Come On Guys! We Just Outplayed this Ordinary Pakistan Cricket Team in every department, dint we? Starting from -

1. Running Between The wicket
2. Catching and fielding When it mattered ( Sami letting go that crucial hit from Mashrafi of Aamir for Four) Previously Sami missed a skier from Sabbir at Mid off , similar catch that Soumya took of Dilshan remember?

Small things matter...


Then Pakistan Had a sniff after Aamir picking up Shakib. But Pakistan's most experienced bowler who happens to be ONE OF THE MOST UNSUCCESSFUL BOWLER IN WORLD CRICKET history - Mohammad Sami gave those two No-Balls at such crucial time!

Going back to Pakistan Innings, they were on the ropes right from the start because of their typical poor running between the wicket . Had our rate of breaking the stumps been better, we could have bundled them out for under 50. But Pakistan's most experienced and the most talented player got together at the right time and got them up to a decent score to bowl to. I have to say, I havnt seen Malik to play better ever!

He was in prime form, thanks to our safe hands (we did most of the things right guys? right? we held on to all the catches!!!) Sabbir, Shakib took some good pressure catches. Yeah our bowlers had a beating in the last 10 overs, but its not their fault or their captains. It was good counter attacking batting by two inform Pakistanis, so dont get pissed!!

Its a quality cricket all around.

I was always wary of Mohammad Aamir. And I knew if they had a chance only for that young guy, who is in supreme form ever since he got back to cricket. And he did not disappoint. But he was not outstanding either. Cz Soumya and Tamim both got him away for Boundaries. Tamim missed a straight on from Irfan who usually doesnt get much LBWs. But that was plum infront.


Later on, Mushfiq got a rough one, but i couldnt complain as Hafeez got a rough on as well! So it was even.

I so much wanted Soumya to get back to form or atleast get some runs to reduce pressure from Sabbir's shoulder. Thankfully Pakistanis could not utlize his weak link which is short cover, most of the countries tend to keep a short cover when Soumya is on the crease because he is known for his compulsive driving on the up. He just cant help playing that shot. Soumya got away played some majestic shots which helped the dressing room relax big time in spite of Sabbir's 14 off 14. Partnerships with Sabbir and Shakib really played a huge part.

The best thing about our batting today was the shot selection and the calmness. They were hardly seen to play those cheeky rush strokes. They were always keeping the scoreboard ticking with good running between the wicket. They chose the right people to send to bat on right positions. Picking Mash to come above Mithun was a big booster and bold move.

It was nerve wrecking chase all the way. Afridi tried his best, but he made some small mistakes which made him pay big time like keeping irfan and aamir away from bowling for too long. Then bowling Mohammad Aamir the 18th over, when usually good teams tend to give their best bowler the 19th over. But he was left with few choices in the bowling department. Its been a while Iv seen them struggling for lack of spinners in the team. Their team selection hurt them bad, picking Anwar Ali over Wahab or another specialist bowler left them with too many weak links in that department. But Whats up with Mohammad Sami? He keeps paying them big in international games and they still cant get rid of him? Sami is the perfect example of the fact that speed hardly matters when you dont have presence of mind and consistency under pressure. He reminds me of Shahadat Hossain. How long did we stick with Shahadat even though he was expensive?

Anyways, end of the day better team won. And basically the point table is the real scenario of the strength of these 4 teams. India leading Pakistan and Srilanka for a big margin in terms of everything I believe. Its only us who can beat India now I believe. So thanks to our heroes for rising up to the occasion and delivering on time.

Even though We are suffering off dip in form by our 2 best batsmen - Shakib and Mushfique. But we have more than enough in the bag to combine and get a good score at any condition. Someday Sabbir, someday Soumya, Someday Riad. I hope shakib and Mushfiq better keep up this support to the inform ones and T20 is not a tough game if you can play with a professional and collective mindset. Its not all about hitting big shots, its about rotating the strike my friend!

The last 2 games have become pointless. My sympathy to Srilanka and Pakistan. But they really are way down in form in every sense in limited overs cricket now. World cup is knocking at the door. Its all about practice for everyone now. I hope Tamim gets a good one in the final.

Both us and the indians havent beaten by any other team for a while. We beat Pakistan thrice in a row now considering the previous 2 T20s in their last outing here. We dont have Mustafiz. But the way Taskin bowled is promising. I just hope we can bat well. Thats my only worry against the indians.

We have made winning a habit now , for sure we are making playing in the final a habit as well! Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing foreign commentators praising our team! Specially Dean Jones! I missed Danny Morrison though. Indian commentators give example of their batsmen every chance they get. They are flying way too high above ground. Its time they taste their first defeat and its only us who can deliver it.

Good game! Great Game to come !!

Photo Courtesy: Cricinfo