Adil Najam
UPDATE:
India won the TwentyTwenty final in a thriller, after setting Pakistan 158 to win and then bowling Pakistan out (with three balls to spare) for 152. IK Pathan from India was names Man of the Match for very tidy bowling (3/16 from 4 overs) while Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi was named Man of the Series.
ORIGINAL POST:
I have resisted writing about the Twenty20 Cricket Tournament in South Africa till now. But now I can resist no more. All is set for a thriller final game against India.
What more could one ask for… well, actually, one could ask for Pakistan’s TwentyTwenty winning streak to continue into the Final game against India in Johannesburg on Monday!
Pakistan is on a roll. And this is no fluke. The victories against Australia and Sri Lanka were brilliant and breezing past New Zealand in the semi-final today proved that this is not just a lucky streak.
The young team under a young captain and a new coach seems to have finally found its stride. And it is about time…
Much of our cricket coverage this last year has been depressing. Umpire controversies, a disastrous World Cup Exit, death of a coach, players misbehaving, and more. So, this good news is very welcome. It is all the more welcome because other news these days is much less than welcome.
India, too, has had a spectacular T20 tournament. In fact, the most memorable moments of the tournament till now were the 6 sixes in an over by Yuvraj against England.
That the game between India and Pakistan in the T20 tournament had ended in a tie will make the anticipation about the final even more nail-biting.
Neither team goes in as favorites. Both go in on a roll. Its should be one great game!
The comment thread on this post has completely messed up the memory of one of the greatest games of cricket I had ever seen. It has also demonstrated the worst generalizations of both Pakistanis and Indians. The Pakistani captain was typical in talking as if all Pakistanis were Moslems and as if all Moslems were for Pakistan. And my dear Indian comrades have been demonstrating our usual self-righteous attitude. If only our own record was as pavitr as we are making it out to be.
It was just a statement, a stupid one, but it does not make Pakistan a lesser team or country and certainly does not make India a better team or country either. I want to feel like the girl in the picture. Enjoying the memories of a great game. Well done India. Well done Pakistan.
Hussain Saab,
You understood completely wrong, I was answering Naseem’s comments on prayers during match “to win “. Even the couplet
(sher) was not compris. I repeat, Yaqeen-e-Mohkum makes u win anything in life, one can not exploite prayers when in need.
SELF CONFIDENCE was absent as usual.
You don’t need to recite Qunoot, just recite INALILAHI-WA-INA-ELAIHEY RAJIOON, and bury them, next please !!!!!!
kHUDA HAM SAB KO PARHEY LIKHEY JAHILON SEY BACHAAIY.
Dear
Pakistani Captain’s remarks express his childish behaviour. We were very happy when Pakistan beat Australia, Newzealand. Being an Indian, we wish India should win but praise for all efforts by Pakistani batsman particularly Misbha and Imran Nazir. Malik should all win and defeat in a sportmanship. We should feel proud that T20 world up is with Asia whether it is Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh.
Malik should become now a mature man. Tell him to be a mature and good man.
Namaskaram
DINESH
B-B-C on Shoaib/Islam controversy;
http://tinyurl.com/2ndow3
Namaskaram,
Though Pakistani played very well, India won the game. till 16 overs, India was on the top. 17th Over onwards, Pakistan was sure to win the same. it was pakistani win upto 19.3 over. What happened was Misbah played the third ball unpatiently. He was eager to finish the match in that ball only. Thanks to Misbah, we win.
Thanks Misbah, Inshallah