Adil Najam
Sometimes I wish the Pakistan cricket team was more dependable. But then there are days when I am real glad it is not. Today was such a day.
A dependable team would, of course, have folded (again) in front of the mighty Australians. Pakistan is and has been in utter disarray. Much like the country, our cricket team is beset with internal divisions, riddled with scandals, and has an organizational infrastructure that is in shambles. Australia, on the other hand, is a picture of perfection. The team that every team wants to be. They are boasting seven consecutive Test wins – the last against a hapless Pakistan last week. But today was a very different story.
At stumps on the first day of the second Test match, Pakistan had sent the Australians packing for a measly 88 all out and then added 148 runs for three wickets. A lead already of 60 runs, with seven wickets in hand.
All accounts suggest that this was not Australia batting badly, it was Pakistan bowling really well. Nor was it just the pitch conditions at work, since Pakistan was then able to reach an already decent score. Barring weather, there would clearly be a result at the end of this game. But this is cricket. And this is Pakistan cricket. So, who knows, the Australians may still pull a rabbit out of the hat and make it eight Test wins in a row; but today – at least today – it was Pakistan all the way; and what a way it was!
So, here is at least one cricket fan cheering for unpredictability and undependability… even if that means that tomorrow Pakistan may turn the tables on itself, as it is so often prone to doing. If that is to be, then so be it. Today, we bask in the glory that is a sight to behold; even when it is as undependable and the men in green!
This is now Pakistan’s game to lose.
Lets say Australia totals as much as 350 in their second innings. Even that would leave Pakistan with only 180 to win the game. Not a tall order at all.
I am hopeful but let us not forget one small fact. The test matches are not decided in one day!
The team which performs better during the full duration of a test match wins. It would be a great shame if Pakistan lets Aus. out of this tough situation.
HM
I like this post. In many ways this only reminds me just how special test cricket is for anyone who loves cricket. The real cricket is still Test. But I think it is now dying.
AOA,
If Pakistan can get next 8 wkts with 170 runs then Pakistan do have a chance to win else it will be same old story.
Anyway, if your batsmen giving only 30, 40 runs then the odds for winning a match is not really high.
Akmal brothers can’t play with head down which is not very useful in 5 day match. No team can win a 5 day match with 30 40 runs by it top 5 batsmen. Interesting to see when this team makes 300+ run.
If Ponting has been adjudged out on the first delivery, which he was, then Pakistan would have had an amazing chance. Now, as I see it, they are heading for a loss.