The Resurgence of the Kiwis: A Test Match in Ahmedabad Full of Drama and Grit

   

Before the start of the first Test in Ahmedabad, the New Zealand cricket team was written off by critics. They were expected to be steamrolled by the mighty Indian side, carrying the baggage of a humiliating “Banglawash” from their recent nightmare in Bangladesh. The odds seemed heavily stacked against the Kiwis—an unfriendly subcontinental pitch, wounded morale, and the unenviable task of facing the number one Test side on their home turf. Yet, cricket has an uncanny way of throwing surprises, and the Kiwis reminded everyone why they are known for punching above their weight.  

India’s Commanding Start: Sehwag’s Blitz and Dravid’s Craft 

The Indian team started the match in a manner befitting their reputation. Virender Sehwag unleashed his signature assault, shredding the Kiwi bowlers with blistering strokes all over the park. It was vintage Sehwag—unapologetically aggressive, turning good deliveries into boundaries with astonishing ease. On the other end, Rahul Dravid was a picture of patience and precision, playing the monk-like innings he is revered for. His hundred, as serene as a temple bell, ensured that India ended the first day in complete command, with expectations soaring for a massive first-innings total.  

The Kiwi Fightback: A Dent in India's Progress

However, the second day told a different story—one that highlighted the tenacity of the New Zealanders. Despite losing their pace spearhead, Hamish Bennett, to injury, the Kiwi bowlers mounted a remarkable recovery. Daniel Vettori, as always, led from the front, tying down the batsmen with his subtle variations. What once seemed like a march toward 600 ended abruptly at 487, as the Indian innings stuttered under the pressure of disciplined bowling. This was not just containment; it was a statement of resilience.  

Williamson’s Arrival and Ryder’s Reinvention   

In response, the Kiwi batters demonstrated patience and poise that had seemed absent in Bangladesh. Kane Williamson, playing with maturity beyond his years, notched up a sublime debut century. His composure under pressure was a glimpse of the greatness that lay ahead. At the other end, the mercurial Jesse Ryder surprised everyone by curbing his natural flamboyance. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Ryder showed an uncharacteristic restraint, crafting a valuable century that was as much about grit as it was about talent. Their efforts propelled New Zealand to a formidable 459—a total that few had expected them to muster against India’s spinners.  

Chris Martin’s Masterclass: India Stunned and Reeling

The third innings saw the game take a dramatic turn. India, expecting to dictate terms, found themselves on the receiving end of a masterful spell from Chris Martin. Often underestimated for his lack of pace and flamboyance, Martin produced one of the finest spells of swing bowling, exploiting the slightest hint of movement. Gautam Gambhir misjudged a delivery outside off and edged to the keeper. Dravid, fresh off a hundred, was drawn into an uncharacteristic poke. Sehwag’s reckless run-out only added to the chaos, and soon, India was staring down the barrel at 17 for 5.  

The Motera crowd sat in stunned silence. The number one Test team in the world had just been ambushed by a bowler whose career had largely flown under the radar. Martin, with his unrelenting focus on basics, turned the game on its head, inspiring a Kiwi resurgence that was nothing short of miraculous. Even with Bennett and Ryder nursing injuries, New Zealand’s bowlers outshone their Australian counterparts, who had fumbled in similar conditions.  

The Laxman-Harbhajan Partnership: A Rescue Act 

India’s collapse was halted only by the dependable VVS Laxman, the team’s perennial savior in times of crisis. In partnership with MS Dhoni, and later with Harbhajan Singh, Laxman began the arduous task of rebuilding the innings. Though Dhoni was removed by Martin after a brief resistance, it was Laxman’s calm presence and Harbhajan’s spirited batting that saved India from an ignominious defeat.  

Harbhajan, known more for his bowling than his batting, produced a gem of an innings—a mix of sensibility and aggression that culminated in his maiden Test century. His 163-run stand with Laxman restored India’s pride and ensured they set a target of 294, enough to deny New Zealand any hopes of a dramatic victory. By the end of the fifth day, the Kiwis had reached 19 for 1, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.  

A Moral Victory for New Zealand

  

While the scorecard might show a draw, this match was a triumph for New Zealand. It marked the resurgence of a team that had been humiliated only weeks ago in Bangladesh. The grit displayed by their batsmen, particularly Williamson and Ryder, infused confidence into their bowling attack. Chris Martin’s spell was the embodiment of their never-say-die spirit—reminding the world that cricket is not merely a game of skill but one of heart and character.  

The Kiwis walked away from Ahmedabad with their heads held high. They had not only stood toe-to-toe with the best team in the world but had also erased the scars of Dhaka. More than the runs or wickets, it was their resilience that shone through—a reminder that New Zealand, no matter how lean the patch, always finds a way to fight back.  

This Test match was not just a contest between bat and ball. It was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of cricket—where the underdog, battered and bruised, rises from the ashes to challenge the mighty. And if history is any guide, the Kiwis will continue to surprise, for they never give up, especially not in India.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Battle of Wills: Pakistan’s Remarkable Triumph in Dubai

 

As dusk gave way to night under the lights of the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan and South Africa delivered a thrilling reminder of why One-Day International (ODI) cricket remains captivating, defying the naysayers who lament its dwindling relevance. In a five-match series that has brimmed with drama and unpredictability, Pakistan’s latest victory provided yet another unforgettable spectacle, underscoring the format’s unique charm.  

Pakistan’s Familiar Struggles, South Africa’s Steely Resolve  

Chasing South Africa’s challenging 275-run target, Pakistan entered the fray with the weight of recent failures in similar pursuits. Pakistan’s history with run chases is littered with heartbreak, often crumbling under pressure despite early promise. That frailty seemed poised to rear its head again as Imran Farhat departed early.  

South Africa, buoyed by Graeme Smith’s return as captain, was clinical in setting the target. Smith himself led the charge with a composed 92, and a critical third-wicket partnership with AB de Villiers kept Pakistan’s bowlers at bay. De Villiers’ boundary-less but clever 49 exemplified restraint, while late flourishes from Colin Ingram and Johan Botha stretched the total beyond Pakistan’s comfort zone.  

As Pakistan’s innings unfolded, familiar tensions resurfaced. Younis Khan, however, offered a glimpse of stability—his 73-run knock was an essay in controlled aggression, relying on deft placements rather than brute power. He played the quintessential anchor role, stringing partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shafiq, but when Shahid Afridi’s cameo of 29 off 25 balls ended, the balance tilted towards South Africa.  

A Game of Fine Margins 

 

At 220 for 7 in the 43rd over, with Abdul Razzaq back in the pavilion and defeat looming, it seemed another chapter in Pakistan’s long history of unfulfilled promises was about to be written. But, as cricket has shown time and again, Pakistan thrives when the odds are overwhelming. The unpredictable and chaotic moments that leave others flustered often become the stage for Pakistan’s finest hours.  

Enter Wahab Riaz. A bowler by trade, Riaz unexpectedly turned aggressor with the bat, refusing to bow to the script South Africa seemed destined to follow. His audacity was matched by Zulqarnain Haider at the other end, as the duo injected fresh energy into the dying embers of Pakistan’s hopes.  

Fortune Favors the Brave  

What followed was a sequence of near misses that would haunt South Africa. Pakistan’s resurrection was as much a tale of resolve as it was of squandered chances from their opponents. A botched run-out opportunity by Botha, a spilt chance from Graeme Smith, and Morkel’s wayward throw from his follow-through embodied the unravelling of South Africa’s control. Each misstep drew Pakistan closer to an improbable victory as if fate conspired to punish the Proteas for their lapses.  

When Pakistan needed just four runs from the final over, the tension was palpable. Yet even here, the drama continued. Riaz was run out for 18, leaving the match hanging in the balance. With the scores level, it was up to Haider to finish what had seemed impossible moments earlier. He coolly chipped the ball over midwicket, and Wayne Parnell, scrambling in desperation, missed yet another run-out opportunity. A simple nudge to square-leg sealed the game—and with it, Pakistan’s incredible comeback.  

A Victory Beyond the Scoreline  

This was more than just a win; it was an assertion of Pakistan’s identity - unpredictable, mercurial, yet capable of brilliance when it matters most. The game reflected not just skill but heart, a quality that has long defined Pakistan’s cricketing ethos. In their finest moments, Pakistan embodies the spirit of resilience battling through chaos to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  

This series, and especially this match, serves as a reminder of why ODI cricket endures. It offers space for narrative arcs to unfold, for comebacks that stretch belief, and for moments of sheer drama that remain etched in memory. As for those who question Pakistan’s place in international cricket, tonight’s events serve as a resounding answer: without Pakistan, the cricketing world would lose something essential—an edge of unpredictability, the magic of the unexpected, and the thrill that comes from never knowing what will happen next.  

One thing is certain: as long as Pakistan continues to grace the field, cricket will remain the theatre of dreams, heartbreaks, and extraordinary triumphs.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Triumph of Grit: Sri Lanka’s Unbelievable Fightback at MCG

 

The cricketing world often delivers moments that transcend the boundaries of sport, moments that become folklore, told and retold across generations. And tonight, under the floodlights of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga crafted one such fable - turning inevitable defeat into a victory for the ages. Against all odds, they resurrected Sri Lanka from the brink, etching one of the greatest comebacks in One-Day International (ODI) history.  

A Target Too Far?  

Chasing Australia’s 241 on a pitch offering subtle assistance to seamers, Sri Lanka’s hopes crumbled swiftly. The fall of familiar giants - Upul Tharanga to an unfortunate run-out, Tillakaratne Dilshan undone by Peter Siddle, and the twin stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara failing to rise to the occasion—reduced the visitors to 107 for 8. At that point, it seemed only a matter of formalities before Australia marched to a 1-0 series lead. Michael Clarke and his men, known for their ruthless efficiency, must have already imagined the headlines.  

Yet, cricket is an unpredictable beast. It’s a game not only of skill but also of willpower - of belief in the improbable.  

The Storm Begins  

In strode Lasith Malinga, a bowler notorious for breaking stumps, not records with the bat. At the other end, Angelo Mathews stood as Sri Lanka’s last genuine hope—a captain in spirit even if not in the title, his calm demeanour masking the enormity of the task. What followed was not just a partnership but a lesson in conviction, an illustration of cricket’s purest truth: it’s not over until the final ball is bowled.  

Malinga batted with an air of reckless audacity as if unburdened by fear. His strokes were a mélange of sheer instinct and adventurous improvisation - bludgeoning Mitchell Johnson’s deliveries and dispatching Xavier Doherty and John Hastings into the stands with nonchalance. Mathews, in contrast, was the epitome of calm. His innings was a masterclass in balance: steadying the ship, rotating strike, and placing trust in his unlikely partner.  

A Record-Breaking Stand  

Together, Mathews and Malinga crafted the highest ninth-wicket partnership in ODI history, surpassing the 132-run stand set by Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani during the 1983 World Cup. Their performance was a defiant message—defeat is not an option until every avenue is explored. Australia, usually masters of closing out close encounters, were left scrambling for answers.  

With victory a single run away, however, fate dealt one last twist. In a cruel stroke of irony, Malinga—Sri Lanka’s unexpected hero—was run out, leaving the game teetering on a knife’s edge. It seemed destiny might once again favour Australia, conjuring memories of their many narrow escapes.  

Murali’s Poetic Goodbye  

Enter Muttiah Muralitharan, making his final appearance at the MCG. What followed was as poetic as it was nerve-wracking. With bated breath, the crowd watched as the veteran spinner flicked the ball off his pads, sealing the win and scripting a perfect farewell. In that moment, it wasn’t just a run; it was redemption, defiance, and triumph distilled into a single stroke.  

The Anatomy of an Unlikely Victory  

This wasn’t merely a victory—it was an ode to the spirit of cricket. It embodied the philosophy that defines the game: never surrender, regardless of circumstance. The Sri Lankans didn’t just win; they won by adopting the very mindset Australia has been famous for—playing every ball, fighting every inch, until the last boundary is cleared or the final wicket falls.  

Mathews and Malinga exemplified contrasting virtues—one the anchor, the other the storm. Their partnership wasn’t just about runs but about belief, a refusal to bow to inevitability. It’s a story that reminds us that sport, at its best, is about more than numbers. It is about moments—moments that lift the human spirit and inspire us to believe that even the impossible can be conquered.  

Bravo, Sri Lanka!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Cricket's Drama Unfolds: A Classic in Dubai

In the cricketing citadel of Dubai, an unforgettable contest unravelled—one that will undoubtedly be etched into the folklore of limited-overs cricket. The third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa delivered a performance replete with every element a purist could desire: a resilient comeback, a silky century, spellbinding bowling, and a nerve-shredding finale. It was the kind of game that elevates sport into art and captivates the cricketing soul.

The Maestro and the Maverick

Shoaib Akhtar, a bowler who has evolved like a fine vintage, ripped into South Africa’s top order. But standing amidst the wreckage, calm and unflinching, was Hashim Amla. At his most graceful, Amla pieced together the innings with precision. His batting was a study in patience: occasional improvisations woven into his usual repertoire of serene strokeplay. He made batting look effortless, balancing his aggression with subtle restraint.

The turning point came when AB de Villiers was sent back due to a dubious call by the TV umpire. Amla was now left as the Proteas’ sole anchor. His response was masterful—he reached fifty with a pair of elegant boundaries, then shifted gears, relying on deft touches, waiting for the right moments to pierce the field. A delicate dab to the third man brought up a well-deserved century, each run chiselling away at Pakistan’s resolve. Amla’s elegance never faltered as he carried his bat through the innings, ensuring South Africa had a competitive total on the board. 

What a batsman, what an artist.  

A Faltering Chase and a Forgotten Hero’s Emergence

Pakistan’s reply began with promise but soon fell into disarray. The early solidity provided by Imran Farhat and Asad Shafiq dissipated, and with Abdul Razzaq - the last game’s saviour - failing, the chase seemed to teeter toward disaster. At 140 for 6 in the 41st over, with 81 runs still needed, Pakistan appeared to be drifting toward inevitable defeat. Yet with Pakistan, the script is never straightforward. This is a team that thrives on drama, where redemption often comes from the most unlikely of sources.  

Enter Fawad Alam.  

Though not known for his brute force, Fawad demonstrated why cricket is as much about timing and temperament as power. His innings was not about bludgeoning the ball but about navigating tension, finding the gaps, and enabling those around him. A quick 28-run partnership with Zulqarnain Haider offered a glimmer of hope, but it was Wahab Riaz’s cameo—21 runs off just 11 balls—that injected life back into the chase. Suddenly, the South African bowlers—Morkel, Theron, and Tsotsobe—seemed to unravel. Their lines wavered, their nerves frayed, and their fielders fumbled under pressure. The tide was turning, and the Pakistanis could sense it.  

The Final Act: Cricket’s Eternal Romance

By the 47th over, with Riaz gone and 20 runs still required off the last three overs, Pakistan’s task was far from simple. Fawad, despite his best efforts, struggled to find the boundaries in the closing stages. He batted valiantly, bringing Pakistan to the brink with a fighting 59, but could not conjure the finishing blow. In the end, it was a heart-stopping climax - one that left fans breathless, the outcome teetering on a knife's edge until the very last ball.  

Yet, it was not about who won or lost. This game was a reminder of why cricket endures in the hearts of millions. It was an ode to unpredictability, resilience, and moments of brilliance born out of chaos. In Dubai, under the shimmering lights, cricket was once again the true victor. 

This was not just a match; it was an experience—a symphony of skill, drama, and heart. And for those fortunate enough to witness it, the memories will linger long after the final scoreboard has faded.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Miracle at Abu Dhabi: Abdul Razzaq Dances Between Chaos and Triumph

In the world of Pakistan cricket, dull moments are a rarity. Off-field controversies swirl like a constant storm, casting shadows over the game, yet never fully eclipsing it. The turbulence within the Pakistan Cricket Board, allegations of corruption, and the ever-looming spectre of spot-fixing scandals are as much a part of the sport as the runs and wickets themselves. Despite this seemingly endless drama, the team possesses an uncanny ability to rise from the ashes. They thrive on chaos as if adversity fuels their fire.

Such was the backdrop last night at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Pakistan faced South Africa in the second ODI. The tainted legacy of the recent spot-fixing saga hung heavy in the air. Yet, amidst this gloom, a spark emerged, lighting up not just the stadium, but the spirit of Pakistan cricket itself. That spark was Abdul Razzaq.

If any team can produce the miraculous, it is Pakistan; and if any team can squander a victory in the same breath, it is also Pakistan. Last night, it was the former. With a Herculean effort, Razzaq single-handedly pulled Pakistan back from the brink of defeat, reminding the world of Pakistan’s indomitable will to survive, no matter how deep the hole they’ve dug themselves into.

The evening began on a sombre note. News of the International Cricket Council’s rejection of the provisional appeals for the suspended trio—Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Amir—had sent shockwaves through the nation. Hearts were heavy, trust had been shattered, and the team carried the burden of redeeming themselves in the eyes of a disillusioned fanbase. South Africa, calm and composed, had set a target of 287. And Pakistan, true to form, wobbled at the outset.

At 70 for 4, the familiar narrative of collapse seemed inevitable. Even Shahid Afridi’s usual fireworks, alongside Fawad Alam’s steadiness, couldn’t stem the tide for long. The scoreboard read 136 for 5 by the 30th over. The Proteas, clinical in their execution, seemed poised for an easy victory, with a 2-0 series lead almost a certainty.

But then, into the cauldron of despair walked Abdul Razzaq.

Razzaq Magic

For years, Razzaq had been a player who embodied Pakistan’s unpredictability—once a dynamic all-rounder, now a shadow of his former self. His recent performances had been subdued, his once-reliable flair seemingly faded. Yet, as if guided by an unseen hand, Razzaq found his form again, choosing this night, under the floodlights of Abu Dhabi, to resurrect his reputation.

His early moments at the crease were quiet, almost meditative, belying the storm he was about to unleash. It began with an unassuming ball from Robin Peterson, which Razzaq sent soaring for a flat six straight down the ground. That shot was the first crack in the armour of South Africa’s dominance. The crowd roared, sensing something extraordinary brewing.

As Razzaq’s innings progressed, so too did the tension in the stadium. Fawad Alam played the perfect foil, steadying one end as Razzaq built momentum. Then, in the 38th over, came the shot that defined the night: with an open-faced bat, Razzaq lofted Albie Morkel over deep point for six. It was audacious, unanticipated, and breathtaking—a reminder of the raw, untamed genius that defines Pakistan cricket.

By the 40th over, Pakistan had taken the batting Powerplay, and the pendulum began to swing. Fawad Alam fell, Zulqarnain Haider was run out, but Razzaq stood firm, the solitary warrior in the middle of a crumbling empire. With every towering six, the deficit shrank. With every audacious stroke, the once-impossible victory edged closer.

Then came the 47th over—an over that would etch Razzaq’s name in the annals of ODI greatness. Three sixes in quick succession off Langeveldt’s bowling lit up the night sky. What had seemed a distant dream now appeared tantalizingly within reach. The air was electric, the crowd in a frenzy. Abu Dhabi’s calm desert night transformed into a cauldron of anticipation.

And still, South Africa fought. Two run-outs pushed Pakistan further towards the precipice, leaving them needing 29 from 15 balls. But Razzaq remained undaunted. The pressure that would have crumbled lesser players seemed to fuel his resolve. In the final over, with 14 runs needed, Razzaq struck Morkel for two consecutive sixes, the second bringing up his hundred—a hundred forged in fire, under the weight of a nation’s hopes. With a final boundary, he sealed one of Pakistan’s most remarkable ODI victories.

This was more than just a win. It was a statement, a reminder that Pakistan cricket, despite its perpetual chaos, thrives on unpredictability. Amid controversy, they find clarity. Amid defeat, they summon resilience. Razzaq’s knock was not just an innings, but a metaphor for Pakistan cricket itself—down, but never out; chaotic, but capable of moments of brilliance that few teams can match.

As the echoes of "Razzaq, Razzaq" reverberated through the stadium, it was clear: no scandal, no misstep, could dim the light of Pakistan cricket. Their journey through dark waters continues, but with players like Abdul Razzaq at the helm, there will always be a way forward.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar