| Font Size |
The evening that began with what must be one of the most intimidating overs in Twenty20 history, ended in a flurry of fours and sixes from Shahid Afridi’s free-spirited blade. In the three-and-a-half hours in between, there were only a few moments when Pakistan flirted with the uncertainty that so typifies their cricket.
And at the end, they had trumped a Sri Lankan team that had been clinical and unbeaten through the tournament by eight wickets — a margin of victory that indicated the difference between the teams on the day.
Captain Younis Khan, draped in a Pakistan flag, spoke emotionally at the post-match press conference. He dedicated the win to former coach Bob Woolmer, who died when with the team for the World Cup in the Caribbean. “I wish he was sitting here next to me.”
Younis, who also announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket, spoke too of how much this win would mean to his people back home. “It is our gift to the people of Pakistan,” he said. At the end of the game, the streets of London had exploded in deliriously happy green; imagine then, the streets of Karachi or Lahore.
The fear going into this final was that they would implode, as they did in a final at Lord’s 10 years ago, almost to the date. Playing Australia for the 1999 World Cup title, they had been bowled out for an embarrassing 132 batting first. They needed, desperately, to hit the ground running this time.
Mohammad Aamer, all of 17, charged in first up and bowled five menacing climbers at Tilakaratne Dilshan’s ribcage. They rattled the tournament’s best batsman and, in attempting a half-pull, half-scoop, he popped one up to short fine-leg.
Abdul Razzaq, the ex-ICL rebel drafted midway through the tournament, then took over. Jehan Mubarak skied one while trying to whip him across the line, Sanath Jayasuriya nicked a short-arm jab on to his stumps, Mahela Jayawardene played a late cut straight to Misbah ul Haq at slip. Four down for 32 became six down for 70: it was Sri Lanka, not Pakistan, who were self-destructing.
Captain, Kumara Sangakkara watched the mayhem from the other end, shaking his head in disbelief at every wicket. He stayed till the end, and in the company of Angelo Mathews, took the total to a respectable 138. Not what he would have wanted winning the toss and batting, but defendable, given his strong bowling attack.
But Pakistan were not going to let this slip, not on this day.
Kamran Akmal thumped boundaries and sixes and ran between wickets like his life depended on it. Shahzaib Hussain struggled at the other end, but as a partnership, they worked their way past the early nerves.
They fell in the space of two overs, but Shahid Afridi, fresh off his single-handed demolition of South Africa, was in the mood again. He started with an uncharacteristic collection of singles, waiting for the right moment to unleash the big hits. Muttiah Muralitharan bore the brunt - going for a massive one over mid-wicket and a regal boundary to extra-cover. Isuru Udana suffered worse - 19 came off the 19th over of the chase.
Two years ago, Pakistan fell short by an agonising five runs against India. Today, they could’ve chased many, many more.
Discuss this story on expressindia forums
|
|
In response to Indian 'pakistan so callled victory'..just like i said..khushi tou dekhi hee nahi jaa sakti!:)
once side ball tempering and another side gun on oppsoistion...how they will loose..poor srilankan..they may be threated by some toerisitst to loose the game...
Seeing so many pakis commenting on indian newspaper and that too some of the filthy minds...it shows they hardly get freedom of expression over there in PAKI media.Be gratefull to indian newspaper..Be careful TALIBANI gin is coming from the mountains...lol
well done Pakistan.dear indians dont be so narrowminded atleat in supports. try to digest others victory. its a victory 4 Asia as well.a wonderful performance by Pakistan's cricket team.n its a message for the anti-Pakistan elememnts.Pakistani nation loves challenges. Pakistan ke streets main jashan ka saman hy. every one is celebrating here. Pakistan Zindabada. Jeety Raho Pakistan.
Oh, and by the way Ravinder, the advice you gave me, about checking my compatriots' comments, most of them are neutral and least offensive. They are merely celebrating the win, and many of them even thanked indians for their support On the other hand, try and follow your own advice once, as that is an area that you indians severely lack in. Whether its a global matter of terrorism, or a simple matter of a cricket tournament. Next time, don't overhype yourself, otherwise you are gonna see a lot of unpleasant moments like this. Peace
well done Pakistan.dear indians dont be so narrowminded atleat in supports. try to digest others victory. its a victory 4 Asia as well.a wonderful performance by Pakistan's cricket team.n its a message for the anti-Pakistan elememnts.Pakistani nation loves challenges. Pakistan ke streets main jashan ka saman hy. every one is celebrating here. Pakistan Zindabada. Jeety Raho Pakistan.
Shame On the Guy who just cant bear the win of Pakistan....i read his comment saying that "its all fixed... Stupid , what could have been ur comment if India have Won, Inida's Gr8 side, but accept the fact that they are not at their best right now, they are going through hundreads of controversies internally.... I saw some Sensible Indians here and good to see their comments, atleast they dont compare sports with politics, Thanks to them !! I hope Others also try to overcome their hatred for others, and show some sportsmanship !!PEACEPakistan Zindabad !
mr. ravinder, i was only upset at those indians who were insulting pakistan, specifically DR.Anand Dube, and Shri, who basically have done nothing but abuse Pakistan here. Secondly, I don't go around telling others which newspapers they should comment in or not, indian or pakistani or any other, so what gives you that right? That's what you call freedom of speech. If you pay attention to this MR.Dube's posts, you will get a picture of what this guy is saying. Labelling the whole pakistan as terrorist, and talking about war and terrorism in a cricket post. I merely responded to him and the other guy Shri who labelled us as lucky for winning the cup. Please dont try to overinfluence yourself on others, as that could lead to unpleasant situations, and I am sure you don't want to go there. P.S. This is to DR.Anand Dube, I don't know how to break it you as you are a doctor, but you need to check yourself into a mental asylum, with all the hate you have. Or maybe hire an exorcist.
the tone is sarcastic and jealousy is obvious makiing for unobjective and slanted journalism! matlab khushi tou dekhi hee nahi jaa sakti!PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!
Evil has won... But do not worry folks... Good will prevail and evil will lose
the tone is sarcastic and jealousy is obvious makiing for unobjective and slanted journalism! matlab khushi tou dekhi hee nahi jaa sakti!PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!
Dear All, Please see below comments from indian Man, when they loss in super 8 round they started to blame ICC.......... very funny (((SHAME ON U sanjeev )))))bcci also a very active in ICC??????????? what u like to say about BCCI?????(((((((by sanjeev on 22 Jun 2009 It is the policy to ICC to revive cricket in the courtyard of terrorism.Otherwise the cricket would have finished in pakistanICC should get best management award for corruption and match fixing. ))))))))))) Face the victory of others than blaminggggggggggggg.Be positive n Love to each othersss BR
I jst want 2 ask a single question from indian govt.
i conratulate the pakistanis on behalf of all the Indians on their spectacular win,
ALL OF YOU THOSE WHO ARE WRITTING RUBBISH HERE ARE BRAINLESS. THIS IS JUST A SPORT, SOMEBODY WINS OR SOMEBODY LOOSES. COMMENTS WRITTEN MS. ZAHRA ARE GREAT. I HOPE OTHERS CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM HER. GOD BLESS YOU.
Congrautalate Pakistan team and we will win the war against terrorism 'INSHA ALLAH
I just want to thank all those indian people who have wished us well on this special occasion,pakistan has no doubtedly done wonders in this tournament, they were not even close to being favourites, they were severely short of match practise,yet they have done the unthinkable and have lifted the trophy.This victory shows that pakistan is undoubtedly a great cricket nation and should be given the chance to host world cup matches.As far as my indian friends are concerned i wish them best of luck in their future endeavours and advice them to keep sports and politics away.
indians i am happy what so ever u achieve,u do or did still pakistan are on ur minds u are really overwhelmed by pakistanis an i am anstonished to see the indians comments on pakistni victory you people now start thinking above pakistan you have long way to go
As in life so in sports, one who has the hunger to achieve is the one who can go the distance required to succeeed. In this tournament Pakistan were the team that showed the hunger to win because of various factors, some due to political situation in their country and other due to its effect on their cricket. THis is a huge moment for Pakistan cricket and they should take this momentum to revitalise their cricket at the domestic level. Congratulations Pakistan.
pak have shown how to come back.actually they have nerve and they know how to give their best when the do or die situation arises.but in reality india lack this spirit and in my opinion indian cricket is over rated. dhaka,bangladesh
Congrats to Pakistan but I still feel Sri Lanka is a better side. It was 1 bad day for Sri Lanka. Regarding India, its certainly a better team. Unlike earlier, the fans now expect India to win regularly. Earlier, we used to feel great when India used to win RARELY.
Well Pakistan turned the tables around at the end of the tournament!!!cricket is just a game and shud be taken as a game!!!one who performs well gets the crown!!!Well for Pakistan its a welcome victory at the right tym wen Pakistan is fighting some1 others war in its country. In this tym of frustration this is a very gud win, and is celebrated with full enthusiasm.
Thanx, Pakistan Team, who gift us a splended World Cup.......
We are just crying on Pakistan Vitory.We were sayinh they will not qualify for super eight.WrongThen they will not qualify for semifinal.WrongThey will be lose against unbeaten side South Africa.Wrong They will be lose against unbeaten side SriLanka.Wrong All Pakistani's Congratulation.It is true that most of Us Indian are narrow minded because of our media have brain washed us.It is true that our cricket record against Pakistan is poor other then just world cup.even in India Pakistan have won more matches then Us against you.
This is expected out come 2009 cup. Going by this, it is not difficult to see Irish and Netherlands making upto finals in next cup. So prefixed is this 20:20, that even a child can predict the outcome. Who can beat bookies and TRP hunters ?? All cricket bodies are starving of cash and are in dire need to boost their morales in their respective countries for the sake of TRPs which has become another deciding factor apart from bookies. Any way no one pays serious attention to these rediculous games any more, and Mr.Mody should have alreday realised this from his adventure in second IPL outing and also the sponserors who are recklessly spending shareholder's money on such idiotic events. In the end it is the music and dance which will dominate the stadium than the cricket. Poor cricketers, they have become laughing stock and it would be better atleast some of the serious crickters like Sachin and Dhoini say good bye to these rediculous games.