An Epic Finish

On the Cricket World Twenty20 final tomorrow:

That the two best, most varied, and most individualistic bowling sides have made it to the final of the premier tournament in Twenty20, a format that gives batsmen obscene liberty, is itself a cause for celebration. But if you allow yourself to see the broader picture, the matters of bat and ball become insignificant before the human possibilities the final offers. Among all those participating in this tournament, no two nations need the lift sporting success can bring more than Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Taliban supporters attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in my birth-city earlier this year. Sri Lanka, perhaps the most friendly cricketing nation to Pakistan, was stunned. They quickly went back home. Understandably, no country was interested in playing cricket in Pakistan.

Later, Pakistan was stripped of the right to host World Cup matches in 2011.

Recently, an undercooked Pakistani team started playing in a global, hypercricket tournament in England. Now, they are in the final. Their journey mirrors the jagged path of the 1992 Pakistan side. Then, Pakistan was thrashed in the early stages of the tournament. Then, they met the undefeated New Zealand side in their last group match.

The Kiwis were rudely beaten.

A few days later, the Pakistanis met New Zealand again. In the semi-final. Imran Khan's Pakistan beat them again. Pakistan vs. England in the final. Pakistan won the match as Rameez Raja made the last catch to end England's misery.

In 2009, Pakistan also met the heavyweight favorite in the semi-final: the well-oiled South Africans -- who had won 7 games in a row. And just like in 1992, the mechanical side was beaten.

In less than 24 hours, the two sides most affected by terror will meet in the final.

Going by how they have played so far, Sri Lanka deserve to win but Pakistan need it more. It's a cliché, but there will no losers tomorrow.

Comments

[slickdpdx]

Great post.

[Isaac Schrödinger]

Thanks.