At last Pakistan lifts the elusive T20 world cup in 2009. Many had written off Pakistan being unpredictable team. But what a way they came and stormed the Lords. Big occasion and Boom Boom Afridi came to the party with 54 No. What a way for a Pathan to display his batting powress. The only consolation was Dilshan won the player of the tournament for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka was down on the back foot, it almost seemed they had lost the match in the first over itself when they lost their star batsmen Dilshan on Zero after facing 5 balls. He struggled beyond recognition, being circumspect under the weight of his own past performance. Jaysuria scored 17 off 10 balls. Sri Lanka innings was a literal march past of sorts. Sangakara's innings was the only consolation with 64 Not Out off 52 deliveries with 7 hits to the boundary. Angelo Matthews 35 too was commendable job off 24 balls, being a bowler. Razzak polished off the Sri Lankans with 3 for 20. On the hindsight electing to bat put more pressure on Sri Lanka.
Pakistan nearly made a hash of the chase which was easily achievable with slow run rate. Kamran akmal 37 off 28 balls with 2 boundaries and sixer was a solid start. He departed when he was stumped by Sangakara off Jaysuria and Pakistan @ 48 in the seventh over. Afridi came and took off the pressure off from the game with his hurricane build up like innings with a brilliant 54 off 40 balls and Shoaib 24 off 22 balls romped home ironically though with a leg bye. The victory prompted Shoaib to termAfridi's innings as Awesome.
Kudos to Pakistanis, they deserved to win and bring some cheer back home from the gloomy scenario. For a change we did not find Champaigne being sprayed across the players which was refreshing change and sober way of celebrating a triumph well deserved. Why waste the precious spirit was the call or their religious leanings prohibit liqour as haram was apt display.
I sincere hope this victory will send a message loud and clear in troubled spots that bat can triumph over bullets for Pakistanis in future. It is Dum Biryani for all Pakistanis back home with Dawat waiting for the team.
PN : England lifts the world cup in the womens final against New Zealand.
Note : photos courtsey TOI
UPDATE : Younis khan has dedicated this victory to Bob Woolmer, which is commendable and quite remarkable gesture for his soul to rest in peace. After winning the cup he has announced his retirment from T20 paving way for youngsters to take his place. Thats Cricket for me, a real gentlemen's game.
