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Salman Butt and Younis Khan inspired a downcast bunch to brave the odds and hand Pakistan their first multi-nation title for more than five years

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Vaidyanathan14-Jun-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Salman Butt targeted the midwicket region with his slog-sweeps during his fifth ODI century against India © AFP
A familiar nemesis and a battle-scarred warhorse inspired a downcast bunch to brave the odds and hand Pakistan their first multi-nation title in more than five years. In front of their board chairman, who had lashed out after their previous loss, and their coach, who was criticised for his overly optimistic statements, Pakistan turned in an intense, yet controlled, performance to clinch the Kitply Cup and head home upbeat for the Asia Cup.In an era of slam-bang cricket, Pakistan reverted to a strategy straight out of the early 1990s: win the toss, bat, see off the new ball, keep wickets, accelerate and launch a big score. From 75 for 1 in the 20th over, on a pitch where the ball appeared to be stopping on the batsmen, they soared to 315. Salman Butt cracked his fifth hundred against India, and seventh overall, but it was Younis Khan’s pumped-up century that charmed – under the cosh after his two successive ducks, he chose the big stage for the comeback.India started well but came apart in the face of the middle-over onslaught. Eight bowlers were tried but Pakistan made the most of the lack of a fifth specialist, going after the part-time spinners even though the field was spread. Piyush Chawla came into this game on the back of a morale-boosting four-wicket haul against Pakistan but ended up having a harrowing time, finishing with the most expensive spell by an Indian spinner in an ODI.All wasn’t lost yet – India had chased down a similar total against Pakistan in Dhaka ten years ago – but there was no batsman, or partnership, to hold the innings together. A constantly mounting run-rate forced some poor shot selection and Yuvraj Singh’s wicket, just when he was settled enough to guide the chase, all but shut the door. And just when Mahendra Singh Dhoni raised visions of a robbery, Umar Gul produced a masterclass in death-over bowling to seal the deal. His two early wickets, earned with bouncers, were probably more important but it was the final two, nailed with yorker-length balls, that will stick in the mind. The yorker that crashed into the base of Chawla’s leg stump came with the effect of a hammer knocking in the final nail in the coffin.Vital contributions ensured India stayed in the fight but what India could have done with was a couple of batsmen with the innings-building capabilities of Butt and Younis. The pitch wasn’t conducive to strokeplay early and both bided their time through the Powerplays. Once set, there was little the bowlers could do and the blistering 240 Pakistan crashed in 30 overs made up for the lost time. This didn’t come about through wild bashing; rather it was because of a pair who understood the nuances of the one-day game and illustrated the value of pacing an innings.
After two successive ducks, Younis Khan came up with a special 99-ball 108 in the final © AFP
One needs to go back more than 25 years when a Pakistani second-wicket pair added more than 200 against India. The present duo couldn’t match the rate set by Mohsin Khan and Zaheer Abbas, who belted 205 in just 27 overs, but did enough to set a rock-solid platform.Younis raised his bat to the crowd twice: the first when he had a laugh at himself for getting off the mark, on the back of two successive ducks, and the second, a more emphatic celebration, when he brought up his century. It was truly a Younis special, the sort you expect from a batsmen who’s used to the backs-to-the-wall feeling. At no point was there a shortage of intent, whether he was drilling through the covers or pulling over midwicket or hustling between the stumps or even paddling fine.If Younis nudged and glided, Butt punched and slapped. He didn’t work on subtle glances and focused instead on forcing the ball through the gaps. He pulled out some of his signature strokes, like the slap through point and flick towards square leg, but the shot that defined this knock was the slog-sweep, whistling balls over midwicket. India, bizarrely, never plugged the gap – even after both batsmen peppered the midwicket boundary – and conceded 84 runs to the duo in that region.Yuvraj chose to play in a different sort of V – between midwicket and fine leg. He was intent on sweeping the spinners and the packed off-side field prompted him to try out the slog-sweep, the flick, the conventional sweep and the vertical back-drive. He survived a close lbw appeal and a Fawad Alam caught-and-bowled chance but couldn’t gauge the low bounce from Shahid Afridi, snicking to the wicketkeeper.Dhoni held the lower order together and, typically, he chose to rotate the strike as the tailenders went for their shots. Irfan Pathan struggled to get his timing right and both Praveen Kumar and Chawla had no clue against Gul. Dhoni’s two late sixes kept the flame flickering but, with nine wickets down and needing to go for broke, he holed out to deep point. He might have left it too late but the real damage was probably done much earlier in the evening.

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon fancies Crystal Palace to pip Leeds United in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Gallagher links

Both clubs have been linked with a loan move for the 21-year-old, with the Blues unwilling to sanction a permanent exit this summer.

They are open to sending Gallagher out on loan, though, after sending him out to Swansea City and West Brom in recent years.

Gallagher, who is still waiting for his Chelsea debut, made 21 appearances in Wales and 32 for the Baggies.

The Englishman spoke with Leeds a few weeks ago and has also been in contact with Patrick Vieira and Dougie Freedman on FaceTime over a possible move to Selhurst Park.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked who are the favourites to sign the central midfielder out of the Eagles and the Whites on Twitter.

This is what he had to say, admitting he ‘would fancy Palace’s chances’ – an interesting four-word admission.

“Palace have been in for him for some time … to be fair Leeds have too … but would fancy Palace chances.”

The Verdict: A shrewd addition

Should Palace pip Leeds to Gallagher, as Nixon believes could happen, it may turn out to be an excellent move.

He’s already got 30 games of Premier League experience under his belt and can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder.

Vieira has two defensive, central and attacking midfielders on the books at this moment in time, so bringing in Gallagher would provide a third option in each of those departments, adding depth in multiple areas with one shrewd swoop.

In other news: ‘We riot’, ‘Can’t let him go’ – Many Crystal Palace fans fume as exit news emerges.

Victor Orta could deliver another Raphinha-esque masterclass for Leeds United by signing West Brom star Matheus Pereira this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Whites are interested in signing the Brazilian this summer, and it’s even been claimed that he could be available for as little as £15m.

And now, speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, David Norris has said: “If you’re scoring goals in a relegated team, when it’s hard enough to create chances, then you’re doing something right – £15m is nothing. We spoke about Leeds and their budget, but £15m for a player that scores goals in a struggling team makes sense.”

Another Raphinha masterclass from Orta

Having a sealed a deal for Raphinha for just £17m last year, it’s safe to say Orta played an absolute blinder for Leeds.

And in Pereira, Orta could do exactly that the same.

Hailed as a “genius” who “who has a technical ability that I have never seen before” by former Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss, Pereira enjoyed a superb campaign in the Premier League last season, netting 11 goals and provided a further six assists as he tried to rescue his Baggies side from relegation.

Former Leeds man Noel Whelan has already talked up the prospect of Pereira joining the likes of Raphinha at Elland Road previously, saying: “It is a mouth-watering prospect. We missed out on certain players last season, and this is a player that excites everybody. I would definitely take him all day long.

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out. Pereira’s another option we can use right across that front three and maybe in a number 10 role as well. He’s the right age and he’s the sort of player we should be looking at. Imagine, if you put him alongside Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison etc, that’s pretty formidable.”

In fact, Pereira’s average of two shots and 1.8 key passes per game in the Premier League last season was only a touch lower than Raphinha (2.2 and 2.1), while he was actually fouled significantly more times than his Brazilian counterpart (1.6 to one).

And, after a particularly fine performance earlier this year in the Premier League against Aston Villa, former England ace Jermain Jenas said of the 25-year-old: “He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, (tucked) his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

Given the relatively cheap price the Whites could get him for, Orta could deliver another transfer masterclass with Pereira just like he did with Raphinha last summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been handed a major Marcelo Bielsa boost…

Price tags today like Ben White’s are ridiculous, says former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Leeds are one club said to be interested in signing the Brighton defender this summer, but it is going to cost a lot of money to get him out of the Amex.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, the Whites will have to pay over £50m if they are to sign White, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road.

Arsenal are already said to have had a £40m bid turned down for the player, so it does indeed seem like Brighton are looking for the sort of money Castles has mentioned.

On White’s rumoured price tag, Palmer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“All the price tags are ridiculous now. It’s supply and demand, you know, if somebody is willing to pay that, then that’s what you’ll get for the player. It’s not what the player’s valued at.

“No disrespect to the player. I think he had a fantastic season last season and he’s done really well, but clubs can actually pick a figure out because if they don’t want to sell you, they don’t have to sell you. And so they can pick a figure out and it’s whether that club’s prepared to go to that figure.

“There are very few players that go in the transfer market now that are actually worth the figure that the club’s paid. It’s all inflated prices.”

White certainly had a strong campaign. He averaged 1.7 interceptions per league game, which puts him only behind Yves Bissouma (1.8) in Brighton’s squad, as he thwarted attacks for his side (via WhoScored).

Paying £50m plus for the central defender, though, is questionable after one season in the top flight.

Burnley have offered Celtic target Thomas Robert a Turf Moor trial, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Robert’s Lennoxtown trial

The 20-year-old, son of former Newcastle ace Lauren, is currently contracted to League One side Airdrieonians.

Robert, who can play as a left or right-winger, has 12 months left on his contract and had a trial with the Hoops in recent months.

Airdrie boss Ian Murray confirmed Robert’s Lennoxtown stint back in March, claiming it was a successful time training with the Hoops.

It now seems as if Celtic have competition when it comes to signing the Frenchman, though, following The Daily Record’s recent report.

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The Latest: Burnley interest

The Daily Record claim that the Clarets scouted Robert last season and were left impressed.

Robert, who has scored four times and registered three assists for his current employers, is now set for a two-week trial with Sean Dyche’s side.

Various English clubs also watched the youngster during the previous campaign but his trial in Lancashire could lead to a permanent transfer.

The Verdict: Celtic’s off-field rebuild to cost them?

It seems as if the Hoops may have missed the boat when it comes to signing Robert.

Reports back in March suggested that Celtic wouldn’t make a decision on whether or not to sign Robert until a director of football and manager were in place.

As we know, they now have Ange Postecoglou in as manager but are still yet to bring in a DoF, with Martin O’Neill the latest man to be linked with the newly-created role.

O’Neill is thought to be keen on a Parkhead return as DoF, but it seems as if Celtic’s unfinished off-field rebuild could cost them when it comes to Robert.

In other news: Alan Nixon responds to Celtic’s interest in George Baldock with 6-word Twitter admission, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as news emerged involving Richarlison.

As per the Brazil international team’s official Twitter page, he has been called up to their squad for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The Games do not end until Sunday 8 August, and the Toffees’ first fixture of the new 2021/22 Premier League season is at home against Southampton the following Saturday.

Given that he has been involved in the Copa America as well, it means that Richarlison is very likely to miss that first game against the Saints and maybe a few more after that, depending on how much rest he is given by Rafa Benitez.

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Nonetheless, it is no surprise to see so many Everton supporters fuming, as it is likely that they will be without the 24-year-old for the start of the campaign.

Everton fans on Richarlison news

These Toffees fans fumed as the news was shared across Twitter, with one citing the development as ‘ridiculous’:

“No way. The club should reject it”

Credit: @ahmedefc98

“Really really don’t need this”

Credit: @nickweinstein27

“Gutted. Absolutely hate internationals”

Credit: @TBlue29

“No way he should be allowed to go..! We pay his wages and if he was to go he would realistically have to get three or four weeks off as had no break at all since Premiership finished. That would leave us short up front for the first four weeks of the league. Ridiculous..!”

Credit: @Kieranbuckley5

“Refuse”

Credit: @andyjsb

“Absolute joke this is”

Credit: @VSFDaniel123

In other news, find out why Everton’s pursuit of one ‘amazing’ ace is ‘absolutely huge’ 

Mark Ramprakash duly completed his double century as Surrey racked up a massive total against Somerset at Taunton

Stephen Lamb04-Jul-2002Mark Ramprakash duly completed his double century as Surrey racked up a massive total against Somerset at Taunton. Ramprakash was eventually dismissed for 218, but Rikki Clarke then completed a career-best, unbeaten 153 that enabled the Frizzell County Championship leaders to declare at 608 for six. Somerset have fought back well in reply, with Matthew Wood (106) and Piran Holloway (77) putting on 202 for the first wicket. At stumps the hosts were 304 for three, exactly half way to the Surrey total.Third-placed Hampshire are struggling against Sussex at The Rose Bowl, after they took the early initiative by bowling the visitors out for a meagre 246. Shaun Udal (five for 56) and Alan Mullally (three for 44) starred, although they were held up by an unbeaten 80 from Robin Martin-Jenkins. He then struck with the ball, taking three wickets as the hosts tumbled to 88 for six in reply.Kent’s Championship captain David Fulton made 101 as his team was bowled out for 306 by Warwickshire at Maidstone. Fulton shared an opening partnership of 140 with Robert Key (62), while Graham Wagg and Jamie Spires took three wickets apiece. Warwickshire had lost both openers by the close, replying with 29 for two.At Grace Road, Peter Martin (three for 43) and James Anderson (three for 33) were Lancashire’s bowling heroes as Leicestershire were shot out for 219. Darren Maddy (59) played the home side’s only innings of substance. Mark Chilton then made 57 as Lancashire ended the day on 126 for three.An innings of 61 from former Leicestershire batsman Aftab Habib helped the Division Two leaders Essex to 283 at Swansea. Robert Croft (five for 71) continued his recent run of good form for Glamorgan, while an unbeaten 57 from Mike Powell provided the backbone of the hosts’ reply. Glamorgan were 197 for five at stumps, trailing by 86.Centuries from Vikram Solanki and Ben Smith allowed Worcestershire skipper Graeme Hick (88) to declare at 502 for four against Middlesex at New Road. Solanki made an unbeaten 153 and Smith 124 as the visiting bowlers toiled for little reward. In reply Middlesex closed on 15 without loss.Third-placed Derbyshire have strengthened their grip on their match against Gloucestershire at Derby. Despite 67 from Alex Gidman, the visitors were dismissed for just 179, Dominic Cork finishing with five for 67. Andrew Gait (88) ensured that Derbyshire had taken a first innings lead by stumps, when they had reached 226 for four, with Chris Bassano unbeaten on 63.At Northampton, Gary Pratt (72) was Durham’s top scorer as they were dismissed for 352 by Northants. There were also useful contributions from Ian Hunter (65) and Marc Symington (42). Darren Cousins and Graeme Swann each took four wickets for the hosts.

Somerset are still searching for that elusive first one day victory after they were beaten by 127 runs by Worcester Royals in the NUL at New Road this afternoon

Richard Walsh19-May-2002Somerset are still searching for that elusive first one day victory after they were beaten by 127 runs by Worcester Royals in the NUL at New Road this afternoon.After last weekend when they narrowly lost to Yorkshire Phoenix by one run they seemed to have regained their one day form so their performance against Worcester Royals will come as another blow.Chasing a Royals total of 254 the Sabres lost Peter Bowler,Matt Wood early on and with the score on 15 Jamie Cox was out LBW.From that position they never recovered and despite a brave innings of 37 from Keith Parsons and a lusty 21 from Matt Bulbeck there was no way back and they were all out for 127 in the 33rd over.Earlier in the day Worcester Royals scored 254 for 7, thanks to a sound innings of 65 by opener Anurag Singh and an aggressive knock of 66 by Ben Smith.Royals innings lost opener Vikram Solanki to the first ball of the day when he was caught behind the wicket by Rob Turner off Matt Bulbeck.New batsman Graeme Hick and Singh moved the score onto 70 before Hick, was caught by Pete Trego, fielding as substitute, off Graham Rose for 18.The Royals batsmen scored steadily until slow bowlers Keith Dutch and Ian Blackwell reined the Royals back in.When fast bowler Simon Francis was introduced into the attack for the 31st over in place of Dutch he was unlucky to have 13 scored off his first over.In his next over the former Hampshire man made amends by bowling Duncan Leatherdale for 39 and two runs later accounting for Gareth Batty.Smith and keeper Steve Rhodes then shared a 6th wicket partnership of 78 in 12 overs before Francis struck again twice in the final over dismissing Smith for 66 and Rhodes for 42, to end with his best ever NUL return of 4 for 60.After the match Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "We are still can’t find that magic winning formula. We have been pretty poor, and the boys are feeling it, but it will only take one good result to get us back on track."

When Ross Barkley began to break through at Goodison Park over a decade ago, he was hailed as one of the very best talents to come through the Everton set-up.

It was easy to see why. Blessed with creativity, goals and quick feet, Barkley was everything that makes you excited about a young player.

Tim Cahill dubbed him a “special talent” back in 2011 before Martin Keown predicted the attacking midfielder to be one of the best players we’ve ever seen in this country.

It’s fair to say Barkley has never lived up to that tag. He provided the Toffees with 12 goals in all competitions during the 2015/16 campaign before eventually earning a move to Chelsea.

The 27-year-old is now at the peak of his powers but a number of injuries and a lack of game time at Stamford Bridge have halted his development.

An £11m loan spell followed at Aston Villa but after scoring just once during his time in the Midlands, it appears his career is falling away again.

That being said, a move back to Everton could revive his fortunes. The Toffees have been installed as favourites to re-sign the England international but Chelsea value him at £35m.

If they can bump the price tag down considerably he’d be a worthwhile addition. After all, he’s still fabulous when in possession of the ball.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Marcus Bent failed to rule out a move:

“Ross Barkley, for me, when he came through, and still is, an absolute talent, the problem being is that he hasn’t stabilised a spot at any team,” he began.

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Bent continued: “If he were to go back to Everton, and I’ve spoken to Everton and they’re lacking that in midfield. He’s got skill on the ball, he’s like a Stevie G.

“He went to Chelsea at a young age and hasn’t done it, so going back to Everton, this is a chance to go home and get at a club that he knows well. The fans love him.”

From a creative point of view, Everton only really have Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez capable of filling that spot of the traditional number 10. That said, both players have been favoured in wide positions at various times this season.

As such, Barkley would fill a void that’s currently missing in Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

They have tough tacklers in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan but Barkley is brave in a different manner.

Speaking about Barkley during his time in Merseyside, Roberto Martinez said: “When we develop young players [in England], I don’t think we credit that sort of bravery. Sometimes you get confused that it is all about going strong in tackles and trying to win 50-50 balls. That bravery is part of the intensity of the whole game.”

Martinez added: “But the bravery that Ross has is that he will show for the ball from any angle, he’ll want it, he’ll try to be positive and make things happen for the team. When he gets in the box, when he controls the situation, that is the sign of an incredible footballer.”

In amassing two shots and 1.3 key passes per game during the course of his career, there is clearly a talented attacking player in there.

His best days were at Everton, so by moving back to Goodison we could see the best of Barkley once again. The Toffees should definitely consider a switch.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for “unpredictable” £34.5m wizard, he could be their new Deulofeu…

Australia may have a 100 per cent record in the NatWest Series against England and Pakistan but, worryingly for their opponents, skipper Steve Waugh says his side are still some way off their best

CricInfo13-Jun-2001Australia may have a 100 per cent record in the NatWest Series against England and Pakistan but, worryingly for their opponents, skipper Steve Waugh says his side are still some way off their best.Tomorrow at Old Trafford, Australia take on an England side who must win all their remaining games to have any chance of qualifying for the final at Lord’s.But Waugh’s words warning that the best is yet to come from his side could disconcert a few English hearts and minds.”I don’t think we have peaked at all yet – we are a long way from that,” hesaid.”The batting has been pretty good, and the fielding has too. But the bowlinghas just been satisfactory.”We are probably playing about 70 per cent as well as we can play – so thereis a long way to go.”However, the Australian skipper did offer some crumbs of comfort to an England side that have just lost their eighth One-Day International in a row – an unwanted record for the host nation.”They will be encouraged by the way they have come back in the last couple ofgames,” said Waugh. “They have improved but they just have not been finishingmatches off.”They probably panicked in the last ten overs, but that sort of thing comeswith experience and confidence.”There is no doubt they have the talent there. They will make thebreakthrough sooner rather than later.”It has not been all bad news for England. Marcus Trescothick has discovered a rich vein of form while Middlesex’s Owais Shah has burst on to the scene with an unbeaten 28 and a determined 62 in his appearances so far.Middlesex coach Mike Gatting said: “He has always had ability, it was just a question of bringing it through and he’s always had a good head on his shoulders which helps in pressure situations.”When I first came across him he had a bit of growing up to do, but the greattalent was always there. He had all the shots but his shot selection wassometimes not good – he’d be playing like God and all of a sudden wallop, one upin the air.”I got very frustrated with him at times because I knew he had the abilityand I may not have handled it well at times, but it’s great to see him reap therewards now.”It was wonderful to see him bat with Ben Hollioake at Bristol. He seemed sosensible and mature and he performed well under pressure against Pakistan to getEngland close.”As for Shah himself, he’s just relishing the moment. “I think I’m just an average 22-year-old really,” he said. “I don’t think you can play for England just on potential – you have to perform and put runs on the board and that’s what I’ve been trying to do for Middlesex.”I had a terrible year last year and scored only about 400 runs, which isterrible for a professional batsman, and I’ve had other bad years, but I want toscore 1,000 runs this year because I’ve never done that before.”If I don’t enjoy batting at the moment, I’m never going to enjoy it, am I?I’ve had a reasonable start to the season that I am enjoying personally andeveryone at Middlesex is enjoying the start we’ve had.”Shah is almost certain to play at Old Trafford, particularly as Graham Thorpe has been ruled out for another week because of a calf injury.As for Australia, who will be without injured paceman Nathan Bracken and are waiting on the fitness of Jason Gillespie and Damien Fleming, they will continue their squad rotation policy. It is likely that one of Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting or Damien Martyn will be rested.England (from): AJ Stewart (Surrey, wkt & capt), ME Trescothick (Somerset), NVKnight (Warwickshire), MP Vaughan (Yorkshire), OA Shah (Middlesex), BC Hollioake(Surrey), DG Cork (Derbyshire), MA Ealham (Kent), D Gough (Yorkshire), ARCaddick (Somerset), AD Mullally (Hampshire), AD Brown (Surrey), RDB Croft(Glamorgan).Australia (from): SR Waugh (capt), ME Waugh, AC Gilchrist (wkt), RT Ponting,DR Martyn, MG Bevan, A Symonds, ML Hayden, IJ Harvey, SK Warne, B Lee, GDMcGrath, J Gillespie, D Fleming.