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General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: potzy248 on November 10, 2014, 08:00:31 AM

Title: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 10, 2014, 08:00:31 AM
Shehzad dropped bat on wickets after being hit in the head...

As I was about to say how boring this game was. Even after this it is still boring as sin. How can this be good for the game? Win the toss and its all over.

Nz will struggle against spin and a very average ( apart from Younis ) Pakistan will slip further up the test rankings.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Kulli on November 10, 2014, 08:59:29 AM
Shehzad dropped bat on wickets after being hit in the head...

As I was about to say how boring this game was. Even after this it is still boring as sin. How can this be good for the game? Win the toss and its all over.

Nz will struggle against spin and a very average ( apart from Younis ) Pakistan will slip further up the test rankings.

If you guys had won the toss would it be all over?
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Alvaro on November 10, 2014, 12:18:28 PM
Shehzad has a 'minor' skull fracture and will be monitored for 48 hours apparently.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: uknsaunders on November 10, 2014, 12:22:17 PM
Was it an old Masuri he was wearing?
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on November 10, 2014, 12:28:40 PM
Albion 98 by the looks of it

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2FGbBMCIAAL-3T.jpg:large
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: uknsaunders on November 10, 2014, 01:03:07 PM
Albion 98 by the looks of it

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2FGbBMCIAAL-3T.jpg:large

Could be right. Really surprised these guys aren't wearing the latest batch of helments. Cricket is a dangerous game sometimes!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: iand123 on November 10, 2014, 04:05:30 PM
Could be right. Really surprised these guys aren't wearing the latest batch of helments. Cricket is a dangerous game sometimes!

I'd imagine the rival helmet manufacturers are circling after this
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on November 10, 2014, 05:00:52 PM
We were asked to send samples out which they are due to collect at the end of the test match as it happens!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on November 10, 2014, 05:05:22 PM
Not a kiwi or a Pakistani... game is boring.. 500+ for few snore fest. These games are what kill test cricket.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 10, 2014, 05:43:55 PM
I'm sorry I agree, it is a snorefest. I hate watching Joe Root bat as well he's boring as sin.
Its just these pitches they keep making. Opening with spin in a test match is a sorry state of affairs, soon teams will go in with 4 spinners and a couple of all-round seamers.
I'm all for it being hard for teams like NZ, OZ and SA going to these decks but this is ridiculous. These Pakistan batsman should not be getting the runs they are, they are not that good IMO (Apart from Younis).
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on November 10, 2014, 05:56:00 PM
You confuse me mate, If England would have scored these runs then it would have been a great application of batting, considering when England were batting well they were scoring abt the same number of runs.

T-20 is useless, ODI is useless, Tests in the subcontinent are useless, anything made in sub continent is not as good, Any team other than England scoring run is useless, did I miss anything else?

How can this be a snorefest if T-20 & ODI is slogging then this must be what you enjoy!!

You want a wicket that is sporting, one that a bowler can bowl well on and get a batsmen out and keep the runs down but if you bowl badly the batsmen can score runs. So ideally, I'd be looking for a 'avg' score first innings around 300 etc.. not 500. It's not about how pakistan in this case have batted, hell from what i've seen they've batted well.. it's the fact that test matches should be exactly that.. testing.. so currently in theory we have the likes of dave warner avg'ing alongside some of the greats of the game.. really... dave warner!!!   

A test wicket needs to be sporting and some of the flat tracks that are produced all around the world are just crap. The subcontinent seem to enjoy mass run games but it's just silly (IMO), over inflates their batsmen and just kills fast bowling completely. Each to their own but it devalues them avg'ing so much when it's silly flat wickets. ODI's are played on flat wickets... so batsmen can just biff.. T20's are on flat decks so batsmen can biff (fair enough as that' swhat T20 is about), but test matches.. the wicket should be seaming.. ball swinging then on day 4+ , a good actual spinner should be spinning it and causing trouble.

I think you'll find I slate any wicket that is not sporting. I'd rather watch test sides struggling to 250 each innings than watch them score 500+. Smaller total games usually produce better cricket and really 'test' players
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 10, 2014, 06:03:07 PM
You want a wicket that is sporting, one that a bowler can bowl well on and get a batsmen out and keep the runs down but if you bowl badly the batsmen can score runs. So ideally, I'd be looking for a 'avg' score first innings around 300 etc.. not 500. It's not about how pakistan in this case have batted, hell from what i've seen they've batted well.. it's the fact that test matches should be exactly that.. testing.. so currently in theory we have the likes of dave warner avg'ing alongside some of the greats of the game.. really... dave warner!!!   

A test wicket needs to be sporting and some of the flat tracks that are produced all around the world are just crap. The subcontinent seem to enjoy mass run games but it's just silly (IMO), over inflates their batsmen and just kills fast bowling completely. Each to their own but it devalues them avg'ing so much when it's silly flat wickets. ODI's are played on flat wickets... so batsmen can just biff.. T20's are on flat decks so batsmen can biff (fair enough as that' swhat T20 is about), but test matches.. the wicket should be seaming.. ball swinging then on day 4+ , a good actual spinner should be spinning it and causing trouble.

I think you'll find I slate any wicket that is not sporting. I'd rather watch test sides struggling to 250 each innings than watch them score 500+. Smaller total games usually produce better cricket and really 'test' players

I agree, sorry having a cranky day, didn`t mean to take it out towards you. I apologize.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 10, 2014, 06:05:02 PM
International tennis is played on three different types of courts: Grass Court, Clay Court, Hard Court. Tennis is better for it.

Subcontinental pitches require a different style of cricket. Also a different level of skill is needed for both batting and bowling. This kind of variety is good for international cricket. Not every test match has to turn into a shooting gallery where batsmen are getting hit on the body left and right. A batsmen  getting beat by a Doosra or a Googly  is as exciting as a batsmen (edited, thank you Siri ) nicking a seamer to the keeper or the first slip. What's ruining test cricket is lack of appreciation for different styles of test cricket or cricket. Not everything has to turn to baseball!

Yes, this match will be a snooze fest if Kiwis also score 500+ runs.  :D
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 10, 2014, 06:25:06 PM
On these "unsporting" / "boring" pitches, one team smashed a billion runs, and another (much higher ranked) team, failed to score 300, and collapsed over and over again. Little contradiction there?
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 10, 2014, 07:55:06 PM
On these "unsporting" / "boring" pitches, one team smashed a billion runs, and another (much higher ranked) team, failed to score 300, and collapsed over and over again. Little contradiction there?

Not really. Better spinners in Pakistan I'll give them that. Lyon and the other guy are woeful. Much like our Kiwi spinners.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on November 10, 2014, 08:25:00 PM
Unfortunately for our viewing displeasure, More Tests have to be played on these pitches if any team is to be a chance of beating Pakistan at home. I'm sure the Pakistanis have the same feeling when fronted with a Gabba greentop.
I foresee for the next few years a lot of teams being very tough to beat at home but not travel well as the "great" teams (Aussies from '98-05 and the Windies in the 70's and 80's) are a once in a generation team.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 10, 2014, 09:16:47 PM
Not really. Better spinners in Pakistan I'll give them that. Lyon and the other guy are woeful. Much like our Kiwi spinners.

I just think "unsporting" would only be applicable if BOTH teams were piling on the runs. NZ can do it, but the fact that the Aussies just couldn't handle it, means that the wickets were sporting enough. It was a thoroughly one-sided affair. And so BY DEFINITION, the conditions were sporting, in that it wasn't all fun for the batsmen.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 10, 2014, 10:29:11 PM
I just think "unsporting" would only be applicable if BOTH teams were piling on the runs. NZ can do it, but the fact that the Aussies just couldn't handle it, means that the wickets were sporting enough. It was a thoroughly one-sided affair. And so BY DEFINITION, the conditions were sporting, in that it wasn't all fun for the batsmen.

Fair point.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: TopShot on November 11, 2014, 02:09:59 AM
Here's the link to a video of Shezad getting hit

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/pakistan-v-new-zealand-first-test-day-two/2014-11-11 (http://www.cricket.com.au/news/pakistan-v-new-zealand-first-test-day-two/2014-11-11)

This doesn't look right at all....ball seems to hit him near the gap between peak and grill around the cheekbone area. Really shouldn't be getting a fractured skull from that kind of impact but clearly it happened. The helmet must have transferred the force of the impact directly into the skull. If this is the case then that is clearly a failure by the helmet. Especially seeing as Corey Anderson is not exactly express pace. No excuse for something like this in my opinion.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: IQ on November 11, 2014, 06:26:48 AM
Here's the link to a video of Shezad getting hit

[url]http://www.cricket.com.au/news/pakistan-v-new-zealand-first-test-day-two/2014-11-11[/url] ([url]http://www.cricket.com.au/news/pakistan-v-new-zealand-first-test-day-two/2014-11-11[/url])

This doesn't look right at all....ball seems to hit him near the gap between peak and grill around the cheekbone area. Really shouldn't be getting a fractured skull from that kind of impact but clearly it happened. The helmet must have transferred the force of the impact directly into the skull. If this is the case then that is clearly a failure by the helmet. Especially seeing as Corey Anderson is not exactly express pace. No excuse for something like this in my opinion.

The ball deflects from the front of the helmet and hits him on the back of the head as well. Could be that .....
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 11, 2014, 06:56:10 AM
Noooooo Williamson our great player of spin.

Oh well might as well start getting ready to follow on.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 11, 2014, 01:30:43 PM
No follow-on.

Pacer Rahat takes 4 wickets.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 11, 2014, 02:38:15 PM
No follow-on.

Pacer Rahat takes 4 wickets.
On a dead wicket? Watched the highlights last night kiwi fielding was atrocious.  Lots of dropped catches
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 11, 2014, 03:10:05 PM
^ This newbie got game.  :D
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Kal on November 13, 2014, 08:45:29 AM
I'm no Pakistan fan but got to say I've been really impressed by how they have played recently.

This was all done on flat pitches, where people said you couldn't bowl a team out.

I hope they build from this and not get to carried away, (or should I say the fans expectations...)

Well done Pakistan!

It's interesting to see that Asian teams have the patience & technique to bat long periods on these pitches. Yet top players from the Southern Hemisphere can't seem to bat long periods at all. It's almost like many don't trust their technique to defend or rotate the strike..

 


Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 11:24:28 AM
Every match in the middle East is pretty much decided by the toss.

PAK vs SA. Both sides batted first in the Test that they won the toss. They dominated those respective matches.

Pak won both matches against Australia after batting first in both matches.

Against PAK piled the runs on against nz after winning the toss and batting first.

Pakistan are very ordinary. You know the conditions are rubbish when mediocre players like Misbah, Ali, Shahzed etc are racking up 100s for fun. 
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Rob580 on November 13, 2014, 11:27:47 AM
You know the conditions are rubbish when mediocre players like Misbah, Ali, Shahzed etc are racking up 100s for fun.

It's more the fact that Hafeez is scoring runs! Also it's a showing of their craft (and the fact that you can hang on the front foot out there) that Shahzad got hit by Corey Anderson bowling on a featherbed!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: leeroy on November 13, 2014, 11:35:51 AM
Its been really good to see the patience displayed by Pakistan in the last few tests. I know its not the most exciting but id personally love it if my team (Australia) could have shown even the slightest bit of this when they batted.   
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 11:38:51 AM
Its been really good to see the patience displayed by Pakistan in the last few tests. I know its not the most exciting but id personally love it if my team (Australia) could have shown even the slightest bit of this when they batted.
Let's see what happens when the Pakistanis go to Australia and bat on pitches with pace abc bounce...

Pakistan are a spineless team. They'll fold like a deck of cards.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 11:44:57 AM
Hafeez reported for chucking. Ban all chuckers for life.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: leeroy on November 13, 2014, 11:47:27 AM
Let's see what happens when the Pakistanis go to Australia and bat on pitches with pace abc bounce...

Pakistan are a spineless team. They'll fold like a deck of cards.

Yeah its pretty much a given hahaha. I wish we could just fight a bit harder when not in Australia.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 11:50:28 AM
Yeah its pretty much a given hahaha. I wish we could just fight a bit harder when not in Australia.
It doesn't help that Michael Clarke can't stay fully fit. He's the engine of the australian batting. When he's not on full power. The younger players look confused/clueless.

Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: leeroy on November 13, 2014, 12:18:41 PM
It doesn't help that Michael Clarke can't stay fully fit. He's the engine of the australian batting. When he's not on full power. The younger players look confused/clueless.
Its disappointing that Clarke is the only batsman from his generation that really forged a good test career. Its only older or younger guys.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 01:20:10 PM
Its disappointing that Clarke is the only batsman from his generation that really forged a good test career. Its only older or younger guys.
I think Warner and Smith are the men whom will have to carry Pup's burden.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 13, 2014, 01:25:40 PM
Let's see what happens when the Pakistanis go to Australia and bat on pitches with pace abc bounce...

Pakistan are a spineless team. They'll fold like a deck of cards.

I love the hyperbole here.. "Unsporting pitches". "Spineless team". The reality is a lot more simple: Australian batsman can't handle spin, and their bowlers can't BOWL spin or reverse swing.. while, Pak batsmen can't handle pace and bounce. This is why, with the exception of S.A, teams have struggled in foreign conditions (Aus winning in SA was a great achievement, but the pitches there were similar to those in AUS). Nothing to do with spine, or lack thereof. 
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 13, 2014, 01:29:05 PM
The difference is Australia are actually bowling. Whereas pakistan have an endless supply of 'spinners' with dodgy actions better suited to darts than cricket...
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: joeljonno on November 13, 2014, 01:32:18 PM

The difference is Australia are actually bowling. Whereas pakistan have an endless supply of 'spinners' with dodgy actions better suited to darts than cricket...

The Aussie bowlers are List A at best.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 13, 2014, 01:56:15 PM
The difference is Australia are actually bowling. Whereas pakistan have an endless supply of 'spinners' with dodgy actions better suited to darts than cricket...

like who?
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 13, 2014, 01:57:38 PM
The difference is Australia are actually bowling. Whereas pakistan have an endless supply of 'spinners' with dodgy actions better suited to darts than cricket...

I guess Shane Warne is an idiot then, for applauding one of these dart throwers.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Cover_Drive on November 15, 2014, 06:05:57 PM
Quite amused and made me chuckle reading few posts here, by no means being a Pro-Pakistani but talking from neutral prepective.

Dead track or no, both team batsman have equal opportunity and same conditions to score runs, both opposition, Australia and New Zealand contained top players who failed with bat. If you as a batsman can score in bowling friendly conditions then it should be very easy to play on flat decks.

Not being able to play spin is futile, absolutely really. As a professional you should know. It's like saying a Doctor not knowing how to suture is a top doctor, surgeron or not, every Doctor knows it as its very basic thing. Similarly spin is basic and been part of game for as long as pace owning have been.

Pakistani bowlers combined were possibly less experienced than Australian and New Zealand's twelft man even, yet the pacers performed while opposition contained MUCH better pacers who failed miserably. Two specialist bowlers in Pakistani line-up made debuts while other two specialist had just few games under there belt.

Quite a contradiction really.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Cover_Drive on November 15, 2014, 06:10:41 PM
Every match in the middle East is pretty much decided by the toss.

PAK vs SA. Both sides batted first in the Test that they won the toss. They dominated those respective matches.

Pak won both matches against Australia after batting first in both matches.

Against PAK piled the runs on against nz after winning the toss and batting first.

Pakistan are very ordinary. You know the conditions are rubbish when mediocre players like Misbah, Ali, Shahzed etc are racking up 100s for fun.

Whitewashed the same Australian side who trashed England in Ashes and then won against Proteas, not what an ordinary team can do.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 15, 2014, 06:59:35 PM
Quite amused and made me chuckle reading few posts here, by no means being a Pro-Pakistani but talking from neutral prepective.

Dead track or no, both team batsman have equal opportunity and same conditions to score runs, both opposition, Australia and New Zealand contained top players who failed with bat. If you as a batsman can score in bowling friendly conditions then it should be very easy to play on flat decks.

Not being able to play spin is futile, absolutely really. As a professional you should know. It's like saying a Doctor not knowing how to suture is a top doctor, surgeron or not, every Doctor knows it as its very basic thing. Similarly spin is basic and been part of game for as long as pace owning have been.

Pakistani bowlers combined were possibly less experienced than Australian and New Zealand's twelft man even, yet the pacers performed while opposition contained MUCH better pacers who failed miserably. Two specialist bowlers in Pakistani line-up made debuts while other two specialist had just few games under there belt.

Quite a contradiction really.

I don't see the contradiction.

Pakistan managed to see off some of the very best Seam bowlers on flat dead tracks and then face sub standard spinners who were like cannon fodder to these guys.

Pakistan would then open with their much better spin bowlers take out the top 5 and then let their Seamers who have bowled really well use reverse swing.

These tracks have been made for Pakistan. Yes our batters were average but when you see how many runs the Pakistan batters have scored who IMO are not very good at all, then something is up.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Cover_Drive on November 15, 2014, 08:20:25 PM
I don't see the contradiction.

Pakistan managed to see off some of the very best Seam bowlers on flat dead tracks and then face sub standard spinners who were like cannon fodder to these guys.

Pakistan would then open with their much better spin bowlers take out the top 5 and then let their Seamers who have bowled really well use reverse swing.

These tracks have been made for Pakistan. Yes our batters were average but when you see how many runs the Pakistan batters have scored who IMO are not very good at all, then something is up.

As I said, opposition had/has much better players than those "average" Pakistani players who scored then why weren't they successful? Why didn't they score?

Spin is no excuse, as a professional you have to be prepared and should be equipped to face all sort of variations. Spin is not new invention to cricket.

Facing seam bowling is never easy for any batsman, Pakistani batsman did well to see off. They applied themselves, hence, scored. Tom Latham did and scored a century.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 16, 2014, 12:20:24 AM
When you open with spin then IMO there is something wrong. I rest my case and agree to disagree.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: armie on November 17, 2014, 07:05:30 AM
Back after a while and reading this post, i am a bit shocked. A number of people seem to be almost whinging about dead pitches, spinning pitches, batting pitches and blah blah blah. The fact is that conditions are different. if sub-continent road are bad, how about the Aussie concrete slabs? Too much spin may be bad but what about too much bounce?  That is fine coz Aussies win? that is beyond lame.

All teams have the right to take advantage of home conditions and this is Pakistan is doing, live with it folks. If Aussies and Kiwis have been below par, unable to bat out a decent period against a bowling attack barely ten test matches old, may be the bowling wasnt tripe, perhaps the batting was. The over used mantra of "brand of aggressive cricket" didn't help.

As for Pakistani batsmen that are so ordinary yet they managed 13 hundreds in 3 tests, well i guess they are getting their act together. And if Johnson and Siddle aren't good enough to get wickets, they aren't good enough, period. Stop expecting other teams to make fast bouncy pitches so that aussies and kiwis can come in and have the upper hand. the fact is that Aussies were below par and kiwis have often been troubled by Pakistan, even when they themselves were in trouble. This is cricket, someone will play better. While i expect Pakistan to have a tough time in aussie conditions, i see no reason why we should not use our own conditions to our own use. Just like other teams, its our choice to make flat roads or spinning minefields. 
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Kulli on November 17, 2014, 08:38:44 AM
Whitewashed the same Australian side who trashed England in Ashes and then won against Proteas, not what an ordinary team can do.
While I agree with most of what you've said a 'whitewash' is a bit less impressive when it's a 2 test series!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: armie on November 17, 2014, 09:13:48 AM
While I agree with most of what you've said a 'whitewash' is a bit less impressive when it's a 2 test series!

two test series should be banned.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on November 17, 2014, 10:52:47 AM
Young Latham is showing all how it should be done! Brilliant for such a young fellow, an absolute legend in the making!
Without taking anything away from Pakistan as they completely outplayed the Aussies in both Tests and the Kiwis in the first game, the question needs to be asked how much of an advantage is it winning the toss and batting on the UAE pitches?
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on November 17, 2014, 10:59:48 AM
I reiterate my point from an earlier post:,for ANY team to be considered a GREAT. Team, they not only need to win at home but even more importantly, AWAY from home! The only way to get better is to play more games on these pitches, not less. This is, I believe, part of the reason the IPL will hurt Indian cricket in the long run as so many players are getting a lot of exposure to their wickets and spinners... Overall, change hurts but it is necessary to grow.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 17, 2014, 01:00:28 PM
How's this for a controversial statement: NZ has shown very rapid improvement in the UAE. Aus went from bad (losing to Pak-A, to worse, refusing to change their gameplan). I reckon on these pitches, NZ can beat AUS.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: skip1973 on November 17, 2014, 01:16:58 PM
I don't think it's that simple, it certainly highlights how important the toss is though.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: armie on November 17, 2014, 02:09:54 PM
Brilliant work by Latham indeed. Good to see some old fashioned application after a while. A lesson for all non-Asian batters on how to deal with such wickets.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 17, 2014, 10:47:33 PM
I agree with you and made similar points earlier. 

I will reiterate that this kind of variety is good for international cricket as an international sport. Different conditions, different pitches, different styles of play necessary to succeed in different conditions are what makes the sport so exciting. It is a true test of cricketing skills of these international caliber/level players to adjust and thrive in foreign or difficult conditions. God bless The kiwis for putting up a fine batting performance in these conditions. More power to them I say!!

Teams that will make the necessary adjustments to the the conditions will ultimately thrive and be recognized as better international or traveling teams. South Africans have done very well in foreign conditions and are respected by cricketing fans everywhere.

Back after a while and reading this post, i am a bit shocked. A number of people seem to be almost whinging about dead pitches, spinning pitches, batting pitches and blah blah blah. The fact is that conditions are different. if sub-continent road are bad, how about the Aussie concrete slabs? Too much spin may be bad but what about too much bounce?  That is fine coz Aussies win? that is beyond lame.

All teams have the right to take advantage of home conditions and this is Pakistan is doing, live with it folks. If Aussies and Kiwis have been below par, unable to bat out a decent period against a bowling attack barely ten test matches old, may be the bowling wasnt tripe, perhaps the batting was. The over used mantra of "brand of aggressive cricket" didn't help.

As for Pakistani batsmen that are so ordinary yet they managed 13 hundreds in 3 tests, well i guess they are getting their act together. And if Johnson and Siddle aren't good enough to get wickets, they aren't good enough, period. Stop expecting other teams to make fast bouncy pitches so that aussies and kiwis can come in and have the upper hand. the fact is that Aussies were below par and kiwis have often been troubled by Pakistan, even when they themselves were in trouble. This is cricket, someone will play better. While i expect Pakistan to have a tough time in aussie conditions, i see no reason why we should not use our own conditions to our own use. Just like other teams, its our choice to make flat roads or spinning minefields.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Cover_Drive on November 18, 2014, 02:53:55 AM
While I agree with most of what you've said a 'whitewash' is a bit less impressive when it's a 2 test series!

Completely agreed, series should have odd number of games.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Kieron_BT on November 20, 2014, 11:25:47 AM
Brendon McCullum with a test wicket to his name!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: wasted_talent on November 20, 2014, 11:57:51 AM
So all the talk about "win toss, win game" maybe totally ill founded.  :D
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: uknsaunders on November 20, 2014, 12:12:31 PM
So all the talk about "win toss, win game" maybe totally ill founded.  :D

Don't speak to soon. If the Kiwi's get 200-250+ then they could still run out winners.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Rob580 on November 20, 2014, 12:32:04 PM
This is just a chance for Ross Taylor to show off what a wonderful player he is!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 20, 2014, 12:41:33 PM
shaping up to be a cracker of a game on day 5
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: wasted_talent on November 20, 2014, 03:29:37 PM
Don't speak to soon. If the Kiwi's get 200-250+ then they could still run out winners.

agreed, but just find it baffling people think its as simple as win toss and win the game. really hope pakistan show otherwise...!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 20, 2014, 03:42:12 PM
it also dispels the myth of "dead pitches". this is the fourth game on a supposed "unsporting track" - three have been massive thrashings, and the fourth is shaping up to be a thriller. whats the problem??
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 20, 2014, 03:45:02 PM
The 10 the wicket partnership between the keeper Sarfaraz and pacer Rahat was great! Sarfaraz would have reached his century a lot earlier had he not protected Rahat's wicket. This was great test cricket batting!

Day 5 is going to be exciting.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: wasted_talent on November 20, 2014, 03:46:18 PM
totally agree...

would seem people just dont like seeing a different type of challenge... which is what the asian pitches present!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on November 20, 2014, 04:05:24 PM
Credit to the Kiwis, they made no silly excuses and came back roaring. And, the way the pitch is turning, they could take this match.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 20, 2014, 05:22:38 PM
Credit to the Kiwis, they made no silly excuses and came back roaring. And, the way the pitch is turning, they could take this match.

Agreed, first team to show fight and adapt to UAE challenge, compared to all the moaning and whinging from other (non-dead track producing) nations. I am enjoying this game a lot from neutral perspective, don't know which team I want to win this match.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 20, 2014, 09:23:41 PM
Gotta wonder how much higher Ross Taylor's average would be if New Zealand had a couple more batsmen averaging 40+, rather than mid 30s. Taylor is a class apart in his side. Shame Ryder threw away his career.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: potzy248 on November 20, 2014, 09:59:10 PM
Gotta wonder how much higher Ross Taylor's average would be if New Zealand had a couple more batsmen averaging 40+, rather than mid 30s. Taylor is a class apart in his side. Shame Ryder threw away his career.

Williamson will surpass all other NZ batsman. Having a tough time on this tour however.
Taylor always seems to get us out of trouble. Great player.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 20, 2014, 10:11:28 PM
Williamson will surpass all other NZ batsman. Having a tough time on this tour however.
Taylor always seems to get us out of trouble. Great player.
The pieces are there for the Kiwis to develop into a good side.

Latham looks a fine young player.
Williamson
Taylor
Anderson is potentially a great all rounder.
Neesham is more a batsman who bowls but he could develop his bowling.

If they can ever solve Ryder's problems, he's the x factor player.

Southee, Boult and Wagner is a very good seam attack
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 21, 2014, 12:43:51 AM
Another guy worth watching will be that Craig guy. He seems to have the tempermant to bat in tests for a lower order guy
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on November 21, 2014, 12:01:27 PM
Mark Craig has that X factor that spells a stellar career!
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: tushar sehgal on November 21, 2014, 12:47:11 PM
Mark Craig has that X factor that spells a stellar career!

Don't know about the X-Y-Z factors ;) but you get a feel sometimes watching guys play, same as Angelo Matthews, I remember mentioning his name on here a while back and not everyone was that convinced but he is coming along well now. From NZ point of view other player who looks like he could have it is the bowler (can't remember his name) Mcglenahan or something like that....Southee is talented but never will be one that goes above or even what people expected off him..steady but nothing more than that...just my view from outside
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 21, 2014, 11:43:03 PM
Kiwis must wish they had another Dan Vettori lurking somewhere back home, if they had a better spinner they would've won this match.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: brokenbat on November 22, 2014, 01:32:29 AM
Well played NZ. Instead of whining about alien conditions, they bounced back superbly.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on November 28, 2014, 11:41:40 AM
At a time when cricket is mourning, Brendan McCullum plays a fitting tribute to the late Phillip Hughes. McCullum hits the fastest Test century ever by a Kiwi to put a smile on many people's faces.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: smilley792 on November 28, 2014, 12:04:26 PM
Sat watching. Mccullum just going for it.

100 in 78 balls. Fastest test century by a new zealander. 
6 sixes so far. Most by a new Zealand opener in tests. 

He didn't really celebrate his ton. Just a big emotional hug with Williamson. 

Much respect for these guys playing at mo.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Number4 on November 29, 2014, 10:25:09 PM
NZ making look like a walk in the park in UAE @ 8/637 with Mccullum scoring 202, Williamson 192 and 3 others scoring 50's.

Makes the Aussies efforts over there look pretty ordinary
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on December 04, 2014, 06:09:40 PM
An opening batsman (Sarfaraz ) sweeping a 140k delivery for a six is a sight.  :D
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on December 08, 2014, 06:08:20 PM
Historic day for Ross Taylor after he becomes the first New Zealander to score three consecutive ODI hundreds.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on December 08, 2014, 07:07:48 PM
Terrific contest! Pakistan survives a 6-124 situation. Young Pak batsmen are showing promise.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: InternalTraining on December 14, 2014, 06:38:52 PM
Another great victory for Pakistan! Team is coming together with the bat and ball.
Title: Re: Pakistan Vs NZ
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2014, 10:17:33 PM
New Zealand won the ODI series 3-2 after Williamson(97) and Taylor(88*) set them up for a total too big for Pakistan to hunt down. Kiwis got 275-4. Pakistan crumbled to 207 all out.

Some very impressive young fast bowlers on display for the Kiwis. Matt Henry bagged his maiden ODI 5WH(5-30). His lad already has an IPL contract. Adam Milne bowled rapidly all series, up at 150kph.

Kiwis pace battery is pretty tasty - Southee, Boult, Wagner, Bracewell, Henry, Milne, Bennett. Very exciting batch of young bowlers