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Mercurial Pakistan has faced much of trials and difficulties throughout their cricketing history. They win from situations where no one gives a chance. Their ability to back themselves through crisis is commendable. Pakistan did not have a great start to 2017. They were thrashed by New Zealand on their home soil and the hostile Australian tracks also proved to be a nightmare for the men in Green. It was a great challenge for Sarfraz’s leadership.
Azhar Ali stepped down from Pakistan’s captaincy after a vulnerable performance in limited overs cricket. At that point, Sarfraz Ahmad was the most suitable option. Sarfraz did not disappoint the fans. He was forged in a fight with the crisis that was prevailing on the cricket team. Going for the champions trophy no one really gave Pakistan a chance. They went into the tournament as underdogs. The young blood was eager to perform well. It was a great opportunity.
After the loss to arch-rivals India in the very first game, the whole nation was disgruntled. The critics were pouncing on the team and management. The coach admitted the flaws in the team. He claimed that the players did not come up to the expectations and they made mistakes in every department. But no one forgot the unpredictability of team Pakistan.
In the very next match against the Proteas, the bowlers did an exceptional job. They restricted the SA team to a chase-able target. Fakhar Zaman, on his debut, gave Pakistan a flying start which lifted the whole nation. But Morkel came back strong and sent off 3 Pakistani batsmen to the pavilion. Pakistan was going well on 119-3 before the act of God came in to play. The rain interruption favored Pakistan big time as they won the match by Duck Worth Luis Method. The victory over the Proteas brought a sense of relaxation to the dressing room. The nation started to believe again.
The crowd in England was really inspiring. They turned out in big numbers to support the green team. The next challenge was the Islanders. Pakistani bowlers went into the game with lifted spirits. It was not a comprehensive task. After a solid start by Islanders, Pakistani bowlers came back strongly. Hassan Ali, Junaid Khan, and Amir proved to be chaos for the Lankan Batsman. SL was able to post a target of 236. Pakistan had a flying start courtesy brilliance from Fakhar Zaman. But the joy did not last long. SL bowlers made a great comeback and put seven nails in the coffin with still 75 runs to win. Sarfraz held his nerves along with Amir and played a captain’s knock to drive his team home safe and sound.
Fickle Pakistan was rising! Fans backed up Sarfraz 11. Next challenge was with the native Englishmen. England was the only undefeated team in the tournament. Pakistan walked into the ground as an underdog. But the brutal Pakistan bowling went rampant. England had no answer to Pakistan’s heroics with the ball and only managed to score 211 runs. Pakistan chased the target without any twists and turns and ifs and doubts. Only Pakistan team could have done that. England left astounded on the field of Cardiff. Pakistan never looked back after the humiliating defeat against the arch-rivals India.
It was 18th June. The enchanting streets London were engulfed by the unstoppable Pakistan fans. It was the morning of hope and passion. Pakistan unmindful of defeat landed gallantly in Kennington Oval. The final against the arch Rivals India in a full house stadium. It couldn’t have got better than that, India won the crucial toss and opted to field. Pakistan had some early luck when Fakhar was caught on a no ball. India paid the price for that blunder. Pakistan batted ferociously and put up a mammoth total of 338-4.
In reply, India had no answer to the formidable pace attack of Pakistan, especially Amir’s magic with a ball in hand. Words of Nasser Hussain, “Pakistan cricket at its best, One minute down next minute up”, echoed in the hearts of every fan back in Pakistan. India was rattled for 158. Pakistan came from nowhere and conquered the trophy. The journey full of the crisis had an extraordinary ending. Trophy Came to Lahore in Holy Month of Ramzan and people gathered outside the house of Captain Sarfraz Ahmad to relish each and every moment
