An India-Pakistan match to forget by Sajid Huq
To be frank, this was an ugly cricket match. The highest scores from India and Pakistan, Tendulkar and Misbah, both playing innings best described as forgettable. Tendulkar edged and nicked his way to an 85, offering as many as four clear chances. Misbah played almost as if he was determined to stay not out and salvage some sort of an average from the tournament.
But it was predictable. I wrote how India was expected to outclass Pakistan although I didn’t imagine it would be such a poor game of cricket.
To be sure, Pakistan was unlucky on account of dropped catches. But they also witnessed a one-off inspired bowling performance from Riaz, who surpassed all expectations. And it is one thing to blame luck for dropped chances, but another when the team in question does it too often.
India looks good. They may win the contest. But I am afraid this team is not the all-round force of nature one has come to expect from the best teams in the world – as was the case with the last two World Cup winning Aussie teams.
All said and done, India, may the force be with you.
I mostly agree with you, except “…as was the case with the last two World Cup winning Aussie teams.”
The Aussies won the last 3 World Cups, and Steve Waugh’s team dominated both the test and one-day arena until he was axed after a poor (by his standards) VB series at the end of the 2001-2002 season. Tugga’s one-day team was just as dominant as Punter’s team.
Ugly cricket match alright. I’m glad India won & everything but the Pakis played such poor cricket. Only saw the last 15 overs but their batting was so lame. Amateur.
Gotta make another point. Paki fans are all assholes. If the Pakis win they’re hysterical but when they lose they always cry “fixed match”. In my book they’re all not guilty, unless proven otherwise. Wish they’d stfu & take their ‘defeats’ like a man.
I hope India wins the final. Can’t bring myself to root for the Lankans after that awful 96 final.
Since the WC is coming to an end, give F1 a try mate. Next race is in Malaysia, the weekend after this one. Lemme know if you’re interested. I’ll get you acquainted with everything.. (:
@Safir,
Not all Paki fans are assholes, but most asshole cricket fans are Pakistanis.
As an India, of course I like this blog and comments. I have to say though that luck wasn’t all with India as some Pak fans have commented on other blogs despite Sachin’s many lives. It’s no secret that the Indian batting was not at it’s best at all. The Indians bowled well, but frankly, on the strength of the Pak team, the Indians would have beaten them 7 times out of a 10.
@Safir: Sure, F1 is in the radar. I still need to drive more is what I think to appreciate F1. Perhaps I am mistaken. I used to be a Pak fan. It’s hard to be a fan of anybody these days, so I just try (at least in my mind) to be neutral.
But if India are the World Champions, it could be good or bad for cricket. I’ll try to explain my thoughts a bit later. I find this interesting.
@Alan: Fair point. Tugga’s team certainly was as competitive as Punta’s team. Somehow, both teams are this yellow blur to me, a yellow storm, if you will (a spin off on the “green storm” Pak fans were calling the team). It is perhaps easier to imagine a yellow storm, especially if you live in Dhaka, for reasons entirely geological and topographical.
It really was an unmemorable match wasnt it