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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.
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GR8! Well done.. The kalia hindusthanis must be in deep sadness!! its only a matter of time when pakistan army ( read gr8 and pure) will hoist flag in crappy delhi!!
what a super performance by super nation "Pakistan". I wish, I could see indian faces when Younus Khan lifted the trophy. I also wish I could see Yuvraj's Mujra on Pakistan victory.Pakistan was definitely not favourite to win this championship but we perform amazingly well and the favourite one "india" was not even in semifinal. what a shame!!Right now I am feeling so proud to be a Pakistani.Pakistan a country of champions
I think this event wasnt really great. In the end, it turned really pale. The real stars were jaded and looked like they wanted to stay out of this tournament and enjoy some barbeque with family and friends cuz the big hitters already played quite a bit of 20/20 and made their money. Cricket is getting globalized and a good player dont need to work too hard to fight for the pride of his country. End of the day, pakistan needed it badly and others said 'ok..take it'(i give credit to Umer Gul though) India was tired of the schedule and worn out. Watch out for them next time!!!
what a super performance by super nation "Pakistan". I wish, I could see indian faces when Younus Khan lifted the trophy. I also wish I could see Yuvraj's Mujra on Pakistan victory.Pakistan was definitely not favourite to win this championship but we perform amazingly well and the favourite one "india" was not even in semifinal. what a shame!!Right now I am feeling so proud to be a Pakistani.Pakistan a country of champions
Good Job! Both Pakistan and Srilanka! Pakistan you are awsome ... You have a lot talent not only in cricket but also in your army etc.. Dont allow Delhi to armtwist you .. you can also capture delhi soon -)))
i admire the false confidence and belief you rogue pakistanis have,how fast you change colour.even now your corrupt government is begging to internatinal community for $,and in return it has allowed DRONE attacks on your poor muslims civilians,this is a unique example of attacks anywere in the world,and reflects largely on our army and country.as far is yvuraj dancing your players will come to india mu great country like beggers and play under his captainship,so who will dance for whom mr Pakistani SAAD.but i dont think any of you are allowed VISA to enter my beautiful motheraland,we have finally realised that no body from your rogue country can be trusted any body can be terrorist.dont forget your humiliating defeat by great team india not evn a month ago by 9 wickets i think it was your biggest defeat ever.for us that was the world cup,we dont care loosing to great english and weatindies side they are our brothers ,our goal to humiliate you was achieved by ourteam.JAI hind
MR afsan,you and your orgue pakistanis ,the biggest sponsorer of terrorism in the world,people call you international migraine,your nuclear scientist cant even get out of the country,you are surviving on U.S Aid.your gutless and spineless army and rogue ISI is famous all over the world for pramoting terrorism.dont forget your ancesters came as a looters,were fascinated by hindhu land india,your rogue country was formed by tearing apart the land of hinduism,sickism,buddism,the hindu city of peshawar the city of gardens has been converted into taliban and alqaede heaven by your rogue country and government.before commenting on my country do the reasearch properly i feel i am discussing things with a illeterate,from madarassa who doesnt know anything.pakistani fact your president MR 10%,your nuclear scientist in house arrest.drone attacks on daily bases. bangladeshis hate you for human right violation.balochis want a seperate home land.your army only wants power ,wine,women,cant protect
Weldone Pakistan it is really pleasurable moment that finaly Pakistan win the World Cup and give a strong reply who made pakistani isocles. This is really a strong reply that Pakistane players were not allowed to take part in IPL and pakistan was out of cricket but even then Pakistanis proved they are the Champions.
Finally, We got the Cup. We are the champions. We have proved it. Live longer Pakistan. Jiye Pakistan. Call Yuvraaj to Dance on Pakistan Win. India should leran from Pakistan, rather then dancing on Pakistan loss in super 8. I want to give a message to Indians that plz Dont promote jelousy and hate. Try to love with other and live in a peacefull manner. dont blaim Pakistan always and donot politicize issues like kashmir, mumbai and other events. GEO and jeeney do...... Pakistan paindabad
it is ur racial discrimination nation u called Pakistan a terrorist country ..have u a eye on ur 19 societies which want independence from ur government . first settle ur home then say any thing..........
Pakistan is the greatest sponsorer of terrorism around the world,because mr ahsan was trying to congragulate indian muslims,i want to remind him that when the spineless gutless army and isi had send kasab and party when he got caught your rogue country after using him for barbaric act of terrorism failed to accept him as your own,you guys are pathological liers.and the other 9 terrorist of your country were let to rot rightfully by our fellow indians muslims brothers,you dont know what india is multicultural multiethnic vibrant democracy,second fastest growing economy,who has given 1 billion dollar aid to our muslims brother in afganistan whomyou used to use as second class people.balochis are sick and tired of your atrocities.you are begging to U.S.A for allowing them to kill fellow muslim,every day a drone is killing your civilians,were is your army,this is a reply for your article,for you and like minded pakistanis rogue,i hope it is a clear image of your failed state and terrorism
Winning a lottery is nevertheless better than asking for alms. Good for them and now I hope the buggers would find some time playing rather than only praying and we may get people becoming cricketers rather than terrorists.And next time some one shout from the top of our roof ,remember life resembles more like test cricket than twenty twenty.
Finally, We got the Cup. We are the champions. We have proved it. Live longer Pakistan. Jiye Pakistan. Call Yuvraaj to Dance on Pakistan Win. India should leran from Pakistan, rather then dancing on Pakistan loss in super 8. I want to give a message to Indians that plz Dont promote jelousy and hate. Try to love with other and live in a peacefull manner. dont blaim Pakistan always and donot politicize issues like kashmir, mumbai and other events. GEO and jeeney do
Pakistan is great nation but the world always admire lately. Now this is the prove that the Pakistan is the best. See India whom you peoples are very proud infect the 2007's world cup had also been won the Pakistan but India's luck!. Now you people should also open you eyes and see the reality. Its the right time otherwise it will be too late. And now Indians should stop their tarriest activity in Pakistan and should closed the dozens of consulate in Afghanistan. Congratulations to Indian Muslims on Pakistan Victory!
Good job pakistan, As a british english man i admire you, pakistani's are resilient and honourable. good game chaps! shut up you crazy people criticising poor nation,,, God bles u pakistani's,,,
This final, unlike the one of the previous edition, was hardly thrilling and at times seemed boring. Anyway, given the quarantine background from which it has emerged victorious, Pakistan deserves to be commended. Incidentally, when Pakistan players bow on the ground and profusely invoke the Allah for their victory, the same is rightly viewed with grace. But if any Indian player openly thanks Lord Rama or Krishna, the same will be branded as being communal and no-secular and might even get dropped. What a sham. We do not deserve to win anything.
What people you are, you are talking about the Pak hate-mindset but you yourself even dont have the courage to congratulate them. This is the real hate which you always practiced and showed and as a result recieved from them.Offcourse there are sensible indians who can appriciate with open mind. Congratulations to Pakistan!
pakistan is suffering from alqaida-taliban,all or msot pakistanis are living in fear,with 20/20 win,this willbring some joy in thr daily life,i wish them best of luckfrankly most pakistanis are very friendly and religiousdue alqaida/taliban/and isi/politicsthey have spoiled there name in intl community.good luck.though no fault of major population,
Pakistan Zindabad!!
Let’s hope this win will keep most Pakis busy for sometime in euphoria and help focus their minds on better things than just on hate-India mindset and activities. They need to change their image and convince the world that they are also better in other things than just terrorism and begging dollars from uncle $am.
I WANTED TO WIN SRILANKA I GOT VERY UPSET AFTER WON PAKISTAN
The road to Pakistan's victory was paved with Miandad's and Dawood Ibrahim's drug money! The success story is as simple as that!!