Pakistani Victory: A mere Ramadan Gift?  

- Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal

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[No reduction is allowed]

It seems Pakistan has played one of the most sensible matches on 18 September against a friendly Sri Lanka. For Pakistan every thing that ended well also brought them the first victory for the ICC Champions Trophy warm-up between Pakistan and Sri-Lanka at Benoni, Willowmoore Park, South Africa. This satisfying win by 108 runs for Pakistan can be only the beginning and they would win the trophy, provided they play displaying their skills and talent as well as few tricks in the forthcoming matches. Otherwise, it would be presumed that Sri Lanka just Ramadan-gifted an easy win for a friendly Pakistan to woo them probably to lose eventually. A fluke win is no good for the world Champions of twenty20.

Initially, Pakistan was initially in trouble, slipping to 64 or 3, after the experienced pair of Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf failed to get going. Opener Kamran revived Pakistan by continuing to score at a brisk pace, and they went on to a massive score after Misbah-ul-Haq and highly rated youngster Umar Akmal made half-centuries. Kamran Akmal hit 82 off 78 balls and Naved-ul-Hasan took 5 for 41 as Pakistan eased to a 108-run victory against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was struggling at 83 for 5 by the 23rd over. Mahela Jayawardene had called on the top order to fire last week, but it flopped in the face of a daunting target of 307. However, Pakistan should keep in mind that South Africa laid down an early marker as they piled up 388 for 4 against West Indies at Potchefstroom.

Skipper Younis Khan should insist on the need for strong partnerships. Ya, hopefully, Pakistan would prove that they have indeed come out of their fault line and begin to play for achievement in reminiscence of legend Imran Khan Team. That means, Pakistan will clinch the Trophy with ease too.

- Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal