N.U. ABDUL RAZZAK UDAYAR
UAE : Certainly, the game of cricket has the charm and surprise to divert the cynosure of the millions of fans and supporters letting the world shortly forget the atrocity of the hidden enemy, the COVID-19 whose mutation has currently seemed to decrease to a certain extent dispelling the fears of the masses across the globe. Truly, some moments of the glorious uncertainties of cricket are vividly watched and witnessed as the underdogs have defeated juggernauts at the early stage of the 7th ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup being staged in the United Arab Emirates, one of the leading nations that has put an end to the threat of this deadly disease with its effective and powerful anti-corona package.
Pakistan whose cricket has been in the doldrums due to powers beyond their control has proved the whole world that they are prepared to bring back their past glory to the present series by showcasing their skills and talent. Interestingly, India that has been performing extremely well for a long time, are considered to be the clear cut winners of the one horse race from Asian countries for the finals, unexpectedly lost their match against their arch rivals Pakistan though Captain Koli and the team did no wrong. They made a decent total of 151 losing seven wickets where captain’s knock of 57 by reliant Kohli proved Team India could give a real challenge to Pakistan. But powerful Pakistan who are determined to show their class to the world reached the target losing no wicket in this important encounter. The talented captain Barber Azam led the team from the front scoring an unbeaten 68 while his fellow opener, Mohammed Rizwan made a hurricane 79 not out. In the bowling, the wonder boy, young Shaheen Shah Afrid a close relative burly alrounder Boom Boom Afridi, collected three crucial wickets to put India into big trouble. The Powerful Pakistan won the match in style as Indian bowlers failed to remove the openers. Evidently, the whole squad of Pakistan including the young blood Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan along with veterans Mohamed Hafis, Shoaib Malik have the guts to rise to the occasion to put Pakistan in command against any rivals. Then. it had the last laugh against New Zealand, one of the best teams in the world. Thankfuly, it is elated to see that India won’t be alone from Asia to reach the top as the Pakistani Cricket under the newly appointed Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, veteran commentator Ramiz Raja has done everything well to select the best team for this world cup. The former Pakistani Captain who was sad to witness the recent sudden pull out of the New Zealand Cricket team from Pakistan at the eleventh hour vowed that Pakistan would internationally prove that their team show their prowess. This was clearly witnessed as it has convincingly proved their superiority in the two encounters that they faced in the initial stages of this 7th World Cup. Indeed, Pakistan’s FORM is a pride for whole Asia as it has joined India that is the only country who could bravely beat the leading cricketing nations of the world such as Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and the current title holders West Indies.
Truly, we feel proud to see that Pakistan joins the mighty India to add pride to the Asian continent where many other cricketing nations struggle to reach the top level. It is also a delight to watch Afghanistan who got automatic entry for the 7th T20 World Cup due to their outstanding performance thrashed Scotland in their first encounter. The other two Asian prominent cricketing nations Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have entered the World cup through qualifiers as they failed perform well during the recent past. Surprisingly Sri Lanka has proved they are no more push overs by winning all three qualifying matches while Bangladesh won two of them to get into the final rounds.
Sri Lanka that was underestimated as the underdogs have done extremely well by winning four matches on the trot. Their captain and the whole team are inspired to produce fireworks in the coming matches, should be praised for their gallant performance though they lost their last encounter that was against mighty Australia. Fortunately Sri Lanka fared very well by scoring 154 for six wickets. More preparation and collective brilliance can help Sri Lanka continue their winning streak. At this juncture, a word of appreciation should go to the Minister Sports of Sri Lanka, energetic Mr. Namal Rajapksha for the right steps taken to ensure that Sri Lankan team reached the final round of the World Cup. The whole nation is proud of him as Sri Lanka is back on track putting great performance.
The 2014 World Cup, Champs Sri Lanka Can achieve brilliance again through their talenting cricketers, Captain, cum alrounder Dasun Shanaka, mystery spinner, Mahesh Theekshna, brilliant alorundr, Wanindu Hasaranga, hurrincane batsman, Charith Asalanka, ever dependable Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and other talents, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dhushmantha Chameera, Khusal Perera and the rest with commitment and dedication. Let us strengthen hands of Minister Namal Rajapaksa to bring back the past glory of Sri Lanka that has won the World Cup sheer hard work.
