media attention



Proteas seamer Vernon Philander has said that he is not fazed by all the sudden media attention after his sensational start to Test cricket.

Named Man of the Match on Saturday for his ten-wicket haul in the opening Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Centurion, Philander is the first South African to take four five-wicket hauls in his first three Test matches and only the fourth bowler in history to achieve the feat.

He joins Rodney Hogg for Australia, who debuted against England in 1978, took five five-wicket hauls while Thomas Richardson (England in 1893) and Charles Turner (Australia in 1887) both took four.

"I'm not records-driven. I'm more process-driven and if I can take the team over the line then I'm more than happy with that," Sports24 quoted Philander, as saying.

The 26-year-old from Bellville in Cape Town, made his debut against Australia at Newlands in November where he took 5-15 with Australia famously all out for 47, and 5-70 in the tourists' second innings the Wanderers.

"You have to acknowledge that you're not always going to bowl well," said Philander after his dream start.

He added: "When things don't go so well, you have to take it on the chin and go back to the drawing board and start again."

Proteas captain Graeme Smith said Philander was self-motivated and did not require any extra prodding from his captain.

Bangladesh v Pakistan, 3rd ODI, Chittagong, December 6












Bangladesh v Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Mirpur, December 3












Bangladesh v Pakistan, 1st ODI, Mirpur, December 1