The 1987 Cricket World Cup bore witness to some unforgettable encounters, but the clash between Pakistan and West Indies in Lahore stands out as a gripping spectacle of cricketing drama and sportsmanship. Both teams entered the game with contrasting fortunes: Pakistan eager to consolidate their position, and West Indies desperate to revive their campaign after an early loss to England. What unfolded was a tale of resilience, nerves, and an unforgettable gesture of integrity.
A Promising Start for West Indies
The West Indies began on a confident note. Desmond Haynes and debutant Phil Simmons provided a solid foundation, with Simmons crafting a brisk half-century. At 91 for 1, the Caribbean side seemed poised for a commanding total. However, the introduction of Saleem Jaffar changed the equation. With three quick wickets, Jaffar disrupted the middle order, leaving the West Indies reeling.
Enter Viv Richards. The maestro’s 52-ball 51 brought much-needed acceleration. His commanding presence steadied the innings until Imran Khan, Pakistan’s talismanic captain, returned to the attack. Imran’s spell (4 for 37) dismantled the tail, and West Indies were bowled out for a modest 216 in 49.3 overs. Jaffar (3 for 30) and Wasim Akram (2 for 45) provided stellar support.
The Chase: A Story of Resolve
Pakistan’s reply began shakily. At 110 for 5, the home side’s hopes seemed to be slipping away. It was at this juncture that wicketkeeper-batsman Saleem Yousuf joined Imran Khan. Yousuf, often overshadowed by his more illustrious teammates, showcased his ability with a counterattacking display. His audacious stroke play rattled the West Indies bowlers and exploited fielding lapses, as the visitors spilled multiple chances under pressure.
Imran played the anchor role, rotating the strike to allow Yousuf to flourish. Together, they revived Pakistan’s innings, but Courtney Walsh’s disciplined bowling ended their partnership. Imran departed with 15 runs still required. Yousuf, battling valiantly, fell shortly after, leaving the tail to secure the final runs.
The Final Over: A Test of Nerves
With 14 runs needed off the last over, Walsh, who had endured heartbreak against England days earlier, was entrusted with the ball. Abdul Qadir and Saleem Jaffar were Pakistan’s last hopes at the crease.
The drama unfolded ball by ball. A single from Qadir followed by another scrambled run from Jaffar left 12 required off four deliveries. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Qadir danced down the pitch and lofted Walsh over long-off for a six. The Gaddafi Stadium erupted, and the equation shifted to four runs off two balls.
Qadir’s clever placement for two runs brought Pakistan within striking distance. But as Walsh prepared to deliver the final ball, a moment of extraordinary sportsmanship stunned everyone. Noticing Jaffar backing up too far, Walsh stopped mid-run and opted not to dislodge the bails. Instead, he issued a warning, earning admiration and applause from both players and spectators.
With two needed off the last ball, Walsh delivered a straight yorker. Qadir squeezed it past a drawn-in third man, and the batsmen ran two to seal a famous win for Pakistan.
The Aftermath: A Lesson in Integrity
The victory bolstered Pakistan’s semi-final hopes and left the West Indies’ campaign in jeopardy. However, it was Walsh’s act of sportsmanship that transcended the game. Despite the heartbreak, his decision to warn rather than appeal against Jaffar for backing up became a defining moment of cricketing ethics.
Saleem Jaffar later remarked, “The old cricketers had great character and played with integrity. Walsh’s gesture was a reminder of the spirit in which the game should be played.”
For Pakistan, the win exemplified their resilience under pressure. For the West Indies, it was a bittersweet chapter in a tournament that slipped away. Above all, this match remains etched in cricketing lore as a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, where the game’s spirit shone as brightly as its skills.
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