This was supposed to be a contest between the unpredictable – the clash of the erratic, the conflict of the fickle. Well, from the word go to the rather swift end, there was nothing fickle about Pakistan. They mean business from the word go, the two opening bowlers immediately stamping their authority and never looking back. After the first five overs, with the pride of West Indian batting back in the hut, there was little doubt about who the boss was and what was the most likely outcome.
If there ever was a more one-sided quarterfinal, this was one. Perhaps each of the following three would be far more competitive in comparison – including the one today that decides who takes on Pakistan at Mohali at Ahmedabad.
Indeed, just two matches away in what has been a fantastic campaign for the World title, Pakistan have been impressive most of the time in their seven outings so far – found to be critically lacking but only in just six overs when the Ross Taylor onslaught snatched the game from them.
Unlike most Pakistani outfits, led by Shahid Afridi in what has been a brawny, inspirational performance, this World Cup has not been a roller coaster ride for the Pakistanis. So far it has seen this bunch in green giving three command performances at the start, then a serious blip against New Zealand that could have been crushing for any other side, but spawned a quick and confident recovery that led to another three consecutive victories that were as emphatic as they come.
Such has been Pakistan’s performance that who they take on next is not much of a worry for them, but only for the opposition. To them, all comers are welcome. Quite a turnaround for a side that has remained a pariah for a number of reasons – terrorism and security at home, competence of its management and, most important of all, questions on the integrity of some of its leading lights.
People, critics and commentators are all talking about 1992. The comparison is not apt, for the situation has never been anything as dire as elimination in what was perhaps the most competitive, and most attractive of all World Cups ever. For the Pakistanis, the ongoing edition of the World Cup has been quite different as other than the much discussed little dip against the Black Caps, the Pakistani spinners have reigned supreme.
Once Pakistan had taken charge of the goings on almost immediately, in the first five overs or thereabouts when Mohammad Hafeez struck a double blow after Umar Gul had removed the awesomely dangerous Chris Gayle, the semifinal was more or less sealed, signed and delivered. The openers only made sure that there was no slur on what had been a crushing display.
The discipline, the confidence, the resolve that our boys have been oozing is rare. This should stand them in good stead now that they are just two games away from surprising everyone including their most ardent supporters.
