NZ v Pak, T20 WC Semi-final, Cape Town, 22nd Sep

The One wrote:pakistan has kept their side of the bargain. up to us to ensure a desi final (and quite a turn-around from the last world cup)

*Buckaroo* wrote:I call BS, this match was fixed.

The NZ batting was horrible with silly run-outs. Now, their bowling is
equally horrible. Giving a lot of width for the pakstanis to score at
will and their famed fielding is not up to the mark. Add to that 007 reduced pace by half so that p***s could hit him easily. Sorry I don't buy this.

Drastic fantastic comes easy to Pakistan

Osman Samiuddin September 21, 2007


Misbah-ul-Haq, who has provided the sweetest, loudest retorts to those (including this writer) who criticised his selection, acknowledged as much after the win against Australia. He is doing well because it is very similar to something he has been doing most of his life, particularly during Ramadan, when tape-ball tournaments keep you up at night when you can eat and, conveniently, asleep during the day, when you can't. Much of Pakistan's team, if not all, have played in these tournaments regularly.

The number of overs isn't important; matches last from five to 25 overs. There are few rules but the basic ethos of these games, the hustle and the bustle of it, the short, sharp intensity of putting one over the boys from the next lane or mohalla because, well, that's just what men do, is something Twenty20 comes close to capturing.