Congrats, Pakistan!
Pakistan scored a thumping 180-run victory over India in the ICC
Champions Trophy final at London’s Oval. There were rumours floating about of a
cold equation between Kohli and coach Anil Kumble — usually it is Pakistan that
grapples with revolts in the dressing room. However, the arch-rivals did well
to reach the tournament’s climactic end. The squad that ranked eighth walked away with the silverware.
India and Pakistan did well in reaching the final. Despite all the
technicalities involved cricket is still a luck game and when the teams are
close in their talent like these teams the results can go either way. Win some
and lose some is the sum of game. The team that performs best on a given day
wins and it was Pakistan's day. The winning team should be congratulated. But,
it is sad that not much attention was paid to Indians winning hockey match
against Pakistan. This shows commercial hypocrisy of the mainstream media and
public.
India losing in final doesn't put Pakistan on top of India. India had a
bad day but it is immeasurably stronger than Pakistan in all fronts. Virat
Kohli committed a folly in
electing to bat.
It's too early to believe that this will be a revival in Pakistan
cricket. Their pace attack has always been good. It's the batting that seems to
be strengthened with some young blood. However, Pakistani batsmen showing
initial promise have rarely gone on to be consistent world-class players. It
remains to be seen whether this so-called revival was a flash in the pan.
Anyway, it was a brilliant display of batting, bowling and fielding by
the Pakistanis, no doubt. On the contrary, it was an off-day for our boys as
nothing went in their favour. Bumrah's wicket of Fakhar was off a no-ball and
an LBW decision wasn't even reviewed. A few run outs could not be effected,
unlike in earlier games. The Pakistani batsmen survived the first ten overs by
luck as streaky shots either missed stumps or the fielders. It would have been
a different ball-game had one or two wickets fallen at this stage. To add to
our woes, Bumrah, Ashwin and the usually miserly Jadeja were wayward and not
only conceded extras but also were easy picks to score off. Bumrah's famed Yorkers
never materialized. Ashwin has a poor record away from homes anyway. Amir is a
great bowler no doubt but B. Kumar bowled better in the overall circumstances.
Consistent India can nevertheless hold its head high. One swallow doesn't make
a summer for the awfully inconsistent Pakistanis.
Anyway, Congratulations, Pakistan team!
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