Cricket was at its best on Sunday in Dubai. Two rivals India and Pakistan must have waited for this much awaited match on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, but for the first time the tables have turned. Pakistan defeated mighty India in the World Cup for the first time. Team Pakistan announced their presence at the world stage. There was a time when Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, English and India dominated the cricket but this decade will be of Babar Azam and his company.

It is heartening to see the Pakistani skipper leading his young and uneven team to a mammoth victory. The way Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imad Waseem, Harris Rouf and Shadab Khan performed against India is something incredible. I have never seen such clinical performance against India.

The fielding was at its best. Batting from Babar and Rizwan were a class act. Both the batsmen played fearlessly and sensibly. This is for the time I have seen Pakistani batsmen doing so well.

The way both the batsmen enjoyed their time against India shows this team is made up of different material. This Pakistan team is different.

Gone are the days when they used to be mercurial. The calm and cool head of Babar has the potential to take his team to much ahead in the game. Great performance by Team Pakistan. The difference in their approach can be seen. New PCB head Rameez Raja’s glimpse can be noticed. The presence of Saqlain Mustaque in the dressing room is also a huge point.

Congratulations to PCB for preparing so well, despite lots of challenges. Hope to see Pakistan lifting the trophy.

Akbar Khan
By email