The Pakistan-England Thriller At Rawalpindi in 1987 Cricket World Cup : A Clash of Grit, Spin, and Strategy

Throughout the 1980s, England faced a rollercoaster of cricketing emotions. They challenged Australia head-on, traded blows with India, and suffered relentless hammerings from the West Indies' fearsome pace attack. Their encounters with Pakistan, however, carried a unique tension. The infamous Shakoor Rana incident symbolized their fraught relationship, and the mystique of Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s spin wizard, added another layer of torment for the Englishmen.

Qadir’s mastery over England was legendary. His unorthodox leg-spin baffled even seasoned batters. Vic Marks summed it up best: “Good Lord, he’s bowled me a full-toss. Where shall I smash it? Hang on it’s a low full-toss. Not to worry. Maybe it’s a half-volley. Oh no, it’s a length ball and I’m groping hopelessly.” Qadir’s dominance against England was a critical factor whenever the two teams met, and this match at Rawalpindi was no exception.

A Muddy Start and a Defiant Pakistan

Pakistan, entering the 1987 World Cup as one of the favourites, had already faced a stiff challenge from Sri Lanka in their opening match. England, on the other hand, came off a thrilling victory against the West Indies at Gujranwala, courtesy of Allan Lamb’s heroics. The stakes were high as the two teams clashed in Rawalpindi for Pool A supremacy.

Rain on the scheduled day of play turned the outfield into what Wisden aptly described as a “mudfield.” When play resumed on the reserve day, Mike Gatting’s decision to field first seemed justified as England’s fielders struck early. Chris Broad’s sharp fielding ran out Rameez Raja, putting Pakistan on the back foot. But the seasoned duo of Saleem Malik and Javed Miandad steadied the ship, countering England’s disciplined bowling with grit and precision.

DeFreitas’s double breakthrough, dismissing Miandad and Malik in quick succession, threatened to derail Pakistan’s innings. However, Ijaz Ahmed and a food-poisoned Imran Khan anchored the middle order with a crucial 79-run partnership. Imran’s resilience, despite his illness, allowed Ijaz to accelerate, and Qadir’s late cameo alongside Saleem Yousuf propelled Pakistan to a respectable 239 for 7.

England’s Response and Qadir’s Magic

 Chasing 240, England’s openers began cautiously, adding 52 runs before Qadir’s artistry dismantled Graham Gooch’s defence. Broad’s dismissal by Tauseef Ahmed and Qadir’s removal of Tim Robinson further tightened Pakistan’s grip. Gatting’s brisk 43 from 47 balls kept England in the hunt, but his dismissal left the visitors needing 34 from 24 balls with Lamb and Derek Pringle at the crease.

 Qadir, entrusted with the ball during the critical phase, turned the game on its head. Lamb, England’s hero against the West Indies, fell leg-before to Qadir’s guile. A disastrous mix-up between Emburey and Pringle led to Emburey’s run out. Paul Downton’s edge off Qadir was brilliantly caught by Saleem Yousuf, marking a dramatic collapse as Qadir claimed three wickets in the span of one run.

England’s slim hopes were extinguished by further run-outs of Pringle and Foster, leaving Gladstone Small—a bowler with no batting pretensions—to face the music. Saleem Jaffar delivered the final blow, trapping Small leg-before to seal Pakistan’s 18-run victory.

A Triumph of Spin and Fielding

This match epitomized Pakistan’s reliance on spin and strategic fielding. Abdul Qadir’s spell, coupled with sharp fielding and tactical captaincy, turned a potentially close contest into a decisive victory. His ability to outfox England’s batters highlighted their longstanding vulnerability against high-quality spin.

For England, the loss underscored the perils of poor running between the wickets and the inability to counter spin effectively. Despite moments of brilliance from Gatting and Lamb, their middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, handing Pakistan a crucial win.

The Rawalpindi encounter remains a testament to the impact of spin and fielding in limited-overs cricket. Abdul Qadir’s wizardry and Pakistan’s strategic acumen prevailed, reaffirming their status as tournament favourites while exposing England’s frailties on the subcontinental stage.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Critical Look at the Relationship Between Bangladesh Cricket and the Press: A Call for Change

 In the ongoing cricket series between Bangladesh and South Africa, a significant controversy has emerged regarding the Bangladesh team’s interaction with the media. According to Prothom Alo, one of Bangladesh’s most popular yet controversial newspapers, the Bangladesh cricket team, under the leadership of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, has refused to grant interviews to Bangladeshi journalists who travelled to South Africa to cover the series. The team’s practice sessions were held indoors, behind an iron gate, and journalists were denied access. This decision, though controversial, has sparked a deeper conversation about the dynamics between the Bangladesh cricket team and the local sports media.

The Strained Relationship Between Hathurusingha and Local Journalists

Since his appointment as head coach in 2014, Chandika Hathurusingha has faced consistent criticism from a faction of Bangladesh’s sports journalists. Despite his success in transforming the team from a state of mediocrity to a competitive force in international cricket, some journalists have persistently painted him as an "autocrat" and "rude" figure. However, players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Tamim Iqbal have repeatedly expressed their satisfaction with Hathurusingha’s methods and leadership.

The criticism levelled against Hathurusingha often seems to be more personal than professional, rooted in a longstanding vendetta. For a coach to bring out the best in his players, a strict approach to discipline and ethics is often necessary, and if this so-called "autocratic" style results in positive outcomes for the team, it should be seen as a strength rather than a flaw. Hathurusingha’s preference for privacy and consultation with only the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and team management should not be viewed as a flaw, but rather as a deliberate strategy to maintain focus and avoid unnecessary distractions.

The Role of the Press: Superiority Complex and the Misuse of Influence

The issue at hand is not merely about Hathurusingha’s reluctance to engage with the media, but the broader attitude that some of Bangladesh’s sports journalists bring to their work. A certain section of the media seems to believe that they are entitled to access and influence, treating their relationship with players and officials as one of superiority. When coaches or players choose to withhold comments or deny access, these journalists often retaliate by twisting statements or publishing negative stories, creating a toxic atmosphere around the team.

This phenomenon is not new. The case of Nazmul Hassan, the BCB president, is a prime example. His comments about Mushfiqur Rahim were misinterpreted and twisted, leading to widespread outrage among fans. Similarly, when players like Soumya Sarkar or Liton Das choose to avoid certain journalists, they are often subjected to public criticism and their reputations are undermined. This behaviour not only harms the individuals involved but also damages the overall image of Bangladesh cricket.

One must ask: what is the real contribution of these journalists to Bangladesh cricket? Beyond sensationalizing stories and spreading misinformation, what positive impact have they had on the sport? While there are certainly competent and knowledgeable sports journalists in Bangladesh, a disturbing trend has emerged where less-skilled individuals with a limited understanding of the game have gained prominence in the media landscape. This has led to a dilution of the quality of sports journalism in the country.

The Mashrafe Mortaza Conundrum: Exploiting Personal Relationships for Professional Gain?

A particularly troubling aspect of this media-player dynamic is the relationship between some journalists and key players, notably Mashrafe Mortaza, one of Bangladesh’s most beloved cricketers. The "bromance" between Mashrafe and certain journalists has given rise to a harmful syndicate that undermines the integrity of the sport. These journalists, using their personal relationships with Mashrafe, have gained easy access to the team and have used this access to create unnecessary hype and stir controversy.

This unhealthy influence has led to the creation of sensationalized stories and conspiracies, which only serve to confuse and divide the fanbase. It raises the question: is Mashrafe using these journalists for his own benefit? Is he seeking to manipulate public perception and position himself as a hero by vilifying others? This manipulation of the media for personal gain is detrimental to the health of Bangladesh cricket and must be addressed.

The Need for Change: A Call for BCB’s Intervention

It is high time that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) takes a firm stance against the negative influence of certain journalists. A code of conduct needs to be established, one that ensures that access to players and officials is controlled and that journalists are held accountable for their actions. The BCB must prioritize the welfare of the team and the sport over the interests of a select few journalists who seek to exploit their access for personal or professional gain.

While journalism is a noble and challenging profession, it must be practised with integrity and responsibility. The current state of sports journalism in Bangladesh, with its emphasis on sensationalism and personal vendettas, is not only disgraceful but also harmful to the development of the sport. The constant provocation and manipulation of players and coaches, as seen with former coaches like Heath Streak and Thilan Samaraweera, have resulted in their premature departure from the team.

Conclusion: A Call for a More Responsible Media

Bangladesh cricket, its players, and its fans deserve better. The BCB must act swiftly to address the growing issue of negative media influence and ensure that the focus remains on the game, not on personal rivalries or sensationalist stories. The media’s role should be to support and uplift the sport, not to tear it down with misinformation and personal agendas. For the sake of Bangladesh cricket, it is crucial that the BCB enforces stricter guidelines on media access and ensures that the voices of those who truly understand the game and its nuances are the ones that are heard.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Heroics and Heartbreak: Dave Houghton’s Masterclass and Martin Crowe’s Magic

It was late afternoon on October 10, 1987. The ball hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Dave Houghton’s eyes followed its arc, willing it to carry just a little further. The fate of an extraordinary contest rested on that streak of red leather, suspended in time and tension.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad had drawn a sizeable crowd, lured not by marquee teams but by the magnetism of the Reliance World Cup. The unsung New Zealand side faced a Zimbabwe team yet to achieve Test status, and yet, the unfolding drama transcended reputations. For those in attendance, this match became a cherished chapter in cricketing folklore.

By the halfway mark of Zimbabwe’s chase, the match adhered to the expected script. New Zealand had posted a competitive 242, built on the measured half-centuries of makeshift opener Martin Snedden and the ever-elegant Martin Crowe. John Traicos, the veteran off-spinner, bowled with precision, conceding a mere 28 runs in his 10 overs. Zimbabwe’s response, however, began in disarray. At 104 for 7, with only Andy Pycroft showing resistance apart from the audacious Houghton, the result seemed inevitable.

Then, the script flipped. Ian Butchart, stoic and unyielding, refused to relinquish his wicket. At the other end, Houghton batted as though possessed, conjuring strokes that bordered on the ethereal. Boundaries flowed with effortless grace to all corners of the ground, punctuated by towering sixes that electrified the crowd. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, blending technical brilliance with raw power. The Kiwis, so assured moments earlier, began to unravel. Fielding lapses emerged, gaps appeared, and Houghton exploited them with surgical precision.

The partnership between Houghton and Butchart blossomed into a remarkable 117-run stand, transforming despair into hope. The equation narrowed: 22 runs needed from 21 balls. Snedden, returning to bowl, faced a visibly fatigued yet determined Houghton. Spotting the mid-on fielder inside the circle, Houghton seized the moment. With both feet airborne, he unleashed a mighty swing. The ball soared high, seemingly destined to clear the boundary.

Thousands of eyes followed its arc toward the fence. But one pair of eyes remained unwavering—those of Martin Crowe. The Kiwi stalwart, a paragon of athleticism and focus, turned and sprinted toward the long-on boundary. His strides were purposeful, his gaze fixed on the ball. As it threatened to elude him, Crowe launched into a full-stretch dive. Time seemed to freeze as his outstretched hands clasped the ball. Against all odds, it stuck. Crowe tumbled and rolled, emerging triumphant with the red cherry still firmly clutched.

It was a moment of cricketing transcendence. Houghton’s miraculous innings—an epic 142 off 137 balls adorned with 13 fours and 6 sixes—had been extinguished by an equally miraculous catch. Disbelief hung in the air. Houghton, stunned, walked back in silence, while Crowe, perhaps equally astonished, marvelled at his own feat. The stadium reverberated with a mix of awe and heartbreak as Zimbabwe’s hero departed.

In the end, Zimbabwe fell agonizingly short, losing by just three runs. Yet, this match was far more than a narrow defeat for the minnows. It was a testament to cricket’s unpredictable beauty, where individual brilliance and collective resilience can momentarily rewrite destiny. Houghton’s innings and Crowe’s catch remain immortalized, a poignant reminder that in cricket, as in life, the journey often outshines the destination.

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 

A Duel of Grit and Glory: England's Thrilling Triumph Over West Indies in the 1987 World Cup

The Indian subcontinent buzzed with excitement and anticipation as it prepared to host the World Cup for the first time, breaking free from England’s traditional grasp on the tournament. In the second game of the 1987 Reliance World Cup, England faced the mighty West Indies, former champions with a reputation for dominance.

While most teams tailored their strategies to the spin-friendly surfaces of the subcontinent, England defied convention. They opted for a pace-heavy attack featuring Phil DeFreitas, Neil Foster, Gladstone Small, and Derek Pringle, supported by the lone off-spinner, John Emburey. This decision would come under scrutiny, especially as the advantages of a balanced bowling attack became evident against the West Indies.

The West Indies Innings - Setbacks and then Build-up

The West Indies’ innings began with early setbacks as Carlisle Best and Desmond Haynes departed cheaply. However, Viv Richards and Richie Richardson steadied the ship, combining sharp running between the wickets with elegant boundary strokes. It was Foster who broke the partnership, dismissing both Richards and Richardson in quick succession. Emburey was introduced soon after, and though he remained wicketless, his precision and control stifled the West Indies’ scoring rate. Conceding just 22 runs from his 10 overs, including a maiden, Emburey proved to be a quiet but significant thorn in the West Indian batting lineup.

With Emburey out of the attack, the West Indies found their rhythm. Jeff Dujon and Gus Logie unleashed a counterattack, dismantling the English pacers, particularly Pringle and Foster. Dujon’s run-out momentarily stemmed the flow of runs, but Roger Harper took up the mantle, smashing 22 off Pringle’s final over, the penultimate of the innings. Logie fell for a brisk 41-ball 49, and Harper’s cameo of 24 from 10 balls ended when Small rattled his stumps. From a modest 151 for 4 at the 40-over mark, the West Indies accelerated to a formidable 243 for 7, plundering 92 runs in the final 10 overs.

Allan Lamb - The Hero

Chasing 244 was always going to be a challenge for England, especially without Ian Botham. Their task was further complicated by the fiery West Indian pace trio of Patrick Patterson, Courtney Walsh, and Winston Benjamin, complemented by the spin of Harper and Carl Hooper.

England’s innings began poorly, with Chris Broad edging Walsh to wicketkeeper Dujon and Tim Robinson’s ill-fated run-out adding to the early woes. Mike Gatting and Graham Gooch offered brief resistance, adding 58 runs in nine overs, but Hooper’s off-breaks proved too clever for them. Once the duo departed, England’s middle order crumbled under pressure.

Allan Lamb stood as the lone beacon of hope, crafting a gritty knock while wickets tumbled around him. He found a brief ally in Pringle, but Hooper’s sharp fielding ended Pringle’s stay, leaving England teetering at 123 for 5. Paul Downton’s brief appearance ended in a run-out, and Emburey’s arrival brought a flicker of hope. Emburey’s quickfire 22, including a four and a six, injected momentum before Patterson’s searing yorker sent his stumps cartwheeling. At 162 for 7, England needed 82 runs from 54 balls, with their chances hanging by a thread.

Enter DeFreitas, whose fearless approach turned the tide. Lamb and DeFreitas stitched together a vital 47-run partnership, taking the attack to the West Indies. DeFreitas’s brisk 23 off 21 balls ended with another Patterson special, but his contribution had kept England in the hunt. Foster joined Lamb with 35 runs required from the final three overs.

The tension peaked as Walsh’s penultimate over leaked 16 runs, 15 of them from Lamb’s blade. Patterson’s final over tightened the screws, conceding just six runs and leaving England needing 13 from the last six balls. Walsh, under immense pressure, faltered. Four leg-side wides, a no-ball, and a boundary from a full-toss gifted England the edge. Foster’s composed strike to the fence sealed a famous victory, with Lamb unbeaten on a masterful 67 off 68 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and a six.

This dramatic encounter was a testament to the unpredictability of cricket, where grit and determination can triumph over adversity. England’s calculated gamble on Lamb’s brilliance and DeFreitas’s audacity turned a seemingly lost cause into a moment of World Cup glory, etching this game into the annals of cricketing history.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar