That Pakistan would inflict the worst possible defeat on the world’s premier best in the Arabian desert, was purely a fantasy stuff less than a month ago. This was Pakistan’s first ever whitewash of England and it could not have come at a more opportune time. This was also the first incident in more than a century when a side having been dismissed for less than 100 in first innings, stormed back and won a Test.
As they say what does not kill you, makes you stronger, Pakistan cricket has risen from the debris of the infamous fixing fiasco and resurrected itself in a fashion most extraordinary, most glorious and indeed miraculous. A side with nowhere to call a home, a virtual pariah, has humiliated the side, playing against whom
it was discredited less than two years ago. Those were extraordinary days, and so is this total wipeout. Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman scripted this triumph with their magic fingers. They tormented and tortured England — the torment only changed forms; after sheer strangulation would came the humiliation of doosra and teesra.
England had time with them, but chasing a target in excess of 300 was way beyond their reach. The whole last day, England crawled slower than snail. Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss tried to put up a semblance of a fight already doomed. Kevin Pietersen delighted the fans with some lofted drives but it was only a matter of time that Pakistan would put an end to it. Misbah first served a slow strangulation, then put Umar Gul to finish the job. Then England tail slogged itself to destruction with significant number of overs remaining. Poor Prior was left stranded on 49. Pakistan’s cricket’s darkest days are over. Misbah has augured the dawn of the new day. And most importantly we are in post Ijaz Butt era. This XI is not our best but Misbah-ul-Haq with his poise and calm has rendered it an aura of stability and calmness. He is neither charismatic, nor glamorous and flambouyant, but is serene and calm. He has all that Pakistan needs at this moment. He has instilled a spirit that was most needed at this point of time. He has inspired Azhar Ali, Adnan Akmal and Asad Shafiq to deliver and establish themselves in the side. And significantly Younus Khan is leading the way for the younger.
This resurgence has come in lands away from home. On greener surfaces Pakistan will be tested, but Pakistan has never quite struggled against bounce as much as the rest of the sub continental sides. With self belief, stability and right policies, Pakistan would establish itself as a side which would make winning a habit and no one will be surprised if it topples the top sides.
NUMERO UNO DECIMATED!
