We have, we will

After 13 years, Pakistan have reached a World Cup final and fans are ecstatic

It has been a rollercoaster ride for Pakistan in this T20 World Cup, which is being played in Australia. A journey that can only be associated with the Men-in-Green as no other team can pull it off. A campaign that was full of ups and downs, and by downs we mean embarrassingly downs.

They started their campaign by losing an immensely close contest to the arch-rivals India. In their second game, they could not chase down a meagre target of 131 runs against Zimbabwe.

The Green Caps were pronounced as one of the first teams to exit the tournament. The world thought it was the end for Pakistan in the World Cup.

But there were Pakistani fans still confident that their team will make it to the semi-finals. They had their calculators out, fingers crossed and prayed to God as much as they could.

And the miracle happened. Saqlain Mushtaq’s ‘qudrat ka nizam’ kicked in. The Green Caps won their next two games against the Netherlands and South Africa, the team that was considered the toughest one in their group.

Now, it all came down to the Dutch beating the Proteas for Pakistan’s qualification. Everyone had just plainly ruled that possibility out. But to everyone’s surprise, they did it and Pakistan only had to win against Bangladesh for a berth in the semi-finals, which they eventually did.

Once they qualified for the last four, it looked like there was no stopping for them. Indian experts like Aakash Chopra said firmly on his YouTube that Pakistan are going to Melbourne after how they reached this stage.

Interestingly, none of the experts pinpointed any strength of Pakistan like they have formidable bowling or reliable batting, which will help them beat New Zealand. They just said it out of their strange belief in Pakistan, keeping history in view. ‘When Pakistan makes a comeback like this, they go far,’ was a popular way to predict their next encounter.

And this is what exactly happened. New Zealand, who crushed the tournament favourites Australia in the opening game of the tournament and were the best team of the event so far, were just blown away by the Shaheens.

Now, Pakistan will take on England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The same venue where Imran Khan’s boys faced Graham Gooch & Co in the World Cup 1992 final.

There has been enough discussion about the uncanny similarities between the former champions’ journey 30 years back and their run in their year’s World Cup, so we will not dive deeper into it.

Pakistan have been the most successful team in T20 World Cups, playing six semi-finals and three finals, where they stood victorious in 2009.

All eyes are now focused on Sunday, waiting anxiously. Will Pakistan repeat history or will England rewrite it?

Fans’ expectations

The fans are all excited for the grand finale between the two giants. They all have already planned where they will watch the game and how they will celebrate the mega win.

“Although I am afraid to support Pakistan because of its unpredictable nature; however it is my homeland, so no chance to be with any other side,” said Rabail Arif, who is a mother of two and a housewife, while talking to Bol News. “We have invited over our family, we will watch the game together with the sound bar on and, of course, along with snacks.”

After a span of 13 years, Pakistan are on a brink of winning a World Cup. It is a long period and fans have forgotten the taste of winning the event. Therefore, they are eager to celebrate, already planning what to do when Babar Azam gets his hands on the trophy.

“I haven’t planned anything but maybe dance along with others,” said Sameer Adil, who is a marketer and a sports enthusiast. Meanwhile, others are keeping the celebration much simpler.

Another cricket fan feels Pakistan fans memes are enough to make their day after the win. “Celebrations would probably not be too grand but the internet memes post a win would serve to be entertaining for sure,” said Bushra Farooqui, who is a graphic designer by profession.

On the other hand, As Saqlain pointed out, where there is morning, there is night and when there is win, there is defeat. So, no matter how much you love your team and trust your players, there is always a fear of losing the game.

The defeat, after such a tough journey, will leave the fans disappointed. However, the fans are mentally preparing themselves for the heartbreak.

“It will be a sad thing, but I will support my team,” said Hammad Bin Saleem, who is a resident of Korangi. “You see New Zealand and South Africa struggling against us and to qualify even for the finals. I will embrace the defeat gracefully as well.”

Rabail echoed Hammad’s words and stated, “It is a part of the game, of course, we will be hurt if Pakistan lose the game but we should face it with pride that at least we’ve made it to the finals anyhow.”

The fans want their team to play fearless cricket as they have been doing after losing to Zimbabwe. They want to watch a good match and not a one-sided affair.

“The message for the team is to be aggressive, especially in fielding. They should come hard at the opposition and back each other up. In short, do not play in silence, go all guns blazing,” advised Hammad.

This bunch of boys are absolutely adored back home. After a long time, there is a Pakistan team that is loved and idolised by kids and fans. And this has happened just because of their never-say-die attitude, which was missing for a long time in Pakistan cricket.

“The team spirit of never losing hope, sticking together through everything and coming back up roaring from the bottom is what always warms our hearts,” says Bushra. “Especially the faith and absolute intent that our young players show in every match reflect how completely invested they are in giving their best and that’s the best thing about our team.”

Fans’ support is essential for a side, but it is not enough to win a team a grand contest like a World Cup final. The unit that plays well on the day will be crowned as the champions.

So, how do Pakistan and England fare against each other in this format?

Head-to-head

England and Pakistan have faced each other in the shortest format of the game 28 times, where the Three Lions have a clear advantage, winning 18 of them, while the Men-in-Green won nine.

England have won nine matches while batting first and nine while bowling first, so there is no indication where the English side struggle against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, they have locked horns twice before in a World Cup fixture and on both occasions England have got the better of Pakistan, winning by 48 runs in 2009 and by six wickets in 2010.

All these numbers are not much encouraging for the Green Caps. However, it will be a new day, a new venue and a new contest.

Players to watch out for

Pakistan are fortunate to have their three key performers, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, in form ahead of the big game. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan has been the pick of the players for the Green Caps throughout their campaign.

However, the player to watch out for in the Greens will be young Mohammad Haris, who has changed the complexion of the Pakistan team since his World Cup debut.

He has played three impactful innings against South Africa, Bangladesh and New Zealand, scoring 28 (11), 31 (18) and 30 (26), respectively.

England will be wary of this kid’s potential and will be looking to get rid of him as soon as possible as he has been swinging games in Pakistan’s favour in no time.

On the other hand, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales found their supreme form and it must be mammoth task for Pakistani bowlers to stop them.

Left-arm pacer Sam Curran has been among the highest wicket-takers in the tournament. One player that has been out of touch in the campaign and has bothered Pakistan previously is Harry Brook and he is very much capable of being a surprise package for the opposition.

It is hard to label one of the two teams as clear favourites to lift the trophy. It is expected to be a cracker of a contest. Meanwhile, whether you are Pakistan, England, India or whoever’s fan, you got to pray for the rain to stay away as there is a high possibility of downpours on both the final and the reserve day.

Let’s hope that we get to watch a competitive game in the right spirit with all 40 overs bowled (and with Babar Azam lifting the trophy.)