May 072013
 
Abbottabad training camp: Malik, Kamran shine in practice match


ABBOTABAD: Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal scored impressive half-centuries in a target practice match organised by the team management, as the national team continues to prepare for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy to be held in England. 

The coaches executed a single innings match in which the top batting line-up was set a target of 230 runs in 50 overs to achieve against its own bowling attack.

The upper-order, including Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat and Misbahul Haq, were sent packing soon without putting up any sizeable scores except for Nasir Jamshed, who managed 30 runs.

However, Malik (92) and Akmal (66) showed fine form, scoring free-flowing fifties as the team management decided to wrap up the innings at a score of 217 for seven in 47 overs. Junaid Khan picked up three wickets, while Wahab Riaz snapped a brace.

Meanwhile, the team management continued to sharpen the batting skills of the tail-enders as they held a net session for the bowlers after the match.

The players are expected to get light practice session today in what will be the last day of the training camp in Abbottabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2013.

Feb 222013
 
S.Africa bat first in final test, rocked by Kallis blow


PRETORIA: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and final test against Pakistan at Centurion on Friday, but the hosts were rocked by an injury to Jacques Kallis ahead of the match.

The veteran all-rounder injured his calf in an optional practice on Thursday and has been replaced by seam bowler Kyle Abbot, who makes his test debut.

The Proteas have made one other enforced change to their line-up, swing bowler Rory Kleinveldt coming in for the injured Morne Morkel. The 29-year-old will add to the batting strength down the order with Kallis leaving a big hole in the top four.

“We feel the pitch will take a bit of turn as the game goes on,” South Africa captain Graeme Smith said.

Pakistan have made three changes to their line-up with opener Nasir Jamshed, and seamers Umar Gul and Tanvir Ahmed being replaced by Imran Farhat, debutant fast bowler Ehsan Adil and Rahat Ali.

South Africa lead 2-0 in the three-match series.

Teams:

South Africa – Graeme Smith, Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Vernon Philander, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt

Pakistan – Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil

Get Adobe Flash player