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Mahela is the best captain-Akram

12 March 2012 05:28 am - 29     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Pakistani skipper and a legendary pace bowler, Wasim Akram hailed Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene as the best captain in the world.

After closely observing Mahela’s captaincy tactics during the recently concluded triangular Commonwealth Bank series, the legendary Pakistan pacer said that he is a leader any country would love to have. Akram is eager to see how the hard-hitting Lankan opener will lead the side in sub-continent conditions.

"All three are capable men but right now, Mahela is the best captain in the world,” said Wasim Akram during a media encounter ahead of the Asia Cup opener between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Mirpur.

“Mahela's captaincy in the CB Series was astute and he is a leader any country would love to have. I want to see how he leads the Lankans in Asia Cup,” the former pace bowling veteran added further.

Mahela Jayawardene was reappointed as the Sri Lanka captain ahead of the Commonwealth Bank series last month, after Tillakaratne Dilshan stepped down in January following the team’s consistent poor performance.

The 45-year-old former Pakistan skipper, who played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs during an international career spanning 18-years between 1985 and 2003, was all praise for Mahela Jayawardene’s attacking field placement and called him a born leader.

"In ODIs, if you want to take wickets, then you have to put pressure on the opposition and that's Mahela's beauty,” said Akram. “He knows where to deploy his fielders and when to attack. He is natural leader who has matured with time," he added further.

Comparing the captaincy of Jayawardene with his Indian counterpart, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Pakistan pacer said that it is difficult for Dhoni to guide his fast bowlers all the time from behind the wickets as compared to Jayawardene who fields at the mid-on or mid-off position.

"Mahela and Dhoni are different captains. Dhoni is a wicketkeeper it is difficult for him to guide the fast bowlers all the time,” said Wasim Akram. “Mahela is very attacking in nature and is always looking for breakthroughs," he added further.

Both Sri Lanka and India will open up their Asia Cup campaign playing each other at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. (Agencies)


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  Comments - 29

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  • gorakaya Monday, 12 March 2012 08:04 AM

    It is a great compliment coming from a legend like Wasim Akram

    Denuka Jayawardene Monday, 26 March 2012 12:19 PM

    yes i do agree with you.I appreciate his comments about Mahela

    Denuka Jayawardene Monday, 26 March 2012 12:18 PM

    yes i do agree you.As a fan of Mahela i also appreciate his comments about my hero Mahela.But i am bit sad because they visit USA rarely

    Raz Ahamat Tuesday, 13 March 2012 09:00 AM

    It is forlorn hope that the DIRTY HANDS of the Lankan politics will drive him out!!!!

    kumar senaratne Tuesday, 13 March 2012 06:35 AM

    Thanks Wasim, You were a great cricketer of yesterday & a great commentator of today. When you comment we hear a lot of cricket sense in it in a constructive manner. When you say Mahela is the best captain of today there is obviously substance in it & it will be a great motivation and I am sure he will accept the honor with humility & lead Sri Lanka from strength to strength!

    anura Tuesday, 13 March 2012 04:28 AM

    Well said wasim even though i doubt you sincerety vis a vis india u too was a great competitor i admire u as a sinhalese

    lk Monday, 12 March 2012 06:13 PM

    ya, except when he plays against India!

    wernie Monday, 12 March 2012 05:21 PM

    A good Comment from an all time great bowler.Our best Captain is Mahela,now Mahela you have to maintain that status.Good Luck to Win against India tomorrow.

    Senna Monday, 12 March 2012 04:01 PM

    True. Wasim also a great sportsman produced by great Pakistan . We never miss your smile.

    wicks Monday, 12 March 2012 12:42 PM

    See a doctor soon, you are sick.

    SAB Monday, 12 March 2012 12:22 PM

    Of course! He rightly deserves it as well...

    Rosh Monday, 12 March 2012 11:50 AM

    so what the hell is ur problem? Was he being paid by slashing your earnings? Pathetic.

    vinoth Monday, 12 March 2012 10:41 AM

    itz true mahila is the beat captain.. but i don't like that wasim kinda saying dhoni and mahila are same... dhoni worse captain.. but wasim hiding it by saying becoz of hez a keeper he couldn't be best like mahila... pathetic...

    Nimal Monday, 12 March 2012 10:47 AM

    This is the part of the pre_game tactics. If he is a great captain in the world, then he would have won the CB series or world cup since every occasion they were runner_up. Great leaders never wants to be in the loosing side. Anyway, he is trying his best to do the job. Beware of his comments since he is trying to make his presence in this series of Asia cup. Lets play the game in our best! We have played with every nation, and we know the capabilities of everyone. Do your best Sri Lanka!

    Samosa Monday, 12 March 2012 08:55 AM

    understand ur enthusiasm, but great sportsman in the world? that's too much bro... I think you know only Cricket as a sport.

    Hassen Monday, 12 March 2012 05:34 AM

    We hail you too Sir

    kappa Monday, 12 March 2012 07:50 AM

    Thats awesome! We can forget about Petrol Price hike, Cost of living all that! Mewane Katha. Bada pirenawa ahenakota!

    pasha Monday, 12 March 2012 07:49 AM

    Akram has diabetic and now amnesia forgeting best capations who thrashed his pakistan side

    michael Monday, 12 March 2012 07:41 AM

    He is not only the best captain in world cricket, but also a great sportsman in the world today.

    ROSHAIA Monday, 12 March 2012 07:29 AM

    i agreed with mr.Akram;statement

    Mifaz Monday, 12 March 2012 07:29 AM

    Akram you were a great player & a smart bowler. Many veteran batsmen in the world at that era (Ex: Sanath Jayasuriya, Brian Lara Etc.) directly claim that they fear to face you. Your comments are much appreciated as a fan of Mahela.

    gayan Monday, 12 March 2012 07:11 AM

    We Sri Lankans knew this long before Akram realized it. Continue the good work Mahela.

    Kreedakaya Monday, 12 March 2012 06:33 AM

    But he was not so successfull as Clive Loyed. That is why you have to elboete so much and compair with your favourite team's captian Dhoni.

    Ravana Monday, 12 March 2012 06:45 AM

    For sure the highest earning as well !

    Kondebendapucheena Monday, 12 March 2012 06:41 AM

    Yes,He is the Best we had so far since we got Tast Statues

    Sampath Monday, 12 March 2012 06:41 AM

    Guys..... please now don't get carried away with these type of comments.

    Anjula Monday, 12 March 2012 06:36 AM

    What is the sense if our Cricket minister is blind & no sporty eye to look at them. Because today SL cricket administration is bound with political influence mostly, they need only retain their political view & destroy SL cricket. anyhow today SL Team is in good rhythm because Others are playing as one team,

    LK Monday, 12 March 2012 06:31 AM

    "Akram is eager to see how the hard-hitting Lankan opener will lead the side in sub-continent conditions"
    Mahela hardly hits the ball... Its all pure timing and elegance...

    Fazli Monday, 12 March 2012 05:47 AM

    Thanks Akram, this should serve as an eye opener in SL


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