Unyielding Spirit of Pakistani Pace: Hasan Ali's Remarkable Comeback

 

Pakistan cricket has long been synonymous with producing a conveyor belt of fast-bowling talent—merciless, charismatic, and often temperamental. The country’s search for successors to the legendary Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar remains a perpetual odyssey. Over the years, flashes of brilliance have emerged—Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, with their surreal artistry, briefly rekindled hopes before their careers faltered under the weight of scandal and inconsistency. Yet, one enduring trait of Pakistani pacers never fades: the capacity to conjure game-changing spells that dramatically overturn matches.

From Umar Gul’s reverse-swing masterclasses to the fiery spells of Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, and even the unpredictable Mohammad Sami, Pakistan’s history is rich with moments of bowling sorcery. The current crop of pacers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, continues this tradition, and Hasan Ali’s resurgence is the latest chapter in this enduring saga.

A Test Series for the Ages

The Rawalpindi Test against South Africa in 2021 exemplified the mercurial nature of Pakistani cricket. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stood resolute on the final day, their composure threatening to script a dramatic chase reminiscent of Brisbane 2021 or Chattogram 2020. Markram’s defiant century—his first in the subcontinent and since March 2018—was a testament to his grit, while Bavuma’s elegant 61 underscored his growing stature.

On a slow, low-bouncing pitch, Pakistan’s pacers toiled admirably with the old ball. Yet, Markram and Bavuma’s technique, anchored in precise footwork and focus, seemed unbreachable. Shaheen Afridi’s yorkers were negotiated with aplomb, and Yasir Shah’s leg-spin was nullified with skilful defence.

Enter Hasan Ali with the new ball. In a spell as devastating as it was intelligent, Hasan dismissed Markram with a length ball teasingly placed outside the off-stump, forcing an indecisive poke that carried to slip. The dismissal marked a pivotal turning point. Moments later, Quinton de Kock succumbed to a similar fate, his hard-handed drive latching onto the waiting hands of Imran Butt.

From that moment, South Africa’s resistance unravelled. Bavuma fell to a probing delivery from Afridi, and Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip. Afridi and Hasan combined to dismantle the lower order, sealing a historic series win—Pakistan’s first against South Africa in 18 years.

Hasan Ali: The Journey Back to Glory

For Hasan Ali, this triumph was deeply personal. His 10-wicket haul (10/114) across both innings was not just a statement of his skill but a vindication of his arduous journey back to fitness and form. Once the darling of Pakistan cricket, Hasan had faded into obscurity after a stellar Champions Trophy campaign in 2017. Injuries, a dip in form, and exclusion from the central contract list painted a grim picture of a career in decline.

Yet Hasan’s resolve never wavered. Turning to first-class cricket, he dominated the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, taking 43 wickets and forcing his way back into the national side. His performance in Rawalpindi epitomized a player reborn—a bowler who had rediscovered his rhythm, pace, and hunger.

“Test cricket has always been my dream,” Hasan reflected. “Being away from the game for 16-17 months was tough, but I worked day and night to make my comeback meaningful. I wanted to perform, not just return.”

The Resilience of Pakistani Fast Bowlers

Pakistan’s pacers have often embodied the nation’s cricketing ethos: unpredictable, audacious, and relentless. Hasan Ali’s story mirrors that of many before him—raw talent forged through adversity and polished through determination. Whether it was Waqar Younis revolutionizing reverse swing or Shoaib Akhtar’s thunderbolts rattling batsmen, Pakistan’s bowlers have always carried an air of enigma.

Hasan’s resurgence serves as a timely reminder of the importance of patience and perseverance. His success highlights the value of domestic cricket as a crucible for rejuvenation and underscores the unique character of Pakistani fast bowlers: their ability to defy odds and deliver when it matters most.

The Road Ahead

With Hasan Ali back in form, Pakistan’s fast-bowling arsenal looks increasingly formidable. Shaheen Afridi, already a linchpin, continues to grow, while younger talents emerge in the background. Hasan’s journey also offers hope to cricketers sidelined by injuries or form—proof that comebacks are possible with dedication.

For world cricket, Hasan’s return is more than just Pakistan’s gain. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of fast bowling—a craft that captivates audiences and defines eras. In Hasan Ali, we find a bowler who embodies the undying spirit of Pakistan cricket, a player determined to leave a lasting legacy.

As Hasan himself said, “Life goes up and down, but if you don’t enjoy it, then what’s the point? You only live once, so smile through it.”

Pakistan Cricket smiles with him. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

South Africa’s Return to Pakistan: A Tale of Resurgence, Redemption, and Resilience - Clinical Pakistan in Karachi

 

After more than thirteen years, South Africa returned to Pakistan—a land known for its rich tapestry of music, vibrant cities, and cricket as unpredictable as its poetry. Their last tour in 2007 was marked by triumph and tears: the Proteas won the Test series, and Pakistan bid an emotional farewell to the legendary Inzamam-ul-Haq, who retired from the format amidst an outpouring of emotion. 

In the intervening years, Pakistan endured a cricketing exile. A decade passed without international cricket gracing its soil, a barren stretch that tested the nation’s spirit. But like a phoenix, Pakistan cricket has risen from the ashes. Teams have begun to return, and the South African tour signals a revival that promises visits from England, New Zealand, and Australia shortly. 

The Fortress Awakens: Karachi’s National Stadium 

The first Test was hosted at Karachi’s iconic National Stadium (NSK), a venue steeped in history and reverence. For nearly four decades, NSK was Pakistan’s fortress, a stage for legendary battles and unforgettable moments. The sight of a top-tier Test team competing in whites once again under its sunlit skies was as heartwarming as it was symbolic. 

South African captain Quinton de Kock, winning the toss, opted to bat—a decision rooted in the expectation that the pitch would deteriorate as the game progressed. Yet, history at NSK has often favoured teams chasing, a nuance De Kock perhaps underestimated. 

South Africa’s Batting Struggles 

The visitors faltered on Day 1. The pitch, still good for batting, offered little turn, but South Africa’s batters succumbed to deliveries that barely deviated. Only Faf du Plessis fell to a genuinely turning ball from Yasir Shah, a delivery that drifted and spun away to catch the edge. The rest of the dismissals reflected poor shot selection and a lack of application. 

Their total of 220 was underwhelming, but late on Day 1, South Africa’s pacers breathed life into the contest, reducing Pakistan to 33 for four. For a brief moment, 220 seemed like a fighting total. 

The Fawad Alam Story: Redemption at Last 

Enter Fawad Alam, a man whose journey epitomizes perseverance. Overlooked for more than a decade despite a stellar domestic record, Fawad’s unorthodox technique was deemed unsuitable for international cricket. The presence of stalwarts like Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, and Asad Shafiq further crowded him out. 

Yet, Fawad never wavered. During his 11-year hiatus, he amassed 26 first-class centuries and 7965 runs at an average of 56.48, a testament to his resilience and hunger. Recalled in 2020, he has since silenced his doubters with performances that combine grit and elegance. 

In Karachi, under immense pressure, Fawad crafted a masterful century, rescuing Pakistan from the brink at 33 for four. His partnerships with Azhar Ali (94), Mohammad Rizwan (55), and Faheem Ashraf (102) not only erased South Africa’s modest lead but also built a formidable one for Pakistan. 

Nauman Ali: The Unsung Hero 

While Fawad garnered well-deserved accolades, the debutant Nauman Ali quietly scripted his own fairytale. At 34, an age when most cricketers are contemplating retirement, Nauman made his Test debut. Hailing from the small town of Khipro in Sindh, his journey to the national team was marked by years of toil in domestic cricket. 

Nauman’s discipline and mastery of line and length were on full display in Karachi. Operating as the second spinner to Yasir Shah, he bowled with the poise of a veteran, extracting bounce and turn with subtle variations. His five-wicket haul in the second innings was instrumental in dismantling South Africa’s resistance. 

The Fall of the Proteas 

South Africa’s second innings began with resolve, but Pakistan’s spinners soon tightened their grip. Aiden Markram stood tall, but Nauman’s persistence paid off when he used his height to extract extra bounce, forcing Markram into an error. 

Temba Bavuma and George Linde fought valiantly, but Nauman’s guile proved too much. A well-flighted delivery kissed Linde’s edge, and a sharp turn breached Kagiso Rabada’s extravagant drive. Nauman completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Bavuma in front, leaving Pakistan a modest target of 88 runs. 

 A Triumph of Spirit 

The victory was comprehensive, but it was the individual stories that elevated the match to a narrative of triumph and redemption. Fawad Alam, the epitome of persistence, delivered under pressure. Nauman Ali, the late bloomer, proved that age is but a number when paired with determination. And Yasir Shah, the seasoned magician, reminded the cricketing world of his enduring brilliance. 

For Pakistan, this win was more than just a step toward reclaiming their cricketing heritage—it was a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance, and a promise of brighter days ahead. 

As South Africa departs, the smiles of Fawad and Nauman linger as symbols of what Pakistan cricket stands for: a relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar