Random Thoughts

Slow and accurate won the game!

Last night’s match between India and Pakistan at the 20-20 cricket world cup venue was nothing less than a hair-raising thriller. After struggling with batting in the new format of the game, India could succeed in tying the match at the end in a series of dramatic events. And, it later won the fast finish by 3-0 with equal drama.

But, some doubt lurked in my mind over the strange manner in which Pakistan gave in. They had a superb balling spell led by Asif who picked up 4 wickets and conceded fewer runs. While batting, they were in real trouble in the middle of the game. Later on, however, they made a smart recovery and reduced the target from 12 runs in 6 balls to just 1 run in 2 balls in the final over! Now, this is not a tough target to meet for a team as experienced as that of Pakistan and that too when you have ample wickets in hand. But, somehow, the Pak side could manage not to make a single run on the last two balls. Further, during the quick hit spell after the match was tied, none of the Pak bowlers could hit the stumps in the three attempts, while their Indian counterparts could. India used all the spinners, while Afridi was the only spinner from the Pak side during the quick hit round.

This defeat is really very strange on the part of Pak team. They were almost there. Hope, there was no match fixing during the last few moments as Pak would qualify for the next round even if they lose the game!

posted by Ranjit @ 9/15/2007 01:36:00 pm