Even though cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, some certainties are always there which can’t be denied.
The most important and mentionable is the value of the individual performances. Then the factor of destiny. Some skeptical minds may frown at this reference to ‘destiny’ but I believe it plays a significant part.
The example I will cite here is of the dismissal of Simmons in the 7th over against India in the semi-final. That would have reduced the West Indies to 45 for 3. But the replays showed it was a no-ball. Ashwan had over-stepped by a centimetre or two! That is destiny. You may call it luck Simmons went on to clobber Indian bowling and win the match for his team. Winning of the toss also is a factor related to destiny.
As for individual performances, think of Gayle’s murderous century against England. He put W.I on road to the finals.
Then also think of England’s Jason Roy’s knock against New Zealand, and prior to him that of Roote against South Africa.
Finally Virat Kohli’s role in India’s victories. Against West Indies too he played an innings that was potentially match-winning. But destiny had other ideas. Simmons was destined to outperform Kohli when it most mattered.
As for Pakistan, its only victory was owed to Hafeez’s partnership with Ahmad Shahzad against Bangladesh.
The lesson to be learnt here is that we need to find individuals with match-winning potential— and back them.
On many occasions Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Ahmad Shahzad, Sarfaraz and some others have played like match-winners, but we have treated them harshly instead of backing them.
Resultantly they have lost faith in their own potential.
