ALKHOBAR, 14 April 2005 — Pakistanis in the Kingdom were thrilled and overjoyed by the stunning last-ball victory by Pakistan Tuesday that squared the one-day cricket series with India at 2-2.
“I was so stunned by Pakistan’s victory that at first you would think we lost the match. The flow of adrenalin, the aching head, not to mention my heart that was beating so hard, I thought I would have a heart attack.” Ayesha, a Pakistani cricket fan, told Arab News.
“This was one of the best matches I have ever seen between India and Pakistan. I never thought a target of 316 in 48 overs was achievable especially because Pakistan is not a good run-chaser. Everyone calls this team inexperienced and weak and a Pakistan-India match is high pressure, I thought we would crumble.”
Jaudat, a young Pakistani boy was ecstatic about his country’s victory. “I was praying a lot for Pakistan. It was a real nail-biter. It went down to the last ball. I think Inzamam played a real captain’s knock. I was very happy to see Pakistan chase 315 because they have never done that before.”
Rahat, a staunch supporter of Pakistan team said: “The match was so full of tension, I could not watch it continuously. I think Inzamam’s ability to be cool as a cucumber got us the victory. It was a great match and I think now that India and Pakistan have two wins each, the next two matches will be worth watching.”
Nadeem, another Pakistani supporter, said it was a “heart-stopping match. When India scored 315, I thought the writing was on the wall. It would be a one-sided match, a mere formality and we would lose. I think it was Pakistan’s day. Everything went against them. They lost the toss, they fielded badly, the bowlers were expensive and yet they won. Victory is sweet, but this one was sweeter because it was unexpected and leveled the series for now. I hope they can repeat the feat and win the series. But I hope Pakistan should improve their throws and their running between the wicket.”
There was a defeaning silence at the stadium in Ahmedabad. Then the crowds booed Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly. It was a stunning performance by Pakistan. It stunned fans on both sides of the fence. What will happen next? The pitches are so far batting-friendly. Inzamam demonstrated that whoever can keep their cool can win matches. But one text message that this reporter got from an Indian fan perhaps sums it. It read, “Hello brothers, mabrook, Hindi-Paki bhai bhai!”
NOTE: The Arab News Pavilion will be showing the last two matches, on Friday and Sunday at the Le Meridien Hotel . A big crowd is expected on Friday to view the match in a friendly, noisy and fun atmosphere.
