Cricket Pakistan Style

Had a wonderful evening watching Twenty 20 Cricket with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan were showing within the first over why they are so much better then their neighbours.

We were in the main stand next to the pavilion and possibly had the best views. The most famous of Pakistan Cricket supporters Chacha "Uncle' Cricket as he is known, was on hand to cheer everyone on. In fact when not playing the crowd he was seated about 3 rows behind us. He found time to come over and have a chat!!! Story has it that ages ago (and he is old!!) one of the former Prime Ministers had seen him in full fling waving the Pakistan flag at local matches and was so impressed by his enthusiasm that he made him an 'honnary' ambassador flying him to the Pakistan international matches. Very nice and lovable gentlemen. Meeting him really added to making the evening.

Half time i.e. between Pakistan and Bangladesh batting we were serenaded by a female singer, Hadiqa Kiyani. Made all the young bucks shout and get excited for a bit of fun which only added to the atmosphere.

Additional reporting by Dawn was....

Misbah shines as Pakistan trounce BD: Twenty20 International
By Khalid H. Khan

KARACHI, April 20: Pakistan emerged as comfortable victors in the first-ever Twenty20 International played on home soil as they thrashed Bangladesh by a crushing margin of 102 runs at the National Stadium here on Sunday.Despite a bright start provided by openers Tamim Iqbal and Nazimuddin, who added 41 in 5.4 overs, the next 10.2 overs saw the visitors destined to lose their last eight wickets for 16 runs in six overs as they folded up for 101 in 16 overs, while chasing a daunting target of 204 under lights.Apart from Nazimuddin, who was seventh out for a 48-ball 42, which included three sixes, the abject surrender from the Bangladesh batsmen disappointed a holiday crowd of around 10,000 who found more entertainment during the 30-minute break between the innings as pop singer Hadiqa Kiyani performed live in front of the main pavillion.