20 YEARS OF BOOM BOOM

It was Octuber2, 1996 a new name was mounted in the ODI team of Pakistan during the four nations “Sameer Cup 1996-97.” In the first match against Kenya he went wicktless and also didn’t get chance to bat. The second appearance was against Srilanka, the player who came to bat at number 3 as a pinch hitter smatched fastest 100 of ODI history from 37 deliveries! His innings comprise of 0610400600661166264400661411041606024100, the name SHAHID AFRIDI (born name SHAHIBZADA MOHAMMAD SHAHID KHAN AFRIDI) now emerged as youngest player to score an ODI century, 16 years and 217 days. After a spam of playing 66 ODIs Shahid Afridi made his test debut in 1998 he didn’t played a big inning from bat but was able to get 5 wickets against Australia. The second test was against India, and the rounded performance here was remarkable. Here Afridi scored his maiden test century scoring 141 runs from 191 balls and manage to get 3 wickets for 54 runs. The journey continued, scorning more runs from bat and collecting more wickets, Shahid Afridi was named as most consistence player of 2005. With regard to focus on 2007 World Cup Shahid Afridi announce temporary retirement from test cricket on April12 2006 but he came back on coach Woolmer calls and played his last test in 2010 vs. Australia. His test career include 27 matches in which he played 48 innings and scored 1716 runs with 220 4s,52 6s and 156 as highest score. He further reached to pick 48 wickets with best bowling average 5-43.

The well known title BOOM BOOM was given to him by recognized Indian commentator Ravi Shastri, after he scored second fastest 100 of ODI history of 45 balls against India. The famous name of Shahid Afridi by his natives and fan is LALA (big brother). Asia cup 2010 was the first ICC event in which Shahid Afridi led the National side in ODI, during his first three matches as ODI captain he scored two centuries against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh he finished as the tournaments highest run scorer with 384 runs from 3 matches.Shahid Afridi is the only captain who take Team Pakistan in semis of ICC world cup after 1999. The name Shahid Afridi is rope in among 22 bowlers of the ODI’s who has taken 250+ wickets and he got the average 33.68 and on number two among 22 bowlers of the world. The aggressive boy hasn’t faced 100 balls in his entire carrier, his longest innings winds up on 94 balls. BOOM BOOM also deals with most number of man of the match awards from Pakistani side in ODIs. In Pakistan's opening match of theICC world cup 2011, Afridi took 5 wickets for 16 runs against Kenya, giving him the best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler in a World Cup .He remained the captain of national team in ODIs from 2009-14, in this duaration team played 38 matches out of which 19 ends up with victory, 18 loss and 1 with no result. The most remembered event of his captaincy was ICC world cup 2011 when Pakistan was defeated by India in the semis knock out. Shahid Afridi said good bye to another form of cricket and played his last ODI on March 20, 2015 against Australia in the ground of Adelaide. In total, he played 398 games scored 8064 runs, 124 as highest score with 730 4s and 351 6s and took 127 catches. With ball he picked 395 wickets with best bowling figure 7-12 and conceived 13632 runs all together. His extraordinary achievement includes twice runs and wickets in comparison to legendary Imran Khan in ODIs.

 Shahid khan Afridi the man with record of taking most wickets by any all rounder and recently named as leading wicket taker of world t20 led the side in T20 format first time in 2009 after ICC WT20 and Younis Khan’s retirement. He remained captain from 2009-11 and later in 2014 he was again crowned as captain till current. Team Pakistan marked 15 victories and defeats out of 30 matches under his captaincy. With 210 matches yet played he is the man with most played T20 in history of cricket also Afridi is the only player in T20 cricket who made 2000+ runs and take 97 wickets. The name Shahid Afridi is not small in the history of cricket, not only in Pakistan but in the entire world the crowd chants for him whenever he steps on the pitch either with ball or bat. His rapid fire batting & his signature style after picking batsmen each is equally enjoyed by his followers. This magnificent cricket career has completed 20 years today!  Number of records keeps getting aside the name with passage of time.

One can’t forget that fastest 100 in very first inning, 100 of 45 balls against India, 2009 t20 World Cup and his duty on the pitch the most recent and breath taking last over of Ashwin (ASIA CUP 2014). It isn’t easy to neglect his services and it wouldn’t be fair even. People who even don’t know cricket knows Shahid Afridi, half of the kids of Pakistan quote his name as their favorite cricketer.

LALA is hot in news these days as struggling for a farewell match, the PCB is working over it. One who entertained us for 20 years is waiting from long just for a single match to end his career with honor. It’s about respecting our legends and with sorry we are really poor in this, we give rise and fall to players just after witnessing particular game and same trend is adopted in Afridi’s case, couple years of ghastly show and your entire career seem as dust.

Probably no one can put clear justification why he shouldn’t be granted with send off game.?

THE MACE INTO DESERVING HANDS

Analytics criticism, allegations, taunts and disrespectful comments were all over. People didn't recognize the worth then. A defeat in world cup semi's against India make just one person responsible for it. The title TUK TUK rest every where aside his name,Captain Misbah-ul-Haq was not now favorite of many. People who know cricket from heart were still aware of his capabilities.

After the spot fixing case of 2010 Pakistan test cricket was in great trouble. Predictions of Pakistan Test Cricket downfall to extent of end were common. The incident was marked as huge in history of Pakistan cricket. But all predictions went wrong when the team started working to overcome their flaws. A new journey under new guidance was on progress. Numbers of tons and double tons were registered during this efforts. Incredible victories, inning defeat,5WH and many series step by step team Pakistan conquered each. The re building of strength was not that easy but under great leadership and will to do make every thing to your way.

A victory a defeat,a ton or duck,no wicket or 5WH can't decide your faith it is ur devotion towards nation that decides and team Pakistan is living example of it. We are away from home cricket since 6years but the passion is still so alive in our nerves and no one can take it away. Year 2016 brings up to much good things to Pakistan in terms of Test Cricket. Into the lands of England after 6years! It was a big big deal and the world witness what class we showed there. By the end of test 1 two names from green team appeared on Lord's Honor board,it might sound easy but it wasn't. Dreamy debut with bat and remarkable performance with ball, Captain Misbah and Yasir Shah did this. We didn't won the series but leveling it was almost equal to victory since it was after two great failures. We are not afraid of failures because our leader is so courageous.

The devotion and concentration was not effected from harsh words. In 6 months from 6th position Pakistan Test Cricket team climbed to top. 25 match 2767 points 111 rating the best test team of world and we reached here for the first time in history. Now everyone is happy of Pakistan and Misbah-ul-haque. People are now willing to call him back in ODI’s for our better position, yes the same guy they use to call TUK TUK! 

From TUK TUK to KING Misbah! The journey include less appreciation and loads of criticism but the most successful skipper for Team Pakistan make the image clear he is not just best in number but in actions too. Soon after returning back from England tour ICC will present honorable MACE to Misbah-ul-Haque

 It takes time to build up things at certain level. Just cheering after victory and abusing after defeat is not actual spirit.The matter is of owing, if not us then who else will own our team. ?

                                    TEST SERIES 2016, PAKvsENG

After 6year!

It started from July 14, 2016 when National cricket team started their fight against English team on the pitch of Great Lord’s. 3:00PM PST the game started, the 1^st inning for Pakistan was not going in stiff position till the captain was in pavilion. After the departure of four batsmen who collectively scored 87runs arrives the man with dreamy debut at Lord’s. It turns to Pakistan side after Misbah ul Haque provided a much needed stand and smashes a ton! His first at Lord’s, that made his name appeared on the Honor board. The skipper was accompanied by under rated but extremely talented Asad Shafiq who scored 73 facing 130 deliveries and later was caught by Chris Woakes the one who was ruling with ball from English side. With 339 as total team Pakistan make their innings end as Woakes claimed 6 wickets.In return Captain Cook scored 81 that was highest from their side and the innings was wind up at 272. Here Yasir Shah the Pakistani spinner played a vital role by trapping 6 batsmen and this name was also displayed on Lord’s Honor board. Incomes the 2^nd innings where Pakistan was alredy standing with lead of 67 further additions of 215 runs gathered a total of 282 runs as target for English side. England didn’t opened with strong position as Rahat Ali guided both opener and another player to dressing room. But the sticking stand of Jhonny Bairstow of 147 balls and of 108 balls by Chris Woakes made troubling situation added 48 and 23 runs respectively till getting caught by Yasir shah. Game one make dramatic end when the last player loss his wicket as Mohammad Amir destroyed the stumps! Achieving a victory of 75 runs Pakistan celebrated with push-ups and saluting the Army camp for training to great celebration and the push up trend was viral on social media. The situation was ideal for Pakistan, confidence level was high the nation was happy but England was looking for better plans to level the series.

The second battle started on July22 this time England was looking keenly for a victory as it was now the game of leveling the series or give Pakistani side a clear lead 2-0. Old Trafford, Manchester was the venue and England batted first here. All plans here were strong enough by English team the Captain played inning of 105runs that give England an supportive start and this become even more helpful after double ton of Joe Root. With firm position England declared their innings on huge total of 589. An eye on bowling card displayed wahab riaz as leading wicket taker with 3 wickets, the hero of Lords remained ordinary here with 1 wicket only. The figures were enough to disbalance the confidence level of team green. Pakistan team put on show poor batting performance, openers went to pavilion without any heavy duty and so does the middle order except of the skipper. Stand of 114 balls and scoring 54 runs he remained top scorer in first inning by Pakistan. Facing a lead of 589 , Pakistan manage to trail 198 and this left England with stronger position to build on target with 391 runs already in hand. Beginning with 2nd innings England loose Alex Hales in earlier span but Captain along with Joe Root add 173 runs and this all together came out as huge target of 564. 2^nd innings broke out for Pakistan & batting order another time exhibited a poor show. Blocking balls didn’t help team Pakistan to achieve the target or end up the match on no result, batting line collapse at 234 and England wipe out the game by gaining victory of 330 runs and leveling the series 1-1 after the Lord’s show. Hafeez remained highest scorer on card with 45 runs where as Moeen Ali, James Anderson and Chris Woakes contributed equally picking up 3 wickets.

 Edgbaston, Birmingham, August 3 game 3 begins!  All set on field team Pakistan, picking up Alex Hales in early 10 over boost up Green team. Till 18^th over the situation was under control as top 3 batsmen were departed to pavilion. Stiff stand from Moeen Ali and Garry Balance brings back Engalnd team into the game. Till last wicket 297 runs as total was displayed on scorecard. Incomes Mohammad Hafeez and sami Aslam to open for Pakistan, England make their position strong from 1^st over after Hafeez was caught on 4^th delivery of James Anderson. Early wicket didn’t broke Pakisatn as Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam provide a worthy stand of 469 balls scoring 139 and 82 respectively. By the end of inning Pakistan scored 400 runs that bring them 103 ahead.  England opened second inning with big come back,till 33 overs openers remained firm on the pitch. After words Cook departed after scoring 66 runs. Middle order performed their duty with responsible sense. 8 players appeared on the pitch and except Garry, Vince and Woakes all managed to score 50 plus before Captain Cook declared the innings on 445 that make 342 final target for Pakistan. For chasing 342 and maintaining better position in series team Pakistan started their final innings. Opener Hafeez get caught in early over and this was not good news indeed. Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali deal with good stand but the res didn’t follow the footsteps. The last on pitch Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali crested a scene of draw after the middle order not make the grade, but this all ended when Moeen Ali caught and bowled Sohail Khan in 71th over of the day. Comfort level was great as England made their lead 2-1 in test series compiled of 4 test matches. England won the third game by 141 runs.

A new day a new game! Step in with confidence of coming back into series team Pakistan while Cook was eyeing to remain hegemonic. Oval was the station of decider!  Here England batted first gathering a better total of 328 runs, Moeen Ali with his 108 runs remained prominent on the score card while on bowling card Sohail Khan’s name was shining with 5wickets. Placing a change in opening couple Azhar and Sami starts the inning. Sami Aslam departed in second over. Middle order in this game was on the mark. After committing so much misfiled mistakes Younus Khan acted as old is gold! Hitting a double ton he gained almost all back he loosed in previous games as it was a much needed stand. On the other hand Asad was witnessed with good sense, smatched 109 runs. These two brings up enough for Pakistan to maintain a solid position. With addition of further runs by remaining players team managed to pose a lead of 214 runs. In second innings both teams were posturing a different image! Team Pakistan started it like they are here to win this game by hook or by crook. The lord of Lord’s was back in action. Getting early wickets gear up team green. English side tried their best to remain with stand on itch but Yasir shah didn’t let them to stay. It was almost a inning defeat, two consecutive wickets on Wahab Riaz’s delivery nearly marked end of England batting with brutal defeat but then come the last join up. Tail Enders managed to draw together a total lead of 39 runs & 40 come into sight as target for Pakistan. Day 4 of game 4, August 14, 2016 the 69^th birthday of Pakistan and the team gifted their nation with enormous come back performance! Leveling the series 2-2 after so many downfalls was no less than winning it. The final match was ended giving 10 wicket victory to Pakistan and also marking the end of test series.

On over all judgment the series produced good cricket. Many names were added in the record list. Lord’s marked new attendance record during first test, 113,637. By every mean this series entertain the viewers, passion, aggression & celebrations a complete combo! About the dropped catches, it would have appeared as great point to criticize incase of different result in last game and indeed it should be because that didn’t happened once or twice. Dropping catches in slip was followed by Team Pakistan as routine! But when the nation is happy from the team they forget and forgive each mistake of past. And on the Independence Day the entire nation was happy of this victory.

Shane Warne said: 2-2 is not a justified result, its poor that test series didn’t hold 5 matches. It can be said that he stated correct words, the winning trophy looks more handsome in two hands rather than 4!?

                    "AZAADI"

Khutba e allabad main hua ye bayan

Iqbal nay farmaya, ye log alg hain alg hy inki pechan

Ye qoum munfarid hy ye hain musalman

Goonja Jo ye farmaan,Tw hm hny lgy ik jan

Uth khry huay Jo sth tw bny azerm o shan

Azadi ki daur m gawai hum nay kai jan

Iss jang mai fatah thi nhi asan

Jo sth thy musalman,huay na pareshaan

Phr wo zameen mili Jo bni hmari pechan

Yahan Islam tha aam or log thy ik jan

Azadi ki awaz gunji tw sar zameen Ko Rahmaat nay naam dia Pakistan

Jo day gye ye azm e Alishan

Unka tha bs ye hie pegham,

"Hum laain hyn tofan sai kashti nikal kay

 Iss mulk Ko rkhna mere bachoon sambhal kay!”

                                                                                                            -Wania Ather

                   TEHREEK-E-EHTESAAB

Soon after the blast of Panama Leaks situation was sounding to be hard enough for Prime Minister Nawaz Shareef. The unity of opposition parties was quite unbelievable as the claim of all was same, to get answer from PM about the assets outside country. Opposition was stiff but so was the ruling government! The call was for accountability of PM but the answer was again a question that why should PM answer when the name in leaks is of his children. Then stared the blame game and long play scene.

Chairman PTI Imran Khan who acted most actively in all scenario, earlier announced their presence on road for justice if the TORs session ends with no proper result and this was highly expected. In the same span PAT head Tahir Ul Qadri reaches Pakistan also claming justice for BALDIA Town incident and questing PM over Panama issue. On the other Hand Pakistan People Party also submitted a reference against running government in the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) well that's other issue to discuss that PPP submitted their case to ECP which is under formation! It's like they handed over the file to watchmen to forward it after the commission officers are appointed.

Following no results on TORs after conducting several sessions of meet ups the time comes to convert words into actions. PAT announces rally and so does PTI from 6Aug 2016 and 7Aug 2016 respectively and it has already started.

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf mounted their famous container once again to kick off the Rally. The Tehreek-e-Ehtisaab by PTI claims justification over Panama and also demands for anti corruption institutes in Pakistan. “Corruption has crippled national institutes" said Imran Khan while addressing the huge crowd on day 1 of Tehreek. Chairman PPP wished good luck to the participants via tweet. The rally will move to different places on different days informed the chairman PTI to huge crowd following him. I will fight till the end were the words of Imran Khan quoted with great confidence. #Tehreek-e-Ehtisab remained first in Twitter trends as rally started, more than 21 thousand of tweets were appeared under the trend praising and cursing the captain. People and few of the senior journalists praise Mr. Khan saying his claim is not just for himself or particularly for PTI it relates to every common citizen of Pakistan while some consider it Imran’s favorite task to appear on road and harm the development of country!

Regardless of what specialist says about this movement we can make our opinion, either to support or to reject? Huge mass gather on every call of Imran Khan & one can’t ignore the fact that people follow him, indeed it lacks when converting that mass into voting bank. An accountable and corruption free system is primary requirement of underdevelopment countries like Pakistan. Joining hands wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Analyzing to which extent this movement will prevail would be too earlier now. But so many questions are revolving around and top most of them are probably “will this accountability tehheek achieve its ultimate goal of answerability of PM Nawaz Shareef?” “The call is for accountability or Imran Khan is making strong side for election 2018?”

RAIN.. OH RAIN!!

From last two nights entire Karachi cheers with joy as the sky showered. People are so found of rain in this place just because clouds rarely burst here. Different people enjoy rainy season in different ways you will found the most common sea side "Sea View" densely crowded as the sky is covered with dark clouds. While some people prefer to stay in, listening the sound of drops feeling the fragrance the aroma of rain that is absorbed into the minds, to such extent that can drive mind to that thinking slot where rest memories.. Only memories.

As much as rain is enjoy able as it is full feeling for no specific reason I guess but there is something about it that one can easily stared feeling blue, thinking about those whom we can't actually talk now. Putting my hands outside the window, the drop kisses my hand it make me feel out of ordinary don't know why but I know I was smiling for no such reason. My eyes were closed but the image was clear the lady standing in the rain, calling my name loud I can still hear her exact words "Come on! Come join me it's fun!" But my head shake a no! She just ran to approach me and then we were together there jumping and jumping laughing loud with joy in the shower. We walked home walking hands into hands talking freely about our thoughts,we were so close to each other.

 After this scene, I found a drop rolling on my cheeks but that was not from sky though. Some how I was coming back in the real life but I was willing to stay there,in thoughts where my hand was not empty.

Every time it rains she use to enjoy a lot while I just prefer to watch rain sitting away with a good book to read but her cherish voice drag me under the sky I couldn't resist! Oh she was my best friend.

The drops from sky were no more on my hands now but some were on my cheeks indeed. In every rain now I missed that joyful voice that would call my name louder and louder but that is no more.. I miss it at every moment either I am sad or I am glad. The hand in the surrounding of my shoulder the soft helping shoulder and the odor of her body every feel is still so fresh in me after it's being ten years..

"In times of darkness when lights are few

Sinking into memories, I miss you!"

Yes mom I miss you more than anything in the world...