How fitting that Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan took a second run on the arm of Ravindra Jadeja to secure Pakistan’s historic victory over India last night.
Arguably the best fielder in the world, it was indicative of the confidence, dare and poise with which Pakistan played, that their winning runs would come in such a fashion; brave enough to outplay what has hitherto been a stronger older brother at ICC World Cups.
Pakistan’s first ever victory over India at men’s World Cups, the historic result will forever be etched in the hearts of Pakistan players and supporters. The significance of the moment was not lost on the neutral observer, either, Nasser Hussain astute in commentary as the celebrations began:
“Take it in, Pakistan fans, you’ve waited a long, long time for this moment. Take it all in,” he quipped.
Boasting an on-field rivalry a fierce as any in world sport, India and Pakistan currently do not play bilateral series, due to ongoing political tensions. Consequently only facing each other at ICC sanctioned events, there is naturally an added sense of gravitas when they do lock horns.
A clinical display last night, Pakistan’s victory was set up by Player of the Match Shaheen Afridi (3/31) and completed by the experienced duo of Babar (68*) and Rizwan (79*). Though Kohli (57) was predictably impressive for India, the night belonged to Pakistan as they revelled in a record-breaking victory.
Strikingly, this match – more than its result – was a powerful reminder of cricket’s unifying force. Though off-field tensions remain high – to the point where the ICC barred supporters from bringing political banners into the Dubai International Stadium – the cricket itself was played with grace and humility.
Kohli congratulates the victorious Pakistani batters
In the immediate aftermath of the crushing ten-wicket defeat, Indian captain Virat Kohli was quick to congratulate the Pakistani batters – his smile broad as he shared well-wishes with his opponents. In a post-match press conference, he alluded to the fact that his side was simply outclassed:
“Credit is certainly due,” he said. “They outplayed us today… they were very professional.”
It mightn’t seem like much, and in reality, it’s not. For in cricket, there exists an inherent respect for each other and for the game.
Sir Donald Bradman famously observed that his vision for the game he loved was that:
“Cricket will continue to flourish and spread its wings, the world can only be richer for it.”
In this way, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame has a mission to honour that vision, and to promote the important role that cricket plays right around the world. With the capacity to bring different nations, cultures and peoples together, cricket’s potential is limitless.
For a game that places such value on an intangible spirit that exists alongside its laws, Bradman observed that cricket demands of its participants courage, honour and humility. It is heartening, then, to see these character traits on show from some of the game’s megastars after an historic and record-breaking display; traits that lead to prosperous and unified relations between the cricket playing nations of the world.
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