Bengali Tigers win our hearts

Bengali players after the final

Today's historic Asia Cup final between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be cherished by cricket fans for a long time for many different reasons. However, here, I would like to shed some light on one important aspect called the spirit of the game. In the midst of a competition, we (fans and players) are often so high on adrenaline that we underestimate the emotional aspect of the game; our competitive drive suppresses our ability to think and behave like humans and our narrowly-focused goal of winning at any cost makes us forget that our actions can have dire consequences. For instance, today, Pakistani team and fans were so jubilant after the win that many of us forgot that our counterparts were also humans. On PTV, many fans were shown dancing to the beat music while Bengali players and fans were profusely crying after a heartbreaking loss. After those scenes, I was truly disgusted with myself. Instead of being proud at winning the Asia Cup, I was embarrassed by how insensitive and inconsiderate we have become. I must also admit that Pakistani players and majority of fans acknowledged and praised Bengali players for fighting till the end, some thought that cricket was the true winner today and others went as far as to dedicate this win to Bangladesh. Hence, Pakistan might have lifted the Asia Cup, one thing is guaranteed that Bengali Tigers have conquered hearts of cricket lovers around the world.

Misbah and Sachin: secret agents?

Secret agents of the Sub-continent
Credit: thisisamericansoccer.com

Before the Asia Cup began, no one in their right mind would have predicted Bangladesh to beat India. However, home advantage and pressure-free batting has made Bangladesh a serious contender for the title. Today's match between Ind and Ban will also be written in golden words in history books because of SRT's achievement of a mammoth record: his 100th hundred. However, responsible innings from Tamim and Nasir, and blitzkrieg from Shakib and Mushfiqur put Indian fans in the dilemma of whether to laugh or cry at the end of the match. One thing is for sure that the much awaited battle between India and Pakistan now carries even more weight as India will be looking for a win for another shot at Pakistan in the final and Pak team will be aiming to erase horrifying memories of Mohali semi-final from its fans' brains.

On a totally random note, I have two points of consideration before this match. First, Misbah's match-losing performances against India should earn him some cheers from Indian fans. Second, the fact that Tendulkar's century often helps the opposition would have many Pak fans praying for his 101st ton.

Guilty once, guilty forever! Is it fair?

Misbah's crime
Credit: sportskeed.com

In sports, heroes are born under pressure. When it comes to cricket, nothing can match the pressure of an Indopak world cup final. Such was the case in the inaugural T20 World Cup Tournament in 2007. Misbah's magical hitting had brought Pakistan within the sighting distance of the world cup trophy, but his inability to finish resulted in a disappointing loss and that too to India in a world cup final. He was deemed guilty that day and that perception has not completely changed since. He has managed to become a temporary hero, however, first by guiding Pakistan to light after darkness of spot-fixing scandal and then by leading team to an historic whitewash of England in the Test series in UAE. However, Pakistan's (not just Misbah's) failure in Mohali and then drubbing against England in UAE have revived memories of Misbah as a villain. My question is: what's Misbah's mistake (yeah, you read it right)? Has no one ever failed like Misbah before? The answer is simply no. One example that comes to mind is Lance Klusenar against Australia in the 1999 world cup semifinal. Therefore, in my opinion, Misbah's mistake is that he failed against arch-rivals India at a crucial stage. A country that still cherishes Miandad's last ball six against India over 25 years ago, would never be able to overcome a heartbreaking loss to the same team. Hence, in sports, not only heroes, but villains are also born under pressure.

Miss-ball-haq disappoints fans again

Misbah once again failed to deliver at a crucial momet
Source: cricinfo

The same man who was lauded as the savior of Pakistan cricket after the test series is now under the microscope for another heartbreaking loss. There is no doubt that Misbah had a golden opportunity to seal the series win for Pakistan, but so did U. Akmal, Afridi and even Azam. Overall, bowling was brilliant but Gul failed to deliver and Cheema also did not help the cause by bowling a full toss on the last bowl of the innings which was sent into the crowd by brilliant KP and proved to be the difference in the end. Pakistan were also below average in the field compared to England's outstanding performance which included Afridi's crucial run out. That being said, England deserve credit for staying in the game for 38 overs and finishing strong in the last 2 overs, when the game was at stake. As far as Misbah is concerned, although he has done wonders for Pakistan cricket, his monumental failures have deprived Pakistan of at least one and possibly two world cup titles and caused huge disappointment for passionate fans. As a captain, his inability or unwillingness to quickly adapt and react to changing situations in limited forms of cricket are also a reason for concern. In my opinion, however, he deserves another chance to prove himself in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Let the fun begin!

T20 captains and trophy. Source: cricinfo

After two one-sided series, England and Pakistan step into the land of unpredictable i.e. the world of T20's. Before this fun begins, there are a few points to be noted. England are the reigning World T20 champs and unpredictable Pakistan are currently the uncrowned king of this format. England have the confidence and momentum to win and Pakistani tigers are once again cornered where they are the most dangerous. England have another chance of conquering an Asian side in Asia and Pakistan have the golden opportunity to avenge the ODI whitewash. All of these points may be important off the field, but frankly, they do not mean much on the field. One aggressive partnership or one breathtaking spell of bowling can change the course of a T20 game. It is equally important to note that in shorter formats quick decisions and proactive approach matters the most. Hence, in my opinion, the difference between the winner and the loser will be the number of critical mistakes.