Inzi in his Hundredth Match- Well done and Best wishes

[MIG]

http://www.geocities.com/men_green_pakistan/hulk_front.jpg


Inzamam wil, Inshallah, play in his 100th test tomorrow - what an achievement for the gentle giant from Multan.

He has served this country from the heady days of the World Cup victory to the not so heady days ( such as now )

However, he remains a champion at heart and in his cricket. His commitment to the country has never been in question but his abilities as a captain have been under scrutiny for a while.

Heres to you Inzi - hope you have a great game tomorrow - I for one will be cheering every run he scores like it was his first - he deserves nothing less from Pak supporters.

[Amjid Javed]

A hundred in each innings and then a match winning spell off 5-15 of medium pace in 2nd inns from are skipper would be a great way to mark his 100th test match

[MIG]

Inshallah - AJ - Ok with the batting prediction - not sure about the bowling though...

[MIG]

NEWSMAKER-Inzamam wakes up to another century
Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:36 AM GMT

BANGALORE, March 23 (Reuters) - The story goes that Inzamam-ul-Haq, after devouring a big breakfast, was snoozing with his pads on in the dressing room during the final of the 1992 World Cup against England in Melbourne.

He was shaken from his slumber at the fall of a wicket, told to march to the centre and to be particularly careful against Ian Botham.

When he returned after a vital 35-ball 42, having shown no mercy to any of the bowlers, he was asked why he had not been more watchful while facing Botham.

The answer was simple. The 22-year-old, playing his first tournament away from home, had not recognised him.

As Inzamam, 35, gets ready for his 100th test in the third match of the series against India starting on Thursday, the anecdote still sums up a man who loves his food, loves his sleep and manages to make batting look ridiculously simple.

He will be the fourth Pakistani, after Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Salim Malik, to reach the 100-mark.

In 99 tests, Inzamam has scored 7,238 runs at 48.90. His consistency compares favourably with most of his rivals.

During the second half of his career and in his last 45 tests since 1999, that average has swelled to 58.54. Sixteen of his 20 centuries have come in the period, including his two biggest knocks -- 200 not out against Sri Lanka in Dhaka and a 10-hour 329 against New Zealand at Lahore.

The hallmark of Inzamam's batting is how late he plays the ball. With his ample bulk and almost lazy movement, batting just seems to happen to him.

Only the second Pakistani after Hanif Mohammad to score a triple-century, that innings showed he had tremendous staying power, although 206 of those runs came in boundaries, ensuring Inzamam did not have to expend too much unnecessary energy.


RUN, INZY

But for all his success Inzamam will also be fondly remembered as one of the worst runners between the wickets that the game has ever seen.

When the time comes to set off for a sharp single, he seems to be blighted with such doubt and confusion that he and his partner inevitably end up together at one end.

His fans are able to see the funny side to this, coining the chant of "Run, Inzy, run!"

Delightfully witty in all his news conferences as Pakistan captain, Inzamam argues with a smile that he can run as fast as anybody.

He did, however, fail to see the funny side on one memorable occasion.

A spectator armed with a loudspeaker at a one-day international in Toronto gave him the immortal sobriquet of "aloo", or potato, which so incensed the big man that he waded into the crowd, swinging a bat in pursuit of his tormentor.

Inzamam hails from the dusty town of Multan, famous for its Sufi saints, the battle between Alexander and the Hindu king Porus, and for the good manners of its inhabitants.

The Haqs are believed to be direct descendants of the prophet Mohammad. Inzamam's father is famous for his religious discourses.

Inzamam started his career as a left-arm orthodox spinner. Regularly called for throwing, he was left with no choice but to concentrate on wielding the willow.

His leadership qualities have been questioned since Pakistan lost both the test and one-day series against India last year.

As with most things, however, Inzamam takes the criticism in his stride. It seems unlikely that he will lose much sleep over it.



© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.

[MIG]

From Yahoo News:


It's raining accolades on 100-Test Inzamam
Wed 23 Mar, 10:49 AM


BANGALORE, India (AFP) - Friends and rivals have joined hands to pay rich tribute to Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, set to make his 100th Test appearance in the third and final match against India.

"I congratulate you on this occasion," former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas said in a message to Inzamam on Wednesday.

"You are a world-class player and I pray you score a century in your 100th Test and help your team level the series."

Pakistan are currently trailing 1-0 following their 195-run defeat in the second Test at Calcutta last Sunday. The opening Test ended in a draw at Mohali.

India captain Sourav Ganguly said Inzamam's record in international cricket had proved he is a great batsman.

"Getting more than 10,000 runs in one-day cricket and over 7,000 in Tests proves he is a world-class batsman," Ganguly said.

Former batting great Javed Miandad holds Pakistan's record for making the most Test appearance with 124 matches, followed by Wasim Akram (104) and Salim Malik (103).

The rival teams will line up before the start of the match on Thursday to shake hands with Inzamam and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan will present him with a crystal trophy.

"Inzamam is a great player who has served the country to the best of his ability. We will honour him on completing 100 Tests," said Khan.


Pakistan's former skipper Imran Khan told Inzamam by telephone from Islamabad that he had always rated the current captain among the top three batsmen in the world.

"He (Imran) wished me best of luck on my 100th Test," Inzamam told AFP.

"Imran said 'you deserve this and I have always rated you as one of the top three batsmen in the world'. I was really touched."

Imran is credited with picking an unknown Inzamam for the 1992 World Cup in Australia.

Inzamam, then 22, justified the captain's faith and gained international fame after scoring a match-winning 60 off just 37 balls in his team's victory over New Zealand in the semi-final.

Inzamam, who has so far amassed 7,238 runs in 99 Tests with 20 centuries and 10,631 runs in 336 one-dayers with 10 hundreds, replaced Rashid Latif as Pakistan's captain in 2003.

Under Inzamam, Pakistan have won three Tests, lost five and drawn three.

Former team-mate Waqar Younis described Inzamam as a "great ambassador of the game".

"Inzamam has always been a great team-mate and a good friend. I wish him luck and hope he plays more Tests than anyone in Pakistan," said Waqar, who is here as a TV commentator.

Indian coach John Wright said Inzamam was always a big asset to the game.

"I have always enjoyed Inzamam's batting. He is a big asset to the game and his country," said Wright

[Amjid Javed]

It's raining accolades on 100-Test Inzamam

BANGALORE, India (AFP) - Friends and rivals have joined hands to pay rich tribute to Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, set to make his 100th Test appearance in the third and final match against India.

"I congratulate you on this occasion," former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas said in a message to Inzamam on Wednesday.

"You are a world-class player and I pray you score a century in your 100th Test and help your team level the series."

Pakistan are currently trailing 1-0 following their 195-run defeat in the second Test at Calcutta last Sunday. The opening Test ended in a draw at Mohali.

India captain Sourav Ganguly said Inzamam's record in international cricket had proved he is a great batsman.

"Getting more than 10,000 runs in one-day cricket and over 7,000 in Tests proves he is a world-class batsman," Ganguly said.

Former batting great Javed Miandad holds Pakistan's record for making the most Test appearance with 124 matches, followed by Wasim Akram (104) and Salim Malik (103).

The rival teams will line up before the start of the match on Thursday to shake hands with Inzamam and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan will present him with a crystal trophy.

"Inzamam is a great player who has served the country to the best of his ability. We will honour him on completing 100 Tests," said Khan.

Pakistan's former skipper Imran Khan told Inzamam by telephone from Islamabad that he had always rated the current captain among the top three batsmen in the world.

"He (Imran) wished me best of luck on my 100th Test," Inzamam told AFP.

"Imran said 'you deserve this and I have always rated you as one of the top three batsmen in the world'. I was really touched."

Imran is credited with picking an unknown Inzamam for the 1992 World Cup in Australia.

Inzamam, then 22, justified the captain's faith and gained international fame after scoring a match-winning 60 off just 37 balls in his team's victory over New Zealand in the semi-final.

Inzamam, who has so far amassed 7,238 runs in 99 Tests with 20 centuries and 10,631 runs in 336 one-dayers with 10 hundreds, replaced Rashid Latif as Pakistan's captain in 2003.

Under Inzamam, Pakistan have won three Tests, lost five and drawn three.

Former team-mate Waqar Younis described Inzamam as a "great ambassador of the game".

"Inzamam has always been a great team-mate and a good friend. I wish him luck and hope he plays more Tests than anyone in Pakistan," said Waqar, who is here as a TV commentator.

Indian coach John Wright said Inzamam was always a big asset to the game.

"I have always enjoyed Inzamam's batting. He is a big asset to the game and his country," said Wright.

[nedian21]

However, he remains a champion at heart and in his cricket. His commitment to the country has never been in question but his abilities as a captain have been under scrutiny for a while.

Heres to you Inzi - hope you have a great game tomorrow - I for one will be cheering every run he scores like it was his first - he deserves nothing less from Pak supporters.

true MIG. a lot of PPers just criticize Inzi as captain and cant see that our current team is in a state of transition and we are not blessed with talents like Wasim, Waqar Saeed etc etc. atleast he leads from the front. and he is a batting legend. I hope ALLAH usay izzat dei INSHALLAH and he makes a magestic ton tomorrow and eventually pakistan jeet jayay.

[Amjid Javed]

100 Tests for Inzamam

The tale of a giant

January 1989 First big innings
The back-to-the-wall 201 not out for United Bank Limited in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on a greentop pushed him into the limelight. Haroon Rashid, the former Pakistan batsman and coach, considers it the best innings he has ever seen.

November 1991 One-day debut
Inzamam had to contend with a fiery line-up of Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop, Malcolm Marshall and Patrick Patterson on his international debut at Lahore. He managed 20 before being bowled by Marshall. The game turned out to be a thriller and ended in a tie.

March 1992 World Cup heroics
His rollicking innings(48) against South Africa, ended when Jonty Rhodes defied all laws of physics to him out, but Inzamam made sure that he finished the World Cup with a mighty bang. The volcanic 60 at Auckland remains one of the great knocks in ODIs, when he and Javed Miandad surmounted a run-rate of over 8, and his thrilling 42 in the final proved crucial in Pakistan's dream triumph.

June 1992 Test debut
Not much batting for Inzamam in a high-scoring draw against England at Edgbaston.

May 1993 First Test century
Another high-scoring draw at Antigua but Inzamam managed to notch up his maiden Test century against West Indies despite having to shepherd the tail for most part.

February 1994 Matchwinning hundred at Wellington
Played his part in a run-fest against New Zealand at Wellington, where Saeed Anwar and Saleem Malik also produced hundreds. Wasim Akram finished the job with a cracking seven-wicket haul and Pakistan claimed the series 2-0.

September 1994 Stars in cliffhanger
Not many nails were left at the end of this one as Inzamam and Mushtaq Ahmed engineered a minor miracle against Australia at Karachi. From 258 for 9, Pakistan managed to surmount the target of 315 and go one up in the series. Ian Healy missed a stumping when three runs were needed and Pakistan had prevailed in one of the closest finishes of all.

July 1996 148 and 70 at Lord's
Opening day of a series against England at Lord's, Inzamam walked in at 12 for 2, revived the innings before stamping his authority with a magnificent 148. He tightened the noose in the second innings with 76 more and Pakistan wrapped it up by a 164-run margin.

March 1999 The first Test double
Inzamam's first Test double hundred came in the final of the Asian Test Championship against Sri Lanka. Ijaz Ahmed joined in the run-glut and Pakistan sailed to the title.

November 1999 Only hundred against Australia
Inzamam's only century against Australia came at a lost cause but it was made with the Hobart Test very much in the balance. Australia had managed only a slender lead and he consolidated Pakistan's position with a controlled 118. It almost turned into a series-leveling knock � until Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist began their daylight robbery.

May 2001 Matchwinning 114 at Old Trafford
This was another series on the line with Darren Gough, Andy Caddick and Matthew Hoggard swinging it on the first morning. Enter Inzy and a rattling 114 follows. A tenacious 85 in the second innings set the game up as Saqlain Mushtaq and the rest sealed the series-equaling win.

May 2002 Triple hundred at Lahore
The biggie. New Zealand had no respite in the searing heat for nearly two days and were plundered to all corners of the Gaddafi Stadium. Inzamam's 329 was the second highest score by a Pakistan batsman, behind Hanif Mohammad's 337, and the tenth highest score in Test history.

March 2003 A miserable World cup
Nineteen runs in six innings is all that he could manage in Pakistan's shambolic World Cup performance. Was one of the many who was dropped in the aftermath.

This was the one where Inzamam ensured against a humiliating result. Chasing 261 in the final Test at Multan, Pakistan were 205 for 8 and in danger of giving Bangladesh their first Test win. Inzamam would have none of it and with sizeable help from Nos. 10 and 11, inched them past the line.

October 2003 Appointed captain
Just three matches after his comeback, Inzamam found himself in the hot seat. It turned into a tense Test and Pakistan required his calm presence on the final day to earn a nervy draw.

March 2004 A cracker at Kararchi
In a coruscating display of mind-blowing strokeplay, Inzamam nearly made the impossible happen against India. No team had successfully chased down 350 in an ODI but his 122 off 102 balls was like a divine bolt that landed in Karachi. Pakistan fell just short but it was undoubtedly the innings of the series, maybe even the best of his career.

September 2004 Crosses 10,000 runs in ODIs
He became only the second player, after Sachin Tendulkar, to pass 10000 runs in one-day cricket during Pakistan's victory over India in the Champions Trophy last yea

[Amjid Javed]

The Quiet Colossus by Osman Samiuddin.


The way he is, he shouldn't be a batsman. He shouldn't even be a sportsman. Where other batsmen stride to the crease, Inzamam-ul-Haq lopes and mopes to it, shoulders hunched. He drags his bat along with him like a scolded schoolboy would his satchel. Not for him the bravado entrance of a Mathew Hayden or a Virender Sehwag, chest out, brandishing the bat as weapon. Increasingly when he is dismissed, he loiters despondent for an eternity, not as protest but because of an acute awareness of its implications. Hayden and Sehwag can afford bluster; if they go, they have Ponting, Gilchrist, Sachin or Dravid. But if Inzamam falls, as John Wright's fist-pumping celebration at Kolkata in the second innings suggested, half the battle with Pakistan is often won.

As with all his best innings, Inzamam's 100th Test has crept up on us almost unnoticed. Only three Pakistanis – Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Salim Malik – have played in over 100 tests and it somehow seems right, bearing in mind the larger-than-life personality each possessed, that they achieved the landmark. With Inzamam, it sounds mildly implausible; 100 tests? Really? He will probably end up eclipsing Miandad as the greatest batsman Pakistan ever produced. How, given his inert demeanor, has he managed it?

He stretches the traditional confrontation between ball and bat. Not till the very last moment, at which point the ball invariably looks like winning the battle, does he react. By that time, motionless almost apart from an incongruous shuffle here or there, the length is clear in his mind and it remains only for him to bring down his bat, with strength or otherwise, but always, always, with quick hands. Energy conservation is maximised and only as much as necessary is ever spent. You see it in his running and his fielding, especially in the short cover position he lately loves.


It's not so much a technique as an attitude and with it he has become the most important Pakistan batsman of his time, possibly ever. Two innings in the 1992 World Cup made him, and won it for Pakistan. His undefeated 58 decided the Karachi thriller against Australia in 1994-5, but it has been only since 2000, by which time both Miandad and Malik were gone, that his value has become clear. For much of the time since, Pakistan's batting has disintegrated, while his, in inverse proportion, has flourished. The most wretched and vivid example of this dependence came at Multan in 2003, where but for his 138 not out, Pakistan's batsmen would've contrived to lose to Bangladesh. In 41 tests since 2000 he has averaged nearly 57, with 12 centuries. How important is he to Pakistan? More than statistics will ever tell you, for they don't tell you of the thin support and heavy load he has had to bear. Still, they are revealing. Of his 20 test centuries, 15 have contributed to Pakistan wins and he averages over 75 in all their wins since 2000.

So what, you say? In a golden age for batting, does he really bear comparison with the greats? Lara, Sachin, Hayden, Ponting, Dravid after all have better figures, players who, when that ludicrous question of having someone bat for your life is asked, would rightly get picked before him. And he won't be remembered in the same way a Lara or a Sachin will be. Where they have saved their very best for the best - Australia and South Africa of the nineties – Inzamam has average, even poor records against them. No, even though he may not lack their batsmanship, he lacks the drive, the ruthlessness, the sustained pursuit of excellence, the sheer force of will and personality which has marked their greatness.

But of course he does; it is a result of the very attitude which pulls us to him in the first place. Despite his apparent insouciance and the pressures on him, his lumbering starts, his unsportsmanlike appearance, he has managed to achieve all that he has; 100 tests, over 7000 runs and an average threatening 50 and that is worth appreciating. Occasions such as his 123 at Karachi last year against the Indians, or his 86 at Mohali last week, when he outshone even the most stellar batting line-up of our time are worth cherishing. These are occasions when everything clicks, when his very casualness suddenly becomes his redeeming feature and not a glaring hindrance. These are occasions where his genius emerges, where he fleetingly and slyly hints, rather than emphatically asserts, to being the best batsman in the game today.

[Civil]

The last line says it all

"The best batsman in the game today"

[nedian21]

amazing article. Imran is right by mentioning Inzi together with Lara and Sachin.

Of his 20 test centuries, 15 have contributed to Pakistan wins and he averages over 75 in all their wins since 2000

this shows the importance of the gentle giant

[tahaqureshi]

excellent article....very well put..

but the fact is, for me, inzamam will always remain in my thoughts long after he has retired..

because people like sachin, by the time they retire, their batting is no longer what it used to be. inzamam on the other hand, he will retire soon, but without having conceded any decimal point from his excellent batting average..

wish him all the best for his remaining matches

[KA$H]

since the debacle of the las world cup, i must admit my appreciation of the big man has only increased

whenever inzi is at the wicket ANYTHING can happen...thats why the hopes of the occasion and the nation always hang with him

when we talk about pressure, expectation and carrying a team i really believe there is no truer contender, or should i say champion than INZI

[MIG]

Kiya baat hai Inzi, Wah Wah !

A true match-winner!

[feather]

The last line says it all

"The best batsman in the game today"

|-m

[nedian21]

when we talk about pressure, expectation and carrying a team i really believe there is no truer contender, or should i say champion than INZI

exactly

[MIG]

bump...

[Amjid Javed]

inzi the batsmen since his return has indeed lead from ftont with bat in tests and odis, sadly his captaincy in the field hasnt had the same vigour or fight..!

[sajjad]

inzi is da man
shabassh multan de heeray
ajj phir chaa jaa cricket pe

[Da Sultan of Multan]

he is the real sultan frm multan!!!!

[MIG]

he is the real sultan frm multan!!!!

had my suspicions as well :oD !

[arsal_pakfan]

Will Inzi come even close to Javed Miandad?

its a known fact no one in the histroy of Pakistan cricket can be a as gud batsmen as Javed Miandad or as big match winner as him..and it has been proved alot of times that Inzi is no Miandad ...but will Inzi even come close to him and beat the likes of Zaheer Abbas,Saeed Anwar,Hanif Mohammed,Saleem Malik for the 2nd spot?.. ...the bangalore Test will deide it!..Javed played his 100th Test against India and scored a hundred if Inzi will do the same in bangalore test and most importantly win Pakistan this all important Test then he will make himself the 2nd gr8est Pak batsmen ever!

[MIG]

Will Inzi come even close to Javed Miandad?

its a known fact no one in the histroy of Pakistan cricket can be a as gud batsmen as Javed Miandad or as big match winner as him..and it has been proved alot of times that Inzi is no Miandad ...but will Inzi even come close to him and beat the likes of Zaheer Abbas,Saeed Anwar,Hanif Mohammed,Saleem Malik for the 2nd spot?.. ...the bangalore Test will deide it!..Javed played his 100th Test against India and scored a hundred if Inzi will do the same in bangalore test and most importantly win Pakistan this all important Test then he will make himself the 2nd gr8est Pak batsmen ever!

Wow !!! didnt know that - but I think it is unfair to compare people like that - Miandad existed at a time when our pace attack was the best - Inzi doesnt have that luxury at the moment - but yes - will his hundredth test be remembered as a failure or a epic success....

[sajjad]

Maindad was a better batsmen full stop. his heroics are exemplery in pakistans cricketing history...but as far as coaching goes...well, maybe miandad hit himself in the foot by going that far. he shud have left cricket when he was high and dry...

[MIG]

bump....

[adi 101]

inzy is the man with the plan |-m

[tapss]

Congratulations and Well done.Always loved watching him play..Probably my most favourite batsman and cricketer outside India.

[Assara K]

inshallah inzi will make a big total!!!

best of luck....... we'll need it!!!

[Oxy]

Can Inzi make a century in his 100th test?

Congrats big guy...and theres not many I can call big guy!

[Geordie Ahmed]

CONGRATULATIONS INZI

What a player and what a guy!

[MIG]

Cmon Inzi - 45 more to the big one and another 200 to the really big one for Pak in the 1st innings !!!!

[Assara K]

inshallah inzi AND younis will score a big total!!

Pakistan openers failing AGAIN and leaving it to the middle order!!

[MIG]

During the toss....Shastri was asking Inzi how he felt on playing his 100th test match. His answer was simply that he wished pakistan played well and win this test match and that would make him happy. Kudos to Inzi and hope he gets 10000 test runs and is one player i never doubt

Inzi Zindabad

[fair_play]

A great player - the best to come out of Pakistan since Majid and Zaheer, in that class really.

A perfect opportunity to get his hundred now - a belter of a wicket, good form, and India happy to prepare a batting wicket for a draw.

[Amjid Javed]

A hundred in each innings and then a match winning spell off 5-15 of medium pace in 2nd inns from are skipper would be a great way to mark his 100th test match

ahem* cough cough :-D

[MIG]

http://www.geocities.com/men_green_pakistan/hulk_front.jpg


Inzamam wil, Inshallah, play in his 100th test tomorrow - what an achievement for the gentle giant from Multan.

He has served this country from the heady days of the World Cup victory to the not so heady days ( such as now )

However, he remains a champion at heart and in his cricket. His commitment to the country has never been in question but his abilities as a captain have been under scrutiny for a while.

Heres to you Inzi - hope you have a great game tomorrow - I for one will be cheering every run he scores like it was his first - he deserves nothing less from Pak supporters.

Mubarak Ho Inzi - Jeeyo Hazaron Saal Mere Bhai -

Thanks for providing us the pure pleasure of seeing you play .....

[Assara K]

CONGRATS TO INZI- MASHALLAH MAKING HIS 21'ST TEST CENTURY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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vaah vaah inzi, kya baat!!!!

[Amjid Javed]

Inzamam-ul-Haq becomes only the 5th batsman to score a 100 in the 100th test! Colin Cowdrey, Gordon Greenidge, Javed Miandad and Alec Stewart were the others

[Khalil]

43.3 Pathan to Inzamam-ul-Haq, one run, there it is ! 21st Test hundred!
turned away to square leg, huge cheers all around, Inzi raises his
bat in acknowledgement
Inzamam-ul-Haq becomes only the 5th batsman to score a 100 in the
100th test! Colin Cowdrey, Gordon Greenidge, Javed Miandad and
Alec Stewart were the others
|-T |-T |-T

now its time to continue whipping the Indians

?-a

[Sage]

Congrats Inzi, showing he deserves to be labeled in with the best of today

[Daoud]

Axellent stuff Inzi. What a brilliant player. Double up now

[KB]

Terrific innings. Sure it is a flat pitch, but some of the shots he played were incredible, especially pulls off deliveries which were only a fraction short. He is at his best when he plays the ball late - something which he has achieved today.

To get a century on your 100th appearence is special, and well deserved for a cricketer who has not withered with age, nor waned under the burden of pressure. He is a cricketer whose actions are those of a man who almost belongs to another age. It is almost as though he has withstood the rush of time. Today he has also shown that he has stood the test of time.

[nedian21]

nedian21

already 2 down. yasir didnt know that in test matches there is one thing called leaving the ball. again all pressure on inzi. i really feel for the guy. i hope ALLAH give him courage and bless him with a big ton here

kia baat hai bhai. i m ecstatic. i really prayed for him. a champion knock. just imagine the pressure he has to undergo daily. everyone criticizing although its not his fault. but every time delivering. true class

great post ggm!

i just wonder how people can criticize this guy. he always, always puts the team before himself. given his immense talent, never once has he complained about lifting the huge burden of a young, at times stupid team of cricketers. never once has he said "if only I was playing with a Ponting or a Dravid..." and yet true fans of Pakistan cricket find it in their hearts to "hate" this guy. Its a mystery my limited intelligence will never be able to solve!

[nedian21]

i just wonder how people can criticize this guy. he always, always puts the team before himself. given his immense talent, never once has he complained about lifting the huge burden of a young, at times stupid team of cricketers. never once has he said "if only I was playing with a Ponting or a Dravid..." and yet true fans of Pakistan cricket find it in their hearts to "hate" this guy. Its a mystery my limited intelligence will never be able to solve!

ur post is even greater. u know this point was also mention by Shastri that if Inzi wud have been in Indian or Aus batting line up then just imagine .. right from the beginning he has always been to the crease when we are 2 down for 20 30 and even less than that. even with Saeed , Aamir and other openers i have seen that. as Ejaz was a rubbish 1down batsman. never ever Inzi has said that wht else i can do. i m scoring runs i cant take 5fer. u r right appeal i dont know why some Pakis criticize him and some time hate him.

[MIG]

I think the criticism is mostly directed at his leadership skills - those who think he is not a great batsman etc do so as a reaction to defeat ...

[umerz]

great display Inzi and CONgrats

I think the criticism is mostly directed at his leadership skills - those who think he is not a great batsman etc do so as a reaction to defeat ...

I think the criticism is directed more at his personality which to me is even more confusing. as I've noted above, the man has the best attitude of any Pakistani cricketer I've ever seen!

[nedian21]

I think the criticism is mostly directed at his leadership skills - those who think he is not a great batsman etc do so as a reaction to defeat ...


i know he is not that active in the field. BUT i dont think so any captain in the world wud have deliver results with these players at his disposal. and every one criticize on his captaincy but forget that it is imp quality of a captain to lead a team from front and Inzi has done it frequently

[Schiller]

Well done, well done and very very well done!!

A thousand congrats to such a sublime batsman!!

[Amjid Javed]

umar, uve changed ur tune.

[Schiller]

No yar, I have always had the greatest regard for his batting. Its other things I have questioned and still do but this thread calls for an unequivocal praise.

He keeps on getting better and better.
You just felt that he was due to win the toss and make a big hundred.
We now need to keep going and not let it slip like we did in the last game.

[feather]

very well played for his 150!!

[Khalil]

71.4 Kumble to Inzamam-ul-Haq, two runs, pushed wide of the point
fielder, comfortable two takes Inzi to 150! once again the stadium
erupts

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40958000/jpg/_40958537_ton_getty.jpg

Congrats Inzi for 150. Next Target 200. Go Inzi!

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[nufc]

watch out lara, inzy is coming! jus jokin he should get his 200.

[fair_play]

All that criticism on the Australian tour, well deserved, has spurred him on. I reckon he needs a challenge to do well - and has too often not been set challenges.

Its been a very fine innings from a very talented player - good to see him getting a long innings under his belt. The pitch is a belter, but that is not his fault. He has done the best he could have done on it.

It should serve as a lesson to both himself and his youngish team.

[Schiller]

Inzi is the only man in the team rt now who is capable of performing a miracle. Let us hope this fine batsman does it tomorrow as well!

man he looked in bloody good touch today, rarely am I impressed with batting but today was as good a day as any to get impressed.

[Oxy]

Can Inzi make a century in his 100th test?

What can I say???

[Schiller]

he really doesnt like you oxy it seems

[Amjid Javed]

A hundred in each innings and then a match winning spell off 5-15 of medium pace in 2nd inns from are skipper would be a great way to mark his 100th test match

cough cough :-D :oD

[pakistani pride]

Wee he is on his way amjid !

TOP KNOCK !

[Saqlain_doosra]

Congrats to Inzi.

100 in 100 test.

Highest 100 by captain and player in Hundredth test.

I hope he makes it double and the first player and capyaon to do so in hundredth test.

[Waseem]

WOW WOW Scoring 180 NO after being 1 down in the series and coming at 7-2 and that in his 100th TEST :-) :-) just GREAT................ No matter what is the result of this series, i ma clearly satisfied with our performance now.................and let's not forget the great support given by Younis Khan. CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!

[nadeem]

A fantastic matchwinner

S Rajesh

March 24, 2005










Inzamam-ul-Haq played his first Test innings as a 22-year-old, in England in 1992. Though he'd made his mark in the World Cup earlier that year, in his first Test series, he did little to suggest that 13 years later, he'd be recognised as one of the finest batsmen ever to play for Pakistan – the scores in his first series were 8*, 0, 8, 26, 5, 19. Inzamam, however, had Imran Khan's backing, and that faith was soon justified – his first half-century came in his next series, in New Zealand, and four innings after that, in the West Indies, Inzamam made 123, the first of his 20 centuries. The Bangalore Test will be Inzamam's 100th, a feat achieved by 30 others, but only by three other Pakistanis – Javed Miandad, (124), Wasim Akram (104) and Saleem Malik (103).
Inzamam is easily among the most successful batsmen for Pakistan. Only Javed Miandad has scored more runs and has a better average. (Click here for Pakistan's leading Test batsmen in terms of average.)


Of the 20 hundreds he's scored, 15 of them have led to Pakistani victories. It's an unusually high percentage, and among batsmen with at least 15 centuries, it's been bettered only by Don Bradman and Steve Waugh, while Matthew Hayden and Mark Waugh share the same percentage. In fact, in the top ten, Inzamam and Gordon Greenidge are the only non-Australians.

100s in wins Total 100s Percentage
Bradman 23 29 79.31
Steve Waugh 25 32 78.13
Inzamam 15 20 75.00
Hayden 15 20 75.00
Mark Waugh 15 20 75.00



Not surprisingly, Inzamam averages 76.51 in victories, which is fourth-highest among batsmen who have been part of at least 20 wins. And when Pakistan win by an innings, Inzamam's average of 202 is on top of the heap (min. qual: five such wins).

In victories Tests won Runs Average
Bradman 30 4813 130.08
Dravid 28 2926 79.08
Sobers 31 3097 77.42
Inzamam 41 3902 76.51
Greg Chappell 38 3595 70.49


In innings wins Tests won Runs Average
Inzamam 12 1419 202.71
Sobers 11 1345 168.12
Bradman 14 2003 166.92
Samaraweera 7 423 141.00
Gower 7 739 123.17



As the table below shows, Inzamam has also been almost constantly improving his stats. After ten Tests, his numbers were rather modest, but gradually he has pushed up those numbers now to rather imposing levels.

Runs Average 100s
After 10 Tests 466 31.06 1
After 20 Tests 1174 43.48 3
After 30 Tests 2047 45.48 4
After 40 Tests 2656 45.01 5
After 50 Tests 3139 43.59 6
After 60 Tests 3848 43.23 8
After 70 Tests 4807 46.22 12
After 80 Tests 5600 47.05 15
After 90 Tests 6574 49.42 18
After 99 Tests 7238 48.90 20



As a captain, Inzamam averages 41, which is a fair average, but is almost nine runs less than the corresponding number when he isn't leading the side. The difference is the highest among all captains for Pakistan. These are early days on the job for him, though – he has only done it 12 times – and it's quite likely that the average will climb up by the time he is done.

Batsmen captains Ave as captain Ave as batsman Difference
Inzamam 41.15 50.12 -8.97
Mushtaq Mohammad 33.39 42.06 -8.68
Miandad 50.09 53.54 -3.45
Zaheer 45.47 44.68 0.79
Malik 52.35 42.15 10.20

I read this on Cricinfo. The not amazing thing is that you see Dravid's name in the analysis but where is the vertically challenged one.....?

[sajjad]

hmm some interesting facts theyr...cool!

[Team Slayer]

not surprised at the list AT ALL....all class players :-)

[umerz]

one reason when they scored they had brilliant bowling attacks all of them......so no surprises no matter how much u score if u dont get 20 opposition wkts u cant win simple rule........but great to see Inzi's name

[Cartman]

Take a bow, Inzi.. the Big man does it again for Pakistan. Here is hoping you get a triple century, Pakistan scored 600 plus and win by an innings.
Cheers

[fair_play]

Inzi is the only man in the team rt now who is capable of performing a miracle. Let us hope this fine batsman does it tomorrow as well!

man he looked in bloody good touch today, rarely am I impressed with batting but today was as good a day as any to get impressed.

This was on an article here on this site:

"It does mean though that we wont/don’t have too many big guns in the squad - perhaps the only two only players on the plane to India capable of dominating a session or two are Inzy and Butt. Sami is also potentially a dominant sort of player - but when that potential realises is anyone's guess"

Now that Inzy has had a good day (very good) Pakistan need to carry on to around 550 shortly after tea - leaving India with at least 90 minutes batting in my opinion. The pitch is so good that a result is only to be had if India bat poorly under pressure (assuming Pakistan bowl well).

I'd hate this to be one of those matches where one team scores 550-8 declared, the other replies with 625-4 declared, and then the first team makes 250-8 in a farcical close.

Sadly, that is the most likely outcome unless Pakistan bat well, Pakistan bowl well, and India feel the pressure.....

Keep your fingers crossed and let's hope so.

[Monsee]

Hey all, bow to the Great Man...we are not worthy, we are not worthy our Beloved Aaloo

[alghazzali]

Even India?? Dravids there but Tendulkar isnt, which shows how selfish the prat is.

[umerz]

Dravid there bcoz now India has 100 times better attack than they had 10 years ago.....even Kumble sucked overseas in those times but now he is a genuine match winner for them overseas and also at home......and also they have much better fast bowlers

[Faisal Akhtar]

Tendulkar will be on an opposite table 'greatest average in lost causes'

[alghazzali]

gud point, but i still think Tendulkar must have the same opportunities.

[umerz]

Lara is the one to have scored most runs in losing cause..........u cant blame a batsman if runs dont end up in winning cause rememeber that 688 run series of lara in srilanka but still a 3-0 whitewash.u guys just have to drag tendy's name in evert thread probably he is more discuussed here on PP rather than on ICF

[Schiller]

His innings today reminded me of the phrase, "grace under pressure"

As far as my criticism of not not handling pressure when the stakes are highest goes, I owe the Big Man an apology. A sincere apoolgy!!

What a fking good innings, agreed that the pitch was impotent and all that miles davies but still its another thing to exploit. Secondly some of his shots were simply far beyong the pitch factor. at 7-2, last test, Well done.

Let us hope he shines thru as a captain as well. But what a good innings, even a batting philistine like myself could appreciate it.

[MIG]

yeah shame on you ,,,,,,,,, ( guess which is your name in there !!)











:-D

[Schiller]

:oD :oD

the nick still rankles eh??

[hasanahmad]

if they bat the full day i think he can. do u guys ?

[Amjid Javed]

lets just hope he lasts 1st ball he faces on day 2 first.

[Gasherbrum]

whoa! whoa, nelly!

lets take it 20 runs at a time please?

you have to be supremely fit to get that many runs on a hot day. inzi was cramping up yesterday, lets hope he comes out well rested.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Calm down!

[alghazzali]

Course he can, but we COULD HAVE also got a gud lead in the 1st innings in Mohali........

His innings today reminded me of the phrase, "grace under pressure"

As far as my criticism of not not handling pressure when the stakes are highest goes, I owe the Big Man an apology. A sincere apoolgy!!

Let us hope he shines thru as a captain as well. But what a good innings, even a batting philistine like myself could appreciate it.

I'm glad and impressed that you are saying this Umar. I just hope nobody calls him a coward or a sheep any more. criticism is fine, as far as tactical matters go. But its just so disappointing when I hear people calling him names and yet all he does is try to make the team better in whatever way he can. anyway lets hope the bowlers take inspiration from him and get us the W.

[catwoman]

What an innings by him under pressure today! Hope he gets he crosses 200. [smilie=112.gif]

[Oxy]

...only 200 Mona? How about another triple Inzi!

[Schiller]

what I dont want to see is a poor collapse!
thats what I ont wanna see

[MIG]

100th match - great victory!!!

[Amjid Javed]

what a 100th match for inzi! congrats!