Struggling Malik may open for Pakistan
Labels: shoaib malik
Sayali Bhagat says it wasn't Shoaib Malik
Labels: Sayali Bhagat , shoaib malik
Psychologist played big role in Pakistan's triumph: Shoaib Malik
24 Jun 2009, 1649 hrs IST, PTI
Labels: shoaib malik , Twenty 20 World Cup
Pakistan claim Twenty20 crown
Labels: Twenty 20 World Cup
World Twenty20: Akmal, Ajmal carry Pakistan into semifinals
London, June 15 (IANS) Inspiring performances from Kamran Akmal and Saeed Ajmal carried Pakistan into the semifinals of the World Twenty20 after they defeated Ireland by 39 runs in a Group F Super Eights match at The Oval here Monday. Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal then picked up 4-19 while Umar Gul kept on his fine run with his 2-19 as Pakistan restricted Ireland to 120 for nine in 20 overs despite a brave innings from captain William Porterfield (40). Pakistan, who were runners-up in the last edition, started the day under clouds of ugly charges by the New Zealand team of ball tampering in their Saturday encounter but finished the day in some style and with every reason to celebrate. It was a challenging target for Ireland and Porterfield didn’t get much support from the other end. They crawled in their chase and by the time Porterfeild departed in the 14th over, the run rate was beyond their reach. Kevin O’ Brien scored a patient 26 but the fall of Porterfield triggered a collapse as Ireland lost seven wickets for just 28 runs, four of them to the spin of Ajmal. Earlier, Akmal scored a crafty 57 off 51 balls and batted through till the end of the 17th over to see Pakistan post a challenging total. His opening partner Shahzaid Hassan (23) played a breezy knock while Shahid Afridi, promoted up the order, entertained The Oval crowd with his explosive 24 off 13 balls. Ireland tried to pull back things into their control in the last five overs but Abdul Razzaq (15 not out) played a valuable innings to give Pakistan a good total to defend.
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Opening batsman and wicketkeeper Akmal hit a flamboyant 57 as Pakistan made 159 for five in 20 overs after skipper Younis Khan won the toss and elected to bat.
Labels: Twenty 20 World Cup
Sayali, Shoaib call it quits
After being together for almost two years, ex-Miss India Sayali Bhagat and Pakistani cricket star and ex-captain Shoaib Malik have called it quits. Bhagat and Malik were also supposed to be working on a film together which was to be directed by Wilson Louis.
Our source said, “Sayali and Shoaib were extremely close to each other and they spent quality time together when Shoaib was in India during the Indian tour. However, the constant media glare and the distance took a toll on the special friendship. As problems between the two countries started brewing, the cricket tours also got cancelled and Shoaib stopped coming here. Sayali also got busy with her films (Paying Guest and Kirkit) and she had no time to travel and be with Shoaib. They are not in touch anymore and even the phone calls and smses have stopped.”
Sayali remained unavailable for comment but her business manager, Vinith Handa, said, “Sayali has always loved cricket and that’s why she has been linked with Shoaib and even Irfan Pathan. However, the fact is that she is single and is focusing on her career. With so many films and brand endorsements in the pipeline, where is the time for love?”
Labels: Sayali Bhagat , shoaib malik
Afridi: Khan Key
Pakistan star Shahida Afridi is backing captain Younis Khan to play an instrumental role at this year's World Twenty20. "We have Younis as captain now. He has done well and taken the team along with him so far and he will be vital come England," Afridi enthused to Cricinfo of the 31-year-old batsman, who took over from Shoaib Malik earlier this year. Spinner Afridi, who was named player of the tournament in the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa, believes he will have to adjust his approach as the tournament heads to England in June. "Wickets in England might be slower, a little less bounce so I'll make slight adjustments to my bowling," he said. "Maybe a bit more flight, but generally, as an ODI leg-spinner, you have to be straight and tight and that works in most conditions." Pakistan are in Group B of the World Twenty20 with hosts England and the Netherlands. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super Eight stage. "I don't think we've got an easy group," Afridi concluded. "Especially in Twenty20, you can't say anything about any side because it's anyone's game."
Labels: shahid afridi , Twenty 20 World Cup , Younis khan









