WC 11 | Previews, Reviews and Analyses by Wasim Akram [The Mega-Thread]

[Faizan Lakhani]

MUMBAI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram on Thursday backed Shahid Afridi to lead the side in the World Cup and hit out at the Cricket Board (PCB) for delaying the appointment.

Akram said Pakistan has the potential do well in the mega event but the side need to know leader as soon as possible.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous team. No one can altogether write off Pakistan's chances in the World Cup. They have the capability to do well, but first and foremost the captain has to be named," said Akram, among the finest left-arm pace bowlers in the history of the game.

"But they don't have a captain with just 15 days left for the tournament. I don't know the reasons behind the delay. Even Shahid Afridi must be under pressure. The sooner the captain is named, the better for the team," said the former all-rounder, who was a dangerous lower order batsman.

He backed swashbuckling all-rounder Afridi to lead his country in the February 19-April 2 tournament.

"I would go for Afridi, although Misbah (Ul-Haq) is performing well (as Test captain), but he's not a magician. Afridi has been the captain for a reasonable period of time. The World Cup is too close to change a captain.

"They came back well in New Zealand. It shows that Afridi has the skill. Last year he was the highest wicket taker and also one of the top run-getters for Pakistan. In my opinion, Afridi should be named Pakistan's captain. I don't know what the PCB thinks about it," he said.

Akram said it was difficult to spot a player with the requisite skills to lead Pakistan cricket side.

"Pakistan team me captain kahan milthe hai? (Where do you get a captain material in the Pakistan team?). Ek nahi miltha hai, tho kahan se doosra milegha? Usko (Afridi) Rakho abh. (If you don't get one where will you find the second. Keep Afridi for the present)," he said.

The 44-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator said though Pakistan would miss Mohammed Asif and Mohdammad Aamer, suspended by the International Cricket Council for their alleged involvement in match-fixing, the team still had a good bowling attack.

"Both are talented and top class bowlers and wicket taking bowlers. Their absence will definitely make a difference.

"But Pakistan has made it a habit of playing normal cricket and playing well under pressure, but relaxing when not under pressure. Umar Gul is bowling well, Shoaib Akhtar is back and (Wahab) Riaz is also doing well. Pakistan's back up is excellent," he said.

Akram, who was here for encouraging talented children associated with the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation and Pratam, a non-government organisation, said he was satisfied with the Pakistan squad.

"I am happy with the 15 picked for the World Cup," he said.

Akram, who grabbed 502 wickets in 356 ODIs and was also a member of the triumphant 1992 team led by Imran Khan, cautioned India about the pressure of playing at home.

"I have been saying for a long time that India is one of the favourites. But fitness will count a lot and home pressure is slightly different," the former Pakistan cricketer said.

"I have the experience of playing two World Cups in Pakistan and India. So I know what pressure can be. Sachin (Tendulkar) will tell you what pressure is all about when playing at home," Akram said.

"Apart from India, Australia is looking good. They have won five out of six games against England. One cannot rule out Sri Lanka and South Africa. From quarterfinals it can be anybody's World Cup," he added.

Akram supported the views expressed by India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and opener Gautam Gambhir that they wanted to win the Cup for Tendulkar.

"The Indian team has a goal. They hope that they win the Cup for the nation, fans and the team. But Sachin is a special person. He's done a lot for India and if the team wants to motivate him this way, then why not," he queried.

On Wednesday, India's 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev said the World Cup was not only about Tendulkar, but about the other players as well.

"Sachin is not (the only one) playing cricket. It is India that is playing. Winning the World Cup is as important to others as it is to him.

"Yes, he is a great player and he has served the country the most. But by placing him above the team, you are insulting the other 14 members in the squad," Kapil said.

Akram, who thoroughly knows the difficulties of fast bowlers on sub-continent pitches, said he did not envy their task, especially during the fag end of the innings with the batsmen constantly finding innovative ways to get after them.

"Good luck to the bowlers in the last power play overs. It's very difficult. The batsmen have found out ways like employing the short sweep or making room to hit the ball. The bowlers have to learn fast. But what can they learn...maybe bowl a yorker-length outside the off stump. They have to practice a lot," he said.

Akram also favoured the format of the tournament in this Cup as compared to 2007 when both Pakistan and India were knocked out after suffering shock defeats in the preliminary stage of the competition which robbed the tournament a lot of its sheen.

"This is a better format than in 2007. Us se Behtar hai (It's better than that one)," he said.

In the upcoming edition, the 14 teams have been divided into two groups of seven each with the top four from each group advancing to the second stage, the quarterfinals.

In the 2007 edition in the West Indies, teams were split into four groups of four each with the top two in each group making it to the Super 8.


source : TOI

[Rana]

somebody slam Akram for stating the obcious!

[Rana]

obvious*

[Ummer Khan]

AKRAM talking a lot these days.....................

[Desire]

now they have won so wasim come out in supoort of Friedi. pehlay baat kartay to baat thi.

[161]

Originally Posted by Rana somebody slam Akram for stating the obcious!

The obcious would be stating that Afridi is incompetent, insecure and inept .. I don't think Wasim happened to mention any of that.

[Faisalabadimunda]

akran chagya.

[Zain93]

Originally Posted by kashif77 The obcious would be stating that Afridi is incompetent, insecure and inept .. I don't think Wasim happened to mention any of that.

Quite ironic how you are making fun of that guys typo because...

Incompetent and inept are the same thing. ;)

And how in the world is Afridi insecure? He's probably the most secure person in the team because he's Captain. Also, if he felt insecure, he wouldn't play the way he does, due to the danger of being dropped.

In conclusion, I have no idea what you are trying to say.

[emclub]

With Shahid Afridi at the helm, Pakistan could be a dark horse in the ICC Cricket World Cup says Wasim Akram
By Vineeth Krishnan


Backing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to name Shahid Afridi as captain of the World Cup squad, ESPNSTAR.com expert Akram feels that the 30-year-old all-rounder is clearly the best man for the job.

“The Pakistan Board has made the right choice in selecting Afridi as the skipper. Despite having delayed the decision for so long, I am happy that in the end they chose the most able man for the job.”

“Afridi has been leading the side for a while and has gotten to grips with the nuances of captaincy. In cricket, you need one or two years to perfect the art of captaincy and this is why I think Afridi was the best option available,” added the former Pakistan skipper.

With the controversy surrounding the position of captain now cleared up, Akram feels the side will be able to look ahead to the World Cup with renewed confidence. Opener Ahmed Shehzad came in for particular praise from the legend, who felt the 19-year-old will not be overawed by the occasion.

“Shehzad has been playing sensational cricket. I know this kid. He is a real fearless character who does not feel that much pressure. I think he is definitely one to watch out for. His idea of defence is to attack and he will be consistent and lethal on subcontinent tracks,” said Akram.

Turning his eyes to the bowling department, Akram felt Shoaib Akthar is still an ace up Pakistan’s sleeve. “Umar Gul will be the main bowler, but if Akhtar stays fit and healthy, he can still make a difference,” commented Akram

Another dangerous player who can single-handedly win games for Pakistan is Abdul Razzaq. Akram, who was a vital cog in the wheels of Imran Khan’s 1992 winning World Cup side, felt Razzaq could be the star player of the quadrennial mega-event.

“I think Razzaq’s aim for the World Cup should be to end as Man of the Tournament. He is one of the best all-rounders out there and is definitely a real match-winner. He has to focus a bit on his bowling and fielding but his explosiveness with the bat, lower down the order is unmatched in world cricket. He is one of those rare people who can smash a load of runs off very few balls, changing the game in an instant.”http://t.co/iW5KbY3

[cricket_fan_1]

oh vikram bhai...what treason...you should not speak positive about pakistan

[Energy]

Good to see Akram backing The Razzler.

[MOHAMMED_Umar]

Wasim Bhai, Khoo Deta hai Qadar Roz ka Aana Jaana.

[shaheer]

Abdil Razzaq did show glimpses of his bowling returning to perform against new zealand 6th odi

[Sir john]

agree with :akram

[Bullet Drive]

Akram really likes Razzaq don't he.

[acer]

I think watson up there
http://cricket.zeenews.com/fullstory.aspx?nid=35825

[Raz]

New Delhi: Even as the cricketing world goes bonkers over Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson`s all-round abilities, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram tips countryman Abdul Razzak to hog the limelight in the forthcoming World Cup.

"In spite of his great experience, he is relatively young and a proven match winner. If Razzak can be a bit more mentally tough and physically robust, he will definitely end up as the player of the tournament," said Akram.

"He is definitely up there with Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan, but is somewhat lacking in his bowling skills. Razzak will have to focus on pace and improve his fielding, too," he added.

Emphasising further on the role of all-rounders in a big tournament like the World Cup, Akram said, "They have a great role to play and the teams that have them will be at a great advantage. There was a time, when Imran (Khan), Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee would vie among each other for the No.1 all-rounder tag.”

"In this World Cup, it will be among Watson, Yusuf and Razzaq. These three can make or break their team`s fortunes," he said.

The former left-arm pacer also pointed out that Pakistan`s fortunes will, to an extent, depend on how the next two months pan out for a few individuals, especially Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar.

"A few individuals will have to play leading roles for Pakistan. In the absence of Mohammed Aamer and Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul will have to spearhead the bowling attack. Gul is bowling quick and if he can utilise the reverse swing, he will be deadly," Akram wrote in his column.

As far as Akhtar is concerned, Akram said the express bowler should be used in short bursts.

"I hope Akhtar stays fit throughout the tournament. Shahid Afridi`s main job is to handle Akhtar well. In a recent interview, Afridi said he sees a limited role for the veteran pacer. I agree with him.”

"Akhtar should be used in short bursts, of about four overs at the start of the innings, then he can bowl a couple in the middle and then in the slog overs. Because Pakistan need Akhtar`s pace, short spells will be best. His reverse swing at hostile pace will be really effective," Akram said.

The former captain believed that Sohail Tanvir`s absence will hurt Pakistan.

"After Razzak, he was a dependable all-rounder. Tanvir is a good bat and could have contributed lower down the order. But I think, with Afridi around, there is plenty of option. Team selection will certainly be key," he said.

Akram picked young Ahmad Shahzad, who recently scored a century against New Zealand, as the player to watch out for.

"Shahzad will be the player to watch out for. Apparently, I am his `hero` but he compares his batting style after Sachin Tendulkar. Just 20, Shahzad is extremely promising. He left his mark with a century against New Zealand recently and he is high on confidence and won`t succumb to pressure easily.”

"I have watched him play in the under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. He has got all the shots in the book and his best form of defence is to attack. I think Shahzad will be very consistent on sub-continental tracks."

PTI

[Raz]

Since when did Yusuf Pathan become an all-rounder?

[emclub]

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder can be as good as a Shane Watson or Yusuf Pathan, writes Wasim Akram
By Wasim Akram


As the ICC Cricket World Cup approaches, I can feel the urgency in the team camps. I can sense the butterflies in the stomach, no matter how good an outfit you may be. This is what makes world championships special!

Almost every pundit is choosing his favourite team and top player, but with great caution. It is foolish to predict in cricket and hence almost every erudite expert is ‘talking’ along predictable lines. And, I am not going to be any different.

Like all ODI championships, the all-rounders have a great role to play and the teams that have them will be at a great advantage. There was a time, when Imran (Khan), Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee would vie among each other for the No.1 all-rounder tag. In this ICC Cricket World Cup, it will be among Shane Watson, Yusuf Pathan and Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq. These three can make or break their team’s fortunes.

I will be keenly watching Razzak’s performance. He is definitely up there with Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan, but is somewhat lacking in his bowling skills. Razzak will have to focus on pace and improve his fielding, too. In spite of his great experience, he is relatively young and a proven match-winner. If Razzak can be a bit more mentally tough and physically robust, he will definitely end up as the Player of the Tournament.

While cricket is always a team game, a few individuals will have to play leading roles for Pakistan. In the absence of Mohammed Aamer and Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul will have to spearhead the bowling attack. Gul is bowling quick and if he can utilize the reverse swing, he will be deadly.

I hope Shoaib Akhtar stays fit throughout the tournament. Shahid Afridi’s main job is to handle Akhtar well. In a recent interview, Afridi said he sees a limited role for the veteran pacer. I agree with him. Akhtar should be used in short bursts, of about four overs at the start of the innings, then he can bowl a couple in the middle and then in the slog overs. Because Pakistan need Akhtar’s pace, short spells will be best. His reverse swing at hostile pace will be really effective.

Sohail Tanvir’s absence will hurt Pakistan. After Razzak, he was a dependable all-rounder. Tanvir is a good bat and could have contributed to the score lower down the order. But it’s no point crying over spilt milk. I think, with Afridi around, there is plenty of option. Team selection will certainly be key.

For Pakistan, however, Ahmad Shahzad will be the player to watch out for. Apparently, I am his ‘hero’ but he compares his batting style after Sachin Tendulkar! Just 20, Shahzad is extremely promising. He left his mark with a century against New Zealand recently and he is high on confidence and won’t succumb to pressure easily. I have watched him play in the Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. He has got all the shots in the book and his best form of defence is to attack. I think Shahzad will be very consistent on sub-continental tracks.

It’s looking good for Pakistan. The captaincy dilemma has been sorted and Afridi has been rightfully chosen to skipper the team. Will he lead by example? That’s the million dollar question!

(Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram is an ESPN-STAR Sports expert) http://t.co/aLxjNdn

[~Red Devil~]

Didn't expeted this from Wasim

He should have said Wastson and Pathan are up there with Razzaq

Razzaq is a hunndred times better bowler than Pathan could ever be

[emclub]

^^^^He isn't comparing their overall careers he's talking about recent form

[ShehryarK]

Yes a Razzaq operating at 20% of his prime as he is now, is just about on par with Pathan and Watson at their peaks

[Uzi]

Pathan isn't an all rounder. That's a joke in itself.

[Down2Earth]

what a joke. pakistan's team alone has 4 all rounders better than pathan

[Edit by MODS: Please don't abuse Wasim's name]

[emclub]

All you guys need to get a life.......GOD forbid wasim bhai just compared an Indian player with a Pakistani..........what? how? why? that is blasphemous

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by emclub All you guys need to get a life.......GOD forbid wasim bhai just compared an Indian player with a Pakistani..........what? how? why? that is blasphemous

what if miandad tomorrow says that wasim and waqar are right up there with nehra? do you not see how dumb this statement is?

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth what a joke, wasim strikes again. pakistan's team alone has 4 all rounders better than pathan

who other than Razzaq / Afridi are better than Pathan from the current Pakistan side?

[Hando]

Originally Posted by cricnut who other than Razzaq / Afridi are better than Pathan from the current Pakistan side?

Razzaq
Afridi
Hafeez
Malik

[emclub]

Anyways the original headline on ESPN Star website was 'Razzaq could be World Cup's best man'........but OP checked it from other site who changed the headline for 'hits'.......I advise mods to change the headline to its original writing......

[Hando]

Razzaq's past it, he said himself he's retiring next year, his bowling is no longer useful and he is too inconsistent in batting. That saying he has served us well and saved our behinds in countless matches. Hope he can end his career on a high.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by Hando Razzaq Afridi Hafeez Malik

You goto be Joking about Hafeez

Hafeez averages 22 with a strike rate of 63 in Odis whereas Pathan averages 33 with a strike rate of 115.

Now in bowling department , Pathan averages 34 while Hafeez averages 35 which is pretty much the same .

[strongman123]

Watson and Razzaq play different roles for their teams in terms of their batting, so it is unfair to compare their runs and performance, because they will be different. As per Yousuf and Razzaq, I dont like the way he has worded it. It should "Pathan is right up there with Razzaq", because Razzaq has been doing this for more than 10 years while Pathan hasn't. So [Edit by MODS: PLs dont abuse Wasim's name - thanks] should have said that Pathan is 'nearly' up there with Razzaq.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by strongman123 Pathan still has to prove himself, because I dont think he has fully won a game for India while Razzaq has. So [Edit by MODS: PLs dont abuse Wasim's name - thanks] should have said that Pathan is 'nearly' up there with Razzaq.

Razzaq is one of the greatest All-rounders in the last one decade however Pathan has also won a game completely by himself

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/467886.html

[emclub]

Originally Posted by strongman123 I dont think he has fully won a game for India while Razzaq has. .

did you watch his match winning 100 against NZ ? he won the match single handedly

[emclub]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth what if miandad tomorrow says that wasim and waqar are right up there with nehra? do you not see how dumb this statement is?

If you read all of it you'll realise he's saying Razzaq, Yusuf and Watson are game changers for their sides, he's comparing their similar roles in the side

[ace4rmspace]

Ol' Razzler is a legend! Wasim is right, he can change a match at any point ... either way! A touch more bite in his bowling would be brilliant.

[strongman123]

Originally Posted by emclub did you watch his match winning 100 against NZ ? he won the match single handedly

Okay, like I said I wasnt sure, I was referring to his innigns against South Africa, which was a case of so close but yet so far. But he is good, nearly as good as Razzaq.

[Rana]

Batting= Watson- pathan- Razzaq
Bowling= Razzaq- Pathan- Watson
Fielding= Watson- Pathan- Razaq

[ace4rmspace]

Razzaq let loose on sub continent pitches with a bat in his hand is a mouth watering prospect.

[acer]

Razak is incönsist player also pathan.but watson great as batsman & bowler

[pakistandiehardfan]

Pathan is no where in the same league as Razzaq. it is like comparing a slogger to a great batsman.

[MajidBhuta-AamirFan]

Originally Posted by Hando Razzaq Afridi Hafeez Malik

in current form phathan is deifinetely better allrounder... some people are here saying what joke this and that.. but i am sure they have not watching pathan's last few matches with both ball and bat!

[Impala_KaifTamasha]

InshAllah The Razzler will be the Man of The Tournement.

[pakcricketfan]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK Yes a Razzaq operating at 20% of his prime as he is now, is just about on par with Pathan and Watson at their peaks

True that!

But... lets give Wasim a benefit of doubt! He was probably talking about Abdur Razzak of Bangladesh.

Since when did start spelling his name with a 'k'

[cricket_fan_1]

poor wasim...always gets the stick

[Edit by MODS: Please don't abuse Wasim's name]

[MIG]

Guys - you have all seen the thread about posting rules posted as sticky.

I am assuming that when you are abusing players here you are doing this knowingly?

Consider this a polite warning.

[Zamee]

Kallis is the best allrounder so far...

[Crucifier]

Comparing Razzaq to the biggest flat track bully of all time is an insult.

[LegendsXI]

Originally Posted by ~Red Devil~ Didn't expeted this from Wasim He should have said Wastson and Pathan are up there with Razzaq Razzaq is a hunndred times better bowler than Pathan could ever be

+1. Really disappointing from Wasim.

[Theo_14]

Razzaq has had a poor series with the bat v New Zealand but if you look at it, he was pretty impressive v South Africa on flat pitches, and that's where we will see the best out of him, so let's hope he get's some runs under his belt and reminds the forgotten fans how good he actually is, especially on sub-continent pitches.

Razzaq also needs to improve his bowling - he has potential in him but needs to take his bowling more seriously, if he can pitch it up consistently then he can easily frustate the batsmen, and adding more variety to his bowling can be a succesfull hit during the World cup.

[Gollum]

Razzaq is wasted at the position he comes in at. I would really play him as a genuine batsman and send him up the order. He is good enough to do that. As a bowler whatever he bowls is a bonus really.

[Ryankhan]

Inshallah RAZZLER will shine and will do great and will win us the WC despitE what others say

[Dr Khan]

There is no one like Razzaq when he is on song.

[Indiafan]

Originally Posted by Crucifier Comparing Razzaq to the biggest flat track bully of all time is an insult.

Where did he compare Razzaq to Afridi?

BTW, did you guys also miss the part where Wasim says Razzaq could be the player of the tournament?

[KingKhanWC]

I'm not sure what was going on in Wasim's mind when he made this statement but Pathan is an average cricketer at best. He is very good at hitting spinners out of the ground on good batting tracks and basically having a go. Most of the time it doesn't come off.

I honestly think Wasim watches more Indian cricket because he would know Razzaq is bowling fairly well at the moment. In NZ he was reaching speeds of 135k and looked in great shape. His batting wasn't on show much due him coming down the order at times when the slog was on.

[cricnut]

Pathan is the biggest hitter of the cricket ball right now , we all saw what Razzaq could manage in NZ and what Pathan did to SA in SA.

[pakistandiehardfan]

Originally Posted by cricnut Pathan is the biggest hitter of the cricket ball right now , we all saw what Razzaq could manage in NZ and what Pathan did to SA in SA.

Nah Pathan is a mediocre hitter, not in the same league as Razzaq, and I' m afraid many indians would agree. He has won us many matches, wheras Pathan has only come back to the indian side after failures.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by pakistandiehardfan Nah Pathan is a mediocre hitter, not in the same league as Razzaq, and I' m afraid many indians would agree. He has won us many matches, wheras Pathan has only come back to the indian side after failures.

As far as hitting the ball is concerned , Pathan is far superior compared to Razzaq at the moment however Razzaq has been doing it for the last 10 years hence Razzaq deserves the credit.
Check there recent form , Razzaq averaged 9.5 in NZ While Pathan averaged 55 against SA in SA .

Other than that brilliant 109 against SA , Razzaq has nothing to boast for the last 4 years , he hasnt scored a single 50 since 2007.

And Pathan has won Two matches for his side in a space of 5 matches , having said that his bowling is nowhere closer to that of Razzaq hence he cant be recognized as an All-Rounder

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by cricnut Pathan is the biggest hitter of the cricket ball right now , we all saw what Razzaq could manage in NZ and what Pathan did to SA in SA.

lol. Pathan is nearly 29 years old and has only played 40 odd ODI's, scoring less than 700 runs his career and taking 30 odd wickets. Razzaq is only a couple of years older than him but has scored nearly 5000 odi runs and taken nearly 250 wickets.

Razzaq has proven to be a great one day allrounder who has performed at the highest stage for many years. He is a respected and feared player while Pathan has had a couple of good games in his whole life.

The two cannot be compared, Razzaq is far more experienced and has more more ability and skill. This showed when Razzaq took the team home against South Africa scoring a blazing hundred while Pathan in a similar situation bottled it and India lost.

[pakistandiehardfan]

Originally Posted by cricnut As far as hitting the ball is concerned , Pathan is far superior compared to Razzaq at the moment however Razzaq has been doing it for the last 10 years hence Razzaq deserves the credit. Check there recent form , Razzaq averaged 9.5 in NZ While Pathan averaged 55 against SA in SA . Other than that brilliant 109 against SA , Razzaq has nothing to boast for the last 4 years , he hasnt scored a single 50 since 2007

he has scored valuable runs, fast 30/40's and a mega blitz against South Africa. it's hard to score when your asked to come down at 7/8 and get 50/100's every game.

But atm, Razzaq gets the vote in terms of monster htting and match winning abilities which unfortunately Pathan hasn't done against teams - except from in Newzealand.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by pakistandiehardfan he has scored valuable runs, fast 30/40's and a mega blitz against South Africa. it's hard to score when your asked to come down at 7/8 and get 50/100's every game. But atm, Razzaq gets the vote in terms of monster htting and match winning abilities which unfortunately Pathan hasn't done against teams - except from in Newzealand.

And Pathan is the only Batsman in history of Odis to score 2 centuries coming down at number 7 position.

[pakistandiehardfan]

Originally Posted by cricnut And Pathan is the only Batsman in history of Odis to score 2 centuries coming down at number 7 position.

Well when he actually wins you (against a top quality side - not rubbish minnows) a match then come and boast him on this forum please.

And don't argue with me stating that Pathan is better than Razzaq, because it's pointless troll.

[number15]

Those downplaying the batting ability of Yusuf Pathan are extremely dumb.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by number15 Those downplaying the batting ability of Yusuf Pathan are extremely dumb.

and jealous and full of hatred and loosers in life.

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by cricnut and jealous and full of hatred and loosers in life.

now i believe free-hit

*cough*zaid*cough*

[srh]

did not expect this from Wasim Akram.

On second thought it was expected.

[cricnut]

Originally Posted by MajidBhuta-AamirFan in current form phathan is deifinetely better allrounder... some people are here saying what joke this and that.. but i am sure they have not watching pathan's last few matches with both ball and bat!

You are right!

[pakistandiehardfan]

Originally Posted by cricnut You are right!

On current form?
Razzaq had just hit what was one of the best ODI knocks seen in histroy, a real match winner and you are comparing him to someone who slogged a minnow and couldn't even finish the game off vs Southafrica.

[Bailan]

Yousaf Pathan ................ A poor man's Robin Singh

[*sallu*]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK Yes a Razzaq operating at 20% of his prime as he is now, is just about on par with Pathan and Watson at their peaks

Give me a break, How exactly is Razzaq competing with Watson?

Razzaq scores once in 5 innings, and Watson 3-4 times in 5 innings, and Watson is averaging 23 with the ball in the last 2 years I think.

[PerfectionPersonified]

Razaak is far better than Y P but on current form i dont rate him above WATSON

[venomousx]

Originally Posted by *sallu* Give me a break, How exactly is Razzaq competing with Watson? Razzaq scores once in 5 innings, and Watson 3-4 times in 5 innings, and Watson is averaging 23 with the ball in the last 2 years I think.

Razzaq doesn't open. His job is to hit from the 1st ball and i don't think Watson can do a better job than him.
Razzaq might score 3-4 times out of 5 too if he is sent up the order and has some time to settle.

[hasanmehmoodkhan]

watson is better then both razzaq and yusuf. amazing batsmen, more then handy bowler, great fielder. Yousuf pathan is a devastating hitter of the ball, so is razzaq i think they are equal in this matter

[wasi90lk]

abdul razzaq is a better all rounder than both watson and pathan.

abdul razzaq proved his worth time after time. pathan is good, but his bowling is not as effective as abdul razzaq's bowling i think.

[*sallu*]

Originally Posted by venomousx Razzaq doesn't open. His job is to hit from the 1st ball and i don't think Watson can do a better job than him. Razzaq might score 3-4 times out of 5 too if he is sent up the order and has some time to settle.

So what?

Fact is their performances are no where near the same, end of story.

We are not talking ability here

[Shaheerthe2nd]

Originally Posted by cricnut and jealous and full of hatred and loosers in life.

How about you come an tell us what team you actually support?

It will help all of us A LOT.

[emclub]

Originally Posted by Shaheerthe2nd How about you come an tell us what team you actually support? It will help all of us A LOT.

He supports India..............not hard to guess

[ali2220]

Originally Posted by Indiafan Where did he compare Razzaq to Afridi? BTW, did you guys also miss the part where Wasim says Razzaq could be the player of the tournament?

Very smart, however fact remains that Yousuf is a flat track bully, and as far as Afridi is concerned, he is now just someone who is at most handy with bat regardless of the conditions.

[The WagonWheel]

Pathan is definitely a better bat than Razzler .. Bowling-wise they are no match .. Razzler is light years ahead .. For the record, I think the best Pathan innings needs a mention here, which orchestrated the highest ever first-class run-chase in the history of the game ....

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indiando...ch/427326.html

[Justcrazy]

Watson is much more effective with the bat than Razzak these days. Razzak is not the same player as used to be earlier on.
Watson is more consistent of the other two.
In bowling Razzak is better than Pathan.