The Anatomy of a Collapse: Pakistan’s Four-Run Defeat to New Zealand

In the storied history of Pakistan cricket, where brilliance and calamity often walk hand in hand, few collapses have been as gut-wrenching or inexplicable as the four-run defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of their 2018 series. It was a game that seemed all but won by lunchtime on the fourth day, only to unravel in a manner that epitomized the mercurial nature of Pakistan cricket. 

The implosion, marked by a series of poor decisions, shattered nerves, and New Zealand’s indefatigable spirit, now stands as a cautionary tale in Pakistan’s cricketing annals—a match where triumph turned into tragedy in a single session. 

The Turning Point: A Game of Psychological Poker 

At 130 for 3, with Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq cruising, Pakistan were firmly in control. The wicket of Shafiq off the last ball before lunch, though a setback, appeared inconsequential. Yet, as the players returned to the field, the dynamics shifted dramatically. 

New Zealand, playing their first Test in seven months, exhibited a stubborn refusal to concede. They turned to psychological warfare, forcing Pakistan to confront the weight of expectation and the fear of failure. What followed was less a cricket match and more a game of poker, where New Zealand’s unwavering belief compelled Pakistan to doubt their own certainties. 

Babar Azam’s ill-advised run-out was the first crack in Pakistan’s resolve. A misjudged single that his partner Azhar Ali had no intention of taking symbolized the creeping panic. Sarfraz Ahmed, struggling for form and confidence, fell to an injudicious sweep, a shot that once defined his batting but now seemed an act of desperation. 

The Lower-Order Meltdown 

As Pakistan’s middle order crumbled, the tailenders followed suit in a frenzy of ill-conceived aggression. Bilal Asif’s wild heave off Ajaz Patel was emblematic of the chaos, a shot that handed New Zealand the seventh wicket and firmly shifted the momentum. Hasan Ali, tasked with steadying the chase, instead chose to channel a T20 mindset, skying Patel to deep midwicket with 12 runs still needed. 

Even Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s most composed batsman on the day, was not blameless. Only when left with number eleven Mohammad Abbas did he fully embrace the responsibility of farming the strike. By then, the damage was irreparable. Patel, who had been entrusted by Kane Williamson to deliver in the clutch moments, trapped Azhar in front to seal the narrowest Test victory in New Zealand’s history. 

New Zealand’s Heroics: Patel’s Moment of Glory 

While Pakistan’s collapse will dominate the narrative, credit must be given to New Zealand’s resilience and Ajaz Patel’s brilliance. Making his Test debut, Patel bowled with guile and precision, using flight, drift, and sharp turn to mesmerize Pakistan’s batsmen. His five-wicket haul was a masterclass in spin bowling under pressure, and his calm demeanour belied the magnitude of the occasion. 

Williamson’s decision to back Patel over the experienced Ish Sodhi proved inspired. Patel’s ability to adapt and outthink the opposition was instrumental in New Zealand’s improbable comeback, a testament to the team’s collective spirit and tactical acumen. 

Lessons Unlearned: Pakistan’s Fourth-Innings Woes 

This was not the first time Pakistan had faltered in a low fourth-innings chase. In 2017, they were bundled out for 81 against the West Indies in Barbados, chasing 187. Later that year, at the same Dubai venue, Sri Lanka bowled them out for 114 to snatch victory. These collapses reveal a troubling pattern—a mental fragility that surfaces under pressure, compounded by a lack of strategic clarity. 

In this instance, Pakistan’s batsmen seemed torn between aggression and caution, resulting in a muddled approach. Strategies were abandoned, and composure gave way to hysteria. The inability to adapt to the situation, combined with New Zealand’s unyielding resolve, sealed their fate. 

The Post-Mortem 

For Pakistan, this defeat will sting for years to come. The inquisition will be harsh, and blame will be apportioned liberally. Hasan Ali’s reckless shot, Sarfraz Ahmed’s poor form, and the lower order’s lack of discipline will all come under scrutiny. Yet, the deeper issue lies in the team’s collective mindset—a failure to handle pressure and close out games that should have been won comfortably. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, will cherish this victory as a testament to their grit and unity. For Patel, it was a dream debut, and for Williamson, a vindication of his leadership. 

A Tale of Two Teams 

This match was more than just a cricketing contest; it was a psychological battle that highlighted the contrasting character of the two sides. Pakistan, burdened by expectations and haunted by past failures, unravelled under pressure. New Zealand, with nothing to lose, played with freedom and belief, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. 

In the end, this game will be remembered as much for Pakistan’s implosion as for New Zealand’s indomitable spirit. For Pakistan, it is a painful reminder of the fine line between glory and despair, a line they crossed most agonisingly.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Sri Lanka: The Decade-Breaking Lions

In the annals of Test cricket, few teams have the knack for disrupting dominance quite like Sri Lanka. In 1995, they ended Pakistan’s decade-long home supremacy, and in 2024, history repeated itself. Pakistan’s fortress, carefully guarded over ten years, has been breached once again by the resilient Lankan Lions. This is no coincidence—it is a testament to Sri Lanka’s ability to rise against the odds, even when branded as underdogs. 

For Sri Lanka, this victory is more than just a series win; it is a resurrection. Once teetering on the brink of irrelevance in the Test arena, this triumph marks a significant turning point. It is a reminder that transitions, however daunting, can lead to triumph with perseverance and faith. 

A Victory Against the Odds 

Sri Lanka entered the series against Pakistan as the definitive underdogs. Their Test side, long overshadowed by the retirement of legends and plagued by inconsistency, was seen by many as a team in decline. Yet, cricket has a way of rewarding faith, and for those who believed in the Lankan Lions, this series was a vindication. 

This victory was not merely a result of skill but also of sheer will. The Lankan players, coaches, and fans deserve every accolade for pulling off a series win that seemed improbable at the outset. Their journey from near obscurity to conquering a formidable opponent on foreign soil is nothing short of inspiring. 

Pakistan: A Tale of What Could Have Been 

For Pakistan, this series will be remembered as an opportunity lost. Their batting, a traditional stronghold, faltered when it mattered most. In both Tests, moments of brilliance were overshadowed by collective lapses, leaving Sarfraz Ahmed’s side with more questions than answers. 

The dressing room mood will undoubtedly be sombre. For Sarfraz, a captain who gave everything on the field, this defeat will be hard to digest. Yet, defeats often serve as the harshest yet most valuable teachers. Pakistan must now reflect on their mistakes—not to dwell on them, but to learn and rebuild. 

Drama in Abu Dhabi: A Tale of Two Collapses 

The first Test in Abu Dhabi was a slow burner, with attritional cricket dominating the first four days. The final day, however, was a different story. Wickets tumbled in a frenzy, transforming a sedate match into a nail-biter. Yasir Shah triggered a Sri Lankan collapse, only for Pakistan to crumble spectacularly while chasing a modest target of 136. 

The drama was quintessentially Pakistani—unpredictable, thrilling, and nerve-wracking. It was less about Rangana Herath’s brilliance and more about Pakistan’s flair for the unexpected. The joy of Sri Lankan players and fans was matched by the collective sigh of disbelief from Pakistan supporters. 

Dubai: A Rollercoaster of Emotions 

The second Test in Dubai followed a similar script of unpredictability. After conceding a massive 220-run deficit in the first innings, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah, mounted a stunning comeback. Haris Sohail, the surprise package, joined the fray, and Sri Lanka were bundled out for a mere 96 in their second innings. 

Under the lights, Wahab Riaz delivered a spell of hostile pace bowling that sent chills down the spine. Yasir Shah complemented him with relentless accuracy, while Haris Sohail added crucial breakthroughs. Suddenly, a match that seemed lost became a 50-50 contest. 

Chasing 317, Pakistan found themselves at 52 for 5, staring at yet another collapse. But Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed had other plans. Their partnership revived hope, turning the chase into a dramatic spectacle. Yet, as the dust settled, it was Sri Lanka who emerged victorious, celebrating a hard-fought series win. 

The Unpredictable Gift of Pakistan Cricket 

While Sri Lanka deservedly claimed the series, Pakistan’s unpredictable nature made it unforgettable. Their ability to oscillate between brilliance and chaos is both their greatest strength and weakness. It is this unpredictability that keeps fans glued to the screen, ensuring that no match involving Pakistan is ever devoid of drama. 

In an era where Test cricket often struggles for relevance, Pakistan’s flair for the dramatic is a blessing. Their penchant for making the simple seem impossible and the impossible seem achievable ensures that the format retains its allure. 

Lessons and Legacies 

For Sri Lanka, this series is a stepping stone to a brighter future. It should instil confidence in a team that has often doubted itself. For Pakistan, it is a wake-up call—a reminder that dominance, however long, is fragile without consistent performances. 

As the cricketing world celebrates this thrilling series, it is a moment to reflect on the beauty of Test cricket. In an age dominated by commercial interests, this series was a testament to the enduring charm of the longest format. 

Sri Lanka’s victory is a reminder that underdogs can roar, transitions can lead to triumph, and Test cricket, despite its challenges, remains the pinnacle of the sport.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Sri Lanka’s Revival: A Victory Against the Odds

When Kumar Sangakkara bid farewell to international cricket, Sri Lanka entered a phase of uncertainty—a familiar yet daunting period of transition. While the emergence of new talents offered glimpses of hope, the results on the field painted a grim picture. Defeats piled up, and the once-proud cricketing nation found itself struggling to stay competitive. Transition, a term often used to soften the blow of such setbacks, began to wear thin as humiliations became more frequent. 

The nadir came when Sri Lanka succumbed to low-ranked teams, sides that barely played active cricket. These losses were not just defeats but symbolic of a deeper malaise. A heavy thrashing on home soil without putting up even a semblance of resistance amplified fears that Sri Lanka might be heading down the same path as the West Indies—a cricketing powerhouse unable to navigate the void left by its legends. 

What Sri Lankan cricket desperately needed was a spark, a morale-boosting victory to reignite belief and uplift a team searching for its identity. The question, however, was when and where that spark would come. 

A Test of Resolve in Abu Dhabi 

The first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi seemed poised to deliver yet another blow to Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence. Chasing a modest 136 on the final day, Pakistan appeared to be in control. Yasir Shah had spun a web around Sri Lanka earlier, and the hosts seemed destined to cruise to victory. 

But Test cricket, as always, had other ideas. Its beauty lies in its unpredictability, and when Pakistan is involved, drama is never far away. 

Enter Rangana Herath, the veteran spinner whose guile and perseverance epitomized Sri Lankan cricket’s fighting spirit. With Pakistan’s top and middle order crumbling under pressure, Herath turned the game on its head. From a position of comfort, Pakistan spiraled into chaos, losing ten wickets on the final day—a collapse that has become alarmingly familiar for them in recent years.  

Since 2016, Pakistan has lost ten wickets in a fourth-innings chase on five occasions, with another instance where nine fell in quick succession. This vulnerability on the final day, reminiscent of Bangladesh’s struggles, once again reared its head. 

The Significance of Victory 

For Sri Lanka, this was more than just a win; it was a moment of catharsis. After months of despair and self-doubt, they had orchestrated one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Test history. The victory in Abu Dhabi not only ended a streak of disappointments but also provided a much-needed injection of confidence to a team in transition. 

Herath’s spell symbolized resilience, a reminder of what Sri Lanka could achieve when they combined skill with belief. It was a performance that harkened back to the glory days, offering a glimmer of hope that the future might not be as bleak as it once seemed. 

A Triumph for Test Cricket 

This victory was not just important for Sri Lanka but for Test cricket itself. In an era where the longest format often finds itself overshadowed by the glitz of T20 leagues, such dramatic turnarounds reaffirm its unique charm. The sight of a team clawing its way back from the brink, defying the odds to script an improbable win, is what keeps the format alive and cherished. 

Sri Lanka’s triumph serves as a reminder that transitions, while painful, can also be transformative. It is never easy to replace legends, but moments like these show that the road to recovery is paved with resilience and belief. For Sri Lanka, the win in Abu Dhabi was not just a victory; it was a statement—a declaration that they still belong among the elite. 

In the grander narrative of cricket, this victory was a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Wahab Riaz: Rekindling Pakistan's Fast-Bowling Legacy

The departure of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif left a gaping void in Pakistan's fabled fast-bowling tradition. For five long years, the cricketing nation, known for producing pace maestros from Fazal Mahmood to Waqar Younis, searched in vain for bowlers who could replicate the fearsome potency of their predecessors. In their absence, Pakistan’s bowling arsenal seemed to lose its fabled “x-factor,” with the pacers relegated to mere supporting roles. 

The reins of Pakistan’s bowling attack passed to the spinners, who admirably shouldered the responsibility. The guile and consistency of Saeed Ajmal, the control of Mohammad Hafeez, the resilience of Abdur Rehman, and later, the artistry of Yasir Shah brought Pakistan several triumphs. Yet, the shift from pace to spin marked an unsettling divergence from a legacy built on speed and swing. It seemed as though the golden lineage of Fazal Mahmood, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis was fading, leaving fans nostalgic for the days when a fiery delivery could tilt a match.

In this context of yearning and transition, Wahab Riaz emerged as a breath of fresh air—a bowler who redefined the narrative for Pakistan’s pace attack and, for a moment, made the world pause in awe.

The Early Struggles: A Story of Resilience 

Wahab's journey to prominence was anything but smooth. Making his Test debut against England at The Oval in 2010, he announced himself with a scintillating five-wicket haul. Yet, inconsistency and injuries marred his progress. For years, Wahab drifted in and out of the national team, raising questions about whether he could ever fulfil his promise. Lesser cricketers might have succumbed to frustration, but Wahab persevered, quietly honing his craft and biding his time. 

His hard work bore fruit. By 2015, Wahab had transformed into a force of nature, delivering fiery spells that rekindled Pakistan's rich fast-bowling tradition. 

The Spell of Adelaide: Wahab’s Defining Moment 

If one moment cemented Wahab’s place in cricketing folklore, it was his electrifying spell against Australia in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final at Adelaide. Bowling with unrelenting pace and venom, Wahab turned the match into a spectacle. Shane Watson visibly rattled, became the focal point of a ferocious duel that reminded fans of the primal thrill of fast bowling. 

Had Rahat Ali held onto a straightforward catch, Wahab might have emerged as the hero of the night. Instead, Australia escaped, and Pakistan exited the tournament. Yet, the spell transcended the outcome; it was a testament to Wahab’s fire and Pakistan’s enduring ability to produce bowlers who could strike fear into the hearts of the world’s best batsmen. 

Reviving the Art of Fast Bowling 

The Adelaide spell seemed to ignite a transformation in Wahab. He began to blend raw pace with precision, evolving into a bowler capable of dismantling even the most accomplished batting line-ups. Against Sri Lanka in Galle, he produced another riveting display, troubling the legendary Kumar Sangakkara with searing pace and relentless short-pitched bowling. 

Later in 2015, during the series against England in the UAE, Wahab delivered two masterclasses. On a lifeless Abu Dhabi pitch, he conjured reverse swing and sheer aggression to unsettle Ben Stokes. In Dubai, his nine-over spell of searing pace on a hot morning shattered England’s commanding position, sending tremors through their batting line-up. The sight of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler falling to Wahab’s relentless assault was a poignant reminder of the havoc a fast bowler can wreak. 

Wahab’s Resurgence and Pakistan’s Rebirth 

At 30, Wahab Riaz seemed to have rediscovered himself. No longer merely a workhorse, he had become a bowler who attacked with intent, pace, and guile. Wahab’s transformation also marked a resurgence in Pakistan’s pace-bowling identity. After years of relying on spinners, the spark of fearsome fast bowling was reignited, recalling the glory days of Akram, Waqar, and Shoaib Akhtar. 

Wahab’s revival carried more than personal significance; it symbolized a rebirth for Pakistan’s cricketing ethos. His fiery spells reminded fans that, despite setbacks and transitions, the soul of Pakistan cricket remains firmly rooted in the art of fast bowling. 

 A Legacy in the Making 

Wahab Riaz may never achieve the statistical grandeur of his illustrious predecessors, but his impact transcends numbers. He represents resilience, evolution, and a refusal to let Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy fade into history. With every menacing spell, Wahab rekindles a tradition that has inspired generations. 

As long as Wahab continues to deliver with the passion and precision he has displayed in recent years, Pakistan cricket fans can rest assured that the legacy of their fast bowlers remains alive, burning brightly under the desert sun or in the cauldron of a packed stadium. Wahab Riaz is not merely a bowler; he is a bridge connecting Pakistan’s glorious past with its promising future.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

From Stalemate to Spectacle: The Unfolding Drama of the Abu Dhabi Test

 

The Abu Dhabi Test was destined to slip quietly into the archive of dull matches—a storybook four-day draw marked by predictable run-scoring on a desolate pitch. The heat in Abu Dhabi bore down heavily on the players, the track as lifeless as a desert road, but cricket has a way of twisting plots when least expected. And with Pakistan at the crease, the final act of this seemingly banal Test took a dramatic, chaotic turn. 

Pakistan’s first innings laid a flat foundation. Shoaib Malik’s comeback century was commendable, Alastair Cook’s landmark double ton remarkable, but the sheer tedium of an unyielding track cast a shadow over individual feats. The bowlers—both Pakistani and English—labored under the relentless sun, unable to find any ally in the pitch, and a listless draw loomed. Four-and-a-half days of sleep-inducing cricket gave no hint of the whirlwind that would soon descend.

The unpredictable nature of the game shone through on the final day. Pakistan’s second innings took a disastrous turn, hinting that the game might indeed have some final twist left. It was England’s captain, Alastair Cook, who struck the first spark. The scoreboard read 47 for 3 after some shaky shots from Pakistan’s top order, with Shan Masood falling early to an innocuous ball rolling into his stumps and Shoaib Malik flummoxed by an uncharacteristically fierce bouncer from Anderson. England’s bowling, until then rendered ineffective, began to find new life as Cook’s imaginative field placements unsettled Pakistan’s batsmen. 

Cook's tactical play drew the battle lines for an impending implosion. He placed an aggressive, umbrella field on the leg side and instructed his bowlers to test Pakistan with sharp inswingers and deceptive off-cutters, coupled with the occasional outswinger to keep them guessing. Anderson and company hounded Misbah and Younis, Pakistan’s most experienced heads, building pressure with every over. By tea, Pakistan sat tentatively at 102 for 3, Misbah and Younis steadying the ship but aware of the growing tension.

The storm after tea revealed just how fragile Pakistan’s position had become. The pitch, which had played dead for days, began to turn, encouraging Cook to call upon his spinners, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, with an attacking field. Adil Rashid, who had been punished with figures of 0 for 163 in the first innings, finally found the pitch's assistance and, perhaps emboldened by Cook’s faith, proceeded to carve through Pakistan’s batting order. Moeen was effective, but it was Rashid’s day to shine. He exploited Pakistan’s hesitant footwork with relentless turn, taking five wickets in what would become a legendary spell for the young leg-spinner.

Pakistan’s batsmen, underestimating Rashid’s threat, crumbled. Younis fell to an ill-advised shot, and Misbah, uncharacteristically aggressive, met a swift end to Moeen Ali. A startling collapse followed, with Pakistan losing seven wickets for a meager 60 runs, the last five of those wickets falling for just 14 runs in a rapid 30-ball meltdown. Rashid, as effective as he was, could thank the erratic Pakistani batsmen who gifted him their wickets with reckless strokes.

With a meagre target of 99, England were on the brink of one of the most remarkable Test wins in recent memory. The scenario was reminiscent of Pakistan’s infamous collapse in the 2000 Karachi Test when England clinched an unexpected series victory on foreign soil. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Jos Buttler—batting with urgency and skill—brought England to within 25 runs of triumph. But the fading light, much as it had done the previous evening, intervened, halting play and denying England the final glory.

Just sixteen wickets had fallen over the first four days; eleven would fall in the frenzied final session alone. It was a reminder that Test cricket, however monotonous it may seem, harbours the spirit of the unexpected, waiting to erupt into drama. Pakistan escaped defeat, but the warning bells were loud. This English side, spirited and disciplined under Cook’s innovative captaincy, was no repeat of 2012. England were dangerous, hungry, and willing to fight with every ounce of tenacity. If Pakistan doesn’t tread carefully, this series may turn in England’s favour before they can recalibrate.

In the end, the Test match was no longer a tedious draw but a testament to cricket’s unpredictability, its ability to blend endurance with moments of fierce drama.

 
Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Younis Khan: Pakistan’s Indomitable Warrior

Fourteen years ago, a 22-year-old from Mardan etched his name into cricket’s consciousness with a knock that spoke volumes of his grit and determination. Pakistan, reeling in the second innings of a Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi, found itself teetering on the edge of defeat. It was then that Younis Khan emerged, not just as a batsman but as a force. In partnership with the mercurial Wasim Akram, he crafted a defiant maiden century, building a ninth-wicket stand that briefly resurrected Pakistan’s hopes. While the team ultimately succumbed in a tense finish, the young batsman’s resolute display had announced the arrival of a player whose career would be defined by resilience.  

The Early Struggles

Younis Khan’s journey to greatness was never a linear ascent. His early career was a mosaic of brilliance and inconsistency, glimpses of potential often extinguished before translating into meaningful contributions. Runs eluded him when most needed, and his place in the squad hung precariously. Yet, what Younis lacked in immediate results, he made up for with determination. Refusing to let fleeting failures define him, he toiled relentlessly, chiselling away at the edges of his game to craft a foundation that could not be shaken.  

The turning point came in 2005 during Pakistan’s tour of India. The Bengaluru Test was a moment of reckoning. Until then, Younis had struggled to make an impact on the series. But under the mentorship of coach Bob Woolmer, who saw beyond the numbers, Younis delivered a monumental double century. That innings wasn’t just a rescue act; it was an emphatic declaration of intent. From that point onward, Younis Khan began the transformation from a promising player into a stalwart of Pakistan cricket.  

A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

Younis’s rise was emblematic of his character—a gradual yet unyielding journey toward permanence. Over the years, he became the fulcrum of Pakistan’s batting lineup, a player who thrived under pressure and delivered when others faltered. His resilience was most vividly on display during his captaincy tenure, particularly in leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. His leadership in that tournament, calm yet commanding, showcased his ability to galvanize a team in turmoil.  

Yet, Younis’s contributions extended far beyond runs and victories. He was a player who embodied the ethos of Pakistani cricket, a blend of artistry and defiance, unpredictability and perseverance. Time and again, he shouldered the burden of a faltering lineup, becoming the glue that held the team together. His batting was not merely a showcase of technical prowess but a testament to his mental fortitude.  

A Troubled Relationship with the PCB

Despite his immense contributions, Younis Khan’s relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was fraught with tension. The board’s treatment of Younis often bordered on disrespect, marked by a lack of recognition for his service. In 2009, he was unceremoniously stripped of the captaincy, a decision that left a sour taste among fans and pundits alike. Time and again, Younis found himself sidelined, with the PCB favouring short-term decisions over long-term vision.  

The nadir came ahead of the 2015 World Cup. Excluded from the ODI squad, Younis was informed with little ceremony and even less regard. Chief selector Moin Khan dismissed him as a failed “experiment,” signalling a focus on younger players. The decision not only sidelined a stalwart but also betrayed the board’s tendency to overlook contributions in favour of fleeting trends. Younis’s frustration boiled over in public comments, where he implored the PCB to honour its heroes lest future generations lose their motivation to play for Pakistan.  

The Fighter’s Rebuttal

  

True to his nature, Younis Khan responded not with words but with performances. The ongoing series against Australia became his platform for redemption. Through sheer skill and unyielding determination, Younis silenced his critics with performances that reaffirmed his standing as one of Pakistan’s finest batsmen.  

His ability to rise in the face of adversity reflects not just a cricketer’s resilience but a warrior’s spirit. A proud Pathan, Younis’s unwavering commitment to his country is as much a matter of identity as it is of passion. Even when wronged, his loyalty to Pakistan cricket never wavered.  

The Indelible Legacy

Younis Khan’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance. He is more than just a cricketer; he is a symbol of resilience, an emblem of pride, and an inspiration for generations. His batting was a symphony of skill and determination, a reminder that greatness is earned not through talent alone but through an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.  

For Pakistan cricket, Younis Khan is not merely a player to be celebrated; he is a legacy to be preserved. His career is a reminder to the PCB and fans alike that champions do not emerge in isolation; they are nurtured, supported, and respected. To fail in honouring such a legacy is to undermine the very spirit of the game.  

In the annals of cricket, Younis Khan will remain a towering figure, a player whose name is synonymous with resilience. For Pakistan, he is not just a batsman or a captain but a mirror reflecting the team’s greatest qualities: unyielding determination, boundless talent, and an unshakeable will to rise, no matter how steep the fall.  

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