Azhar Mahmood’s introduction to the IPL might have been delayed due to visa issues but his impact on proceedings has been instant – His three-wicket haul gave Kings XI Punjab a fighting seven-run win over Chennai Super Kings yesterday.
Unlike their previous match, where they gave away 32 to hand Mumbai Indians an unlikely win, only 24 were given away this time with just nine in the final over bowled by Mahmood. With 17 needed by Chennai in front of their home crowd, Mahmood dismissed Albie Morkel (eight) off the first ball.
Chennai did get a boundary off the third ball but accurate death-bowling ensured Punjab did not rue a 15-run penultimate over bowled by Praveen Kumar.
Earlier, Punjab were indebted to opener Mandeep Singh’s 50-ball 56 for crossing the 150-run mark. A 68-run opening stand with Shaun Marsh predicted a high scoring match but Punjab’s inability to press on towards the end of the innings cost them runs that could have cost them the match. Marsha scored a 22-ball 32 but none of the other batsmen were able to cross the 20-run mark.
Morkel remained the highest wicket-taker with three for 29 while Dwayne Bravo took two for 28 off his four overs.
In the end, Mahmood and a rejuvenated Piyush Chawla ensured Punjab were able to defend a modest total.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2012.
COMMENTS (23)
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@Singh: I am Pakistani and Love to watch the IPL (on ITV)
@Vishnu Dutta: Both Owais and Azhar are now British
@Pungi: Az is NO longer Pakistani he is British
@Khan: No need to say anything bad about Indians or IPL i guess . We Indians love Pakistani cricketers also . Hope to see them from next year onwards ..
He was a great find at the start of his career with brilliant hundereds against the strong Sout African attack. But then I think his form went down and he was dropped. Razzak and Rana were preferred over him by Pakistan. Maybe he could have been managed better by PCB who have ruined many a great talent. But he has really matured into a 20-20 genius of sorts lately at the age of 37. He won the most valuable 20-20 player award in the last English County season and then player of Tournmanet in BPL and now who would have thought that he will be only Pakistani player in IPL.. Really Happy for him! If he does well who knows maybe World Cup 20-20 !!?? ( Woulld be great to see him in Pakistan side but perhaps the English might be tempted to pick him since he is also qualified for them now)
@Junjua:
So LAME, Kevin was born in South Africa and now travelling around the world using British Passport. Kevin got his NOC from ECB and so does Azhar Mehmood! He is British National.
Yea He is still willing to play for his motherland because ECB selectors dont want old horses in their squad. Oh he is so desperate to represent Pakistan that he isnt bothering to play Pakistan domestic matches.
And if you are watching IPL just becuase of Azhar Mehmood, I think he just fooled you
@Rehman: so stupid, Kevin Pietesren wasn't born in Pakistan and never played from Pakistani side. Azhar Mehmood is a dual National but also a proud Pakistani, he played so much for Pakistan and still willing to play for his motherland.
I am curious to know where did Azhar Mehmood disappear about 7-8 years ago. I remember he being a regular part of Pakistan one day side. He was doing well but disappeared all of a sudden .Why?
@mr. righty rightist: Obsessive interest shown by our neighbours who spend hours and hours commenting on our news sites make it seem like their world revolves around pakistan. cheers.
@Maaz: Please don't watch IPL to punish India. When your player say "Indian have small Heart" then why every body want to be in IPL, Single IPL pay so much that they can't make in life time in Pakistan. Start your own PPL & try to perform as good as IPL in Pomp & show.
I watch IPL only for Azhar Mahmood. I would'nt otherwise.
Don't give him unnecessary credit he's not done anything.Its the batsman who won matches for punjab.by the way azhar is not a paki he's a british citizen
From this article it seems like whole of IPL is revolving around one single Pakistani Player Azhar Mahmood and it looks like if Azhar Mahmood wasn’t playing IPL then the whole tournament would have fallen apart.
I have the same opinion as of Vishnu.... also one should consider that...
IPL is a board / entity of its own principals / rules / objectives with core aim to make the profits by providing cricket / entertainment / clebs etc.... if they decide not to take few players from one nation than why should one force them.
Also i would pray that our Paki players leave the motto of "consistently being inconsistent" and gear up for criteria of selection
While i have nothing against Pakistanis i must say that azhar mahmood is not the only pakistani playing in IPL.
There is Owais Shah who was born i pakistan, two umpires, two commentators, coaches etc are just to name the few.
His tight bowling in the last over was crucial
Pakistan should form its own league PPL...that would be more fun!
Mehmood is not a Pakistani. He is a British citizen like Kevin Pietesen!
Sinking boat of IPL will introduced Pakistani cricketers from next edition to salvage some investment.
@Sky: It's really a shame that our players have no representation in the most popular T20 series. AM had to contend himself as a Brit in order to get inside the league. Why would any country have healthy cricket relations with us when we train and send terrorists to their cities to kill innocent civilians? Our authorities need to soon realize that sponsoring terrorists hurt us more than anybody else.
@Pungi.
Yes sir.
The world revolves around Pakistan. Pakistan's contribution to the world is immeasurable. I mean, you can measure nothingness, right?
Single Pakistani is enough to shake "IPL Panja" :P
IPL would be more fun if Pakistani players are allowed to play. They are sensational and bring energy to the game.