In a contest that blended brilliance, drama, and an electrifying display of fast bowling, Waqar Younis orchestrated a thunderous 36-run victory for Pakistan against Australia at Trent Bridge. This match, the last of the league stage, was expected to be an intense battle, and it lived up to every bit of that anticipation. With Pakistan setting a formidable target of 291, the game seemed poised for an absorbing chase. However, standing between Australia and victory was Waqar Younis—the master of reverse swing—who single-handedly demolished their formidable batting lineup with a mesmerizing spell of 6 for 59.
This encounter will be etched in memory not only for its statistical feats but for the sheer spectacle it provided. The ebb and flow of momentum, the dazzling stroke play, and the moments of nerve-wracking tension combined to make it one of the most enthralling matches of the tournament. While the likes of Saleem Elahi, Yousuf Youhana, Adam Gilchrist, and Steve Waugh exhibited remarkable resilience with the bat, it was Waqar’s magic that defined the night—coming just two days after his record-breaking 7 for 36 against England.
Pakistan’s Gritty Batting Performance
Opting to bat first on what appeared to be a track, favouring stroke play, Pakistan’s openers, Saeed Anwar and Saleem Elahi, started cautiously but soon found their rhythm. Anwar, with his characteristic elegance, unfurled a series of dazzling drives, reaching 34 before falling to a sharp in-swinging delivery from Brett Lee. His departure at 61 triggered a minor slump as Abdur Razzaq followed soon after, leaving Pakistan at 71 for 2.
Elahi, however, grew in confidence, playing fluently to notch up a well-crafted half-century. Partnering with Yousuf Youhana, he steered Pakistan past the 100-run mark, their stand yielding a crucial 93 runs. Youhana, in his characteristic style, pierced the field with exquisite cover drives, one of which—off Shane Warne—was particularly breathtaking. However, the wily Warne had the last laugh, luring Youhana out of the crease with his deceptive flight, allowing Adam Gilchrist to complete a sharp stumping.
Elahi’s resilience was commendable, but Warne once again worked his magic, trapping him lbw for a crucial 79. Younis Khan contributed a brisk 22, and while Pakistan seemed poised for a substantial total at 207 for 5, their momentum was disrupted by a bizarre mid-innings delay. A firecracker thrown onto the field forced Steve Waugh to momentarily withdraw his team, breaking the tempo of Pakistan’s acceleration.
Despite this setback, Pakistan capitalized in the death overs. Rashid Latif’s aggressive 26 and Wasim Akram’s late cameo of 28 off 15 balls provided the finishing flourish. The last 10 overs saw a flurry of boundaries, adding 80 runs to propel Pakistan to a competitive 290 for 9. Warne, Lee, and Andrew Symonds shared the wickets, but Australia’s fielding—typically sharp—showed uncharacteristic lapses, perhaps foreshadowing their struggles in the chase.
The Waqar Younis Storm
If Pakistan’s batting was solid, their bowling—led by Waqar Younis—was simply ruthless. Australia’s chase began in calamitous fashion, as Waqar struck with venomous precision, removing Mark Waugh and Matthew Hayden for ducks. When Michael Bevan followed soon after for just five, Australia were reeling at a dismal 35 for 3.
At this moment of crisis, Adam Gilchrist counterattacked with fearless aggression. Taking the bowlers head-on, he raced to a 29-ball fifty, neutralizing Pakistan’s early breakthroughs. Steve Waugh, calm and resolute, provided stability at the other end, and the duo resurrected Australia’s hopes. The 100-run mark was reached in just 12 overs, shifting the balance back in Australia’s favour.
But Pakistan, rich in spin bowling expertise, turned to Saqlain Mushtaq—and he delivered. Deceiving Gilchrist with a classic off-spinner, he rattled the stumps, cutting short what could have been a match-winning knock of 70. His second strike came soon after, removing Damien Martyn for just 2, reducing Australia to 113 for 5.
Steve Waugh, ever the embodiment of resilience, soldiered on. Even fortune seemed to favour him when he survived a contentious appeal from Azhar Mahmood, only for Waqar to have the last word—setting him up cleverly before having him caught for a hard-fought 56. With his departure, Australia’s chase unravelled.
Waqar, relentless in his second spell, dismantled the lower order. Andy Symonds fell to him, followed by Brett Lee (10), who was castled by a vintage inswinging yorker. At 208 for 8, the inevitable was looming. Shane Warne’s valiant 14 delayed the end, but with Australia at 223 for 9, their fate was all but sealed.
A final act of resistance from Damien Fleming and Jason Gillespie momentarily prolonged Pakistan’s victory celebrations, but Abdur Razzaq fittingly delivered the knockout punch, cleaning up Gillespie to bowl Australia out for 254 in 46.3 overs.
A Statement Victory
Waqar Younis’s spell was a masterclass—six wickets, raw pace, and unplayable reverse swing. Complemented by Saqlain’s clever off-spin and disciplined contributions from Azhar Mahmood and Razzaq, Pakistan’s bowling unit had done what many teams had failed to—break Australia’s iron grip.
This victory was more than just two points—it was a psychological triumph. Australia, the reigning world champions, had been handed a humbling defeat. With the final looming at Lord’s, Pakistan had not only gained confidence but also rattled their rivals. The NatWest Trophy showdown now promised to be a battle of equals, where Australia could no longer be considered overwhelming favourites.
For the fans, this contest was cricket at its finest—fluctuating fortunes, spellbinding performances, and moments of pure magic. As the final approaches, one thing is certain: Pakistan, reinvigorated and fearless, will take the field at Lord’s with renewed belief, ready to carve another glorious chapter in their cricketing history.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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