3 Comments that define Pakistan’s Cricket in 2017
- Pakistan made history by winning the series against West Indies in their home and that too on the farewell match of the two legends, Misbah and Younus. Pakistan stood against the black storm like a wall and the miraculous last ball of the penultimate over changed the whole game. The whole country staring at the screens and Yasir Shah delivers the last ball and next thing we heard was:
“Got him, why did he do that? Unbelievable…. Yasir Shah wins the match, wins the series for the first time for Pakistan”
That series defined the determination and courage of the team led by Misbah. He ended his career with recording his 26th win, almost double of the next best Pakistani captains, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad with 14 wins each. This series was also of great importance as Younis Khan who completed in 10,000 test runs. Both legends ended their careers in the best possible way.
Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy gestures wearing a traditional turban at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, March 5, 2017. Sammy led Peshawar Zalmi to the Pakistan Super League Twenty20 title with a 58-run victory against Quetta Gladiators in a trouble-free final on Sunday. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
- One of the most proud moments of 2017 include cricket coming home. Pakistan hosted PSL 2 final, Pakistan vs World IX series and Pakistan vs Srilanka T20. Every time International stars graced the ground with their presence, the cricket starved spectators reflected love back to them. Every Pakistani felt the nostalgia when Danny Morrison said:
“Welcome with open arms and big smiles to this gorgeous stadium, that’s Gaddafi! International cricket is back”
Even the international stars made a bond with Pakistan with Darren Sammy tweeting in Pashto, Danny Morison reaching the crowd masquerading as the mascot, Dean Jones sharing videos of the Nihari and whole of the commentary panel dressed in traditional Pakistani attire. These souvenirs reflect the essence of the gorgeous Pakistan.
- The comment: “In the air and gone…… Pakistan cricket at its best, one minute down next minute up” drums in every Pakistanis ears, since Pakistan’s victory against India in the Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan rose from the bottom and reached the final despite of share criticism from global spectators and analysts. Who can now believe that at one point time Pakistan’s qualification for Champions Trophy was dubious? Moreover Pakistan witnessed early debacle with losing the first match against India with a margin of 128 runs. After the huge defeat Pakistan rose against all odds by fueling young octane in the team. Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Muhammad Amir bamboozled the opponents. On high scoring pitches, opponents like England, South Africa and Srilanka were barely able to score 250 runs. Pakistan came home like the roaring tigers, carrying the trophy of honor.
Dismissing Virat Kohli right after a dropped chance was the final confirmation that the trophy was coming home.
