Pakistan's victory, worth the wait

When I was eight, I hadn’t thought I would have to wait 15 years to witness this moment again: Pakistan beating Australia in a Test match. Hence, the celebration, the happiness, the dancing is all justified. If it wasn’t for work, I would probably be at Sea View right now, where, I am sure, some Team Pakistan jiyalas must have blocked traffic to dance to “Jazba Junoon” blaring from their cars’ woofers.

The victory has been defined as dramatic and rare, adjectives that aptly explain losing five wickets in the course of 40 runs. What the win can’t be called, however, is convincing.

Since forever, Pakistan has been accepted as a country that breeds incredibly talented cricketers. Mohammad Aamer is the latest addition to that. The game he plays at 17 speaks for itself and in this match, he just proved himself further: look out world, Aamer is only going to improve. Mohammad Asif was dependable and I, as a cricket fan, am glad to see him back in action. Between drug scandals and movie star affairs, I missed discussing Asif for what he does best.


However, as a connoisseur of the beautiful game of cricket, I have to say this: as much as I love to hate Australia, in today’s match they showed why they are the champions that they are. And as a real cricket fan, I cannot help but be impressed by Australia yet again. I believe that July 24’s match was the best manifestation of their “never say die” attitude. One run away from a loss and they were still taking wickets.

From the start of the game, Australia were the underdog. Pakistan were in a comfortable position to win with two days and seven wickets in hand and just 40 runs to victory. But Pakistan struggled because Australia simply refused to believe that they didn’t have a chance at winning. Predictably, they came on to the field with body language that did not betray any pressure and they played like it too.

Predictably again, only Pakistan could have won such a match with this much drama. It paid off to be a Pakistan fan because Team Green has given us cricket lovers a game to remember for a long, long time. I just hope it’s not another 15 years!

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2010.