Last nail in the coffin by Hassaan Saad Tariq

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Ground:	M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Scorecard:	India v Pakistan
Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 31st March 2005

 

At the time the young Pakistan team departed for India they were labeled 'under dogs' considering the fact that the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Shabbir Ahmed were missing. And, another factor was that India - with such a wonderful batting order - would be playing in their backyard. People were right because indeed there was no comparison between these two sides - hot favourites India with loads of experience and the inexperienced Pakistan team.

 

I have always believed that this Pakistan team had all the guts and courage to challenge a stronger side. I knew without Shoaib the bowling attack was not lethal but the bowlers on tour were talented enough to pose a serious threat to India’s batting. Inzamam-ul-Haq was in command of very limited resources when his team toured Australia compared to the bagfuls of star players available to Ricky Ponting. However the way Inzamam led his side and developed it into a cohesive outfit towards the end of the tour was simply great.

 

It’s not only about the win in the last Test in India, it’s also about the way Pakistan played the whole Test Series. If anyone wants to know the meaning of squaring a series against India in India, then he should ask the great Steve Waugh who failed to win the series although he had experienced and champion players at his disposal. . The way Inzamam and his Team fought on the 5th day in Bangalore was something special. Believe me it is never easy to take all 10 wickets in a day especially of a team with one of the best batting line-ups. Credit goes to all the players who never gave up even when at lunch it seemed India were looking certain to draw the match.

 

The skipper did a wonderful job. He was sharp, determined, and aggressive enough to never allowed the Indian batsmen to relax. The way he used his bowlers was superb particularly Shahid Afridi, who whenever was called upon by Inzamam produced a wicket.

 

I am sure this great win will bring lots of good things for Pakistan cricket. First of all this win is important for Inzamam himself as his captaincy was never appreciated by most critics and was openly criticised by Imran Khan. Secondly this win is also important for Younis Khan who also played a key role for Pakistan but suffered criticism from the team management when he failed to deliver in the first Test.

 

Last but not the least, this win will act as a morale booster for the young who must by now believe they can beat strong teams including India in the one-day series even without having Shoaib around.

 

I wish Inzamam and the boys the best of luck for the coming one-day series for they have certainly nailed the skeleton back in the coffin.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2005 Hassaan Saad Tariq)