ICCWT20: Blunders and Controversies hitting Pakistan, Sri Lanka skippers

By Hamad Hussain

KARACHI, Pakistan (TheSportsNEXT) October 4, 2012: As former World T20 champions Pakistan and title favorites Sri Lanka will fight for the place in the final of ICC World T20 2012 today, I want to bring my readers’ attention towards the controversies hitting captains of the two teams during their Super Eights matches.

The much-awaited match of the ICC World T20 2012 was played between arch-rivals Pakistan and India on Sunday September 30, 2012. The match which had created the hype and caught attention of billions of people proved nothing more than a drop-scene as India outclassed Pakistan in a one-sided encounter. Every cricket follower is well aware that Indian cricket team always prefers to chase totals as batting is their prime strength. But on that day, when billions of people were watching the two bitter neighbors clash in Sri Lanka, Pakistani skipper Mohammad Hafeez made a blunder of decision when he won the toss and decided to bat first which ultimately laid the foundation of Pakistan defeat.

The strange decision of Pakistani skipper shocked not only millions of Pakistani cricket lovers but also his teammates as well as the team management in Colombo as it was decided in the team meeting that Pakistan will bowl first after winning the toss to reduce Indian chances of victory.

So far, Mohammad Hafeez is yet to justify his decision of batting first against India as cricket lovers are still trying to understand the logic behind Hafeez’s strange decision.

On the other hand, Sri Lankan cricket team were entered in controversy in their last Super Eights match against England when they sent Kumar Sangakkara for the toss despite of the fact that both captain Mahela Jayawardene and vice captain Angelo Mathews were playing in the match but Sri Lankan team management decided to give captaincy to Kumar Sangakkara in the important match.

It raised eyebrows of many cricket followers as this may be sign of some revolt or dispute within the Sri Lankan team as Mahela got back the captaincy this year after he resigned from the post in 2009. Sri Lanka had Kumar Sangakkara as skipper after Mahela but defeat in final of ICC 2011 World Cup against India prompted him to leave the job. Dilshan was named skipper but Sri Lankan cricket team had a horrible time under him, so Mahela was reinstated as skipper of Sri Lanka but latest twist in the captaincy game against England has certainly something fishing.

The Sri Lankan team management has give stupid reason of over-rate penalty to skipper as they feel that if Sri Lankan skipper will be fined for slow over-rate, then Mahela or Mathews may have to be left out from the semi-final as both were penalized for slow over-rate in last one year. As per ICC rules, if skipper is penalized twice in a year for slow over-rate, then he will have to serve one-match suspension from match referee.

The question that arises here is that what Sri Lanka will do if they reach in the final of the tournament and their skipper will get penalized for slow over-rate?

The stupid decision may have something to do with the conflicts in the team which Sri Lankan team management is trying to hide.

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WT20: Pakistanis on the moon after India knocked out; Pakistan surge

By AM Khan

LAHORE, Pakistan (TheSportsNEXT) October 4, 2012: Pakistan cricket team victory brought a great excitement and new passion in Pakistani cricket lovers as they were very delighted and seemed hopeful for Pakistan team’s entry in semi-finals which will be finalized after India and South Africa match.

Talking to thesportsnext.com, a cricket enthusiast Talal Dar said: “As we had said before Pakistan team has bounced back and has given unbeaten Australian team its first defeat. Our spinners completely spinned them out and told everyone we have the world's best spin attack. We have made sure that we will qualify for World T20 semifinals for the fourth time and set a new world record.”

He added: “Shane Watson and David Warner's pair was by far the most destructive opening pair of the world but our best bowling pair of young Raza Hasan and spin maestro Saeed Ajmal got better of them. Watson had thrashed all the team's and won four man of the match awards but our 20-year-old trapped him easily to show world we are the most talented nation. We are hopeful that Pakistan team will not only qualify for semi-finals but also win the World T20 Trophy.”

Another cricket crazy Farah said: “I am very delighted because of Pakistan team triumph over World T20’s best team Australia and hoping that Pakistan will make it in the mega event semi-final. Our bowling was excellent, and the batting was also done with great responsibility which helped our team winning the big match of the big event. We have seen unique unity in our team today which is also another great factor in Pakistan team win. I wish my team best of luck.”

A sports lover Sameer Akhtar, while talking to thesportsnext.com said: “Australia are through to the semi-finals despite a big defeat. A big thumbs-up to Pakistan for the way they took them on in the field. They should be proud of this bowling effort after the disappointment against India. Pakistan played to their strength which is spin bowling and didn't bring on pace till the 18th over. By then, Australia's chase was already derailed, but 112 was within reach. That their middle order was tested shake off any complacency that may have set in. So it was a wonderful victory and must be appreciated and now our prayers and best wishes with the team which by the grace of Allah will deliver in semi-final.”

Expressing his views over Pakistan victory, excited Humaid Merchant said: “The Australian top order was the only obstacle in Pakistan's way to a berth in the semin-finals, and by making quick work of Watson and Warner, Pakistan made sure they were well on their way to this precious goal. The Paki spin team truly blasted on all cylinders and made sure that the total our batsmen had posted would be defended at costs. Credit should be given to Hussey for being a perennial thorn in our side but his batting talent should really be appreciated. The Pakistani team have given their nation and fans a reason to hope and we are proud of them for their thumping win over the Aussies today.”

Sports lover Fawad Asghar stated: “Pakistan only lost one match in this ICC World T20 which was against India. They had won all the other matches of the event against New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa and now they defeated Austraila. Well done green shirts. You rock.”

A cricket crazy fan Alina Naz expressing her views said: “Pakistani team played the match like a do-or-die clash and I think it was the best one so far under the leadership of Hafeez who really done well in under pressure situation and won the match brilliantly not only for him but also for the entire Pakistani nation.”

A last but not the least cricket fan Sohail Anjum Awan said: “The main reason behind Pakistan team victory was a true passion, dedication, determination and unity in the team and they really worked hard to score marvelous victory against one of the most favourite teams Australia. Best of luck team Pakistan.”

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