A Cliffhanger of a Tie
It was a nail-biter, a real humdinger as nerves jangled for players and spectators, as one team down in the pits staged a dogged fight with gay abandon and the other, though under the pump, believed and survived. As a neutral audience, I was enthralled and entertained, by the battle between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, held yesterday, for the final spot in the Asia Cup super fours.
The ODIs are Still Alive
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed one of the finest ODI games played in recent times. This gives credence to the belief that 50-over cricket is still alive and has the potential to thrill and entertain the all-important crazy cricket fan. The match made an impression on me, particularly the performance of the Afghan Team and left me with no option but to pen down a post on this exceptional contest.
Some Indifferent Cricket
The Afghans had messed up against Bangladesh the other day and had gone down playing some indifferent cricket, bordering on the illogical at times and had got themselves in a hole. The equation was clear, they had to get 292 runs in 37.1 overs to trump Lanka and qualify for the next stage.
Mohd Nabi A True Afghan Legend
The start was the least desirable for the Afghans as both the openers fell early. Losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a big setback. He was expected to lead the chase but he perished in the 3rd over, often flattering to deceive, and it appeared that Afghanistan might cave in easily. However, what transpired was an exceptional turnaround, powered by Mohd Nabi who played a whirlwind knock of 65 of just 30 odd balls with Captain Hashmat Shahidi and the rest all contributing.
Valorous Afghans
The Afghans were fighting with great intent and purpose. Their audacity reflecting in their body language. They were not prepared to succumb to the Lankan pressure and despite losing wickets they kept up the momentum. They bled, but held on bravely, counter-punching with greater ferocity. The unexpected was appearing attainable but then, just short of a couple of runs, the Lankans held their nerve and pulled off an amazing victory. The lion-hearted Afghans had missed qualification by a whisker.
Faltering Steadiness
The Afghans fight hard and are known for their bravery. Their cricket team too is no different. Their batting looks good and they have one of the best spinners in the world. Their players play in leagues across the world and are well-equipped with cricketing skills. However, what they lack is consistency and regularity in their approach. They are unable to put two good games together and their fast bowling department too lacks bite.
Tricky Lankans
The Sri Lankans on the other hand have been consistent in their performances off late and will be a tricky team to face in the ongoing Asia Cup and the upcoming World Cup too.
Bravery will win you accolades, kudos and laurels, but not games all the time. To make winning a habit, you need to do the right things, time and time again. Courage with consistency is a winning formula. Hope the Afghans are listening.
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Featured Image : A dejected Rashid Khan