Agha Akbar: World Cup Diary
Article: Agha Akbar's diary from the World Cup
Agha Akbar
14-Feb-2003
Rashid unscathed
In the end, Rashid Latif emerged absolutely unscathed from the Adam Gilchrist affair - after a Aussie team management complaint that resulted in a 'racial slur' inquiry and a possible ban, something on the lines of Darren Lehmann, who was banned for five matches by the ICC.
In the end, Rashid Latif emerged absolutely unscathed from the Adam Gilchrist affair - after a Aussie team management complaint that resulted in a 'racial slur' inquiry and a possible ban, something on the lines of Darren Lehmann, who was banned for five matches by the ICC.
Never the one to take things lying down, Rashid went to the inquiry with a placard reading "I'm not that kind of man". Once he was absolved by match referee Clive Lloyd due to 'insufficient evidence', media reports attributed to Rashid tried to take the fight to his accusers, suggesting that he might take the Aussie team to court.
He withdrew the threat (that may have elicited a sigh of relief in the Aussie camp) saying that he had cooled down. Apparently, better counsel prevailed, as manager Shaharyar Khan clearly said that Rashid's legal action would be in his personal capacity, and not backed by the team and the PCB. Rashid still was at his point-scoring best: "I was unhappy about being accused, but this could harm the game and the World Cup, besides I have always had good relations with Adam".
Gilchrist sounded similar sentiments: "I was shocked by the comment I believe I heard... Rashid and I have had a fantastic relationship and friendship over the years". Gilchrist hoped that it would continue this way.
A huge drawcard
The March 1 Pakistan-India fixture, slated for Centurion (close to Johannesburg, which has a large Indian and Pakistani expatriate community), is awaited with bated breath. People of sub-continental origin from all over South Africa are keen to witness the match, and all the tickets were snapped up months ago, almost immediately after sales began. The scalpers are likely to have big day too, as the going rate for a 60 rand ticket for the grassy knoll is as high as 500 rand.
The March 1 Pakistan-India fixture, slated for Centurion (close to Johannesburg, which has a large Indian and Pakistani expatriate community), is awaited with bated breath. People of sub-continental origin from all over South Africa are keen to witness the match, and all the tickets were snapped up months ago, almost immediately after sales began. The scalpers are likely to have big day too, as the going rate for a 60 rand ticket for the grassy knoll is as high as 500 rand.
Pakistan last played India in the 2002 Asia Cup Final, and prevailed to claim its first continental title in seven attempts. Since then, cricketing ties between the two nations have been affected by political rumblings, with India flatly refusing to visit Pakistan for its bilateral series. Recently the Indian government finally relented to allow the Indian team to take the field against Pakistan in international events.
Chasers are losers
In this 2003 World Cup so far, Pakistan is not the only team to have lost while chasing. Out of the eight games played till Thursday, only one team has won chasing, and that was South Africa against Kenya, when the former overhauled a modest 140-odd to win by 10 wickets. Of the more prominent sides to have lost batting second, South Africa lost its opener against the West Indies, which in turn was bettered by New Zealand, who had already lost to Sri Lanka in a similar situation.
In this 2003 World Cup so far, Pakistan is not the only team to have lost while chasing. Out of the eight games played till Thursday, only one team has won chasing, and that was South Africa against Kenya, when the former overhauled a modest 140-odd to win by 10 wickets. Of the more prominent sides to have lost batting second, South Africa lost its opener against the West Indies, which in turn was bettered by New Zealand, who had already lost to Sri Lanka in a similar situation.
Cricket pundits are now wondering whether this is mere coincidence or if the law of averages has finally started favouring those batting second in one-day cricket.
Tendulkar overtakes Miandad
The form of the Indian team in their only game so far has been rather patchy too. They were restricted to only 200-plus by lowly Holland at Paarl. But Sachin Tendulkar topscored with 52, and when he was on 25, playing his 22nd World Cup match, he overhauled Javed Miandad's World Cup tally of 1083 runs (33 matches). Overall, this was Tendulkar's 304th match, and his aggregate in all One-day International is 11,154 runs with 33 centuries, already a world record.
The form of the Indian team in their only game so far has been rather patchy too. They were restricted to only 200-plus by lowly Holland at Paarl. But Sachin Tendulkar topscored with 52, and when he was on 25, playing his 22nd World Cup match, he overhauled Javed Miandad's World Cup tally of 1083 runs (33 matches). Overall, this was Tendulkar's 304th match, and his aggregate in all One-day International is 11,154 runs with 33 centuries, already a world record.
Two swan songs too early
This World Cup was supposed to be a swan song for many, but amongst others Shane Warne had said it would be curtains for his one-day career while Jonty Rhodes was to call it quits in toto. Both were to be the leading lights in their last World Cup, and now both these superb cricketers are gone, Warne owing to doping violations and Rhodes due to injury (a fractured bone in his right hand) while fielding against Kenya.
This World Cup was supposed to be a swan song for many, but amongst others Shane Warne had said it would be curtains for his one-day career while Jonty Rhodes was to call it quits in toto. Both were to be the leading lights in their last World Cup, and now both these superb cricketers are gone, Warne owing to doping violations and Rhodes due to injury (a fractured bone in his right hand) while fielding against Kenya.
Klusener's ominous form
The Man of the Tournament of the 1999 World Cup made it to the South African squad for this version of the event at home, but just barely, only by the skin of his teeth. But perhaps he has a special bond with the World Cup, as he has almost immediately struck the kind of ominous form with both bat and ball that had eluded him since 2000. He made 57 (47 balls, 1 four, 5 sixes) in a losing cause against the West Indies, but it was he who took the Proteas within striking distance. And against Kenya he was sharp with the cherry, taking four for 18, and bagging Man of the Match award. Klusener's form certainly sounds a warning bell for his teams rivals.
The Man of the Tournament of the 1999 World Cup made it to the South African squad for this version of the event at home, but just barely, only by the skin of his teeth. But perhaps he has a special bond with the World Cup, as he has almost immediately struck the kind of ominous form with both bat and ball that had eluded him since 2000. He made 57 (47 balls, 1 four, 5 sixes) in a losing cause against the West Indies, but it was he who took the Proteas within striking distance. And against Kenya he was sharp with the cherry, taking four for 18, and bagging Man of the Match award. Klusener's form certainly sounds a warning bell for his teams rivals.