Ajmal mesmerising with 10 wickets, Umer Gul sealing the match with crucial four wickets on the last day, Rahman spinning magnificently and Hafiz supporting with his doggedly accurate line and length is just what the teamwork is all about.
Pakistan bowling out England, the world’s number one test team, for under 200 twice in the first test in Dubai was indeed a fine specimen of teamwork from the bowlers who gelled well as a line up.
This teamwork was also apparent in the batting lineup with contribution from all around. There were four fifties, one each from sparkling Hafiz, solid Taufiq, sound Misbah and sedate Adnan. Thus, it was teamwork of our team that sealed the fate of the English. Catching superbly, plugging fielding loopholes, bowling according to the field and the captain leading from the front have contributed a lot to this test win achieved in merely three days.
The highlight of the winning Pakistan team is every player conducting themselves admirably both on and off the field. While on the field, Pakistani cricketers’ performance spoke for itself, off the field they were also gentlemen.
The way Saeed Ajmal conducted himself in the face of unwarranted criticism against his action (which has been approved by the ICC) is indeed laudable. The fact that the players can now ignore such media antics is a testament to the fact that they are settling down as a team and maturing as players.
PARVEZ JAMIL
Karachi
