The people of Pakistan will win against the ruling elite in exactly the same manner (or style) as Misbah’s team triumphed over the West Indians in the final test at Dominica.
There were breathe-taking moments, heart-stopping shocks— sudden hiccups— and then huge sighs of relief in one camp and sounds of cringing agony in the other.
So many reviews were taken— going against Misbah’s team each time. The score at one time got stuck at 188 for 8 with dot balls narrowing down the space for both teams. Then Hasan Ali produced a beauty to get rid of Alzarri Joseph. The dimming hopes of the Pakistani camp were re-kindled. In the next ball the last West Indian was given caught behind, and the celebrations started in the Pakistani camp. It was not to be. The review went the West Indian way yet again.
It was then the last-but-one over. And Misbah pinned his hopes on Yasir Shah again. This reminded me of Imran Khan’s immense faith in Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq Ahmad. With four balls to go in the over, Gabriel was once again given out to a pad-and-bat catch. The gloom in the West Indian camp was visible. Yet the review in this case too was to reverse the field judgment. Pakistan’s hopes nose-dived again.
Then Yasir Shah produced a clever ball— rising and going away— igniting in Gabriel the suppressed longing to walk back a hero. He swing wildly— edging the ball to the stumps. The incredible had happened through a moment of sheer madness on the part of Gabriel.
Pakistanis were momentarily stunned—this time with joy. There was to be no review. Misbah and Younis were destined to have a dream farewell to cricket. Both had served their country with majestic grace. Younis Khan had raised his standing to the very top of Pakistan’s illustrious list that include such legends as Majid, Zaheer Abbas, Miandad, Muhammad Yousaf and Inzamam ul Haque.
The only batsman from Pakistan to cross the 10000-run milestone—Younis Khan might have to wait for long to see another batsman from Pakistan to get past him. From the current lot, only Azhar Ali has the opportunity. And Babar Azam has the guts.
Misbah had passed his best years in wilderness—trying to find a place in Inzamam’s team. And when he finally forced his way in, it was as Captain too.
He has been criticized for his over-slowness in butting. But the man who shares with. Vivian Richards the record of the fastest test century is none other than this same Misbah.
Pakistan has produced three great captains. A.R. Kardar ruled the 1950s. Imran Khan rued the 1980s. And Misbah ruled this decade which has yet to end.
Imran Khan stood out because of his charisma as well. Kardar was a father figure. And Misbah was a peace-maker. He united a bunch of warring musketeers.
You both have made us proud Younis & Misbah…..
You have shown us the way to win. Never lose hope. Never lose spirit. Remain charged with energy even when the odds are against you.
You will win O People!
You will win against Power!!
- Latest
- Trending
