First ODI

Well, after the first ODI in Lahore, there are a few things that I know for sure. After a poor bowling and fielding performance, Pakistan was set a target of 328 to win over 50 overs. None of the bowlers really bowled well or with any conviction, except Sami who bowled a respectable 7 overs for 35 runs and Prior's wicket when he was in fine fiddle. Pakistan's run chase was respectable until the loss of Inzamam, when it appeared the wheels fell off. As long as Yousuf and Shoaib Malik were still at the crease, it appeared they may have a chance but they were never able to turn it up to the next level to accomplish the target. Razzaq gave a brief cameo, and was extremely unlucky to be given out. I must have heard the snick-o-meter 50 times, and I never heard a nick.

The things I do know for sure though are:

1. Salman Butt's 67 off 65, was an innings which we have grown to expect from him. He was always in control and in command, bashed the English bowlers all over the field, and played some vintage, classy shots that belie his age. As long as he was still playing, it truly appeared that Pakistan was in control and had their destiny in their own hands. Younis played a respectable 60, as did Yousuf for 59 and Shoaib Malik for 50, but they never truly appeared to be in control and dominating the bowling. Salman, throughout his innings, dominated the English attack and like any thoroughbred batsman made them pay for dropping him second ball. Salman Butt is a keeper, and should have the #1 or #2 slot in the lineup all sewn up. I hope the vagaries of Pakistan selection do not continue to target him.

2. As far as Pakistan is concerned, their ODI match winners are clearly Inzamam, Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi. In a match where Inzamam misfired, Akhtar had an ineffective bowling performance and Afridi was suspended for dancing on the pitch, it was clear Pakistan had no match winners. Kaneria just doesn't have the ability yet to be able to be a matchwinner in ODIs yet. England had Pietersen and Flintoff who both played innings which changed the direction of the match. It will be good to have Afridi back for the third match.

3. We need to put a stop to day-nighters in Punjab in the winter months. The whole ground was foggy, you could barely see the ball in the lights with the mist, and the ground and the environment really was a pea soup.