Come on, guys. Whatever the outcome, it's a hell of a thrill to have followed this game, and to have seen this bowl-out. Imagine the stories we'd be able to tell the future generations!
All's well. Pakistan did not have any stakes going into this game ... from their position of phenomenal strength, thanks to Asif's onslaught, they should have won. India, however, recovered but could only set a modest target. And Pakistan continued with their tradition of pulling a defeat from the jaws of victory (has this adage been used today???). It was game over in the 18th over, with 39 to win in 2.2 overs. It was impossible. It was more than a last-ball-chakka, and no Miandad or Afridi were around.
All odds were stacked against Pakistan, but suddenly, a blizzard began that lasted exactly 12 balls, and ended as abruptly as it started. When the dust settled, the scores were tied, Pakistan needed a single to win off two balls. Any team in the world could have done it, right?
Maybe. And maybe, if Pakistan was to try it again, they would make it 80% of the time. But when it mattered, they couldn't. And the match ended with the scores tied.
Incredibly, however, the game does not end here, with points, and honors, evenly shared. No, this new form of cricket has brought another nice addition (just like the "free hits"), and we had to see it in action. Not just in any game, but in an India-Pakistan battle. And not just any encounter; it had to be in a world cup!
What was at stake? Just bragging rights. Both teams had already qualified for the next round. But honors were at stake here. Pakistan has never before beaten India in a world cup game. And shen the bowl-out ended, Pakistan has maintained that ignominious distinction!
What a game! Hats off to both the sides, to have provided a wonderful and most exhilerating encounter
Eagerly awaiting a video ... Thanks.
