Step aside, Cinderella.
Even the most optimistic of followers cannot say that they called it.
No longer considered an elite Test team, Pakistan pulled off one of the most spectacular series victories in cricket history, beating the current top-ranked side, England.
And they did it in some style too: Bowling out England for 72, chasing a paltry target.
The world’s best were tangled in the web spun indefatigably by Abdul Rehman and Saeed Ajmal, a target of 144 proved too much. Pakistan launched 2012 just like they ended 2011 – with a convincing series-win.
A foggy start to the day aided England’s aim of bundling out Pakistan early before shunning the demons of Dubai and plan for next week’s decider. But, as the desert sun portrayed a truer picture later in the day, it was Pakistan – yet to lose a Test series since August 2010 – bamboozling the opposition once again, finding assistance off the cracks on the pitch as well as the doubts in the batsmen’s minds.
Man of the match Rehman, playing second fiddle to Ajmal till now, outshone the maestro and grabbed a career-best six for 25 to send England crashing to their lowest total against Pakistan and also their first series-loss since February 2009.
Pakistan won the Test series 2-0, with one Test to play in Dubai.
“It’s a big win against the top side in the world,” said captain Misbahul Haq, who is yet to lose a Test series as captain since taking over in October 2010. “I don’t have the words to describe it. There was a lot of talk of this being our first big real test. We had a very good opportunity to prove ourselves and the team has done just that.”
England captain Andrew Strauss, who remained his side’s top-scorer in the sorry innings, rued yet another batting failure as his side failed to adapt to the spin, and guile, of the Pakistani spinners.
“Ultimately, we’ve been rolled over in three out of the four innings and the top-order need to take that on the chin,” he said.
The teams head back to Dubai for the final Test of the series that starts from Friday.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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Ajmal and Abdurrehman.
We are proud of you two. Did amazing job.
Aaaah the most sweet victory, Love u Ajmal and Abdur Rehman
If we can take an example from this.......Remove corrupt individuals, provide an honest competent leader, prevent outside interference, look what we as Pakistanis can achieve in one year. Time to bring honest deserving individuals to run this country.
Congrats all. Well done Pakistan. This shows how we can achieve as a team given a chance to capable and deserving lot.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us.
Don't change anything about this team. never argue with success. This team wpoke volumes about what Pakistan as a country can achieve. Our people are hard working and given the opportunity fear nothing as was demonstrated by success of Pakistan businessmen leapfrogging India and many other nations after independence in setting up industries from scratch and the success immigrants all over the World. This team represents quaid 's vision for Pakistan...we achieve the impossible and fever nothing...we are all Qadeer Khan and Imran!.
This is result of will power, self dicipiline and team work, Mohsin should be continued as coach. He made the palyers realize, team win can earn them victory and individual win can replace theme even.
Congratulations! Hard work always pays off! Great Team work. Give Mohsin full time job. Mohsin-Misbah chemistry is working well.
Who is number 1?
Ratings are deceptive.
How can quality be quantified?