**Official** Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2014

[smash84]

Why are Pakistan resting Imran?

Because he has been protesting against the govt for the last 90 days

 

[Blocky]

just checked Waqar did play a test against SA from Jan 2 to Jan 5 2003. He was utter ****e in that one. But yeah, the point is that Sangers has been bossing us since 2001 or so

Waqar could run in now and destroy NZ... he's got a psychological hold on us.

 

[smash84]

I'm going for 325 from 120 overs as my sweepstake... Latham to get a score, Watling to get a score. Taylor and Williamson and Baz to fail. .

Fixed

 

[Days of Grace]

Someone post dat Win the Toss meme.

 

[Blocky]

Fixed

lol.. You could be right - lord knows if McCullum doesn't win a score, we'll go that slow scoring wise.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Waqar could run in now and destroy NZ... he's got a psychological hold on us.

Again, not as much as Shoaib though. I think he averaged something like 4.6 against you guys

 

[OverratedSanity]

If NZ get bowled out cheaply, it removes the one excuse they had going for them. Immense pressure to rack up the runs here.

 

[Blocky]

Again, not as much as Shoaib though. I think he averaged something like 4.6 against you guys

Yeah, we absolutely crumble against high pace - if Johnson gets a crack at us, it will not be pretty.

 

[smash84]

Again, not as much as Shoaib though. I think he averaged something like 4.6 against you guys

Waqar at his peak > Shoaib at his peak though.

 

[Blocky]

Waqar at his peak > Shoaib at his peak though.

Waqar five years removed from his peak > Shoaib at his peak.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Again, not as much as Shoaib though. I think he averaged something like 4.6 against you guys

It's actually 5.23 Bowling records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

Only 2 matches, but sheesh, completely ripped them apart. Remember both those spells so well. The 6/11 was on a complete road, too.

 

[Howsie]

Williamson @ 5.50 to ton up. Thank you. Might as well take that option over top scoring, I mean someone has to ton up right

 

[Blocky]

It's actually 5.23 Bowling records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPN Cricinfo

Only 2 matches, but sheesh, completely ripped them apart. Remember both those spells so well. The 6/11 was on a complete road, too.

What I loved most about Shoaib and I think Cricket misses is the theatrics that came with some of those spells.. I remember a ODI match where he was charging in against NZ, Fleming was at the crease and every single ball was its own little game. He is probably up there was one of the most exciting cricketers ever.

 

[smash84]

Waqar five years removed from his peak > Shoaib at his peak.

Not really. Shoab at his peak could rip through some pretty awesome batting line ups

 

[Bahnz]

Ah, nothing like logging into CW from ur hotel room to ward off jet lag and culture shock. Good toss to win?

 

[Athlai]

Ah, nothing like logging into CW from ur hotel room to ward off jet lag and culture shock. Good toss to win?

Fortunately not as good a toss to win as the last game. We should see a bit more for Southee and Boult here.

 

[straw man]

Forecasting a disappointing 300, someone unexpected to top score; I'm going with Anderson.

Also, pleased we've stuck with Neesham. One horror test does not a worthy dropping make and the alternatives weren't great anyway.

 

[Athlai]

Anyone see TAB offering the trifecta style "guess the top 3 scorers" option?

 

[Prince EWS]

I actually think Shoaib is a bit under-rated by serious cricket analysts (although obviously over-rated by some fanbois). He didn't really have a sustainable bowling style (or personality) but when he was fit and on the field he was genuine quality, not just a speed gimmick.

 

[Blocky]

Not really. Shoab at his peak could rip through some pretty awesome batting line ups

Yeah, but Waqar's strike rate still remains one of the greatest ever and he played arguably 30 more tests than he shouldve