Pakistan v South Africa, 2nd Test, Lahore, Oct 8-12

Younis Khan dropped.

tac wrote:A loss is a loss.

You're entitled to your opinion.

Harris bowls Akmal for 71.

SG wrote:

tac wrote:A loss is a loss.

You're entitled to your opinion.

It's not my opinion, it's cricketing commonsense. So you are happy to lose 1-0 and don't want your team to try and draw the series if it might mean going down 2-0?

As I said IMO a newbie captain like Shoaib Malik would take 0-1 loss over 0-2 loss in his debut series anyday.

Besides, there is a small matter of chasing down 457 to win, something which has never been achieved in test history, especially when your team has been dismissed for 206 in the first innings.

Both Younis and Yousuf looking very edgy.

SA bowling well.

SG wrote:As I said IMO a newbie captain like Shoaib Malik would take 0-1 loss over 0-2 loss in his debut series anyday.

Besides, there is a small matter of chasing down 457 to win, something which has never been achieved in test history, especially when your team has been dismissed for 206 in the first innings.

WIs chased down over 400 against the Aussies a couple of years back. If it can be done, today is as good as it gets.

SG wrote:Butt fined for criticizing umpires

http://content-www.cricinfo.com/pakvrsa/content/current/story/315077.html

Pakistan in not respecting umpires shocker?

14th test ton for Younis.

SG wrote:14th test ton for Younis.

So, should they go for it for 20 overs and see how they go? 2/200 on a flat track against tired bowlers . . .

tac wrote:

SG wrote:

tac wrote:Of course, they have to go for it . . . an absolute no-brainer. Is holding on for a draw but losing the series 1-0 of any value at all?

A 0-1 loss is always better than a 0-2 loss, especially for a captain in his debut series.

Nonsense. A loss is a loss. Only a fool would not risk the 2-0 loss in an effort to draw the series. Or is this a "cultural" difference?

I agree with tac - if Pak aren't going for the win from here the captain should be sacked.

They should try it for some overs, though its quite tough to score 250-odd in 2 sessions and that too on a 5th day pitch.

250 in 50 overs, Younis absolutely set, bowlers tired . . . FFS how good do you want it?

They require exactly 4.77 rpo to win this test.

Don't think Pak has too much batting to come after these 2. Misbah is still a newbie, Inzi, well don't think he'll be in too great frame of mind. Malik is the only reliable bat to follow.

SG wrote:Don't think Pak has too much batting to come after these 2. Misbah is still a newbie, Inzi, well don't think he'll be in too great frame of mind. Malik is the only reliable bat to follow.

Why have they been picked if they aren't up for the challenge?

Don't think Inzi would've been picked for this test, if he wasn't in such a striking distance to break Miandad's record for most test runs for Pak.

He hasn't played any cricket whatsoever since WC'07, not even FC cricket I believe.

As for Misbah, he may play well or may not play well today, but that doesn't change the fact that he is still a fresher in test cricket.

Pak now requires 235 runs @ 5.11 rpo to win this test and square this series.

SG wrote:Pak now requires 235 runs @ 5.11 rpo to win this test and square this series.

You must be on the edge of your seat, SG, the 'stanis could pull off a miracle . . .

I've already given my verdict for this test. It has draw (or may be a win for SA) written all over it.

SG wrote:I've already given my verdict for this test. It has draw (or may be a win for SA) written all over it.

I hope the Pakistani cricketers have a bit more heart than you, SG.

Cricket is not played on internet forums. Its played on a cricket field. Its good to show false bravado on these forums, but on the field scenario is entirely different.

There are far better judges in Pak team to weigh in their chances of whether to go for a win or not.

If however Pak goes on and win this test against all odds, well done to them. But IMO chances of that happening are still very slim.

SG wrote:Cricket is not played on internet forums. Its played on a cricket field. Its good to show false bravado on these forums, but on the field scenario is entirely different.

There are far better judges in Pak team to weigh in their chances of whether to go for a win or not.

Who's showing false bravado? Smith set Australia a gettable target in 2005/06 in order to try and draw the series. Australia got the runs and the Saffies lost 2-0, but Smith was roundly applauded by all for giving it a go. Any person would expect a team to try and win in the situation the 'stanis are in today. Sure, if they lose 2 or 3 quick wickets, shut up shop, but at least give it a go. You seem to want your team not to try?

I never suggested this, I think.