It was surreal to be rooting for Pakistan in a high-intensity World Cup match, that too against arch rivals India, and not feeling the familiar anxiety caused by the uncertainty of the result if the match goes down to the wire nor the crippling disappointment felt when it becomes clear very early on that it is going to be a one-sided affair in favor of the opposing side. Instead, the entire nation felt a profound sense of shock, disbelief, relief and immense euphoria as Pakistan obliterated India with a comprehensive 10-wicket win in the 17th over of its opening T20 World Cup match. The fact that this breaks Pakistan’s 29-year streak of not winning against India in any World Cup showdown is only one aspect of this victory that makes it so special. That the entire squad uncharacteristically displayed and maintained a composure, calm and confidence throughout the match, especially in such a high-pressure contest, is truly remarkable. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissing India’s openers with two brilliant deliveries in two consecutive overs laid the foundation for a calculated and well executed bowling attack that was complimented by near-perfect fielding with no catches dropped and a very visible effort being made by everyone on the field to restrict runs.
Babar Azam’s captaincy and batting were both clinical. Making the right bowling changes and field placements at the right time while playing a true captain’s knock with not a false note in sight, he surely stepped up to the task and did not disappoint. But it was perhaps Muhammad Rizwan’s energy and brilliant running between the wickets that made the run-chase look so effortless, supporting Babar by giving him the time and mental ease to get comfortable at the crease and start playing those trademark classy shots of his. This is perhaps the fittest opening pair that Pakistan has produced in recent times and that mattered as much as talent on the day.
Pakistan cricket has gone through unprecedented challenges and changes just a month earlier. New Zealand’s abrupt and yet unexplained tour cancellation with England following suit dealt a crushing blow to the long-awaited return of international cricket to Pakistan. Simultaneously, a new top management at PCB, new coaching staff and a new squad was put in place, making experts and fans pessimistic about the team’s prospects at the T20 WC. This win therefore comes at just the right time as it silences all those critics who had written off Pakistan as a contender and solidifies the undeniable reality that Pakistan is truly a resilient and unpredictable side. If Pakistan continues to play as it did on Sunday, there is no team it cannot beat.
