Despite the confusion, the third ODI went ahead, but doubts had certainly crept in. Therefore, perhaps, it was fitting that the series did not reach its logical conclusion. A dust storm and later rain decided to end proceedings that had, so far, kept everyone at the edge of their seats — and not just because of the action on the field. When it came to cricket, performances were mixed. Shoaib Malik struck form — much to the delight of some and dismay of other fans — and Azhar Ali continued showing maturity. The crowd roared and cheered both sides, but when it came to Pakistan’s bowling performance, the graph was nothing less than ridiculously abysmal. Mohammad Sami was brought back again and failed — again. Fielding remained shoddy. However, there was a sense of purpose in the batting line-up — missing from the team for a while — and that may have been because of the home crowd factor. Pakistan, as a country, may have seen a Test-playing nation pay a visit, but questions still remain. Is the country safe enough to host international cricket? If not, then when would it be? Have culprits from the 2009 attack been convicted? Has the country at least reached the root of the issue if not resolved it yet?
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2015.
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