On the radar this summer fans expected the Pakistan Cricket Team to endure a few rocks and hard places with their arrival in Ireland and then England. They wondered which Pakistan team will show up for the one-off historic Ireland match. Pakistan was coming off a razor-thin 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in the U.A.E, squandering their momentum on the morning of Day 5 in both matches. Pakistan also capitulated against New zealand 5-0, a black mark on the captaincy record of Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan's pugnacious leader and fighter.
But the radar is not always reliable. The pacers bullied the Irish batsman in the first innings. A few days later they would go on to bully the English batsman in their first innings as well. Pakistan are rebuilding under the captaincy of Sarfraz. He officially took over in 2016 leading his marshals in the only T20 match against England. In that match Sharjeel Khan and Khatif Latif ruthlessly chased a below par target showing little mercy along the way. The stars had started to align. Fans have been witness to several record breaking performances since then. Who can forget the #8th ranked team lifting the Champion's Trophy, outlassing England and decimating India in the in their search for glory.
On Thursday there should be a unique hum of excited conversation at Leeds. The sun should be shining when the captains walk out to the middle for the toss. Pakistan fans will collectively send a ripple of applause when Azhar Ali is ready to take the strike or Mohammad Amir raring to steam in. In the spotlight are Mohammad Abbas and Imam-ul Haq. Mohammad Abbas has 17 wickets in two test matches. Imam-ul Haq's clutch batting against Ireland decided the outcome as the match hung in balance. Mohammad Amir provides the greatest threat with the ball.
Pakistan cricket is an a state of array, and the success in Ireland and England should provide genuine exhilaration for the players and fans. Tomorrow's match starts against a backdrop of English uncertainty. Pakistan have the opportunity to break a 22 year old record.
But the radar is not always reliable. The pacers bullied the Irish batsman in the first innings. A few days later they would go on to bully the English batsman in their first innings as well. Pakistan are rebuilding under the captaincy of Sarfraz. He officially took over in 2016 leading his marshals in the only T20 match against England. In that match Sharjeel Khan and Khatif Latif ruthlessly chased a below par target showing little mercy along the way. The stars had started to align. Fans have been witness to several record breaking performances since then. Who can forget the #8th ranked team lifting the Champion's Trophy, outlassing England and decimating India in the in their search for glory.
On Thursday there should be a unique hum of excited conversation at Leeds. The sun should be shining when the captains walk out to the middle for the toss. Pakistan fans will collectively send a ripple of applause when Azhar Ali is ready to take the strike or Mohammad Amir raring to steam in. In the spotlight are Mohammad Abbas and Imam-ul Haq. Mohammad Abbas has 17 wickets in two test matches. Imam-ul Haq's clutch batting against Ireland decided the outcome as the match hung in balance. Mohammad Amir provides the greatest threat with the ball.
Pakistan cricket is an a state of array, and the success in Ireland and England should provide genuine exhilaration for the players and fans. Tomorrow's match starts against a backdrop of English uncertainty. Pakistan have the opportunity to break a 22 year old record.
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