A Rain-Delayed Thriller and the Birth of a Champion

The 12th match of the 1987 Cricket World Cup between Australia and New Zealand, originally slated for October 18, was delayed by relentless rain and postponed to the following day. What unfolded on October 19 was not merely a cricket match but a tightly wound drama compressed into thirty overs per side, an encounter that tested nerve, judgment, and resolve. Both captains chose to play rather than share points — a decision that underscored the competitive spirit defining that World Cup.

Australia’s Innings: Foundations in the Deluge

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to exploit the conditions on a damp surface. Their early success came swiftly — Australia stumbled at 17 for 1, but from the ruins emerged a partnership that would define the innings. David Boon and Dean Jones, blending discipline with daring, constructed a 117-run stand that revived Australian hopes.

Jones departed for a brisk 52 off 48 deliveries, but Boon continued with stoic precision, crafting 87 from 96 balls. Their effort not only steadied Australia but provided the foundation for a late acceleration. Captain Allan Border’s innovative stroke play yielded 34 from 28, while Steve Waugh’s cameo — 13 not out off eight balls — pushed Australia to a formidable 199 for 4 in 30 overs.

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Martin Snedden was the standout performer, claiming 2 for 36 in his six overs, though he received little support from his colleagues.

New Zealand’s Chase: A Dream Start, a Bitter End

New Zealand’s reply began with promise. John Wright and Ken Rutherford combined in a fluent 83-run opening partnership within just twelve overs, keeping the chase alive and well-paced. Rutherford’s 37 and Wright’s 47 gave New Zealand the platform they needed, but momentum proved a fragile ally. Once the partnership was broken at 94 for 2, the innings began to unravel.

Despite the mounting pressure, Martin Crowe anchored the chase with elegance and authority. His 58 off 48 balls reflected a mastery of timing and placement, and as the match approached its climax, Crowe stood as New Zealand’s best hope.

The equation boiled down to seven runs required off the final over, with four wickets in hand. But destiny had other plans. Steve Waugh, calm and clinical, delivered the over with surgical precision. His first delivery deceived Crowe, who lofted tamely to deep cover. The next — a searing yorker — sent Ian Smith back to the pavilion. With each delivery, the possibility of a New Zealand triumph ebbed away. Only three runs came from the final over, and a desperate run-out of Snedden off the last ball sealed Australia’s three-run victory.

Aftermath: The Beginning of an Era

The narrow win propelled Australia toward greater heights. They would go on to defeat England by seven runs in the final, lifting their first-ever World Cup — a moment that marked the beginning of an enduring cricketing legacy.

For New Zealand, the match was a haunting reminder of opportunities lost. They had the match in their grasp — requiring a run rate of just over six an over and a settled batsman at the crease — yet faltered under pressure. For Australia, it was another instance of composure triumphing over chaos, and of Steve Waugh’s growing reputation as the man for the final over.

Analytical Reflection

Viewed in retrospect, this match exemplified the tactical dimensions of limited-overs cricket emerging in the late 1980s. Australia’s innings was a model of structured aggression — a steady buildup followed by acceleration — while New Zealand’s chase revealed both the promise of bold opening play and the peril of middle-order instability.

Above all, the encounter illustrated the razor-thin margins that define World Cup contests. A single mistimed shot, a perfectly placed yorker, a split-second hesitation — each element combined to shape the destiny not just of a match, but of a cricketing nation poised on the threshold of greatness.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Nail-Biting Thriller: Pakistan vs. West Indies, 1987 World Cup

The 1987 Cricket World Cup bore witness to some unforgettable encounters, but the clash between Pakistan and West Indies in Lahore stands out as a gripping spectacle of cricketing drama and sportsmanship. Both teams entered the game with contrasting fortunes: Pakistan eager to consolidate their position, and West Indies desperate to revive their campaign after an early loss to England. What unfolded was a tale of resilience, nerves, and an unforgettable gesture of integrity.

A Promising Start for West Indies

The West Indies began on a confident note. Desmond Haynes and debutant Phil Simmons provided a solid foundation, with Simmons crafting a brisk half-century. At 91 for 1, the Caribbean side seemed poised for a commanding total. However, the introduction of Saleem Jaffar changed the equation. With three quick wickets, Jaffar disrupted the middle order, leaving the West Indies reeling.

Enter Viv Richards. The maestro’s 52-ball 51 brought much-needed acceleration. His commanding presence steadied the innings until Imran Khan, Pakistan’s talismanic captain, returned to the attack. Imran’s spell (4 for 37) dismantled the tail, and West Indies were bowled out for a modest 216 in 49.3 overs. Jaffar (3 for 30) and Wasim Akram (2 for 45) provided stellar support.

The Chase: A Story of Resolve

Pakistan’s reply began shakily. At 110 for 5, the home side’s hopes seemed to be slipping away. It was at this juncture that wicketkeeper-batsman Saleem Yousuf joined Imran Khan. Yousuf, often overshadowed by his more illustrious teammates, showcased his ability with a counterattacking display. His audacious stroke play rattled the West Indies bowlers and exploited fielding lapses, as the visitors spilled multiple chances under pressure.

Imran played the anchor role, rotating the strike to allow Yousuf to flourish. Together, they revived Pakistan’s innings, but Courtney Walsh’s disciplined bowling ended their partnership. Imran departed with 15 runs still required. Yousuf, battling valiantly, fell shortly after, leaving the tail to secure the final runs.

The Final Over: A Test of Nerves

With 14 runs needed off the last over, Walsh, who had endured heartbreak against England days earlier, was entrusted with the ball. Abdul Qadir and Saleem Jaffar were Pakistan’s last hopes at the crease.

The drama unfolded ball by ball. A single from Qadir followed by another scrambled run from Jaffar left 12 required off four deliveries. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Qadir danced down the pitch and lofted Walsh over long-off for a six. The Gaddafi Stadium erupted, and the equation shifted to four runs off two balls.

Qadir’s clever placement for two runs brought Pakistan within striking distance. But as Walsh prepared to deliver the final ball, a moment of extraordinary sportsmanship stunned everyone. Noticing Jaffar backing up too far, Walsh stopped mid-run and opted not to dislodge the bails. Instead, he issued a warning, earning admiration and applause from both players and spectators.

With two needed off the last ball, Walsh delivered a straight yorker. Qadir squeezed it past a drawn-in third man, and the batsmen ran two to seal a famous win for Pakistan.

The Aftermath: A Lesson in Integrity

The victory bolstered Pakistan’s semi-final hopes and left the West Indies’ campaign in jeopardy. However, it was Walsh’s act of sportsmanship that transcended the game. Despite the heartbreak, his decision to warn rather than appeal against Jaffar for backing up became a defining moment of cricketing ethics.

Saleem Jaffar later remarked, “The old cricketers had great character and played with integrity. Walsh’s gesture was a reminder of the spirit in which the game should be played.”

For Pakistan, the win exemplified their resilience under pressure. For the West Indies, it was a bittersweet chapter in a tournament that slipped away. Above all, this match remains etched in cricketing lore as a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, where the game’s spirit shone as brightly as its skills.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

The Day Viv Richards Reigned Supreme: A Tale of Unrelenting Power

Once upon a time, the cricketing world trembled at the sight of a figure whose mere presence on the field could alter the course of a match. This figure, none other than the indomitable Viv Richards, wielded his bat like a mace, striking fear into the hearts of bowlers across the globe. On this fateful day, the West Indian legend unleashed a devastating display of power that would etch itself into the annals of cricket history.

Sri Lanka, under the captaincy of Duleep Mendis, came into the match with a respectable bowling attack. Vinothen John, Ravi Ratnayeke, Don Anurasiri, and Ashantha de Mel formed the backbone of their bowling unit, supported by the part-time options of Aravinda de Silva, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Asanka Gurusinha. Though the Sri Lankan side boasted a solid batting lineup, they were still the underdogs in the face of a West Indian team led by Richards, a squad brimming with talent and dominance.

Mendis’ decision to put the West Indies into bat was a gamble, one that appeared to backfire early on. John and Ratnayeke bowled with discipline, restricting the West Indian openers. Ratnayeke struck first, clean-bowling Carlisle Best, and then claimed the wicket of Richie Richardson, who edged his first ball to Brendon Kuruppu. At 45 for 2, with Ratnayeke on a hat-trick, Sri Lanka were firmly in control, and the West Indies seemed rattled.

The King Takes Over 

But then, from the shadows of uncertainty, emerged the man who would change the course of the game. Viv Richards, his biceps rippling beneath his shirt, chewed gum with an intensity that seemed to signal the beginning of something ominous. His gaze, as Sunil Gavaskar once remarked, conveyed the message: “What am I doing here among children? I should be among men.”* Richards was not just a batsman; he was a force of nature.

He began cautiously, playing a couple of elegant cover drives, before quickly accelerating. Desmond Haynes, his opening partner, also found his rhythm, and the runs began to flow. Richards’ fifty came up off 62 balls, but this was merely the calm before the storm. The first signs of his impending onslaught came when Aravinda de Silva bowled a delivery aimed at leg stump. Richards, ever the master of improvisation, moved outside leg and dispatched the ball through extra cover with such ferocity that the fielders barely moved. It was the first six of the innings, and the warning signs were clear.

As the game progressed, Richards' destructive power became evident. His hundred came off 98 balls, with the second fifty coming in just 35 balls—a blistering pace that left the Sri Lankan bowlers helpless. With Gus Logie content to play the role of a supporting act, Richards took full control. His shots were a masterclass in power and timing, with extra-cover, square-leg, and mid-wicket becoming the favoured targets. The ball flew over the boundary with ease, and when it didn’t, it raced to the fence so quickly that the fielders had no time to react.

The Carnage

At this point, the West Indies had surpassed Pakistan’s previous record of 338 for five, set just four years earlier. Richards then surpassed Kapil Dev’s iconic 175 not out, with a towering straight six that further cemented his place in cricketing folklore. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly de Mel, were helpless in the face of this onslaught. De Mel, who had been a key figure in the previous World Cup, finished with figures of 1 for 97 from his ten overs, a record for the worst economy rate in World Cup history for a bowler who had bowled ten or more overs.

Richards’ assault continued until, with his score at 181, he mishit a delivery from de Mel. As his left hand came off the bat, Roshan Mahanama, running from backward point to third man, pulled off an astonishing catch that would go down in history. Richards’ innings, which included 16 fours and seven sixes, had come to an end, but by then, the damage was done. The West Indies were on 343, and they would go on to finish with a monumental 360 for 4 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Sri Lankan response, though valiant, was never truly a contest. Mahanama, in particular, threatened to take the fight to the West Indies, striking three boundaries off the first three balls he faced. However, his dismissal, caught off Walsh, was the beginning of the end. Sri Lanka’s middle order, led by Gurusinha and Ranatunga, could only delay the inevitable. Gurusinha’s 36 off 108 balls was a brave effort, but it lacked the urgency needed to chase down such a daunting target. Sri Lanka, despite a valiant fifty from Ranatunga and some fine strokes from Mendis, were never in the hunt. The West Indies triumphed by 191 runs, with Richards’ brilliance ensuring that the result was never in doubt.

In the end, this match was not just a victory for the West Indies, but a testament to the raw, unbridled power of Viv Richards. It was a performance that transcended the boundaries of cricket, a reminder that in the right hands, a bat could become a weapon capable of destruction on a scale rarely seen. The Sri Lankans, despite their best efforts, were left to wonder what might have been had they been able to contain the beast that was Richards on that unforgettable day.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

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