Pakistan face litmus test

Dubai: Pakistan's might as the world champions in Twenty20 cricket will be put to a litmus test today at the Dubai Sports City stadium.

Pakistan and New Zealand play two Twenty20 matches for the Cool & Cool Cup in the next two days to establish who is better in the shortest form of the game.

New Zealand proved to be better in the one-day matches through a 2-1 win in Abu Dhabi, and a win here will convince one and all that they are fast emerging as the best in the instant form of the game.

New Zealand, a team without a coach and with many of their top players injured, managed to put up a splendid performance in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan skipper Younus Khan had rightly judged the strength of the New Zealand when he said: "The reason behind New Zealand's success is that they play as a team."

Twenty20 is different from one-day cricket. But a team that gel together will be tough to beat. Pakistan must remember that the main reason for their victory in the Twenty20 against all odds was their combined effort, with the top players contributing at the right time.

Shahid Afridi emerged the player of the World Cup and Umar Gul bagged the best bowler award. Everyone chipped in at the right time.

So, only a repeat of their World Cup performance will enable them to put the brakes on New Zealand.

As of now, New Zealand is bubbling with confidence, having beaten them in the Champions Trophy and in the one-day series.

If Pakistan are able to leave behind the disappointments of being repeatedly beaten by the Kiwis recently and start afresh, it will be an exciting contest between the two teams.

Afridi is an aggressive captain and can mould the team into a winning combination; but he will have to once again lead from the front. Vettori has done it playing the role of not only a captain but also a coach. What Pakistan need is an inspiring leader to show them the way. They have the hard hitters and pacers, but what they lack now is confidence.

The crowd will be with them, but they also need to deliver at the right moment.

Vettori has nothing to lose and will go for the kill with in-form Brian McCullum likely to give them a whirlwind start again. It is Pakistan's reputation that is at stake and the question is: Can Afridi and his boys do it during the next two days?

Twenty20 cricket will be at its best and is bound to be a thriller from start to finish.

Younus steps down

Younus Khan has quit as captain of the Pakistan team to regain his form. Speaking to Gulf News, Asad Mustafa, the assistant manager of the Pakistan team, said: "Khan has stepped down and has pulled out of the New Zealand tour as he is out of form. He has decided that he will play domestic cricket and then wait for selection."

Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed the new captain with Kamran Akmal his deputy for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Speaking to the media after his resignation, Younus said: "I have taken this decision after giving serious thought. Since I am not in the best of form, I need rest and there is no personal grudge against anyone, that's for sure. I want to tell my fans that I am not finished and I will come back," he said.

Younus added: "My country comes first, more than my family and more than myself."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted the resignation. Ijaz Butt, the PCB Chairman, who is here to witness the matches, said: "We appointed Khan till the 2011 World Cup subject to his performance and fitness and so we have no objection to him asking for a rest."

The news about Younus stepping down as captain spread just before the team began their practice for the two Twenty20 matches at the Dubai Sports City Cricket stadium.