Pakistan are truly on top of the world now: If this win does not make rankings completely irrelevant, it does make them appear more surrealistic than ever.
The series win over the world’s best side would bring enormous statistical gains for Misbah’s men, but this monumental feat is more symbolic and more reassuring. England were on top most of the time in the match except for the decisive, nerve-wrecking session, in which, ironically, Pakistan were on top of their game. It is only the second time in last 110 years that England have lost, having been set a target of less than 150.
Pakistan’ vulnerable batting line up failed twice; albeit a show of defiance by their inspirational skipper in the first innings and a spirited display by young guns Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali in the second. With only 257 on board in the first innings, any Test side would be on the defensive. And England overcame their demons to post 327 on board in reply. Cook’s classy 94 proved the classicists right as to why off-spinners are less effective against the left-handers. Misbah’s men were expected to make up for their first inning misgivings, but they disappointed again. Barring Azhar Ali (68) and Asad Shafiq (43), it was a somewhat familiar scoreboard. But even in this, there are signs of resurgence, trappings of belonging to the elite club.
Having been given just 145 to defend, Ajmal was asked to summon his best. When Hafeez dismissed Cook early on, it looked for a moment that Ajmal and Hafeez would take it on themselves to spin England out. But this was Abdur Rehman’s turn. In recent past he was overshadowed by Ajmal’s unbelievable march to glory. Quietly and patiently, he has seen it from the sidelines and fought it in his own style. Not a sharp turner, but he has guile, nerves and a sharp observation. Match winning six wickets in a Test are any bowler’s dream and he would cherish it for the rest of his life, especially against the best side in the world. Pakistan have re-emerged on world stage, not with the help of Imran, Wasim or Waqar, but with a bunch of spinners who are equally lethal, and indeed more effective.
Pakistan in many ways have revived the old order; established themselves among one of the world’s top notch sides. With Australia showing India their true status with a 4-0 victory the same day, Pakistan have staked their claim to the elite club. Pakistan have shown the world what it takes to be the world’s best: a bowling line up that can take 20 wickets. This may not please the powers that be in world cricket, but it surely will help them realize that the game needs to acknowledge Pakistan’s rightful place.
ENGLAND CAUGHT IN A SPIN
