Epic Pace

Cricinfo:

Turn back the clock and you will find many moments where Pakistan's bowlers have stunned the senses with their wizardry: through the tumultuous English summer of '92, then the one-off Hamilton Test a year later when New Zealand plunged from 67 for 3 to 93 all out chasing 127; At Lord's in 1996 England, batting for a draw on the fifth day, were going steady at 171 for 2 chasing an unattainable 408 before being shunted out for 242. Move on to Old Trafford in 2001 when England again were aiming for a draw on the final day before Pakistan snapped up eight quick wickets in the final session. If Australia do not give up till the very last minute, Pakistan have a unique ability to surprise at any time.

Their bowling is, and has been for many years, the key. For whatever reason, Pakistan has continually produced awesome fast bowlers. It's puzzling to look at India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and realize that those three similar countries combined don't have the pace talent to match up against what comes off the assembly line in Pakistan.

Of course, their batting and fielding has been atrocious recently. So, the rest of the cricket world can be thankful for that.