So near and yet so far!

Almost 15 years and six months to the day, Misbah-ul-Haq took Pakistan within a hit of what could have their first title in a global event since Imran’s Tigers roared on the fateful evening of March 25, 1992. A paddle scoop broke hearts and sparked euphoria of millions on either side of the border. A match which Pakistan should have won easily was scripted in India’s favour by some poor stroke-play, wrong judgment and weak captaincy. Younis Khan, as often, led the demolition charge in favour of the opposition. First he dabbed to a cheeky single and ran-out his limping partner. Then gave a dolly to the Junior Pathan. What followed was a procession: Middle-order looked as they are desperate to catch first available flight home. Shoaib’s decision to send an all at sea Kamran Akmal at one down was beyond comprehension. Upon his turn, Malik could not place the ball anywhere except in Rohit Sharma’s hands and Afridi lived up to his reputation of playing senseless shots at crunch moments. At 77 for 6, Pakistan were down and out. But brilliant Misbah at the other end had already programmed the chase in his mind but he was running short of the partners. Needing just six of the last four balls, Misbah invented a shot that would haunt him for the life time. He would share something similar of what Lance Klusener had been contemplating since the Headingly semi-final in the 1999 World Cup – there were still few balls to go!. India turned out to be the deserving winners and Pakistan can take the solace that this was their first defeat on the field in the tournament, as earlier loss against India in Group match was decided on the bowl-out after the tie.

Misbah rues his luck as the Indians celebrate

In an event, where few had placed bets on national side’s reaching the finals, prior to the team’s arrival in South Africa, Pakistan can take many positives from the same. Apart from what is obvious one can now smell a hint of consistency in performance. Misbah and Tanvir have unleashed their priceless talents. Whereas Shahid Afridi found his tricks working with the leather and not the willow – for what he is usually known for. If he was to be chosen as the player of the tournament award for his batting displays, Pakistan would have been the ultimate winners.