Pakistani fans were left too much excited and jubilated all over the country after a nail biting 2 run victory against the less popular yet enthusiastic Bangladeshi team. Pakistan regained the glory and became Asian champions after a lengthy period of 12 years.
The great victory was the result of sheer hard work and struggle by Misbah eleven during the last 15 months or so, ultimately resulting in the great victory in the Asia Cup beating Srilanka once and Bangladesh twice, but unfortunately loosing to India .
The triumph was a result of eye catching leadership capabilities of the 37 years old Misbah ul Haq, who kept his nerves in control during each and every hurdle, came by. Nevertheless, one cannot drag credit from the rest of the team players, who brilliantly supported their captain particularly the crowd puller Shahid Afridi, the professor Mohammad Hafeez and never ending the most dependable Saeed Ajmal, the inventor of Teesra.
Saeed Ajmal with his great doosras and Teesras kept batsmen thinking throughout the series taking 8 wickets at an average of 20.12. Stunning Doosra to Sachin Tendulkar was the most special moment in the series, the little master was undone and left clueless by his magic delivery.
Mohammad Hafeez proved to be the most dependable batsman scoring 245 important runs at an impressive average of 61.25 (most by a Pakistani Batsman), he chipped in with his quick off spinners as well. Nevertheless, cameo by Sarfraz Ahmed and Aizaz Cheema hugely contributed in the 2 run victory in the final at Mirpur, Bangladesh.
It is worth mentioning that a newly appointed coach Dav Whatmore has managed to understand the minds and psyche of the players and has the ability to deal with an ever troubled Pakistani team, which in addition, is a good prospect.
However, the collective effort of all the players is believed to be the most vital aspect in the series win which is also a good sign for the future. Pakistan has got reliable openers, strong middle order, artistic spinners and athletic fielders. But the concern that remains unsolved is the Quick bowler’s Department. No doubt, Cheema and Gul put up the great effort all through the series but that wouldn’t be enough when Pakistan will tour overseas where the conditions are completely different.
Captaincy issue is no significant; one should give some more time to Misbah, naming Vice Captain in the meantime. We should appreciate Misbah’s efforts and struggle in the re building of a shattered team. One must not forget that Misbah held the distinction of white washing England for the first time in History of Pakistan cricket.