Adil Najam
I tuned into the game right as it was ending. Which, it turned out, was the best time of all to tune in!
The drama of the entire day packed into those three overs. And Abdul Razzak right there at the center of it all. Winning the day for Pakistan (playing against South Africa) in rather majestic style – especially with that 6-6-4 in the last over that gave him his century and Pakistan the game.
It had not been the best of days for Pakistani players. A short drive away from the Abu Dhabi where the second one day international was being played between Pakistan and South Africa, at the ICC headquarters in Dubai the ICC code of conduct commissioner Michael Beloff had rather summarily and hurriedly dismissed the appeals of Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir who had earlier been suspended on scandalous charges of spot-fixing.
With South Africa already one up in the 5 match ODI series and Pakistan team in disarray the South African total of 286-8 although by no means unattainable did seem a formidable one. As I tuned in it was the 47th over from South Africa and the screen flashed that Pakistan needed 32 runs from 16 balls and had two wickets in hand. Even as I was trying to get bearings on the game, Razzak tried to steal a run off a no-ball and Saeed Ajmal fumbled and was run out. I must say, I was not upbeat at that point.
That Razzak was able to hit a four off the next ball and then steal a run off the last ball of the over was a good omen. 25 runs required, 12 balls left, 1 wicket in hand. Razzak hits a six off the very first ball and the mood on of the crowd on the screen – and my own mood – begins to change! Another four and then a single off the fifth ball again left Razzak very much in charge. Shoaib Akhtar just needed to survive the one ball he was facing. He did.
And then the grand finale was truly grand. A six off the second ball brought Razzak to 99. Another six off the very next ball got him his century. And a four off the very next ball gave Pakistan the game. In good time, and in good style.
And there he was – very much the man of the moment and man of the match: Abdul Razzak: 109 Not Out, off 72 balls, with 7 fours and 10 sixes. And what should be make of Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir? Well, this was not their day!
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “He was beyond brilliant!”
– “Todays’ lesson: never turn off your TV during Pakistan’s cricket match :D”
– “Great game. All credit to Razzak for am amazing innings.”
– “By the way, how much more fun it is when these victories are unexpected :-)”
Razzak stunned south africa just like he had stunned england. Razzak is the jewel of pakistan cricket and he usually delivers single handedly. He is the cleanest hitter of cricket ball like adam gilchrist. He doesnt slog like afridi who hits high and gets out. Razzak hits flat sixes that clear the ropes. 10 sixes and 7 fours. Wow! Must be a world record. Pakistan is proud of you Razzak as always! Pakistan needs similar peformances from at least 3 other batsmen to beat south africa. It’s not easy but doable. Razzak rules!
Both are good news.
Cheats should not be rewarded. And those who work hard and play brilliantly like Razzak did, deserve their day in the sun!
It was a great show certainly. Well done Razzak. You gave us a smile just when we needed it.
RaZaK RoCkssss