A Midsummer Day’s Dream

June 18, 2018.The ICC Champions Trophy Final: India vs Pakistan.The sun beating down on a warm June Oval afternoon.A sea of blue covering all the sides of this oval ground. In between one could see some green waves resonate with a flurry. This sea of blue were the Indian cricket supporters who had engulfed this famous ground in anticipation of defending their crown which they won at Edgbaston 4 years earlier. The Greenshirts were stark underdogs and had never come this far in this trophy, let alone win it. If one went with the pre game hype,the writing was on the wall.

For the Greenshirts, it was a slow start. In the corresponding fixture with their arch rivals, they were convincingly walloped by 124 runs in their first pool match courtesy of poor fielding, bowling and a hapless batting which has become somewhat of a chronic factor. The majority of their fans had dismissed any further progress in the tourney considering they were lined up to meet No 1 ranked South Africa.The bowling however had other ideas.They defeated the next three teams they faced chasing paltry totals en route to the big finale.Among them,the hosts England who were favoured to win the whole thing.

Hasan Ali had played a leading role claiming 10 wickets to neutralise their batting handicaps.More was to come from him in the final.After game one , they had introduced the services of a diminutive make shift opener in Fakhar Zaman.He had been hovering around the domestic circuit for some time before landing himself a place in the PSL.Although lacking in much of a technique,there was no shortage of power as he hit 31 vs South Africa, 50 vs Lanka,57 vs England in his first three outings.He had left his best for last as he survived a caught behind on 3 on Jasprit Bumrah no ball. That cost India 111 more runs from him, as he piled 252 runs for the tourney.Fakhar scored 114,his maiden ton.

Moreover, the momentum changed that morning since that no ball dismissal. Azhar Ali who usually is more of a tentative accumulator albeit a measured 76 in the semi against England set the tone for Fakhar after taking the lead.He scored 57 in an opening of 128, a team best for the tournament, before crazily run out in mixup with the “Fauji”.Babar Azam started slow but accelerated to a 45.To everyone’s surprise Hafeez who was nearing a team expulsion for the umpteenth time,hit a brisk cameo of 56 as the Greenshirts launched into their top total batting first against India of 338.

Still there would have been few who have thought the vaunted Indian batting lineup would not make a match of it.Enter, Mohammad Amir. The villain of the past.A guy looking for penitance, a way to wash off cricketing sins. Such a cricketing purgatory for a Greenshirt can only be found in performing against the arch rival and to do it in the final…. Oh the cleansing couldn’t have been purer.His spell read 6-2-16-3 and those figures will now be etched in history at the Oval.He took Sharma off the ripper on the 3rd ball of the innings for nought.He then had Kohli in all sorts of problems, the drop of Azhar was redeemed on 5 with the very next ball swallowed by Shadab at point.The form batsman of the tourney, Shikhar Dhawan was the trifecta with a caught behind executed off a ball keeping straight for 21.Amir had the top three in the pavilion at just 33 with a “Wasimesque” like final spell.

Yuvraj hung around for 22 before trapped beautifully on Shadab’s DRS plea coming to aid. Dhoni didn’t last long after against the Golden Ball winner Hasan ” generator” Ali as did Kedhar against the leggie.Hardik Pandya has been a rising star for Team Blue via the Ipl and showed resistance with a quickfire 76 before tragically run out by Ravindra Jadeja.Junaid had the culprit dismissed not long after.Hasan cleaned up the tail for another 3 for and the innings was dusted in 30.3 overs for 158. It was a win of magnanimous proportions for Greenshirts , a whopping record between the two sides in ODIs of 180 runs.

But if numerically the win was registered as a historic, it was massive for other reasons.Ranked eighth and almost having missed out on qualifying for this tourney the odds were for an early exit. The Jokes were they finish on June 12 against Lanka and on June 13 they will be back at Lahore airport facing an angry mob. It couldn’t have been more contrasting.They now seal qualification for the 2019 world cup and more importantly have boosted their odds of hosting home cricket in close to a decade.Certainly the PSL which has now been recognised as a big factor in moulding this success. Fakhar claimed the man of the match, as Hasan took the man of the tourney award to add to the Golden Ball. Sarfraz Ahmad, the toast of all the nation,has now led his team to a success in his 1st major tourney attempt.He had skippered the junior side in 2006 against the same opposition to a world cup win as well.Richly deserved kudos resonated from his home of Buffer zone to all parts of the country soon after his arrival.

Could anyone have expected this ? Nope… It was a long shot but then that’s Greenshirts for you.It still feels after 4 weeks like a Midsummer day’s dream.The euphoria will still continue for long, I’m sure.

The Red Rooster

A year ago in the 3rd round at Roland Garros,Rafael Nadal withdrew due to a wrist injury against fellow countryman,Marcel Granollers.He missed Wimbledon alongside Roger Federer having most of the summer off until his appearance at the US open where he succumbed to a fourth round loss to Lucas Pouille.Many would have written off Rafa who now was 30 as the sun set in New York towards the end of the 2016 Grand slam season.He had failed to reach grand slam quarter final for the first time since 2004.

2017,however, became a different story. No more does he wear the long sleeveless shirts and capri shorts that became a trend last decade.Reaching the Aussie Open final as a ninth seed and playing a long fought five setter against Roger would never be forgotten.Despite leading with a break in final set, he had lost five straight games to lose the Norman Brookes trophy.However,it was his 3rd round encounter against Alexander “Sascha” Zverev,hailed as the new tennis sensation of the future,which set the ball rolling for his much more comprehensive run.

The procession didn’t end there.Indian Wells and Miami brought further “Fedal” encounters which the Swiss won on hard courts taking his winning streak to 4 against his old rival.Rafa now has been winless in Miami in 5 final’s attempts.He couldn’t have asked to have a better time to claim “Red Respite”.Coming in, he had won 9 times previously in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Paris. Even his favoured Real Madrid will have had to take a bow to that.

Monte Carlo became easier for him once he had dispatched Kyle Edmund early on. He breezed through the final against Albert Ramos Vinolas to claim the 10th trophy and pass Guillermo Vilas’s 49 clay court titles record.In Barcelona, he came across a novelty.The Real Club de Tennis had renamed Pista Rafa Nadal stadium in his honour. He didn’t disappoint and dominated Dominic Thiem in the final claiming his 51st clay court crown.

The theme of “Thiem” enocunters didn’t end there.He played him again in the final of Madrid Open which despite being close to losing the first set,prevailed again in straight sets.Thus,came Rafa ‘s 30th Masters title tying his long time rival Novak Djokovic’s record. He seemed unstoppable on clay now.Thiem however got one back on Rafa ending his 17 match win streak on the Foro Italico in Rome in the quarters.The tourney was eventually won by Sascha Zverev. Paris was next in line for no.10.

Rafa breezed through almost each round.Robin Hasse could count himself lucky.In the second round took eight games off Rafa which was the most in the whole tourney anyone managed against the spaniard.The following round, he just lost one. Nadal played on different planet losing just seven games to Thiem in the semi.The term ” thrashed ” would be an understatement.The 2015 Roland Garros champion ,Stan Wawrinka who had won earlier against Andy Murray in fifth set battle was supposed to be a test at least. It didn’t.The US Open champ was caned with just six games before the traditional ” Rafa’s fall of victory “on the red surface in astonishment would occur. Overall,he had lost just 35 games at Roland Garros this year,his best show so far in his 13th French Open appearance,ten of which have been titles.He has only lost 2 matches in Paris ever.

The intensity of his strokes hit another level on clay. Whilst many struggle to adapt on the surface,Rafa would just not make errors on the surface and line passing shots to all sides,all day long.As is ever exhibited, he counters a huge punch using muscular build though how long will he sustain in a long season this is open to question.

If the European clay court season was evidence of Nadal’s resurgence on the ATP tour, then Roland Garros was no short of being the coronation.Andy Roddick had previously said that Rafa would win “eight french opens”.Rafa went for the ultimate in tennis, a grand slam “La Decima” in a calendar season where he has three now on the same surface. Can it be ever equalled ? Can anyone ever close to it ? Many in the tennis world resoundingly say not.

Whether it is the best ever sporting achievement is up for debate.For now the basking clay of Roland Garros in Paris is home to a 15th Grand Slam to a legend of tennis who has passed another legend in Pete Sampras.A historic 2017 rolls on.

PSL2 : Ab Khel Jamay Ga !

Midnight. March 5, 2017.Liberty Roundabout,Gulberg. Known as one of the benchmarks of the city, it forms the arterial route to Abdul Hafeez Kardar Way which is essentially the sports complex of the city that is the Headquarters of national cricket nowadays.The floodlights of Gaddafi have finally been illuminated and with it,the lives of many who chose to visit even in the wee hours for a glimpse of where the action would take place the following evening.

Its not uncommon to have a weekend ride to this areas its one of the hubs of activity.Tonight its decorated especially for the main event, as Gaddafi hosts a major final after 21 years. Simply unthinkable if one was there in February over the events that took place and its been six years since the tragic Lankan team attack incident took place.

The second season of PSL largely played out in the gulf to rising expatriate numbers from the previous year had the same five teams competing and despite the closeness in preliminary rounds, the same four made it to the final playoff spots. Along the way there was much interest generated as the matches were closer.From Eion Morgan and Riley Rossouw igniting the fire early on for Zalmi and Gladiators the two form teams of the tourney to the epic chases made by Kieran Pollard and Kevin Pieterson against Lahore Qalandars, it was wild ride that had many glued to their sets from early on.

Lahore despite being the venue of the final, didn’t have the best of rides again this year as their bowling was exposed on a number of occasions and the so called talent hunt of the past year didn’t materialise into winning points.Memo to Aaqib Javed -who is this Ehtesham Sultan ? Karachi Kings were able to improve on their earlier losses by beating Islamabad United in a crunch sequence of games that guided them to within a game of the final.They had eliminated them in their first eliminator.

Dwayne Smith and Rumman Raees led the way for the defending champions skippered again by Misbah ul Haq. Though Shadab Khan was one of the stars of the tourney with his spin for them, in the end they came up a notch less twice to Kings within a matter of days to lose momentum. Usama Mir emerged as a star for the Karachi side who also held the maroon cap with Sohail Khan and skippered by Kumar Sangakarra who left Quetta only to become more handier with his glove work more than his bat for a change in this PSL.Another Karachi recruit Chris Gayle was largely an afterthought as runs dried up well for them up top.

Quetta throughout the tourney had banked on spinners ,foreign talent in Rossouw and Kevin Pieterson as well as a welcome return to form of the local boy Ahmad Shahzad. Srafraz Ahmad had moulded a good side again and they were rampant in their tenure during the preliminary wins narrowly missing top place on net run rate to Zalmi in a final game loss.

Peshawar Zalmi led by Darren Sammy this year were boosted by an opening pair who had ended up scoring more than 500 runs between them, Kamran Akmal and Dawid Malan. Zalmi topped the standings with a close final day chase over Quetta, however the latter scored a nerve wracking win in the qualifier by a solitary run.On that occasion Muhammad Nawaz the rising star of last year capped an incredible final over to deny Zalmi an inevitable win chasing 201. He took 3 wickets in the last 3 balls.Kamran Akmal led the way with 353 runs as his recent domestic scores headlined huge powerplay starts. He ended with the Green Cap for scoring the most runs in PSL 2. His 100 in the clutch eliminator against Kings pushed Peshawar back into the final,where they would play last year’s finalists Quetta.

The final took us to the mainland despite much debate of holding it there and it was evident after Quetta’s win as their foreign contingent was adamant not to attend. Zalmi though proved otherwise having committed to playing Lahore as a unit under Darren Sammy and that factor rubbed more on the final as Gladiators hassled to get backups.

Unlike the gulf playoffs, which were high on entertainment with the closeness of matches , the final was much more about bringing cricket back home.It was like the city had a makeover.As the media frenzy increased following arrival of the foreign players, Zalmi appeared quite strong despite losing Shahid Afridi to a hand injury which endured him a rest from the final.As expected it was a full house. Viv had made the journey to a rousing Gaddafi lap of honour again with Quetta bringing back memories of the 1980’s.The 2 W’s enclosures were opened in the refurbished arena.

Zalmi had the most fans in all of PSL2 and it was telling in the final as well.Kamran Akmal and Dawid Malan got off to a good start but a collapse in the middle led to Zalmi struggling with 6/112 in the 17th over.Darren Sammy led effectively as a Zalmi cheerleader to the chief hitter scoring 28 crucial runs in heloing onto 148 score which is just par considering teams chasing second had been flying high.Quetta’s start with replacements was their worst with Ahmad Shahzad perishing early. Skipper Sarfraz made 22 but his wicket, 4th down at 29 was a killer blow.Young Muhammad Asghar rose to the occasion taking 3/16 in the final picking up Sean Ervine and Muhammad Nawaz in consecutive balls after sean had looked in good knick was with 24. The rest were cleaned up fairly easily with Wahab Riaz whose tally of 15 made him the second highest wicket taker. Quetta managed only 90, their worst score in this year’s tourney. Overall the final was an anti climax with so many by lines circulating.Cricket had triumphed for a change, though.

Zalmi much to the jubilation of the fans were crowned new champions.Darren Sammy had become the toast of Lahore and a hero in Pakistan for the night amongst high security and a packed Gaddafi.PSL finally came home to the people amongst its pomp atmosphere and the 70’s like crooned anthem of Ali Zafar.Yes, Ali….The people in the streets have truly arrived.The whistles have started,the stage is set and clapping resumes with the game hitting its prime where we left it all those years back.

The Comeback Slam

A new year always brings a new beginning to a certain variety of sports on the calendar and tennis is a prime example.With the new 2017 season bringing the world out of the indoor arenas of Europe back into the humidified outdoor circuits of the Antipodes,there occurs a familiar sight of the court surface being changed into blue Plexicushion Prestige. The tune up tourneys synchronise in the build up to the Melbourne Park surface wise in what is projected as the ideal weather conditions of the Australian summer.Or that is if you classify Melbourne’s weather as such considering its closest in its fluctuations to a city in a UK summer.

Nevertheless,it can be extremely heat at times with the heat peaking at various points in the fortnight resulting in player withdrawals.The Norman Brookes and Daphne Akhurst trophies are possessions that the heat has to be overcome for the 256 players in the main draw.For some like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, both no 2 seeds in this year’s tournament,it sounded like a cakewalk for both having won it six times each.While that could be said for the 22 slam champions Serena who breezed through most of the tourney to take a sixth Aussie open, it wasn’t the course that the Serbian took.

Little did Novak know what was to happen on the opening Thursday when he went crashing out in five sets to Dennis Istomin.Not much later after and the 2 seed Andy Murray in the 4th round went down to the Mischa Zverev.These two results left the draw open for some former champions to comeback. Some is probably a euphemism enough to describe the talents of a duo who has taken 31 Grand slams between them.Roger and Rafa as always didn’t disappoint.

Whether it was Kei Nishikori,Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils , Grigor Dmitrov or both Zverev brothers, they managed to put their best game to once again compete in a historic final in Melbourne.And what a final it was. Both coming back form long layoffs, both no longer seeded in the top five …. it didn’t matter. Strokes after strokes and forehand after forehand the two engaged in a sort of a battle worthy of the Norman Brooke trophy.Federer raced to one set and then 2-1 lead only for Rafa to claw back in sets 2 and 4. Despite both now ageing some impressive forehand winners were witnessed especially from Roger.

The match had many points to ponder , the winners of Roger were matched by his unforced errors but the final set rally was something of the old Roger to witness.Nadal rallied to take the initial break in final set for only for Roger to have one more break in him at 2-3 and then took the decisive lead breaking Nadal once more to take 5-3 lead only to hold for an amazing 18th grand slam title.

What was special about the Australian Open? The obvious answer would be Roger ‘s win after a lengthy layoff. Some will say Serena as well winning a historic 23rd singles slam or Rafa getting all the way to another Aussie open final in his comeback.Roger and Rafa playing the final is no less reason of what can be described as a brilliant final.The 1980 Wimbledon final between Borg /McEnroe has always stood as great benchmark.Towards the end of that decade the Becker/ Edberg Wimbledon rivalry and then the many Sampras / Agassi finals in the 1990s and early 00’s were also significant.In recent times Murray and Djokovic stood out as the slam rivalry albeit Djokovic had a comfortable advantage in those matchups mostly.

Rafa and Roger have engaged in many a slam final in the previous decade and to see them again in the Aussie Open is no surprise considering they played in 2012 and 2014.But to have them in a grand slam final,the first in six years has truly put nostalgia to light and despite the ageing bodies this will always remain as the storied rivalry of all time in tennis and possibly the greatest.

Roger who many dismissed years back in the 2013 season as an “also ran” and “past his prime” has done what millions wanted all along.The passion was always there and his skills were exquisite as ever.He played an awesome tourney and there could have been a no bigger draw in tennis in the fortnight in the lights of Melbourne than him.The resting body did well to pounce and pounce early he did.The”Happy Slam” has provided much joy with a legendary final! Now that is what is called a Comeback.

Houston, We don’t have a problem !

You sort of think in the season following retirements of Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and the great Kobe Bryant, NBA wont be the same. How can it be,after all they will be part of NBA hall of fame eventually leaving behind a great legacy in their own ways.A part of me had no stimulation in watching what would happen opening night on October 25.Even if it did involve San Antonio Spurs playing Golden State Warriors in which Kwahi Leonard would score big. NBA wont be the same … or so it seemed like that in the end of October.

Come December 25, things took a different outlook.The NBA launched itself with marquee matches.It feels similar to a Boxing day line up in football here in UK or the Divisional weekend in NFL only in that its a regular season fixture list on a big holiday.Unlike NHL, there isn’t a mini break. Defending champions Cavaliers and the finalists Golden State Warriors wet the appetite impressively with a show piece afternoon game in Cleveland and whilst the Lakers fascinated many with win over the local rivals Clippers later on at Staples centre, one couldn’t avoid finding out the statistics of a certain Californian point guard from Long Beach who has taken the league by storm.

Russell Westbrook has knocked in 17 triple doubles this season in no time. He once shared the stage with Kevin Durant and James Harden in the Oklahoma city Thunder team which reached the NBA finals in 2014.With Durant in Golden state and Harden in Houston,Russell has become the brand for Thunder.He has totally dominated the boards and assists alongside his shooting percentage which has not been capped at all by any defence so far.He is in a world of his own which is “Westbrook’s World “.

His previous colleague James Harden is another who is thriving in a team that is rocked around him and quite appropriately named the ” Rockets”.James has spurred Houston onto a huge platform this year, recording 11 triple double to date.A 31-9 team record with a 9 game win streak as we approach the half way point of this transitional regular season put them 2nd overall in the league.He has support on the front court with Trevor Ariza and the way he managed to lift the team in a comeback win against Charlotte spells that he is ready to for duel with Westbrook.Whilst Oklahama City might not have that potent a two pronged threat post Durant, Houston have certain stride in the way they are approaching this first half.The MVP race is on and Houston does not have a problem with that.

These two Californians have taken the first half of the NBA season by storm and also into a much more enthused setup.Oscar Robertson’s 55 year old mark of 41 triple doubles might be a parameter to chase.Whereas NFL playoffs would normally dictate January sporting schedules and interests in North America, NBA hasn’t been in total isolation.Warriors, Cavs, Spurs and Raptors continue their perennial expertise racking up the number of W’s. and their match ups do ignite week day match ups if not weekend action. Atlanta Hawks have been trying to join the select band of team jumped into this bandwagon this season. Thabo Sefolasha another team mate of Harden,Westbrook and Durant in that Thunder team of 2014 is the back court force of the club which has acquired home grown Dwight Howard this year from Houston and the results seem to be showing for now.Only time will tell whether they can materialise into a consistent threat.

LeBron James’ numbers don’t seem to be as exciting so far but his peak is yet to be discovered for the season.His real threat will be in the bigger games and in the playoffs and having found some one like Kyrie Irving who was part of the gold medal winning Olympic squad of Rio, will only alleviate any fears that Cavs can’t repeat. Kyrie is an exceptional talent,a 3 time NBA all star and MVP of the all start game in 2014 before Russell took over.

So if you were thinking The Final Four has to take place in Phoenix before some one really starts taking an interest in the NBA,think again.Its been a pretty interesting beginning to the year that now promises a heated MVP race as well as some strong challenges to Cav’s defence.Russell and James are proving that it will be season to watch after all.

A Boxing Day Spectacle

December 26 is long revered for a day in respite following the heavy Turkey meals and also for the massive shopping expeditions as sales begin.For many millions who have to forego these celebrations are the countless sporting features on offer.Whilst traditionally the cricketing tests in Australia and New Zealand get the day rolling or if one is in UK, get the night starting.South Africa joins in the early morning.Usually it takes another five hours before the first football game on the schedule kicks off here on what is known as arguably ” the beginning of the second season” or as I call it the “real” season.

It can’t be any bigger.The crowds flocking all over the kingdom to various games which allow most to wrap up their early morning sales in time for kick off at 3 pm.This year Crystal Palace fans had to leave those commercial arrangements as well as make do with a new manager in Sam Allardyce following Allan Pardew sacking.It was a 1230 pm kickoff.They would rue Christian Benteke’s penalty miss though at Watford who scored through Troy Deeney’s late spot kick himself to leave them at 1-1.

Gunners head into Boxing day usually exhausted and ready to crumble like an apple pie would on their strong early season starts.Two losses away at northern territories known better as Goodison Park and Etihad stadium had left them wrangling from a position where they were top in early December.A last minute Giroud strike saved further blushes against West Brom.Leicester are the defending champions but in the league they are a shadow of a team they were coming into last Boxing Day.Similar to their loss to Liverpool on last year’s Boxing day fixture, they fell to the Reds’ arch rivals Everton at home.Such a defeat in April was hardly imaginable.

Burnley’s premiere striker Andre Gray guided them to a valuable three points at Turf Moor against Boro.West Ham’s revival in December continued with a third win in a row, this time against second from bottom Swansea in Wales who had the unpleasant decision to take sacking their second coach of this season, Bob Bradley.Fellow strugglers Hull didn’t fare much better in the late kickoff game at KC stadium as Manchester City flew past them in the second half, knocking in three unanswered goals.Yahya Toure is on a resurgence.

Leaders Chelsea seem unstoppable at the moment.12 wins on the trot.What a difference a year makes. Conte is in charge.Kante is in midfield.Hazard, Costa and that Italian style defence could do no wrong.Between them they have scored 22 and allowed only 11,by far the best defensive record in the league.With no European distractions and only FA cup to deal with, things couldn’t have been more close to comfort as they were two seasons ago.

Their coach then was Jose Mourinho which brings us to the eighth game on the slate and the one that took me across the M67 and onto the famous streets of Stretford en route to the much revered “Theatre of Dreams”.The atmosphere couldn’t have been more carnival though at Old Trafford and as the biggest attendance for that day anywhere in UK at 75,000 plus marched through Sir Matt Busby Way.They stood up for a standing ovation across all the stands as the teams entered and left.The passion still ever vibrant.

Jose is not having a great 2016 so far with already two suspensions served before Boxing day.That’s even novel by Jose’s standards, not to mention Manchester United ones.Having said that he finds himself in the middle of a revival of sorts.Manchester United after humbling draws with Stoke, Liverpool,Burnley,West Ham,Gunners and Everton have found a three match win streak to their liking.Not to mention,reaching the next round of Europa league as well as semi finals of the EFL cup,they have already congested their fixture list for the first two months of 2017.

Needless to say,their European aspirations lie mostly with league success.The match against Sunderland was always going to be in their grasp but they did have to wait until the 40th minute for Blind to open the scoring.Ibrahimovic totally dominated the second half with a lovely assist from Martial setting up the second and minutes later assisted the form midfielder of the moment,Henrikh Mkhitaryan into a “wonderstrike” of a back heel goal. “Match of the Day” was all over him and so was the crowd.Zlatan has 12 goals in the league now,second only to Costa.It meant a fourth straight win for the hosts, who still are sixth in the league.

It’s been one of those years when eight games were on the schedule rather than the full ten. Liverpool and Spurs completed the win sequence for the top six.But the busy season had just begun as teams will continue to play in the icy cold conditions twice more in the league before the FA Cup kicks off.Those heavy meals of Christmas will long be digested by then.

Bastian Schweinsteiger of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven on November 25, 2015 at Old Trafford in Manchester, England(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)

Cricket in Pink

6800 miles apart, two cities couldn’t be as contrasting as Brisbane and Karachi.One being the bustling metropolis and business hub of a nation struggling to envisage international cricket on its turf for the last seven years, whilst the other an architectural wonderland set amidst the Brisbane river.Whilst they differ in their background and culture,both cities do stage a passion for cricket and house fortresses of tests for their respective nations. Greenshirts have lost only twice at the National Stadium while the Gabba has seen the Kangaroos being unbeaten in the last 28 years. There’s also another aspect the two stadiums shared in the last week which was the hosting of day night cricket in the longer format with a pink ball.

WAPDA playing Habib Bank in a domestic day night final known as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in Karachi and Greenshirts taking on Aussies in Brisbane suburb of Woollongabba which means literally a “fight talk place”.There was irony in the fact the opening day of the final was dominated by Mohammad Asif’s right arm swing bowling taking 4 wickets. WAPDA being skippered by Salman Butt and Asif have recently returned to the domestic circuit following extensive bans served in the match fixing saga. And in Down Under , their younger counterpart who was part of the infamous trio Mohammad Amir was picking the pink ball up early to superb line and length and taking the crucial wicket of David Warner.

One of the main features of introducing the day night aspect has been the poor crowds in test format in majority of the cricketing nations.Whilst in Australia it has worked as a treat to boost the crowds firstly in Adelaide and now with Gabba following suit, sadly,in a domestic final back home, even the lights failed to attract the local fans with a handful attending each evening. What was more abysmal was lack of the basic needs for players especially in the post-Phil Hughes era when helmets are a necessity . There wasn’t an ambulance to take the injured to the hospital even. Nevertheless, on batting rich conditions ,WAPDA courtesy of their skipper’s twin tons ( 125 and 104*) facing and scoring the bulk of the deliveries went on to hold in adversity.Imam ul Haq, Inzie’s nephew scored a superb 200 in the second innings and tons from Fakhar Imam and Ahmad Shahzad took Habib bank to a mammoth total of 485.The controversial 1st innings rule applied and Salman and co would hang on on the final day batting it out to take the trophy.

Gabba saw Steve Smith’s first ton versus Greenshirt opposition and his 16th overall on day one and the lack of that body language was evident in the first and last hours of that day. Pakistan never have won a test at this partisan venue which had a pool erected in a section in place of seats to promote the fun. Aussies pounded on the score as missed chances by the keeper Sarfraz and then Amir proved costly.The hosts ‘s 429 included Peter Handscombe’s maiden ton and a last wicket stand of 49.

The visitors reply was poor as they lost a clatter of wickets in the night session reducing at one stage to 67/8 before Sarfraz with a 59 and Amir with a 21 restored some sanity into a score of 142. The quicks led by Mitchell Starc were on song and exploited the bounce well on a bouncy track.Aussies quickly batted a second time and accumulated 202 for five declaring. Usman Khawaja led with 74 and the skipper second time around made 63.

Facing the arduous task of 490,Greenshirts had ended on 70/2 on day 3 but it was late surge on evening no 4 on lights which attracted particular attention. Azhar’s 71 and Younis Khan on a poor reverse sweep dismissal had made 65.When Amir came to bat,the score was 220/6 and Aussies seem destined to end the night early. However he staved off a charge from Starc,Bird and Hazelwood in a quick fire 48 to provide huge support to Asad Shafiq who broke loose after getting in.His century, the first by a Greenshirt in the “Lucky Country” since Hobart 2010, was a gutsy knock , filled with classic square drives, hooks and cover strokes.Wahab added a valuable 30 and at 378 for seven, they were 112 adrift causing jitters in the home camp.The next day , it went even closer with only 41 left before Asad,who was adjudged man of the match for his fine 137 bounced off to Starc.Yasir was run out by Smith in slips and Aussies breathed a sigh of relief with their Gabba record intact and completed victory by 39 runs.The day nighter ended in the day for a change but what a test it proved to be.A memorable one !

The lights look here to stay whether the conditions are batting friendly or bowling conducive as both sides were witnessed at the Gabba.Australia already has hosted a test thrice.Kiwis also look interested in hosting one in the future.With a test in line for the next English summer versus West Indies and a possible Ashes one in Australia for next winter ‘s duel, it seems that Pink ball cricket has set a precedent.And whether its the “City of Lights” or “Brissie”, it will add colour indeed.

A New Numero Uno !

Paris in early June.The sun was shining on Novak Djokovic, who had just completed his career grand slam winning the one trophy missing from his illustrious cabinet, the Musketeers trophy at the French Open. The vanquished,who sat mopping his sweat for the second slam in a row was Andy Murray.Few would have predicted at that point how the second half of the season would unravel.The odds of a “ calendar grand slam “ and record number of grand slam singles were being made and discussed.For Andy though,the season had just started.He had beaten the world number 1 in the Italian Open final a few weeks earlier for his first title of the year. Just preceding the start of the grass season, he had reunited with Ivan Lendl, who he had experienced success with in the past leading up to his 2013 Wimbledon crown.Why Lendl came back to engage in a busy schedule of Team Murray is a wonder as he had left Andy for similar issues in the past. Maybe he missed the tour too much.

His wins in the Queens and Wimbledon at the turn of the grass court season led the revival.On both occasions he had defeated Milos Raonic, the up and coming Canadian, convincingly.In a year where including Raonic, many had overlooked playing in Rio Olympics for various reasons,Murray was out to flirt with history.He made the trip to South America and defended his gold medal in a hectic but thrilling display which culminated in a four set win again Juan Martin Del Potro who was on a comeback trail. He became the only player to have won back to back gold in successive Olympics.

His work didn’t stop then.Almost as soon as Rio ended ,even before the closing ceremony, he was on a flight north in excess of 5,000 miles to continue his hardcourt tuneup at the masters event in Cincinnati,Ohio. It was a tough follow up act and he lost in the final in straight sets to Marin Cilic.The fight for the us open crown also ended eventually in a five set thriller to Kei Nishikori in the quarters. By the time he had reached Beijing in early October,his Davis cup defence for Great Britain was also over courtesy of a five set thriller with Del Potro.

The season still had a lot to offer.He began his streak on non stop wins from the indoor courts of the China Open.He rolled in ten straight sets wins in China as he took the Shanghai Masters alongside Beijing in style.He capped off a perfect October with a win in Vienna as he chased the world no 1 ranking which many said is unattainable.

In Paris as the final Masters event of the event got underway, Novak had an appalling time with injury and results in the autumn.His only tournament since the Flushing meadows final defeat to Stan Wawrinka was a semi final loss in Shanghai. He had to reach the final to retain the ranking.The quest for that ended with a quarters loss to Marin Cilic.He had obviously lost a lot of form in the running. A rejuvenated Murray took the Masters title in some ease and with that the World No 1 ranking.

The Tour finals awaited in 02 arena,London.Back in home territory,Murray with the no 1 ranking behind his back was on Cloud no 9. He made into a tourney no 9 of the year by defeating Novak in the final with ease.That was after what could only be said as one of the best non grand slam semi finals of the year between Milos and Andy which was played with jaw dropping passes and strokes of the highest quality.

So a 2016 in what had begun with Novak’s complete annihilation ends with a 25 match winning streak, a first world no 1 ranking as well as Tour finals win. In all, he played a brutal 87 matches with a 78-9 record.The stamina and work ethic is at its peak. Many would now believe his resolve and the determination to challenge Djokovic particularly in best of five sets grand slam tourneys.Winning more grand slams is the next aim beginning with Novak’s back yard in Melbourne in January.For now though, he can cherish a bit of rest and a well earned break !

The King in the North !

13 December 2012.The 4th and Final test at Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur.England occupying the lead in the Anthony De Mello Trophy ,2-1. Instead of Sambit Patel as a no 6,the visitors allow a 21 year old to take the test cap.A brave decision by Cook that paves off.For Joseph Edward Root , the opportunity and timing couldn’t be more surreal.He did not disappoint.Facing the spin quartet of Ravichandran Ashwin ,Pragyan Ojha, Ravindra Jadeja and Piyush Chawla, he occupies nearly seven hours at the crease and with a dogged 229 ball 73 between the first two days.He would not give his wicket away. On Day 5 when stumps were drawn he was still there in the second innings at 20.England went on to draw the test and produce a win in what is arguably the most difficult place to win a series for the first time in 18 years.The rest as they say history.

Its hard to imagine since that series how Joe would not have been in the first team. He was consistent to say the least in the following one day series.He had a lean tour versus the Kiwis to follow up but his maiden ton followed at his home ground of Headingley against the Kiwis during the early course of the summer of 2013.The real test was to be measured in the Ashes of 2013 where his 180 at Lord’s was of a signature impact in England’s domination in the 1st of two Ashes series that year.However,in Australia,the same spark was more often missing and he managed only 87 at Adelaide in an innings of any note in that embarrassing winter down under.Johnson and co. had the better of him.

Nevertheless,he came back. The following summer a double century at Lord’s and two tons versus the touring Indians resurrected him.He had a second ODI ton that year at Headingley in September.England ‘s world cup preparations took a leap of faith with the hastily arranged Lankan series in December. Although Joe had a productive time in Sri Lanka, as well as scoring a century against them in the World Cup at Wellington,Poms didn’t seem to benefit much. They crashed out in a poor showing again in Australia.

If ever there was a series that depended on his wicket so much it was to be reflected in the following Ashes of 2015.England were reeling at 3 down on the opening morning in Cardiff when Haddin spooned Root’s catch in what was a costly miss.Joe brought up a century that day and England controlled the test from then on as they did the series.His Nottingham ton later in the test famous for Broad’s 8 for,turned out to be the icing on reclaiming the Ashes.

Though he plays spin very well, he couldnt take England to a win in the Abu Dhabi versus the Greenshirts last autumn.He fell 25 short of the target when Pakistan skittled in their second innings having supported Cookie in his massive 263 with an 85 as England took the 1st innings lead.His timely fities in the susbequent one dayers did ensure though England took the advantage 3-1.

By this time, England had fixated Joe Root as their premier batsman in all formats.Enter South Africa and it was only going to get better as he notched up a fifty plus score in each of the four tests as well as two more one day tons.The 2016 T20 world cup in India was no different as on the placid tracks, he was by far the best England batsman.The winning 83 in the chase against Proteas in Mumbai was a reminder of his all format skills.In the final as England struggled initially he buckled back and launched a 54 at Eden Gardens to set up some sort of a total.He ended the tourney with 249 runs, 3rd on the scoring list.

The current summer has been no different,although early on he did struggle against Sri Lanka.Though Yasir Shah got the better of him at Lord’s twice, he came roaring back with a career best 254 at Old Trafford.Lancastrians reserved the loudest cheers for a Yorkshireman.Oh what a sight.He ended the series topping the run scorers with 512 at a huge average of 73.Continuing his rich vain of form, he has posted five straight fifties to date.Headingley awaits a coronation.Few could doubt his all format prowess. Arguably, he has to be the No 1 if it there was a unified all format ranking.I’m sure my Protean and Indian colleagues will disagree. As the cycle of tests brings him back to India,his matchup with Virat Kohli will surely become a highlight of the autumn.

So what is it about Joe that makes him click around the world. He might not have a distinct cavalier style as Vivian Richards or a Ricky Ponting but he does the job effectively. Concentrating all the time and staying focused, he gets job done in singles and twos until waiting for the bad ball.There is no rocket science but then in cricket to be successful simple things need to be executed.That he does very well.He made the grade from being successful right from collegiate level to the academy level of the county until he was chosen for the Yorkshire excelling for both second and first elevens.His wicket always prices the most when you look back at the card. Whether its playing for Yorkshire or England, he seldom disappoints.A true asset.

A lovable character in the dressing room, Joe always chips in with the work. A useful slips man,he can put in a decent few overs with the ball as well whenever needed.There is no vanity in his art and he does it all with a sense of pride for the team.Few will disagree he is in line for the future captaincy of the team whenever Cookie calls it a day He will deserve that.His battles are sure to continue.For all you Jon Snow fans around the globe, Joe is equally majestic as all of England now chants to him as “The King in the North”.

Olympics Diary: Part 2 – Lightning Bolts Rio !

The North Western Parish of Trelawny was founded in 1770 in the Caribbean state of Jamaica and has been famous for something humans hold really dear and a valuable commodity- Sugar. Home to many sugar estates and mills, it has been thriving part of the island. That is not only the commodity Trelawny is famous for.Nearly a quarter of millenium later, the residents of this fertile land were on cloud nine during the warm August nights rejoicing on the sweet rewards of Olympic glory.For Trelawny’s famous son celebrated the unmatchable “triple triple ” on the track of Rio. Lightning had truly hit Rio in the form of Usain Bolt.

Majestic as it sounds, the 11 time world champion overcame obstacles he has never been accustomed to in his career. There were critics who doubted if he will be able to achieve the incredible feat of three consecutive golds in three different disciplines. The fastest man in the world became the biggest star thrashing the competition in 100 metres first in a time of 9.81 seconds , somewhat slow by his standards.He recaptured the limelight a few night s later with 19.78 in the 200 metres.It wasn’t over yet. On the penultimate night on the track , he helped Jamaica to their third straight gold in the relay anchoring the star quartet of Nickel Ashmeade, Asafa Powell and Yohan Blake to a season’s best of 37.27.Bolt became an Olympic legend. Gold wouldn’t have tasted this sweet for him as he took the bite of the medal.

Usain’s sprint counterparts did Jamaica proud as well. Omar McLeod took the 110 metre hurdles whilst Elaine Thompson became the sprint queen of Olympics.Like Usain,she secured the sprint double of 100 and 200 metres.Jamaica ended with six golds in its tally of 11 medals,all on the track.Moments before Usain’s 100 metre run the shock of the track came in the 400 metres, where Wayde Van Niekerk obliterated the world and olympics record in a 43.03 run.His countryfellow Semanya Caster took the 800 metre tilte.

David Rudisha retained his 800 metre title and led the Kenyan gold rush on the track.The women had success in the 800, 1500 and 3,000 metre steeple chase as well as the Marathon. Elluid Kipchoge took the coveted final day Marathon in a canter.They finished with good haul of 13 medals.

Team USA, often known for track riches found the field equally productive. Both sets of long jump and shot put golds were won in addition to Christian Taylor ‘s triple jump win.Adam Eaton retained his decathlon gold.On the track ,the women took the 100 and 400 metres hurdles courtesy Brianna Rollins and Dalillah Muhammad whilst the relay teams swept both the 400 metres.It was an interesting 100 metre relay after their women initially lost the baton in heats then had the opportunity to participate in a solo standoff for qualification.Buoyed by the circumstances, the quartet of English Gardner, Tianna Bartoletta, Alyson Felix and Morolake Akinosun gave no second chances.

Four years ago in London, the loudest cheers on the track were reserved for Mo Farah for his 5 and 10k wins.So, it was unsurprising in Rio when the whole of Brazil was lit up by Thiago Braz Da Silva in the pole vault and he leapt over the bar for the famous gold.As for Farah, he orchestrated a perfect “double double” again leading the field despite a fall in the He can hang a gold in each of his children now as he becomes the most successful Brit athlete.His win was ever more exciting as it took Team GB to overtake its 65 medal haul of London and one ahead of China overall in golds.British women took bronzes in both relays and Jessica Ennis Hill defending her heptathlon from London came in second to the 22 year old Belgian Nafissatou Thiam.

Away from the track in week two, there were other notable performances. Russia despite handicapped in the track and field was victorius in rhythmic gymnastics synchronised and four fencing golds alongside the women’s handball. They ended with nineteen golds in a haul of 56 medals.Germany with its canoeing prowess grabbed four golds in the sport but Thomas Rohler’s javelin and Christoph’s Harting discus golds would surely be the pride of Deutschland as they concluded with seventeen golds.

Whilst German women also captured gold in football ,their men faced the test of fate. History was to be made in the Maracana as finally the two most successful footballing nations but devoid of Olympic Gold matched up.Brazil and Germany. Neymar who had given up the chance to play in Copa America earlier in the year took the honours sealing the winning kick in the shootout. Brazil had no end to joy of their seventh and final gold !

Their neighbours and fierce sporting rivals Argentina matched novelty with Men’s hockey success beating Belgium and Maddie Hinch led Team GB to a huge upset again in a topsy turvy shootout win over the world and defending champions Netherlands as the Dutch were left in tears for the second successive year.To cap the team sports, the final event of Olympics brought gold once again to the undefeated Team USA.Kevin Durant, Paul George, De Andre Jordan might not be Bird, Jordan and Johnson of Barcelona but were top notch in the crushing win over Serbia. Team USA ended with 46 golds in an impressive tally of 121 medals,head and shoulders above the rest.

So Rio ended with showers from the heaven, athletes dancing and the Rio carnival performers enriching its already superlative festival status. “Super Mario ” PM Shinzo Abe of Japan stole the show with his appearance as formally the Governor of Tokyo inherited the Olympic flag.The sixteen days of sporting overdrive had come to pomp end. The torch was extinguished.Tokyo awaits in 2020.

A city known for its resplendent sunshine and beaches, the Bolts of Lightning from the sugar sweetened fields of Trelawny will always be associated as a marker of success for these Olympics. Bem Feito Rio !

closing ceremony

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