Adil Najam
As I write these lines, Pakistan is on the verge of a massive victory against New Zealand in the first Test Match of the series. By the time you read these lines, Pakistan would probably have already won the game – if, for some reason they don’t, this would already have become a mega story in sports!
As I watch Pakistan going into its second innings, needing 19 runs to win, it feels good to have some good news to write about. This time, cricket seems to have delivered, at least a straw of consolation to hold on it – or, maybe, to distract the mind!
On the verge of wrapping up the Test in three days after some good batting as well as some great bowling in New Zealand’s second innings, the young Pakistan team has begun washing away some of its own demons. While sporadic brilliance in T20 and one-day versions of the game have flowed, Pakistan’s performance in Test matches has been less spectacular, with a few exceptions.
But more than even the victory what gives me most hope is the fact that in this game the team seems to have begun emerging as a team and that it was the younger newer players who have carried the day for Pakistan: that this is not the brilliance of one mega-star carrying the day but this victory is the result of the entire team coming up with a good, joint, team performance.
Of course, this is just one victory and the troubles that this team is in are deep and grave (as are the troubles that this nation is in). But, at least in this moment, this victory, the teamwork that went into it, and the emergence of a newer generation gives me the slightest glimmer of hope for the Pakistan team as it moves forward and tries to crawl out of its scandal laden mess. Hopeless idealist that I am, I cannot help but hope that maybe, just maybe, there is a lesson here for the rest of the nation too!
P.S. As I finish writing this post, Pakistan has just won the Test match by 10 wickets!
Yes you are right there is nothing good like to watch the youngsters coming forward. But you must admit that no one can beat the strike rate of Shahid Afridi. Similarly no one can bowl yoker like Waseem Akram. On the hand Googli like Mushtaq Ahmed. The team was and now is still full of stars. There are plenty of hopes from them.
Yes, this was truly a team victory and it is god to see youngsters coming up. Lets hope they can keep this up.
I am not a cricket fan, but reading this also made me feel all good inside. We need reeds of hope to hold on to right now.
I think your point about teamwork and new blood is important. That is what is needed in Pakistan too – teamwork and acting as a nation rather than as a mob, and a new generation of leaders to emerge. Amen.
“Pakistan ka future has to be bright..aur jo hum pakistani hain we can’t believe otherwise..it’s a survival strategy!
Bas yehi pahchan the meri.. har pahchan say pehlay bhi..Pakistan ka sheri tha mein..Pakistan say pehlay bhi..”
Adil Najam talks to Urdu VOA
My exact sentiments Adil. I can’t believe otherwise..
Well done Pakistan. Thanks for this good news Pakistan cricket.