Adnan can do it, predicts Bari

BIPIN DANI MUMBAI - Out of the six Kiwis wickets fallen on the first days play of the ongoing Test match in Wellington, Pakistans 26-year-old wicketkeeper, Adnan Akmal was a partner to the bowlers on five occasions. If he is able to grab two more catches on Sunday (today), he can equal the world record being jointly held by his fellow nation player Wasim Bari, Englands Robert Taylor, New Zealands Ian Smith and Windies Ridley Jacobs. I think Adnan Akmal is aware about this record, and if not, I shall certainly remind him to create the world record (he needs three more catches of four remaining New Zealand innings to fall on Sunday), team manager Intikhab Alam said from his hotel room in Wellington. The way he was attentive behind wickets today, he seems to be capable of doing it, Alam added. I shall be delighted if our record is equalled and more delighted if the record is broken, the 62-year-old Wasim Bari said from Pakistan. He has to work hard and concentrate more on his keeping to make the record, Bari, who has 228 Test victims under his name, added. I will be happy if the record is being made by the Pakistani and will also not hesitate to congratulate him, Bari concluded. Adnan was added to the Pakistan Test squad in place of Zulqarnain Haider who announced his retirement from international cricket after allegedly receiving threats from bookies. Most recently, Adnan was called up for Pakistans tour against South Africa in the UAE, as a replacement for the first choice keeper Zulqarnain. His brothers, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal, both have central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board, and are regular fixtures in the national side. Adnan made his Test debut against South Africa on November 12, 2010. It is pertinant to mention here that he was being replaced by his elder brother Kamran Akmal in the squad announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for One-day series against New Zealand.

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