Cricket and Resilience: Afghanistan's Triumph in Delhi

"Cricket is the only source of happiness in Afghanistan. Recently, an earthquake devastated many lives, but this victory will bring them joy. This is for them."

Rashid Khan 

In both life and sport, expectations play a curious role. When they are low, disappointments carry less weight. In such moments, one learns to breathe deeper, embrace patience, and find composure. Inner peace settles in—allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than chase outcomes. The paradox of sport is that such serenity often fuels extraordinary performances, producing unexpected victories. And, cricket, with its chaotic beauty, has long thrived on this unpredictability. In the grand theatre of World Cups, upsets remind us that no champion is invincible, and every underdog has its day. 

This truth was reaffirmed in Delhi, where Afghanistan achieved a victory that was not merely statistical but symbolic - an ode to resilience, a celebration of joy amid sorrow. Having been outplayed by Bangladesh and battered by India earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan's hopes seemed faint. Awaiting them next was England, defending champions who had just dismantled Bangladesh in Dharamsala. Few would have expected what was to follow. 

 A Perfect Opening: Gurbaz and Ibrahim Rise 

Afghanistan’s journey to victory began with a formidable partnership at the top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been the shining stars of 2023, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent opening pairs in the game. Out of just three 200-plus ODI opening partnerships this year, two belong to them - a remarkable testament to their synergy. 

They wasted no time in setting the tone against England. Chris Woakes, England’s new-ball specialist, endured a nightmare start. His bowling average with the new ball has been the worst since 2014, and Delhi only extended his misery. His very first ball - a wide - signalled the beginning of an off day. Reece Topley managed to keep things tight from the other end, but Woakes was dismantled. In the first five overs alone, 31 of the 35 Afghan runs came off his bowling. 

Afghanistan’s early aggression paid dividends as they raced to a strong platform, determined to avoid the collapses that have haunted them in the past. Unlike previous outings, this time the middle and lower orders displayed maturity and poise, stabilizing the innings whenever the English bowlers struck. Their total of 284 seemed challenging - not least because of how they dismantled pace, accumulating 189 runs against it with minimal damage. 

 Spin Sets the Stage: The Afghan Bowlers Respond

With spin-friendly conditions in Delhi, England’s spinners hinted at what was to come, taking five wickets for just 89 runs at an economy rate below four. This previewed a tantalizing evening under the lights - one where Afghanistan’s own spinners would take centre stage. 

The first blow came from Fazalhaq Farooqi, whose inswinger bamboozled Jonny Bairstow. But it was Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan who orchestrated England’s downfall. Mujeeb’s mastery was on full display when he dismissed Joe Root with a flipper that kept low. Root, caught on the back foot, could do nothing but watch as the ball crashed into his stumps. 

Nabi soon sent Dawid Malan packing with a sharp catch at short cover, and Rashid Khan’s subtle variations proved too much for Liam Livingstone, who was clean-bowled by a straight delivery after misjudging the line. Naveen-ul-Haq then produced one of the finest deliveries of the tournament, a searing inswinger that breached Jos Buttler’s defence - leaving the England captain stunned. 

 England's Lone Hope and Afghanistan’s Ruthless Closure

Harry Brook stood alone, the only English batter to offer any real resistance. Yet even his determination wasn’t enough to stem the Afghan tide. As England’s hopes flickered, the Afghan spinners turned venomous. Mujeeb’s carrom balls and deceptive pace changes were like rattlesnakes striking from the shadows. Rashid Khan’s leg-spinners and wrong’uns mirrored a spitting cobra, leaving the English batters bewildered and paralyzed. 

What unfolded was not just a defeat but a dismantling. England, a team with cricketing roots tracing back to 1739, found themselves outplayed by a side whose cricketing journey began just two decades ago. The victory carried an undeniable poetic weight - it was achieved in Delhi, the heart of an empire England once ruled, by a team that has emerged from the ashes of war and hardship. 

A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard

Afghanistan’s triumph over England was not just another upset in a tournament filled with surprises. It was a story of defiance, hope, and joy - a testament to how sport can offer solace amid despair. For a nation reeling from a recent tragedy, this victory was a moment of collective happiness, a flicker of light in dark times. Cricket, with all its glorious uncertainties, had once again reminded the world that no dream is too distant, no opponent too mighty. 

In the grand tapestry of World Cup history, Afghanistan’s win will stand tall - not merely as a statistical milestone but as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of a team and a nation.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan's Long Shadow of Promise and Collapse: A Tale of Unfulfilled Potential

On a humid afternoon at Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the second ODI of 1987, an unknown Salim Malik strolled to the crease, greeted by the raucous cheers of Indian supporters. Pakistan’s batting had already lost its pillars, and with 78 runs required from just eight overs, the target of 239 in 40 overs seemed insurmountable by any stretch of imagination. Malik, an unheralded figure whose most notable contribution in ODIs was a modest 72 against Sri Lanka, stood as the last flicker of hope against India’s mighty bowling lineup.

For India, the match seemed a mere formality - victory was not a question of if but when. With Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, Maninder Singh, and Ravi Shastri charging in, the home crowd braced for a celebratory crescendo. But then, out of nowhere, Malik’s bat turned into a scythe, and the Indian bowlers looked like schoolboys tossed into the deep end of a professional arena. Malik blasted 72 off just 35 balls, silencing the Eden Gardens. Pakistan snatched an improbable victory, sending a resounding message: They could punch above their weight against India, regardless of odds.

The win was more than just a cricketing triumph - it was a shift in psychological warfare. For years to come, India would struggle to shed the shadow of these losses, mentally and tactically outmaneuvered by Pakistan. It was a vicious circle of defeats that stung deeper with each encounter. Yet, over time, India adapted, crafting a system that churned out players capable not only of competing but of dominating, and eventually exorcising the demons of Pakistan’s unpredictability.  

Pakistan’s Fall into the Abyss of Defeat 

Fast forward to 2023: The dynamic between the two arch-rivals has reversed. Where once Pakistan carried the upper hand, today, it is India who strides onto the field with supreme confidence — their victories scripted well before the toss. For Pakistan, the burden of their past glory has morphed into a millstone, and nowhere is this more evident than in the ICC World Cup, where Pakistan’s record against India reads like a litany of failures. Eight meetings, eight defeats - a streak that haunts the cricketing nation and reduces their unpredictability to a tired cliché.

In the latest chapter of this rivalry, Pakistan's collapse at Ahmedabad showcased how deep these psychological scars run. After their heroics in Hyderabad, optimism accompanied Pakistan to the Narendra Modi Stadium, but India’s dominance was ruthless. Put into bat by Rohit Sharma, Pakistan began promisingly. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq resisted early pressure, and when both openers departed, the dependable Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forged a steady partnership, silencing the crowd with calculated stroke play.

Babar, finally breaking his ODI drought against India with a measured half-century, looked ready to anchor the innings. But cricket, much like life, is often unforgiving. A cross-seamed delivery from Mohammed Siraj jagged off the pitch, and Babar, opting for an angled bat rather than the full face, edged it to the keeper. It was a lapse in judgment that betrayed his usual finesse. 

Then came Kuldeep Yadav, whose guile exposed Pakistan’s lack of application. Saud Shakeel misjudged a flatter delivery, playing back when he should have been forward, trapped plumb in front. Two wickets have gone in quick succession, and suddenly Pakistan's grip on the game unraveled like a poorly-knotted thread. 

Enter Jasprit Bumrah - India’s talisman in pressure situations. With Pakistan’s hopes pinned on Rizwan, Bumrah’s off-cutter dismantled the in-form batter’s defense, forcing a mistimed stroke that cracked the floodgates open. From 155-2, Pakistan collapsed spectacularly, losing eight wickets for a mere 36 runs. A once-promising innings crumbled, and dreams of posting a competitive 280-300 evaporated in the Ahmedabad heat. 

A Tale of Unmet Potential 

Pakistan’s defeat was more than just a statistical setback  it was symbolic of deeper structural flaws. A bowling attack heralded as fierce and threatening lacked discipline, and the much-touted pace battery fizzled without a coherent plan. Raw speed is mesmerizing, but without control and intent, it becomes a blunt instrument. The bowlers drifted into mediocrity, with neither bite nor rhythm to trouble the opposition. 

This defeat also underscores a troubling pattern in Pakistan’s recent performances: their inability to capitalize on psychological advantages. The thrilling chase against Sri Lanka was quickly followed by a humiliating collapse against India - a narrative that Pakistan seems unable to escape. They are a team defined not by consistency but by inconsistency; the rare moments of brilliance are drowned out by long spells of mediocrity. 

Meanwhile, India’s dominance is a reflection of a system meticulously built over years. It is not just the physicality or the talent  - it is the mental edge. India now wins against Pakistan not only because of superior skills but because they believe they will win, a belief that has slowly drained from Pakistan’s psyche. 

The history of India-Pakistan cricket is one of shifting tides, where fortune favours one side before cruelly turning the other way. For Pakistan, the current phase feels like an unending twilight - moments of hope overshadowed by the recurring nightmares of defeat. They have become spectators in their own rivalry, applauding India’s rise while struggling to rediscover their own spirit. Until Pakistan learns to channel their unpredictability into something more tangible, they will remain trapped in this vicious cycle.

And in the grand theatre of World Cup cricket, the once-mighty force that sent shivers through India now stares into the abyss — unable to answer the most crucial question: *Which Pakistan will show up today?*

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

New Zealand School Bangladesh on the Art of Batting

 

The Tigers found themselves bewildered on an unfamiliar Chennai surface, one that was lively and offered more bounce and carry than they had anticipated. Bangladesh’s expectations of a slow, low turner - akin to some Australian wickets—were swiftly dismantled by a deck that demanded authority on the back foot and mastery over bounce control. 

Among the Bangladesh lineup, only veterans Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad showed glimpses of the technique and temperament required to succeed on such a surface. Their runs reflected a certain understanding, but the rest of the batting order looked undone by pace and disoriented by the extra bounce. Lockie Ferguson, in particular, exploited this vulnerability with ruthless precision, sending Bangladesh’s top and middle order into disarray. 

 The Art Bangladesh Overlooks 

The recurring weakness of the Tigers lies in their inability to value time at the crease and embrace the art of strike rotation—an essential aspect of 50-over cricket. Adaptation is key in the early overs, where singles and twos are crucial to building momentum. Without this patience and methodical accumulation, scoring freely becomes an impossible task. 

It wasn’t Brisbane, Perth, or Cape Town that Bangladesh were contending with—it was Chennai. While the surface offered more carry than usual, it wasn’t a treacherous track. Runs were available, provided one stuck to the fundamentals: getting through challenging phases, milking the gaps, and waiting for loose deliveries. 

Williamson’s Masterclass in Adaptation

Kane Williamson’s innings served as a lesson in the value of temperament, technique, and tactical awareness. Returning to competitive cricket after a six-month layoff due to injury, the New Zealand captain demonstrated that success isn’t just about flair but also about staying true to the basics. 

Williamson absorbed the initial pressure, respecting Bangladesh’s bowlers as they limited New Zealand to just 37 runs in the first 10 overs. He was unflustered by the slow start—ducking under short balls, leaving deliveries outside off, and weathering the tough passage without a hint of anxiety. 

And then, the shift began. Once the foundation was laid, the captain’s brilliance came to the fore. Singles and twos flowed effortlessly into the gaps, rotating the strike and sapping the energy out of the fielders. Boundaries came, not from forced shots but from capitalizing on errors in line and length. Through a masterclass in situational awareness, Williamson ensured that New Zealand’s chase never appeared in doubt. 

A Lesson Bangladesh Must Learn

Bangladesh’s struggle in this match was more mental than technical. Their failure to understand the rhythm of ODI cricket - the importance of occupying the crease and the cumulative power of strike rotation - remains a glaring weakness. New Zealand’s approach under Williamson should serve as a blueprint: the path to big scores lies in patience, partnerships, and timely aggression, not in reckless stroke play. 

In essence, New Zealand didn’t just outplay Bangladesh—they out-thought them. The Tigers will need to revisit their basics, not just in terms of technique but also in cricketing philosophy, if they are to find consistency on varied wickets. Because, as Williamson showed, the game is won as much in the mind as it is with the bat.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

What Is Wrong with Australia?

We are witnessing an Australian side unlike any in modern cricket - a team that appears defeated before the first ball is bowled. There’s a sense of weariness about them, a lack of focus and cohesion manifesting both in the field and with the bat.

The aggression and determination that once defined Australia are conspicuously absent, replaced by sluggish fielding, indifferent bowling, and a batting lineup that seems tentative, even apprehensive. This isn’t the Australia that the world knows—a side renowned for its relentless intensity and hunger to win, even when the odds are stacked against them.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Australia came up against a South African batting order that had showcased impeccable form in their previous encounter against Sri Lanka, where they played with minimal errors and maximum flair.

In Lucknow, South Africa’s command continued unabated as Australia’s bowlers faltered early. Pat Cummins, usually the spearhead of Australia’s pace attack, looked a mere shadow of his former self. Adam Zampa, who once boasted an ability to generate sharp turn, found little assistance on a pitch that became progressively slower, his spin now less biting—data from The CricViz Analyst shows that since 2016, his turn has diminished from three degrees to just two.

Mitchell Starc, typically a force with the new ball, struggled to find the right length, and Josh Hazlewood’s consistency crumbled under the pressure, with Quinton de Kock compiling a brutal century—his second in as many matches—highlighting Australia’s inability to adapt. In fact, South Africa’s mastery of Indian conditions has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 21 centuries in just 47 ODI matches on Indian soil, they have raised the bar for touring sides, while Australia, by comparison, has managed a paltry 0.32 centuries per match.

On this slowing Lucknow surface, Glenn Maxwell stood out as the most effective bowler, using the pitch’s sluggishness to stifle South Africa’s acceleration to some degree. Yet, despite his efforts, the Proteas still amassed a daunting 311 for 7, a total that seemed insurmountable for a team reeling from their dismal performance against India in Chennai just days before.

South Africa’s pace attack, led by Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada, tore through Australia’s top order with surgical precision. Australian batters appeared indecisive, their footwork hesitant, and their hand-eye coordination unravelling under pressure. Losing six wickets for just 65 runs inside 17.2 overs was reminiscent of a batting collapse on a tougher deck—yet the conditions here were not nearly as challenging as Port Elizabeth in 2003, where Australia found themselves in a similar situation but managed to claw their way back to victory through the sheer grit of Michael Bevan and Andy Bichel.

What this current Australian team lacks, though, is precisely that—grit. The hallmark of Australian cricket has always been a mental toughness that allowed them to battle through adversity, even when the odds seemed impossible. When chasing big totals, Australia’s traditional strength lies in its ability to unleash controlled aggression while maintaining solid technique. Even if they stumbled early, their middle order would typically rescue the innings, blending stability with strike rotation and calculated risks. However, the performances in Chennai and Lucknow have been far from typical—batting collapses devoid of the resilience that has historically been their signature.

Australia now finds itself cornered. And while it’s often said that a cornered Australia is a dangerous beast, capable of summoning their fiercest performances under pressure, this team must first rediscover that mental toughness and determination that made them a role model for cricketing nations worldwide. Only then can they hope to rise from this slump and once again exhibit the qualities that have long defined Australian cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan Rise and Shine: Two Warriors Lift The Spirits

On any battlefield, warriors emerge in different forms - whether as genuine underdogs or seasoned champions who have weathered countless storms. What unites them is their resolve, their ability to face adversity head-on without allowing fear to cloud their minds. For, if fear takes root, victory becomes an unattainable dream. Strength, after all, is forged through relentless effort, and growth is born from struggle.

In the cauldron of an ICC Cricket World Cup match, when Imam-ul-Haq and Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam returned to the pavilion, hopes for the "Men in Green" seemed to be fading fast. The familiar pattern of Pakistan’s inability to chase down towering totals loomed large once more. History was against them—Pakistan had never won a World Cup match chasing over 300 runs, a fact that weighed heavily on the minds of fans and players alike. The last time they had managed to chase a daunting total in a World Cup was in 1992, in the legendary semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland.

Fast forward 32 years, and against all odds, that streak of misfortune was broken. As always, the victory came when no one expected it.

Bold Decision

Much to the disappointment of fans and cricketing experts alike, Pakistan’s think tank made a bold and controversial decision: they placed Abdullah Shafique at the top of the order instead of the power-hitter Fakhar Zaman. In a chase of 345 runs in 50 overs, many would argue that someone with Zaman’s explosiveness was essential to lay a foundation of quick runs. But in the longer formats of cricket, it’s not always about raw power; sometimes, the quiet resilience of a player with resolve can be even more critical.

No matter how colossal the target, one batsman must anchor the innings, ensuring that wickets do not tumble in rapid succession. Abdullah Shafique, though still proving himself, demonstrated this very resolve. Known for his prowess in Test cricket, Shafique showed that his adaptability and temperament could shine in the 50-over format as well. His innings embodied the kind of calm stability that Pakistan needed, and he silenced his doubters with a performance built not on boundary-laden aggression, but on maturity and poise.

Among Pakistan’s batsmen, Shafique stands out for his sound technique, second only perhaps to Mohammad Rizwan. While his stroke play may not carry the same fireworks that thrill fans, his ability to pick gaps and rotate the strike is invaluable in the modern game. Pakistan, a nation that cherishes its flamboyant, boundary-hitting batsmen, often overlooks the subtle art of strike rotation. Yet, no successful run chase is complete without it. Shafique’s methodical accumulation of runs ensured that Pakistan remained in the contest, preventing pressure from mounting.

The Heartbeat of Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan

If Babar Azam is the poster boy of this team, then Mohammad Rizwan is its heartbeat. Time and again, Rizwan has proven his indispensability, not just with the bat, but with his sheer willpower. He is the player who will run when others would give up, crawl when others would falter. Rizwan, in many ways, is the perfect embodiment of resilience - the warrior who keeps going despite the odds. His innings, often anchored in pragmatism and grit, has repeatedly held the team together when all seemed lost. The sight of him battling through cramps, refusing to surrender, speaks volumes about his character. He exemplifies the kind of spirit that transcends the sport; it’s a testament to the sheer determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Yes, Pakistan’s bowling was subpar in this match, and criticism is justified. The bowlers failed to contain the opposition, leaking runs and putting the team in a perilous position. But that analysis can wait for another day. Today, the focus must be on two warriors- Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwa - who lifted the spirits of their team and nation. Together, they not only chased down the daunting total but also seemed to capture the elusive momentum of the tournament.

This victory was not just about breaking a historical jinx; it was about proving that grit, resilience, and calculated perseverance can often be more powerful than raw talent or explosive aggression. Shafique and Rizwan demonstrated that cricket, like life, is not always about the spectacular moments. Sometimes, it is the steady, determined grind that brings you to the finish line.

In the end, Pakistan's chase was not just a testament to their ability to defy expectations - it was a reminder that in cricket, as in any battle, the heart and mind of the warrior matter as much as the weapon they wield. Victory belongs to those who fight with wisdom, who endure without fear, and who never stop believing, even when history stands against them.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar