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| Tuesday, 16 March 2004 |
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It was cricket, luv'rly cricket by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle India and Pakistan played some excellent cricket in the First of Five one-dayers at the Karachi National Stadium on Saturday and it was fully worth the long wait of 14 years to see these two teams do battle. What made this game go to the final over was the splendid wicket that was prepared by the stadium curator. It was a wicket meant for this type of cricket and what a finish it went to provide. Watching the game unfold live on Ten Sports, it brought out the best from the teams and it was thrill a minute encounter which will live long in those who were fortunate to be on the ground and those watching it on television. And describing all that was happening out in the middle were some of the best TV commentators in Ian Chappell, Ian Healey, Dean Jones, Robin Jackman, Sanjay Manjrekar and Ramiz Raja. Their descriptions and comments were fantastic and they kept their viewers glued to their sets every moment of the game. It was a revelation to see the wonderful wicket that was provided for this clash that everyone had to wait for 14 long years to watch. Limited over cricket demands that wickets be provided for those playing the game to enjoy and give of their best and provide entertainment to the spectators. And this wicket was a marvellous work of art. Let other curators where cricket is being played take an example, because spectators flock to see a game going the full distance and not cut down without a contest. Imagine that nearly 700 runs were scored in 100 overs. That is what limited over cricket is all about. At the end India proved the better side and won by just five runs. It proved that winning or losing is not what matters but how one played the game. And these Indians and Pakistanis really played to that axiom. The Indian and Pakistani spectators are some of the most vociferous and hard to please. The players from both teams played to their best and provided the spectators with what they were yearning for. Had the game ended without going the full distance, the spectators would sure have vented their wrath and it would not have been good for the game and those who made the tour possible after so long. One must also congratulate the spectators for their splendid and exemplary behaviour. They cheered both teams and showed that cricket is the great leveller and that sport can be the great healer. When the Indians batted first after being asked by the Pakistanis, what a batting exhibition was provided by Sehwag, Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly. And then when Pakistan replied skipper Inzamam Ul Haq tore into the Indian attack with incredible strokes ably supported by Youhanna, Khan and Razzack. It was just one of those things that Pakistan failed to win. In the end it was the wonderful game of cricket that triumphed. For this, the teams must be congratulated and it is hoped that they will continue the good work in the remaining games. |
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