All posts by h716a5.icu

Afghanistan will play three 50-over matches against Pakistan A this summer, and have invited Pakistan A to come to Afghanistan and play the inaugural match at the international stadium in Nangarhar

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-2011Afghanistan will play three 50-over matches against Pakistan A this summer, and have invited Pakistan A to come to Afghanistan and play the inaugural match at the international stadium in Nangarhar. Afghanistan’s players will also be taking part in a domestic competition in Peshawar. The 50-over games against Pakistan A will be played in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.”Afghanistan will send its national team to Pakistan in July and play the Pakistan A team, and hopefully this will benefit our team,” Naseem Ullah Danish, chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, told . “We have also invited the Pakistan A team to Afghanistan for the inaugural match in Nangarhar where we have almost completed an international stadium.”There has not been any international cricket played in Pakistan since the Lahore attacks on Sri Lanka’s cricketers and support staff. Danish, however, said Afghanistan had no concerns about security. “Security is not an issue and by playing in Pakistan we want to send out a positive message to the world and hope that teams come to Pakistan and play here.”Afghanistan played Pakistan in the Asian Games in China in November last year, and pulled off an upset, albeit against a second-string Pakistan side.Cricket relations between the two countries are strengthening after a six-member delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, including Danish, met PCB chairman Ijaz Butt on Friday. Butt pledged that Pakistan would provide any support needed to develop Afghanistan cricket and appointed Amir Nawab as a coordinator for Afghanistan.

Sunderland reportedly now risk losing Ross Stewart in the summer, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Play-off hero

Stewart bagged the only goal of the game as Alex Neil’s team won 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.

The striker put in a very impressive performance, winning a joint player-high 13 of his duels and making three key passes, while he also recorded one successful dribble, clearance, interception and tackle (SofaScore).

The Latest: Rangers interest

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke has shared that Glasgow Rangers are now ‘keeping tabs’ on Stewart ahead of a potential love this summer, and it would be ‘hard’ for him to reject their advances:

“It looks like he’s obviously on their wanted list, Ross Stewart. It’s been talked about now for quite a few weeks that Rangers are keeping tabs on him.

“If Rangers do come calling, it’s going to be hard for somebody like Ross Stewart – a Scottish player – to turn down their advances.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying for the Wearside club and its supporters that the Gers could come calling for Stewart.

He has been nothing short of ‘incredible‘ this season, as Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips points out, and so would be very difficult to replace.

Given the size of Rangers, and the fact that they have reached the UEFA Europa League final, with a spot in the Champions League up for grabs for the winner, it is hard to see Stewart turning them down if an offer came in, and so the board must do everything in their power to try and keep him.

In other news, find out what big dilemma SAFC now face here!

New Wolves signing Chiquinho has been brought in as an immediate first-team option for Bruno Lage, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Wolves sign Chiquinho

Wolves completed the signing of the 21-year-old on Monday, with the winger signing a deal at Molineux until 2026.

Big things are expected of the former Estoril player, having scored six goals and registered eight assists at senior level during his time in his native Portugal.

It is unsure how Chiquinho will be used by Lage between now and the end of the season, but Spiers has provided his thoughts on the matter.

The Latest: Spiers makes Chiquinho claim

Responding to a question on Twitter on Monday night, the journalist claimed that Chiquinho will be a first-team player from the off at Wolves, although the situation surrounding other attackers at Molineux could alter the 21-year-old’s place in the hierarchy.

Spiers stated: “Hi Kelvin. First team for now and they’ll assess depending on Traore situation, also Hwang/Neto fitness in next couple of weeks etc.”

The Verdict: Exciting to see him perform

Chiquinho may not be a world-renowned player yet but it is always exciting to see Wolves signing young talent, suggesting that Lage is building for both the present and the future.

Indeed, Molineux’ technical director Scott Sellars told the club’s official website: “Chiquinho is a young, exciting and talented player who has been performing very well in the Portuguese leagues during the past few seasons, and if he keeps progressing the way he has done, we believe he can develop into an excellent signing.”

At 21, the Portuguese winger remains raw, so some inconsistency should be expected, but he looks a tailor-made player to potentially replace Traore should the 25-year-old move on in the January transfer window amid strong speculation over a possible exit.

Chiquinho has averaged 1.3 dribbles and won 2.3 fouls per game in the Primeira Liga this season, showing that he is a tricky attacker who could provide Lage with a very capable option in the final third. Traore’s average fouls won per game is just 1.4, suggesting than Wolves’ new signing could be even more awkward to handle than the incredibly pacy Spain international.

Now how’s that for an exciting prospect!

In other news, Wolves are thought to be ‘very interested’ in signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City have set their sights on another forward amid rumours they are closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Guardiola edges nearer…

Reports in recent weeks have backed City as the favourites to sign one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-newest-updates/” title=”Man City newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Times and The Athletic both say that Haaland has given his green-light to join the Premier League champions this summer meanwhile Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims that a deal is imminent.

Going by this plethora of claims, it appears a move to Eastlands looks extremely likely where the Norway star is concerned – potentially making the 2022/2023 season an even more exciting one for supporters.

City take on Real Madrid in their crunch Champions League semi-final second leg tonight with business for this year certainly not finished.

However, that hasn’t stopped club chiefs working ahead of time in preparation for Pep Guardiola’s final full season in charge as things stand.

The Latest: City take first steps for Leao…

Now, according to Calciomercato, City have ‘taken’ their ‘first steps’ to sign AC Milan star forward Rafael Leao pre-summer.

Indeed, despite edging nearer to Haaland and being tipped to sign an heir to Fernandinho, Etihad Stadium officials are also working on a move for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Both Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez are out-of-contract in 2023 and are heading into their final years in Manchester, so it’s natural that the club are weighing potential replacements.

Depending on whether City agree extensions or let them depart, Leao would certainly be an exciting signing in place of either of Guardiola’s stars.

Lauded as ‘absolutely unplayable’ by Italian football reporter Maxi Angelo, Milan allegedly value the electric starlet at around €70-80 million (£59m-£67m).

Still very young and already proven in Serie A, averaging the highest individual match rating in Milan’s squad domestically, he’s also their top goal-scorer and completes an impressive three take-ons per 90 – more than any City player (WhoScored).

Going by his plaudits, quality and price tag – Leao could well be the man to succeed Mahrez or Sterling depending on developments – especially considering Guardiola is allegedly ‘in love’ with the player.

In other news: £101 million ‘big name’ sets his sights on joining City, turns to super agent for help…find out more here.

Adrian Barath scored his maiden ODI century and his partnership with Ramnaresh Sarwan drove West Indies to a competitive total in the first of three ODIs at the SSC

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jan-2011Match abandoned
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsKumar Sangakkara congratulates Adrian Barath on his first one-day hundred•AFPThe rescheduled one-day leg of West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka got off to a futile start as heavy rain in Colombo forced the abandonment of the first ODI at the SSC. The series had been postponed from December because bad weather had ruined the Test series but the move has had little effect.Before it began to rain during the lunch break, Adrian Barath scored his maiden ODI century and his partnership with Ramnaresh Sarwan drove West Indies to a competitive total. Their efforts at posting a strong score, however, were undone by lack of contributions from their team-mates and Lasith Malinga’s death-over burst, which weakened the platform that had been laid for the acceleration.The overcast day in Colombo began badly for West Indies when Chris Gayle nicked Nuwan Kulasekara’s outswinger in the fourth over, depriving the innings of a potentially rapid start on a placid pitch. Barath and Darren Bravo consolidated and saw off the new ball without further damage. Their partnership was promising when a mix-up ended with Bravo being run out for 8, leaving West Indies 42 for 2. Bravo had backed up too far at the non-striker’s end and failed to beat Kapugedera’s return from midwicket at the bowler’s end.Sarwan, who was making a comeback to the team after being omitted from the original tour party to Sri Lanka last year, had a point to prove and he did it in some style. Barath and Sarwan steadied the innings, scoring at a healthy pace and rendering Muttiah Muralitharan wicketless during his ten-over spell. Barath was lucky to be let off on 54, when he played uppishly to an Ajantha Mendis delivery and Mahela Jayawardene managed to get his hand to the ball but could not catch it. Otherwise his innings was without blemish. He struck two sixes and eight fours during his 113 off 129 balls, while Sarwan took 100 deliveries to score 75.West Indies took the batting Powerplay in the 44th over and the recent international trend of wickets falling during the fielding restrictions continued. Both Barath and Sarwan fell to Malinga in the first over of the Powerplay and Kieron Pollard followed soon. Malinga had both well-set batsmen caught at wide long-on by Chamara Kapugedera as they tried to take him on, and bowled Kieron Pollard with a well-disguised, slow inswinger. He had ripped out three wickets for three runs off eight balls and West Indies managed only 27 off the Powerplay.It was left to Darren Sammy to strike a couple of boundaries and provide the late momentum. The weather, however, wiped out any possibility of play after lunch, frustrating both teams.

AB de Villiers broke records and Pakistani spirits as South Africa took control on the second day at the Sheikh Abu Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi

The Bulletin by Osman Samiuddin21-Nov-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
AB de Villiers was at ease during his double-ton•Associated PressAB de Villiers broke records and Pakistani spirits as South Africa took control on the second day at the Sheikh Abu Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. de Villiers compiled a monumental unvanquished 278, the highest individual score by a South African to help his side declare on 584 for 9. Pakistani resistance was by turns futile and worthwhile; debutante Tanvir Ahmed bagged a six-for by the close and an important unbroken 57-run stand between Azhar Ali and Taufeeq Umar allowed them to return to fight another day.The story and direction of the Test so far was set by de Villiers. Initially his was a muted, inevitable progression; a continuation of the stealthy way in which he went along on the first day. At no point did he choose to cut loose and it was really a matter of choice, for at no point in the day did he look insecure.A verbal dance with a luckless Umar Gul on the virtues or otherwise of walking – Pakistan thought de Villiers was out twice yesterday – was his highlight of the morning’s first hour. He did break out 80 minutes in to the morning in one over against a tiring Ahmed, a delicious drive sandwiched by a pull and punch through midwicket; the last brought up 150.The damage to Pakistan didn’t seem apparent at first: 74 runs and two wickets in the morning, in fact, was even-stevens. But as the day wore on, de Villiers killed Pakistan gradually, orchestrating a succession of useful lower-order stands. He put on 73 with Mark Boucher, 42 with Johan Botha and, irritatingly for Pakistan, 59 with Dale Steyn.Through them all were regular reminders of the simplicity of de Villiers’ strokeplay, such as an easy glide through gully of Mohammad Sami. To bring up the double as tea approached, he first pulled Gul in front of square before guiding him through gully for another boundary.Steyn’s post-lunch cameo was where the fun really began. There were flick-pulls, drives hit as hard as concrete as well as a magnificent dance-down six over long-on. Paul Harris added a handy 35 but a grand humiliation was served up in an unbeaten 107-run partnership unbeaten with Morne Morkel. The stand broke the South African 10th wicket partnership record that had stood since 1929, when Tuppy Owen-Smith and Sandy Bell put on 103 at Headingley against England.A flurry of boundaries as matters came to an end amply demonstrated de Villiers’ complete and total superiority, as well as that of his side’s. In the second session he scored an even 100. Two overs after tea, as he deftly took a single to midwicket, Graeme Smith stood tallest and loudest in the dressing room applauding as de Villiers went past his captain as holder of the highest individual Test score for South Africa.By then Pakistan were dead men walking. de Villiers had drained them thoroughly and every tailend boundary was simply another prick on a numbed spirit. They had actually begun well, with Gul and Ahmed particularly tight. The latter struck first, a sharp, late inswinger surprising Boucher. The Flintoff-esque celebration was impressive and understandable. Another wicket later ensured the second-best figures on debut for a Pakistani, though by then the fizz had gone.Even Sami bowled an outstanding spell pre-lunch, full of whizzing outswingers. One such caught the edge but two truths of Sami’s career remained unchallenged: one, he has no luck and two, catching is not an Akmal family strength.All things considered they didn’t end badly either. Mohammad Hafeez went in the very first over, but Umar and Ali were firm in a session in which they probably weren’t tested as they should’ve been. The latter looked particularly good, defending and driving with equal assurance. The proper ascent up the mountain will begin tomorrow.

It is early days for New Zealand in South Africa, but in the opening Twenty20 at Kingsmead there was a gulf between the teams that does not bode well for the tour

The Report by Andrew McGlashan21-Dec-2012
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSouth Africa’s bowlers were not given much resistance to work against•Gallo ImagesIt is early days for New Zealand in South Africa, but in the opening Twenty20 at Kingsmead there was a gulf between the teams that does not bode well for the tour. New Zealand crumbled for 86, only just avoiding a new record low in the format, before the home side cantered to their target with more than seven overs to spare.A callow batting order, with much resting on new captain Brendon McCullum, was always likely to struggle, especially after just one warm-up match to prepare but it was still a hugely disappointing effort. South Africa, though, under a new captain and coach, looked primed for the home season with their only sour note when debutant Chris Morris picked up a leg injury.It was obvious that Ross Taylor’s absence would leave a vast hole and Martin Guptill was also ruled out of this match with a stomach bug, but the top order did not give itself much of a chance on a slightly two-paced surface. The batsmen paid the price for too much aggression too early, perhaps in an eagerness to exploit the Powerplay. Doug Bracewell, at No. 9, made an unbeaten 21 to at least lift them over the 80 they made against Pakistan in 2010.Rory Kleinveldt struck with his first ball with one that bounced a touch more against Rob Nicol to give Quinton de Kock, the debutant wicketkeeper, his first catch. De Kock, who turned 20 earlier this week, was one of seven new caps (three for South Africa, four for New Zealand) handed out between the teams for this match as the sides looked to start afresh after a poor World Twenty20.Dale Steyn had Peter Fulton caught at mid-on before Kleinveldt claimed the key wicket of McCullum who top-edged a hook and was well caught by Steyn running backwards from short fine-leg. After the six-over Powerplay, New Zealand were already tottering at 27 for 3 and it didn’t get better although James Franklin may have received a harsh decision with suggestions the ball brushed his arm when attempting to hook.Morris, another of the debutants, claimed his first international scalp when Corey Anderson, also in his first match, clubbed to mid-off and later added Colin Munro who at least had shown some decent shot-selection before slogging across the line. However, Morris could not complete his allocation after suffering what appeared to be a muscle strain with two balls remaining. Last week he was ruled out of the domestic one-day final with a quad injury so questions will be asked about whether he was ready for this match.Between Morris’s two wickets spin also made a mark as Robin Peterson gained from the slightly tricky nature of the surface. However, it was nowhere near as tough as the scoreline suggested. With New Zealand left to try and bat out the overs – which they failed to do – Peterson was able to collect South Africa’s most economical figures in Twenty20 (2 for 8).South Africa’s chase did not start smoothly when the under-pressure Richard Levi edged Mitchell McClenaghan, a left-arm seamer to add to the plethora of that style New Zealand can call on, to first slip but captain Faf du Plessis and Henry Davids, making his debut at the age of 32, were soon into their stride.Davids was off the mark with a ungainly hack which he edged past leg stump but also sliced a six over deep point while du Plessis drove beautifully through the off side. De Kock, who has come into the international amid much hype, began in eye-catching style by lofting his third ball straight down the ground and showed a touch of class through the off side.To compound New Zealand’s problems some of their ground fielding would have shamed a club side. It really was a horrid evening for them. Twenty20 was meant to be a format where they might, just, have pushed South Africa but on this evidence that theory appears far-fetched.

This has been quite the end to the January transfer window for Everton but they might not be done in the market just yet.

What’s the word?

Frank Lampard was announced as the Toffees’ new manager on deadline day with the former Chelsea boss getting to work straight away on incomings.

Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek are set to pen terms at Goodison Park but they might not be done yet.

That’s according to reliable reporter Alan Myers who said this evening after being questioned whether Everton were done yet: “Don’t think so.”

Exciting news

Wow; what an end to the window this has been for Everton.

The fans came into the last week full of rage and understandably so with the club stuck in choppy waters.

They have won just once in their last 14 Premier League matches and after a car crash interview from Vitor Pereira on Sky Sports, supporters started protesting outside Goodison Park.

Yet, the fanbase are now a lot more cheerful, landing Lampard as their new head coach and welcoming two wonderfully gifted players to the squad in Dele and van de Beek.

Thus, to hear that more incomings could arrive before the deadline closes at 11pm is not only teasing but incredibly exciting.

It remains to be seen who these mystery names might be but it’s clear that Farhad Moshiri and co are doing all they can to make the Toffees a better outfit.

Signings are clearly needed too. This is a sinking ship and it’s incredibly evident from their current form that the club needs more than just a new manager; they need fresh faces and quality ones at that.

AND in other news, “Sources telling us”: Sky drop exciting EFC update live on air, major coup now inbound

Graeme Smith’s rapid half-century helped South Africa make light work of the 169 they had been set by a promising batting performance from Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein

The Bulletin by Sahil Dutta08-Oct-2010South Africa 169 for 3 (Smith 52, Miller 36*) beat Zimbabwe 168 for 4 (Masakadza 72, Chibhabha 52, Parnell 2-29)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGraeme Smith may not have been captain of the side but his powerful fifty led South Africa to victory•Getty ImagesGraeme Smith’s rapid half-century helped South Africa make light work of the 169 they had been set by a promising batting performance from Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein.Smith butchered 58 from 29 balls and received able support from Loots Bosman, JP Duminy and David Miller as South Africa rushed to an easy victory. He stepped down as South Africa’s Twenty20 captain to give himself a breather in the hectic international schedule but he came to the fore to spare his successor, Johan Botha, any embarrassment after a shoddy fielding display from South Africa gave Zimbabwe hope at the half-way stage.While Zimbabwe’s batsmen, led by fifties from Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha, may have shown the optimism surrounding the side is not entirely misplaced, the bowlers – shorn of the services of fiery left-arm spinner Ray Price – were not up to international standard.Though Bosman was under some pressure after making 8, 0, 7, and 0 in his last four innings he responded by smiting 33 in 16 deliveries to leave Zimbabwe’s new-ball bowlers reeling. Any time he found the ball in his half he cleanly dispatched it, with a pair of sixes off Ed Rainsford ending up in the stands over cover.Smith, meanwhile, had been almost anonymous in the field, but was back into the thick of the action with the bat. He punished the gentle new-ball offerings with his customary clubbing into the leg side and greeted the part-time medium pace of Masakadza with utter disdain on his way to a 26-ball fifty.By the time he was out, missing a sweep off Graeme Cremer to be trapped on the back pad, South Africa were coasting at 95 for 2 off 7.3 overs but they were given a slight scare as debutant Colin Ingram fell soon after.David Miller and JP Duminy ensured no slip ups though, as they followed in Smith’s aggressive vein. The 21-year-old Miller impressed on his Twenty20 debut against West Indies earlier this year and he again showcased his ability to see his side home. One over from Cremer was taken for 18 as he used his quick feet and power to punish the legspinner. Duminy finished the job in style, smashing a four and a six off the hapless Prosper Utseya as South Africa cantered to victory with 25 balls to spare.The rout masked a lethargic fielding effort from South Africa. Catches were put down and the ground fielding was clumsy as they responded poorly to the pressure placed on them from Zimbabwe’s lively line-up. Coming into the game all the talk was of the return of 39-year-old Grant Flower after a six-year hiatus but it was Zimbabwe’s young batsmen who impressed as Flower was left marooned at home, unable to leave the country due to a problem with his visa.Flower, who is also the team’s batting coach, would have been impressed with what he saw as Chibhabha broke the record for the quickest Twenty20 international fifty by a Zimbabwean, reaching the landmark off 29 balls, while Masakadza anchored the innings before finishing with a flourish to end on 72 off 63 balls.After a slow start in which South Africa’s new-ball bowlers impressed, Zimbabwe used the injury to Morne Morkel, who limped off the field after twisting his ankle, to their advantage and added 102 in the final ten overs. Though it looked like carrying the tourists to a good total, Smith’s onslaught ensured it wasn’t nearly enough.

Cricinfo previews the 1st Twenty20 International between England and Pakistan at Cardiff

The Preview by Liam Brickhill and Sahil Dutta04-Sep-2010Match factsSeptember 5, 2010, Cardiff
Start time 2.30pm (1.30pm GMT)Paul Collingwood will lead England out for the first time as World Twenty20 champions•PA PhotosBig pictureThe switch from the staid whites of Test cricket to the technicolour razzmatazz of Twenty20 is one that usually suits Pakistan to the tee, and the limited-overs leg of their tour should have been a tantalising prospect. Events since the Lord’s Test have tarnished what had been an absorbing summer of cricket between these two teams, however, and the first Twenty20 at Cardiff will come under intense scrutiny although much of the attention will, sadly, not be for cricketing reasons.Pakistan face a mountainous task in attempting keep their focus and fill the vacuum left by the departure of their two best bowlers and Salman Butt, who was the team’s leading runscorer at the World Twenty20 in the West Indies earlier this year. Given the scale of the furore currently surrounding the team, all the pointers suggest that they will struggle to be competitive against a World Cup-winning England side that, despite the dropping of Kevin Pietersen, will start as firm favourites.This being Pakistan, however, nothing can be taken for granted and England will surely still be wary of a team that has proved highly adept in this form of the game. Given the nebulous cloud of allegations, suspicion and rumour that continues to swirl around the visitors, Shahid Afridi’s return to the mix appears to have brought a surprising measure of calm to their set-up. Just as Mohammad Yousuf’s return inspired a battling team at The Oval, Boom Boom’s arrival could well spark a revival in Pakistan’s fortunes – on the field, at least.England have emerged from the spot-fixing scandal unscathed and appeared a relaxed and bonded unit as they trained in Cardiff. Pietersen’s absence, and the possibility that Stuart Broad may sit out the match after suffering a groin strain, will allow the home side to experiment with a couple of new combinations, and though a couple of Twenty20s can hardly be viewed through an Ashes lens the importance of maintaining their winning streak will not have escaped England’s set-up.Form guide (last five completed matches)England WWWWW
Pakistan WWLWLWatch out for…In Ravi Bopara’s last outing for England, he launched a tame Bangladesh attack to all parts, rocketing to an unbeaten 45 from 16 balls to close England’s innings. It was an exhibition, once again, of his undeniable ability but until he performs against the stronger attacks questions will remain. He has a chance at No. 3 to boss the innings and prove to all the doubters that he belongs on the international stage.It’s pretty rare that Shoaib Akhtar’s arrival on a tour is overshadowed but with all the shenanigans going on there was an air of serenity surrounding Shoaib. Very much the elder statesman of the side at 35 he still possess the long run, long hair and fast pace that once made him the world’s most magnetic cricketer. It could, as it so often does, end in farce, or he might just wow the England crowds one final time.Team newsEngland’s World Twenty20 triumph was crafted on a remorseless professionalism running through the side. It created a team where each player was entirely certain of their individual role and their position in the wider machine. In the first game after that success, however, there are a number of changes with Michael Lumb out with a broken foot and and Kevin Pietersen dropped. Steven Davies comes into the side at the top of the order and will have the gloves while Ravi Bopara will replace Pietersen. Ajmal Shahzad could get another opportunity to impress if Stuart Broad doesn’t recover from a minor groin strain. The other area of contention is whether England stick to Ryan Sidebottom ahead of James Anderson, who has been in such remarkable form this summer.England (probable) 1 Craig Kieswetter, 2 Steve Davies (wk), 3 Ravi Bopara, 4 Paul Collingwood, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Luke Wright, 7 Tim Bresnan, 8 Michael Yardy, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James Anderson.Amidst the off-field crisis there has also been a glut of injury concerns adding to Pakistan’s woes. Umar Akmal suffered a concussion after taking a blow to the face in practice on Tuesday while Abdul Razzak, Wahab Riaz and Umar Gul are all nursing niggles. Reinforcements have been sent for but batsman Asad Shafiq and the gigantic left-arm seamer Mohammad Irfan will only join the squad next week. Shahzaib Hasan and Fawad Alam’s matchwinning partnership against Somerset means they will slot into a side that will look very different to the one that played at the Test at Lord’s.Pakistan (probable) 1 Shahzaib Hasan, 2 Kamran Akmal (wk), 3 Fawad Alam, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Shahid Afridi (capt), 7 Abdul Razzak, 8 Umar Gul, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Shoaib Akhtar.Pitch and conditionsThe last time these two sides met at Cardiff, back in 2006, rain proved the winner but forecasts are brighter this time round. Though hardly a minefield, scores in all forms of the game at Cardiff have been on the low side this season. The taller bowlers profited in England’s ODI against Australia earlier this summer but both teams’ spinners should also find conditions to their liking.Stats and TriviaPakistan won’t be able to call on Asif or Amir, but they’ll still have the services of offspinner Saeed Ajmal, who was their leading wicket-taker at the World Twenty20 in the West Indies with 11 scalps in six games, and Umar Gul, whose stats – 46 wickets in Twenty20 internationals at an average of 13.04 and a run-a-ball economy rate – are a good indication of his potency in the format.For a man seemingly tailor-made for Twenty20s and known for his big hitting, Shahid Afridi’s name is surprisingly low down on the list of six-hitters in T20 internationals, sitting in tied 20th place. He’s cleared the ropes 19 times in 33 innings, and will surely be looking to add to that tally in Cardiff.One man ahead of Afridi on that list is England’s own Brigadier Block – Paul Collingwood – who has hit 23 sixes in 29 innings.The re-called Steve Davies scored 389 runs including three half-centuries for Surrey in the Friends Provident t20 competition, finishing as their second-highest runscorer and leading the way with a strike-rate of 162.08Quotes”There are obviously distractions around but the guys are just looking to getting out there and playing the game.”
“Myself and the coach have already told the boys: ‘Don’t talk about this issue, we are here to play cricket.’ It is none of our business and we are here to play cricket.”