Shoaib enjoys winning Pakistan return

Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar marked his return to international cricket by taking two wickets to help Pakistan to a 35-run win over Canada in the four-nation Twenty 20 tournament here on Friday.

Shoaib, who last played for the national team against India last December before a spectacular fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board, struck in his first over when he removed Abdool Samad and Mohammad Iqbal.

The 33-year-old finished with 2-11 although he suffered the indignity of being pulled for six by Rizwan Cheema.

Pakistan opener Salman Butt was man of the match for his 74 off 56 balls as the Asian giants made a modest 137-7 before Canada were restricted to 102 for 9.

Cheema and Manoj David added 52 for the third wicket to give Canada hope but once David was removed by Umar Gul, the home side lost their next six wickets for just 37 runs.

Pakistan were made to work for their runs and when skipper Shoaib Malik (9) was dismissed, they were 63 for 3 following the losses of debutant Shoaib Khan (9) and Younis Khan (13).

Butt's contribution was decisive with Misbah-ul-Haq (17) the next highest scorer.

Sri Lanka's latest spin sensation Ajantha Mendis took three wickets and was named man of the match as his side clinched a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe.

Mendis finished with 3-15 from three overs after ripping the heart out of the Zimbabwe middle order including dismissing Prosper Utseya with his 'carrom ball', which turns away from the right-handers.

Tatenda Taibu, the former captain, finished on 45 to push Zimbabwe to 106-8 off 17 overs in match shortened by the damp outfield at the King's City venue.

Sri Lanka openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Udawatte put on 36 in four overs, before Udawatte was caught behind.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price bowled an economical spell which yielded two wickets including debutant Jeevantha Kulatunga and Dilshan.

Thilina Kandamby and skipper Mahela Jayawardene were both run out as Zimbabwe reduced the Asian side to 77-5 before Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof saw their side home.

On Saturday, Canada face Zimbabwe while Sri Lanka tackle Pakistan.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com

Sohail Khan replaces Asif in tri-series squad

June 4, 2008, Sohail Khan has replaced Mohammad Asif in Pakistan's 16-man squad for the upcoming tri-series in Bangladesh, which will involve the hosts and India. The series is due to begin from June 8.

Asif was originally selected in the squad on Sunday, the very day he was detained at Dubai airport for suspected possession of an illegal item. It is unlikely now that Asif will be back in time to play in the tournament. Selectors told Cricinfo that they were not aware of Asif's situation when they picked the squad.

Khan has had an impressive first-class season, picking up a Pakistan record 91 wickets in his debut year and he has impressed many with his pace and stamina. He was rewarded for his efforts with an international call-up against Zimbabwe earlier this year in an ODI series. In three ODIs so far, he has picked up four wickets, with a best of 3 for 30 against Bangladesh.

He wasn't part of the original squad because selectors felt that Wahab Riaz's left-arm provided a more seasoned limited-overs option. Khan spent a week at a fast bowlers' camp in Lahore under the eye of Wasim Akram, where it was widely felt that despite his undoubted promise, there were still areas he needed to work on. Outside of his bowling, his poor fielding is considered a serious concern within the selection committee.
The Pakistan squad leaves for Dhaka on June 5.

Source: Cricinfo staff