Pakistan’s Twilight Triumph: A Masterclass in Tactical Brilliance and Aggressive Cricket

For four days and a session, the Test match in Sharjah seemed destined to be forgotten—a laborious, slow-moving contest that did little to uplift the reputation of Test cricket. But as the sun set on the final day, Pakistan transformed the drudgery into a spectacular coup, orchestrating one of the most thrilling final-session chases in modern cricket. 

Their effort was not just a fightback but a tactical masterpiece, an emphatic statement that controlled aggression, strategic intent, and fearless execution could upend even the most stubborn opposition. Pakistan’s successful pursuit of 302 in 57.3 overs, at an astonishing run rate of 5.25, was the second-fastest chase of a 200-plus target in Test history. But beyond the numbers, it was the psychological dismantling of Sri Lanka that stood out. 

This was a match that demanded something extraordinary from both sides if a result was to emerge. Pakistan answered that call with purpose and precision. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, faltered through excessive caution and tactical naivety. 

Sri Lanka’s Defensive Mentality: The Seeds of Defeat

Pakistan’s road to victory was paved in part by Sri Lanka’s own missteps. Entering the final day with a lead of 220 and five wickets in hand, Sri Lanka had an opportunity to push for a declaration that would put Pakistan under immense pressure. Instead, they batted with painstaking sluggishness, adding just 19 runs in 16.4 overs. Their scoring rate was reminiscent of an era long past, but in the modern game, such passivity is often a recipe for disaster. 

Their approach seemed dictated by the fear of losing rather than the ambition to win. Even when it became apparent that Pakistan would have a realistic shot at victory, Sri Lanka remained locked in their ultra-defensive mindset. They assumed that mere survival would see them through, but cricket does not reward stagnation—it rewards initiative. 

With 59 overs left in two sessions, Sri Lanka should still have been firm favourites. Even if they could not force a win, a draw seemed the most likely outcome. But as Pakistan’s batsmen took charge with a clarity of purpose, Sri Lanka continued to withdraw into their shell, failing to seize even the most fleeting moments of control. By the time they realized the enormity of the threat, it was too late. 

The Tactical Shift: Pakistan’s Intent and Ingenuity

The pivotal moment of the day arrived just before tea, when Pakistan made a bold, unconventional move—sending Sarfraz Ahmed in at No. 5. It was a decision rooted in tactical awareness, recognizing that aggression was the only way forward. 

Sarfraz’s approach against Rangana Herath was a masterclass in counter-strategy. Herath, bowling from over the wicket, persisted with a defensive line—pitching the ball wide outside leg stump in an effort to stifle scoring opportunities. Most batsmen would have been content to pad the ball away, playing into the spinner’s hands. Sarfraz, however, refused to be shackled. 

He took guard near the wide-ball indicators, opening up new scoring angles. With a packed leg-side field, he repeatedly lofted the ball inside-out through covers, forcing Mathews into a reactive field change. The moment Mathews adjusted his field, Sarfraz responded by slogging Herath over midwicket. His relentless attack culminated in a 15-run over—suddenly, Pakistan had the upper hand. 

Meanwhile, Azhar Ali was accumulating with methodical brilliance. Where Sarfraz was unorthodox and explosive, Azhar was calculated and precise. He played the seamers with control, swept Herath off his defensive lines, and exploited the spread-out field to rotate strike effortlessly. His half-century came off just 79 balls, a crucial marker in a chase that demanded both composure and urgency. 

The 89-run stand between Azhar and Sarfraz, coming at a run-a-ball, set the tone for the final assault. When Sarfraz eventually fell, gloving a leg-side delivery from Shaminda Eranga, Sri Lanka had a chance to claw their way back. But Mathews, inexplicably, remained defensive—even with a new batsman at the crease. 

Misbah and Azhar: The Final Assault

By the time Misbah-ul-Haq walked in, Pakistan needed 116 runs from 22.2 overs—an equation that would typically invite caution. But this was no ordinary chase. Pakistan refused to slow down, seizing every scoring opportunity with remarkable efficiency. 

A defining moment arrived in the 40th over, bowled by Suranga Lakmal. Azhar jumped outside leg and drove fiercely, forcing a diving save from the deep-cover fielder. The next three balls were deftly placed to deep point and deep midwicket, before Misbah pulled one to the fine-leg boundary. The over leaked 12 runs, and Sri Lanka’s fragile grip on the match was slipping away. 

Even as Azhar and Misbah executed sweeps and reverse-sweeps at will, Mathews persisted with his defensive field. It was a baffling decision—Herath was proving ineffective, yet the Sri Lankan captain refused to turn to his offspinner, Dilruwan Perera. The absence of a tactical shift only made Pakistan’s job easier. 

Sri Lanka’s Last Stand: A Desperate Attempt to Stall 

As the game edged towards its climax, Sri Lanka resorted to time-wasting tactics, a sign of their growing desperation. Eranga required prolonged medical attention after brushing against Misbah’s helmet, and when Lakmal slipped while fielding, umpire Richard Kettleborough had to intervene, instructing the physio to remain off the field. 

But these disruptions did little to alter Pakistan’s momentum. With 30 required from 30 balls, the equation had been reduced to a simple exercise in finishing. Azhar, having held the innings together with masterful composure, brought up his century in spectacular style—swiping a delivery to the midwicket boundary. The 100-run stand between him and Misbah had come off just 111 balls, epitomizing the calculated aggression that had defined Pakistan’s chase. 

Even when Pakistan required just 17 runs off four overs, Sri Lanka refused to bring their fielders up. It was a clear admission of defeat—the match had already slipped through their fingers. 

The Foundations of Victory: A Story of Two Approaches

Pakistan’s final-session heroics were made possible by the foundation laid in the afternoon session. Ahmed Shehzad and Khurram Manzoor had signaled their intent early, attacking from the outset and forcing Mathews to spread his field. Though their approach was risky, leading to their dismissals, it sent an important message—Pakistan would not be bogged down. 

Azhar and Younis Khan then ensured stability, adding 49 runs in measured fashion. When Younis fell, Pakistan made another statement by promoting Sarfraz—a move that turned the game on its head. 

In contrast, Sri Lanka lacked urgency throughout. Their brief burst of counterattacking cricket came from Prasanna Jayawardene in the morning session, when 62 runs were added in 14 overs. But the moment wickets fell, they reverted to survival mode. 

By the end of the match, the difference was clear. Sri Lanka had batted for 273.4 overs and managed just enough runs to lose. Pakistan needed only 166.4 overs to surpass them. The contrast in intent and execution was stark. 

A Game of Sight and Insight

As darkness crept over Sharjah, Sri Lanka’s players, with their captain at the helm, feebly protested that they could not see the ball. In reality, it was never about vision—it was about insight. 

Pakistan had seen the opportunity and seized it with ruthless clarity. Sri Lanka had let the moment pass them by. 

In the grand tapestry of Test cricket, this was not just a thrilling chase but a lesson in adaptability. The teams that dare, that read the situation correctly, that take calculated risks—those are the teams that triumph. And on this day, Pakistan stood tall as the masters of the moment.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The ICC’s Power Shift: A Death Knell for Cricket’s Global Integrity?

The upcoming ICC Board Meeting in Dubai on January 28-29 is set to witness a seismic shift in the governance of world cricket. A draft proposal, set forth by the ICC, seeks to reshape the structure of the game in a manner that consolidates power in the hands of three cricketing giants—India (BCCI), Australia (CA), and England (ECB). If ratified, this proposal will usher in a new era where the essence of the sport risks being subordinated to financial interests and the will of an elite oligarchy.

The Core Proposals: A Blueprint for Hegemony

The proposed changes aim to alter the ICC’s existing framework in a manner that raises serious concerns about the future of cricket’s equitable development. The key aspects of the draft include:

1. Formation of an Executive Committee (ExCo): This committee would hold overriding power over all other ICC committees, with permanent seats reserved for BCCI, CA, and ECB. Such a structure effectively places decision-making in the hands of three cricket boards, sidelining the interests of the broader cricketing fraternity.

2. Test Cricket’s Promotion and Relegation System: While ostensibly a means to enhance competition, this system conveniently exempts India, Australia, and England from the risk of relegation. Such preferential treatment contradicts the principles of meritocracy and fairness.

3. Decoupling of the ICC from the Future Tours Programme (FTP): Previously, the FTP ensured that all Test-playing nations had scheduled series against one another, compelling top teams to play against lower-ranked sides. The dissolution of this structure in favour of bilateral agreements will leave lower-ranked teams—especially Bangladesh and Zimbabwe—at the mercy of the 'Big Three’s' willingness to schedule matches.

4. New Financial Model of Revenue Distribution: It is anticipated that a disproportionate share of ICC-generated revenue will be allocated to the 'Big Three,' further widening the financial disparity between cricket’s elite and its developing nations.

5. Control Over Key ICC Positions: The proposal ensures that pivotal roles—such as the ICC Chairman and heads of the ExCo and Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee—are nominated by the BCCI, CA, and ECB. This effectively eliminates independent governance, reducing the ICC to a vehicle for the ambitions of these three boards.

6. Revival of the Champions Trophy: The reinstatement of this limited-overs tournament in 2017 and 2021 comes at the cost of the World Test Championship, a move that suggests an inclination towards commercial viability over the sustenance of Test cricket.

The Decline of Inclusivity in World Cricket

This proposed overhaul signifies a shift from a democratic, inclusive structure to a plutocracy where financial and political clout dictate the direction of the sport. The ICC, once envisioned as a guardian of cricket’s global interests, is poised to become a business consortium where the wealthiest dictate terms, relegating the remaining cricketing nations to mere spectators in their own game.

One of the most concerning ramifications of this proposal is the dismantling of the FTP. Historically, the FTP ensured that all nations, regardless of their commercial appeal, had opportunities to compete against one another. For teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it served as a crucial mechanism to gain exposure against top-tier opposition. Without this structure, these teams are likely to be marginalized, with fewer fixtures against cricket’s heavyweights.

Bangladesh’s struggles in securing high-profile series illustrate the looming issue. Despite the team’s notable progress, Bangladesh has not played a Test match in India for over fourteen years and last toured Australia for a Test series in 2003. The dissolution of the FTP would only exacerbate this exclusion, depriving developing cricketing nations of the experience necessary for their growth.

A Flawed Business Strategy Masquerading as Reform

Supporters of this proposal may argue that cricket, like any other global sport, must align with commercial realities. Sponsors and broadcasters, they claim, are more invested in marquee matchups, and the game must adapt accordingly. However, this logic is fundamentally flawed.

Cricket’s essence is not confined to a few nations; it is a global passion that transcends borders. The game thrives on its diversity, and restricting its exposure to a select few will only serve to shrink its global footprint. If teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, or even Afghanistan are denied the opportunity to face elite teams, how will they ever bridge the gap? The very competitiveness that makes cricket compelling will be eroded, resulting in a monotonous and predictable landscape where only a handful of teams dominate.

Moreover, the argument that financially smaller nations contribute little to the game’s commercial value overlooks a crucial fact: cricket’s largest fan bases do not exist in isolation. They include passionate supporters from nations considered ‘lower-ranked’ in terms of cricketing strength. Dismissing these countries from the game’s mainstream on the pretext of commercial viability not only alienates millions of fans but also stifles the potential for cricket’s global expansion.

An Uncertain Future: The Need for Equitable Governance

As the ICC Board convenes in Dubai, the question that looms large is whether cricket’s administrators will prioritize the sport’s holistic growth over self-serving financial gain. The proposed model, if implemented, would mark the most drastic shift in cricket governance since the sport’s inception.

While change is inevitable and often necessary, not all change is progressive. A fair and equitable approach would have been to refine the FTP system, ensuring that all cricketing nations have access to a structured calendar that includes fixtures against top teams. True cricketing excellence is nurtured through competition, and without inclusivity, the game will stagnate.

Cricket belongs to its players and fans, not to a select group of financial powerhouses. The ICC must remember its responsibility—not as a mere business entity but as the custodian of a sport cherished by millions worldwide. The fate of cricket’s inclusivity and integrity hinges on the decisions made in Dubai. If the proposed draft is approved, it will be a dark day for the game’s future, one where the pursuit of power and profit eclipses the very spirit of cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Winter of Discontent: Bangladesh’s Political Deadlock Casts a Shadow Over National Spirit and Cricket

 

Winter in Bangladesh has always been a season of celebration, its charm woven through a lively tapestry of festivals, cultural gatherings, and traditions. Yet, this year, the winter landscape seems muted, shrouded in a mood that is more sombre than celebratory. The usual rhythm of the season has been disrupted, leaving a pervasive air of melancholy among the people. The culprit behind this subdued atmosphere is not the season itself, but an ongoing political deadlock that has gripped the nation in its hold.

The roots of this disquiet trace back to last year, when a prolonged dispute between two of Bangladesh’s most prominent political parties began. Centred on the contentious issue of caretaker government oversight during elections, this standoff has hardened into a stalemate, fueled by the unyielding stances and rivalries of both sides. Their inability to find common ground has ignited waves of unrest, affecting the lives of Bangladeshis from all walks of life and casting a pall over daily routines and national festivities alike.

Frequent strikes, protests, clashes with law enforcement, and acts of vandalism are not only disrupting public life but also sowing anxiety and uncertainty across the nation. Beyond the toll on the collective psyche, this discord is severely impacting crucial sectors—business, education, and finance—and eroding confidence in Bangladesh’s stability. Not even the nation's beloved cricket, often a symbol of unity and pride, has escaped unscathed.

This year, Bangladesh is set to host two major cricket tournaments—the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20—events that could spotlight the country's hospitality and passion for the sport. However, the persistent political unrest is casting a shadow over these aspirations. Last year, the ICC raised concerns about Bangladesh’s capacity to host, citing incomplete construction of critical venues. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) managed to assure the ICC of its preparedness, the simmering instability threatens to undermine these efforts.

This apprehension was validated when the West Indies Under-19 team cut their tour short after an explosive device detonated near their hotel. The incident stoked fears internationally, leading some voices to question Bangladesh’s readiness. Pakistan, in particular, vocalized concerns about safety, a stance that carries a layer of irony, considering Bangladesh’s own reservations about touring Pakistan in recent years due to security issues.

Yet, despite past tensions, Pakistan has agreed to participate in the Asia Cup, marking a hopeful turn. To assuage these security concerns, the BCB has pledged extensive measures, bolstered by support from Sri Lanka's security team, which has expressed confidence in the arrangements.

Amidst these diplomatic and logistical preparations, a sense of underlying unease remains. The peaceful New Zealand tour last year, conducted during a similarly tense period, offers some reassurance, but it’s no guarantee against future volatility. For Bangladesh, successfully hosting these tournaments represents more than just a sporting milestone; it’s a moment for the country to reassert its resilience, to celebrate amidst adversity, and to reclaim its place on the world stage.

The opposition leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, has extended her support for the events, a rare gesture of unity. Yet, these words of encouragement must be more than symbolic. The time has come for Bangladesh’s leaders to put aside political squabbles for the greater good. Cricket in Bangladesh transcends mere sport—it’s a unifying force, a source of pride, and a beacon of hope. Allowing political ambitions to eclipse this shared passion would be a disservice to the nation's spirit.

In this critical moment, as winter wanes, let wisdom prevail. Bangladesh has much to gain if stability and peace can guide the way forward, allowing the people, once more, to reclaim the joy and rhythm that define their winter season.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Franck Ribéry and the Stolen Crown: Why the French Maestro Deserved the Ballon d’Or

The 2013 Ballon d’Or will forever remain one of football’s most contested decisions—a moment where collective achievement bowed before individual spectacle. At the heart of that debate stood Franck Ribéry, the mercurial French winger who orchestrated Bayern Munich’s most glorious season in living memory. While Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately lifted the trophy, the moral and footballing argument belonged—many still insist—to Ribéry.

The Architect of a Historic Treble

Football’s highest individual honour is meant to crown the player who defined the year. In 2013, that definition was simple: domination in both performance and success, embodied by Bayern Munich’s breathtaking treble. Ribéry was not merely part of that machine—he was its spark, its creative conscience, its aesthetic pulse.

Every movement of Bayern’s symphonic attack bore Ribéry’s signature—his instinctive dribbles, his vision threading impossible passes, his relentless work rate. He assisted Arjen Robben’s decisive goal in the Champions League final, scored in the UEFA Super Cup, and illuminated every stage of Europe’s grand theatre. Bayern didn’t just win—they conquered, with Ribéry their brightest star.

The Measure of Greatness: Trophies and Impact

In an age increasingly obsessed with statistics, Ribéry’s brilliance was measured not in numbers but in influence. His game was a masterclass in artistry and intent—a reminder that football’s beauty lies in orchestration as much as execution. He was crowned UEFA’s Best Player in Europe for 2012–13, an award grounded in merit, not marketing.

While Ronaldo’s 66 goals were extraordinary, they could not disguise Real Madrid’s barren season. Messi, though sublime, was injured and overshadowed. Ribéry, by contrast, lifted every major club trophy available—the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League—alongside both UEFA and FIFA Club World Cups. If football rewards the best player on the best team, there should have been no contest.

A Question of Fairness: The Ballon d’Or Controversy

Yet, the 2013 Ballon d’Or was tainted by procedural shadows. Originally, the voting was to close on November 15. Then, inexplicably, FIFA extended the deadline by two weeks—the first such instance in the award’s history—citing insufficient votes. In that brief window, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a dramatic hat-trick to send Portugal to the World Cup. The timing, critics argued, was too convenient; even UEFA president Michel Platini quipped that FIFA had done it “to please Ronaldo.”

After the ceremony, murmurs turned into accusations. Coaches from several nations—including Albania, Kuwait, and Fiji—alleged their votes were misrepresented. Some claimed fraud; others disbelief. Whether or not the results were manipulated, the damage was done: the legitimacy of football’s highest individual honour stood in question.

The Legacy of a Forgotten Winner

Ribéry finished third that year, behind Messi and Ronaldo. Yet history, viewed without bias, may judge differently. He represented football in its purest form—team before self, creation before glory. His performances were poetry in motion: dynamic, disciplined, devastating.

The 2013 Ballon d’Or should have been a coronation of that ideal—a triumph of artistry and collective greatness over celebrity and metrics. Instead, it became a parable of what modern football too often forgets: that the game’s greatest beauty lies not in who scores most, but in who makes victory inevitable.

Conclusion: The Ballon d’Or That Should Have Been

Franck Ribéry may never hold the golden sphere that eluded him, but he holds something more enduring—the respect of purists who understand football as both art and craft. His 2013 season remains a monument to the collective ideal, where brilliance served the team, not the ego. In that sense, he was the true winner of the Ballon d’Or, even without the trophy.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Mitchell Johnson: The Arc of Redemption and the Anatomy of Dominance

In the annals of cricket history, few narratives embody the redemptive arc as vividly as Mitchell Johnson’s ferocious resurgence during the 2013-14 Ashes. His story is not just about pace or wickets; it is about the reclamation of confidence, the transformative power of self-belief, and the symbiotic relationship between mental fortitude and physical dominance. Johnson’s fiery spell against England remains a masterclass in how one player, brimming with confidence and precision, can dismantle an entire opposition—physically, psychologically, and tactically.

The Fall: Doubt and Disarray

Rewind to 2011. Johnson, once hailed as a "once-in-a-generation" talent by Dennis Lillee, was a shadow of his former self. Injuries, inconsistencies, and a fractured mindset had relegated him to cricket’s margins. The left-arm paceman, who once struck terror into batsmen, now bowled with the unpredictability of a man fighting himself. His action was broken, his rhythm disrupted, and his mind consumed by doubt—a cricketer caught in the vicious cycle of poor performances reinforcing mental fragility.

Johnson’s decline was not merely technical; it was existential. The "yips"—a cricketer’s nightmare—had taken hold. Every delivery was a gamble, and every failure fed the voices of self-doubt. His absence from the game in 2011, enforced by surgery on a damaged toe, was as much a psychological reprieve as a physical necessity. Yet, it was during this enforced exile that Johnson’s journey of transformation began.

The Resurrection: Mentorship and Reinvention

The turning point came through a reunion with Dennis Lillee. A legend who understood Johnson’s mechanics better than anyone else, Lillee diagnosed the flaws that had crept into his action and devised a blueprint for his resurrection. But technical corrections alone were insufficient. Johnson needed to rebuild his fitness, confidence, and mental resilience. The ex-SAS officers at The Mill Gym in Fremantle became Johnson’s unlikely mentors—hard men who instilled discipline, perspective, and a warrior’s mindset.

By the time Johnson returned to competitive cricket in 2013, he was fitter, faster, and hungrier than ever. The rhythm had returned to his run-up, the ball exploded off the deck, and the fiery glare—so emblematic of his menace—had reappeared. This was a bowler reborn, a man who had rediscovered the visceral joy of fast bowling and the confidence to bend the game to his will.

The Ashes: The Anatomy of Dominance

From the very first Test at Brisbane, Johnson’s impact was seismic. England, still buoyed by their 3-0 triumph in the northern summer, were wholly unprepared for the ferocity that awaited them. Johnson’s spell at the Gabba—6 for 9 during a collapse that decimated England—was not just a display of pace but a psychological assault. His deliveries, clocking upwards of 150 kph, were unrelenting, his bouncers venomous, and his stare-downs with batsmen were as piercing as his yorkers.

Stuart Broad’s struggle encapsulated England’s helplessness. Struck on the helmet, hopping around the crease, Broad became a symbol of England’s collective unease. Johnson’s short-pitched barrage was not just about wickets; it was about sending a message—a message that resonated through the dressing room and echoed across the series.

The second Test at Adelaide further solidified Johnson’s supremacy. On a traditionally benign surface, he unleashed a spell of brutal precision, taking 7 for 40. It was not just the numbers but the manner of his wickets—batsmen beaten for pace, stumps shattered, and confidence eviscerated. His dismissal of James Anderson, clean bowled with a hint of inswing, followed by the iconic "stare" instead of celebration, remains etched in Ashes folklore—a moment that symbolized Johnson’s absolute control.

By the time the series moved to Melbourne and Sydney, England were already a broken side. Johnson’s rhythm was unrelenting, his spells short but devastating. He preyed on the English lower order, ensuring no tailender dared resist. The psychological toll was immense: England’s batsmen were tentative, their footwork hesitant, and their gameplans shattered. Johnson, once the subject of ridicule, had become their tormentor.

The Psychological Edge: Fear as a Weapon

What set Johnson apart in this series was not merely his pace but his ability to weaponize fear. Fast bowling, at its essence, is a duel of courage. It tests not just technique but nerve. Johnson understood this dynamic intuitively. His bouncers forced batsmen into survival mode, disrupting their rhythm and decision-making. Each short-pitched delivery was a reminder of the physical threat, and each wicket reinforced the inevitability of his dominance.

The England dressing room, once buoyant, became a place of dread. Batsmen like Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior, and Kevin Pietersen—stalwarts of England’s recent success—crumbled under the pressure. Trott’s early dismissal at the Gabba, a simple leg-side edge, epitomized the psychological disintegration caused by Johnson’s aura.

The Legacy: Redemption and Triumph

Johnson’s 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 across the 2013-14 Ashes were not just statistical achievements; they were the culmination of a journey from despair to dominance. He had silenced the critics, exorcised the demons of his past, and redefined himself as one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation. His resurgence was a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, hard work, and mentorship.

For England, the scars of that series ran deep. Careers ended, confidence shattered, and a once-dominant side was left to pick up the pieces. For Johnson, it was vindication—proof that redemption is possible, that the depths of failure can be a crucible for greatness.

In cricket’s long history, there have been many great fast bowlers. But few have embodied the raw, elemental power of the craft quite like Mitchell Johnson in the summer of 2013-14. It was not just fast bowling; it was a spectacle—terrifying, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Johnson’s Ashes remains a story of redemption, a reminder that in sport, as in life, the line between failure and greatness is often razor-thin, and that confidence, once found, can transform a man into a monster.