Afridi will play a vital role in the Final. Image courtesy AFP.
With less than 5 hours in the big game, the T20 fever climbs its peak as the world gets ready to witness a thrilling encounter between two teams which were never thought of reaching this far. Pakistan takes on Sri Lanka in the final game of the 2009 Twenty20 World cup at Lords, tonight.
The game comes only a day after exactly ten years when Pakistan played the final of 1999 World cup against the Aussies at Lords on June 20, 1999, which Pakistan lost by 8 wickets. Pakistani fans would definitely not want to remember any of those memories.
Pakistan’s road to the final was never an easy one, with very less international cricket in the past two years, Pakistan’s batting was a bit rusty. The green shirts lost both of their practice games. Pakistan couldn’t find the right batting combination until the game against New Zealand. Some splendid bowling performances from Pakistani bowlers helped the batters to adjust in the environment. The biggest challenge for Pakistan was the semi final game against South Africa, the tournament favorites, in which the Younis Khan’s men responded brilliantly. An all round team effort made sure that Pakistan books a berth in the Finals.
Good thing for Pakistan is that Shahid Afridi has finally found his touch in batting. A quick fire 30 with the bat and then smartly bowled 4 overs with the bowl can win the game for Pakistan. Umar Gul is finding the block hole more often than ever before and Saeed Ajmad’s doosras’ have been difficult to play for the batsmen. Bad news is that the hero of 2007 edition of the World T20, Misbah ul Haq is batting not even close to half of his abilities.
Sri Lanka still has the master blaster Sanath Jayasuriya at the top, his 30 minute stay on the crease can take the game away from any team. Dilshan’s ‘dilscoop’ is something unstoppable as he plays it with sheer skills. Mendis can be a threat if not attacked earlier in his bowling spell.
The hype is getting higher and higher, the expectations are increasing. People are arranging giant screens in their respective localities to watch the match with their neighbors, friends and family. Even PEPCO (Pakistan Electric Power Company ) is trying not to do any load shedding during the final. The crazy Pakistani nation is searching for a reason which could bring some smiles, this game can be that reason.
Pakistan, being in the headlines for all the wrong things, has finally made the world realize that they still are a force. A serious force which can beat the likes of Graeme Smith’s men. Green shirts are only one game away from the title of ICC World T20 2009. A much needed win that can possibly make things better for Pakistan, a country which is getting isolated from the world of cricket.
While, I want my team to win. Sri Lanka survived a near death experience in Pakistan. They’ve also come out of a real blood shed of a civil war.
They want (not need) the cup as much as Pakistan does.
Pakistan needs to show their strength, while Sri Lanka wants it because they deserve it and played throughout the tournament with sheer talent, skill and professionalism. Everyone has his reasons to win, Sri Lanka has their own, Pakistan has its own.
Its like with this cup, Pakistan cant be ignored easily. Pakistan is not playing much cricket from the last two years, and still if they manage to get their hands on the cup, it would be super cool.
WE DID IT!