One incredible chase

Performance was so unlike Pakistan of recent years, a team criticised for its slow, negative, boring approach to Test.

They say, ‘If you chase something too desperately, it eludes you’. Misbahul Haq’s men, though, succeeded in chasing down an improbable target in a Test match (something which has been almost impossible for Pakistan batsmen) through sheer desperation on the final day of their two-year alliance with their Australian coach Dav Whatmore. Perhaps, it was Misbah’s ‘love’ for the Australian that propelled him and his team to the astonishing 302-run chase in fading light at the historic Sharjah stadium.

The performance was so unlike Pakistan of recent years, a team staunchly criticised for its slow, negative and at times, boring approach to Test cricket. It was indeed ironic that Sri Lanka were castigated by all for their spineless and extremely negative effort on the last two days of the Test match, which brought the hosts right back into the equation despite them conceding an 87-run lead in the first innings. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has learnt some very harsh lessons and would have to be far more aggressive as a captain if he is to ensure an away series win for his team — an elusive dream for the Lankans for the last six years.



The 302-run chase is Pakistan’s second best in the longest format of the game, their highest remains the nail-biting 315-run chase in Karachi over the Australians in 1994 when Ian Healy famously fumbled a stumping chance off Shane Warne, with the last wicket pair of Inzamamul Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed at the crease.

When the fourth innings on the benign Sharjah track started on January 20, it seemed there was only one team targeting a win. The Pakistan openers immediately went on the offensive, yet the game was firmly poised towards a draw at the tea break. However, minutes before the penultimate session of the match ended, the Misbah-Whatmore duo made possibly the boldest move of their two-year alliance. Younus Khan fell for 29 and the next man that walked in was Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Karachi wicketkeeper batsman who had earlier discovered that he can bat at the biggest arena with a fighting half-century in the Dubai lost cause. When Sarfaraz reappeared with Azhar Ali after tea, he launched an astonishing assault on Sri Lanka’s biggest threat, Rangana Herath. His stroke play reminded one of team manager and Sarfaraz’s mentor, Moin Khan’s flamboyance in the 1990s.

Azhar and Sarfaraz added 89 runs for the fourth wicket to set up an ideal platform for the icy cool Misbah. Sarfaraz was down and out before the Dubai Test, but two back to back vital performances have reignited his career in no uncertain terms. His batting partner during the chase has also made the most resurgent comebacks of all; dropped from the first two Tests, Azhar was playing for his future in Sharjah. The fifth day was indeed all about Azhar. He had already made a mark by plucking out of thin air an astounding catch in Sri Lanka’s second innings at the short-leg position and perhaps, knew from there on that he need not look back. Azhar’s 103 was a truly masterly knock, aided by the mindless captaincy of Mathews, with the right-hander accumulating runs with ease. His innings included a mere six fours, he did not clear the ropes even once, yet maintained an incredible strike rate of 75 through the course of his 137-ball effort.

The matter was put to rest by Misbah’s calmness and this time around, there was no bizarre Misbah dismissal at the brink. Pakistan coasted home, registering an incredible win in Sharjah’s twilight. The pundits are labelling the win a much-needed tonic for Pakistan in the Test format, especially for the unpredictable batsmen. Let us hope Misbah’s men with Whatmore’s memories for company truly take off from here.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2014.

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