Manchester United Defeated By Basel

Manchester United was eliminated from group stages of Champions League following a defeat in Basel by the home side. In last sixteen years Manchester United have faced this disgrace 3^rd time as they were shocked by an incredible performance by Basel. Last time they were sent out of group stages in 2005.

Basel was always on top as Marco Streller gave host side a ninth minute lead. Man United though never gave up and kept attacking on Basel’s goal and the best chance of the day for Manchester was missed by Wayne Rooney who later faced a UEFA disciplinary committee and faced a two match suspension opting him out of the first two matches of Euro 2012.

Early Exit for City despite of Convincing Victory

Manchester City’s maiden Champions league came to an end despite of a convincing victory over Bayern Munich. The result making City compete in the second-tier Europa League in the New Year.

David Silva and Yaya Toure struck as City kept their little hope alive of qualifying from Group A that were later turned down as Napoli defeated Villarreal to progress in the Knock out stages ahead of Manchester City.

An impressive performer at the domestic level in all the formats, Mohammad Hafeez made his debut for Pakistan in a Quardangular Series played at Sharjah in April 2003. The Pakistani team which actually went on to win the tournament was captained by Rashid Latif and because of the disastrous World Cup Campaign in South Africa just about a month ago, alot of the senior players were dropped from the squad, which gave an opportunity to alot of youngsters doing well in domestic circuit including Mohammad Hafeez to make thier mark and show that they are equally competent at the international level also. 

Mohammad Hafeez at that time was played as an opening batsman who had the reputation of being an excellent spinner and a part time off spinner as well. However his start was below par. He failed to impress with the bat and his bowling also looked median. He struggled for his place in the team and in 2005 after a great tour of Team Pakistan to India under Inzamam Ul Haq's Captaincy Hafeez was axed from the side after a poor individual tour. However he continued to impress one and all by amassing heaps of runs at the first class level, both for his department Sui Northern Gas Pipe Lines and his region Faisalabad and Pakistan "A" as well.

Pakistan and Bangladesh start the two match test series starting on Friday. In the low scoring limited overs games Pakistan won all four games and will look to continue to keep the winning momentum. On the other side, Bangladesh go into the Test series lost for confidence and ideas. Their have been six previous encounters between the two sub-continent teams, with Pakistan winning all six.

Ground:

The opening Test is in Chittagong. Pakistan have never played at this venue in Test cricket but the hosts have nine times. They have lost seven times and drawn twice.

The pitch is expected to be batting friendly but will take spin from the first session.

Key Players:
Pakistan
Azhar Ali: Pakistan struggled with the bat in the limited overs games, enter Azhar Ali, the coolest head in World cricket. Bangladesh will have to work hard to get his wicket.

Bangladesh
Shakib al Hasan: Ex Skipper Shakib is the Tigers main man, with bat and ball. He has to perform for Bangladesh to have any chance.