Last-over choke a new low for Pakistan cricket

Tags: Australia tour of Pakistan 2014, Pakistan, Australia

Published on: Oct 14, 2014

It is difficult to remember a one-day game wherein the chasing side lost despite needing only two runs to win in the last over and having a few wickets in hand.

It is difficult to remember a one-day game wherein the chasing side lost despite needing only two runs to win in the last over and having a few wickets in hand. But, if ever there was one team that could lose the match from a position of such ease, it was Pakistan. And they did, against Australia on Sunday, to concede a 3-0 triumph to Australia. Glenn Maxwell bowled an incredible double-wicket maiden, but it has to be said, even Australia would be wondering how the result was achieved. With all due credit to Maxwell, it must be admitted that Pakistan kicked themselves in the foot for the umpteenth time.

There have been few instances of teams choking in the last over, but nothing as unbelievable as this. The match that instantly comes to mind is the 1993 Hero Cup semi-final between India and South Africa. Remember, Sachin Tendulkar bowled the last over in that game, and conceded only three runs whilst not claiming any wickets. But, even in that game, Tendulkar had six runs to play with. And, in comparison to what Maxwell had on Sunday, it looks a handful. The fact that Pakistan could not score two runs off a part-time bowler is an illustration of their lack of self-belief in themselves, as opposed to talent, which they have in plenty.

While the last over undoubtedly cost Pakistan a consolation win in the series, it must be said that the earlier batsmen also played their part in the defeat. The openers once again got the team off to a bright start, but they were guilty of not carrying on. The run rate was never an issue in the chase, and the conditions weren't difficult for batting either. Under such circumstances, all Pakistan needed was for a couple of their batsmen to occupy the crease for a decent amount of time. But, they failed to do even that. Like the openers, players in the middle and lower order also got starts and gave their wickets away, culminating in another disaster.

As Shahid Afridi rightly mentioned after the match, with such performances the Pakistanis would not be in a great frame of mind as they head into the World Cup. Ironically, Afridi has been one of the biggest culprits for Pakistan. Being the senior most player in the side hasn't made him a responsible batsman, and the team is suffering due to the same. Meanwhile, skipper Misbah-ul-Haq decided to voluntarily skip the game owing to poor form. And while that was a brave move, he needs to take a call on his ODI future rather swiftly, keeping the World Cup in mind.

In view of the youngsters' constant failures, Pakistan wouldn't be criticised if they look back to the services of veteran Younis Khan, who was dumped unceremoniously. He can provide the stability missing in the middle order. The series whitewash against Australia has been a real eye opener for Pakistan. They bowled well in the final game, but overall, their bowling was below par, exposing how heavily they depend on Saeed Ajmal. About their batting, the less said the better. These are clearly testing times for Pakistan cricket.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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