Like it was yesterday, I still remember my father coming home in the late eighties with my first Pakistan jersey. It had yellow patches everywhere around the green, a weird looking design though not that I cared. The words 'Pakistan' and the logo was all I used to dream about. Over time, the top became to small to wear but it never stopped me from wearing it. It gave me a sense of feeling I was Imran Khan, rather than a child named after him with the surname Asghar. 

Being a Pakistani fan comes with many ups and even more downs. We are used to controversies, and in a weird way many enjoy them. We have seen dressing room bust ups, sex scandals, ball tampering allegations and many more. Though the one that has been the hardest to take is match/spot fixing. In many cases we believe it is the world against us but in this case we are our own worst enemies. 

Just when you think things are pretty straightforward; Pakistan have had a knack of pulling of an incredible feat. Today was no different; though in different senses. A Thisara Parera led Sri Lanka triggered a collapse that the Pakistan dream attack of the 90's would have been proud of. From 166-2 needed barely a run a ball, Pakistan pulled it off to get to 179-9. The third wicket to fall was the captain, Misbah-ul-Haq. With Pakistan set he tried to go over the top on a length ball from Lasith Malinga but only managed to find Nuwan Kulasekra at Mid-On. He got out for a timely 57 and helped Azhar bat along with him. 

A wonderful all-round performance from Shahid Afridi saw Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 23 runs to level the two match series one a piece. Smashing an unbeaten 52 of a mere 33 balls; he coupled it with 2-17 from his four overs. Afridi smashed his score courtesy of five boundaries and a solidary six, as he propelled Pakistan in a must win game.

Defending a score of 122, Pakistan had their back against the walls. The dismissal of Kumar Sangakarra early, courtesy of some good bowling by Yasir Arafat calmed the jittering nerves. Arafat got his second wicket in quick time as he struck Kulasekra too. Pakistan were back in the game and had their tails up. The majestic Afridi struck twice as he got, first, Dilshan and then Kapugedra out. Pakistan were on top of the game for the first time.

On behalf of KheloPakistan.com, Imran Asghar met Netherlands all-rounder Mudassar Bukhari. Mudassar is 28 years of age and first represented the Dutch National side in July 2007. He has a fantastic record of never missing a single game for his team since his debut. Mudassar spoke about his love for the game, his experiences and what he wants to do in the future. 

 

KheloPakistan.com was introduced to Mudassar by Sunny Sheikh, who is a Holland based Pakistan cricket analyst; our heartfelt appreciation to him.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s average score of 132, Pakistan must have been quietly confident despite having an inexperienced batting line-up consisting of experienced playing coming off some indifferent form; coupled with a couple of players making recalls. Losing two wickets, captain Hafeez and then debutant Shakeel Ansar, in the first two balls to the combination of Kulasekara and Dilshan was not in the script. Both Hafeez and Ansar both played identical cut shots towards the point region.

Khalid Latif, not only did he look a person looking nervous as a result of a comeback but also looked a player that looked out of place in International cricket. His 3 runs from 12 balls was a painful watch; throughout the innings you got the feeling that him getting out was just a matter of time. If Latif’s stay at the crease was bad, Shoaib Malik came out with no purpose whatsoever. He hardly looked to rotate the strike and keep the scorecard ticking. His lack of show of intent was atrocious for a person that has played International cricket for over a decade.

With the team in trouble and severely needing a inspiration; Umar Akmal tried to provide that with his typical no hold barred aggression. The ‘Akmal Swagger’ didn’t last for too long as he got out trying to take the game towards the opposition. In came Shahid Afridi and on his second ball played a ridiculous heave that truly belongs to tape ball cricket in the local park. In amongst all these batsman coming and going in, what can only be described as a, bad rash; one man was standing tall and trying his upmost to rescue the game for Pakistan.

Match Preview:  Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 1^st T20, Hambantota, Friday June 1^st 13:30 GMT (19:00 Local)

While at first glance it may seem like Sri Lanka may have the edge when it comes to achieving victory in the first T20 match against Pakistan coming up in a few short hours in Hambantota, there are several factors which work in Pakistan’s favour and may give them a slight edge over the fresh-from-the-IPL stocked Sri Lanka team.

A wise old man once said the darkest hour is just before the dawn, But even before the dawn there is still a ray of sunlight that can be viewed and that shine is a fine example of Pakistan's captain Misbah-Ul-Haq.

Pakistan will kick off their month long tour of Sri Lanka with two T20 encounters. Both the matches are of importance to both the teams, firstly because the both sides will be looking to gain early momentum before the ODI and Test matches leg of the series take place. Secondly, and more crucial is the fact that the T20 World Cup is just a few months away; thus both teams will be looking to make a statement before the tournament commences. Along with testing their T20 squads and giving them early preparation against top-quality sides, in the same conditions as the major event.

Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed the new skipper of Pakistan's T20 team, replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, and he will be looking to prove himself worthy of this responsibility. Always ready to share his ideas with captains on the field, discussing the match situations with them, it’s about time Hafeez does things on his own. He will require the support of senior players such as Shahid Afridi, who was also in contention to acquire leadership. This is the perfect opportunity for Mohammad Hafeez to show-case his captaincy skills and confirm himself as the team leader for the upcoming World Cup.