Cricket With Arslan

Arafat Minhas First Pakistani to pick a 5 For On Debut

Shoaib Akhtar made his international debut in 1997. Brian Lara, already a modern batting giant, played his last international match in 2007.

Two of the biggest cricketing names of their era were active for almost ten years together. In between these ten years Pakistan and West Indies faced each other 37 times ( 27 times in ODIS and 10 times in tests) Yet unbelievably, Shoaib Akhtar and Brian Lara came face to face only once.

That moment came in the 2004 Champions Trophy, Pakistan vs West Indies.

Lara walked in to bat, and the whole stadium buzzed. The world was ready to witness a dream battle:

The Rawalpindi Express vs The Prince of Trinidad.

But that dream lasted only five balls.

Shoaib steamed in, bowling with serious pace and aggression. One delivery rose sharply, climbing into Lara and striking him painfully on the back of Lara head. Lara immediately dropped his bat, clearly hurt. The physio rushed in, but the injury was bad enough that Lara had to leave the field, retired hurt.

Shoaib, despite being a fierce competitor, showed pure sportsmanship by saying sorry after the game.

I'm sorry I hit him but it was honest bowling," said Shoaib, who along with the rest of the Pakistan side rushed straight to Lara the moment the ball hit him. "He is one of my favourite batsmen. I've played four series against West Indies but I've not had the chance to bowl to him since the start of my Test career."

The story of Majid Khan and Dennis Lillee's hat incident is a classic tale of cricket's spirit of fair play and respect for the game.

During a Test match in Sydney, Lillee aimed to knock off Majid's hat, which he had been wearing as a symbol of his respect for the game.

Majid, a man of his word, offered Lillee his hat if he could knock it off. Lillee, a fast bowler known for his aggressive style, was initially dismissive but was eventually bowled by a rising delivery that disturbed the hat, causing it to drop off Majid's head. Majid graciously handed over the hat to Lillee, demonstrating his respect for the game and the fast bowler. This moment is often cited as a perfect example of the "Spirit of the Game" and has become a cherished part of cricket lore.

As for the hat, Lillee claims to have had it whole for many years, until his wife decided it needed a wash and put it in the washing machine.

Brian Close Facing Bouncer Barrage from Michael Holding.

Shane Warne Giving Pakistani Youngsters some tips on art of Leg Spin Bowling

India faced Australia 7 times in 1998. Sachin Tendulkar was man of the match in 6 of them.

Pakistan Cricket Team in England 1954.

How many can you name without googling ?

This Wicket turned the match in England Favors. Pant could have finished the test quickly had he stayed on the crease more.

Bicycle Warm Up.