Cricket: World Cup

MEDIA MONITOR

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 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-striker'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. It's highly comical and highly entertaining - unless you come from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi and have a history of cardiac problems. Inzamam, nicknamed "aloo" or "potato", simply spells entertainment. The Sydney Morning Herald has an affectionate dig at Pakistan.

INDIVIDUALS, SOCIO-CULTURAL organisations and trade bodies congratulated the Bangladesh cricketers and officials who made possible the country's maiden victory on Monday over Scotland. Bangladesh Road Transportation Corporation announced that it would award 1,000 Taka (pounds 16.50) for each run taken by Bangladeshi batsmen who would be able to hit a half century or more in the next matches in the World Cup cricket. The Bangladesh Independent brings news of potential rich pickings.