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Journalism of Courage
Inzamam spells entertainment
Few people can move from the sublime to the ridiculous as fast as Inzamam-ul Haq. Normally it takes him around 10 yards. With 22 yards wicket-to-wicket, the Pakistan World Cup cricketer rarely gets halfway before deciding he would rather return from whence he came, whatever the feelings of the man hurtling towards him from the non-striker8217;s end. Often the result sees two angry men standing side by side, gesticulating wildly while arguing who should be the one to risk the precarious journey back. It8217;s highly comical, highly entertaining 8212; unless you come from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi and have a history of cardiac problems 8212; and goes a long way to explaining Inzamam8217;s growing cult popularity at the tournament.
Minhazul turns hero
Minhazul Abedin was being hailed a hero by Bangladesh on Tuesday less than a month after the selectors ruled he had no part to play in the country8217;s World Cup debut. The 25-year-old all-rounder was axed from the 15-man squadlast month, only to be brought in at the last minute following a public furore which also led to the entire selection committee being sacked. Minhazul repaid their faith on Sunday by hitting a match-winning 68 not out against Scotland after his side had been teetering on the brink at 26 for five.
Australia are just one defeat away from a humiliating elimination from the World Cup. No one, though, appears to have said that to captain Steve Waugh. quot;We are capable of winning our next seven games on the trot 8212; and that would win us the crown,quot; said Waugh. It8217;s an optimism majority of his compatriots 8212; as well as the bookmakers and commentators 8212; do not share. Back-to-back defeats to New Zealand and Pakistan have left the joint pre-tournament favourites with South Africa needing wins over Bangladesh on Thursday and the West Indies on Sunday to have any chance of reaching the second stage. Even then, the Australians will only scrape into the Super Six8217; on thestrength of their run rate.
