The Victory Of Youth..........

Monday 30th December was the day when Pak got optimistic of pulling of 252 with 7 wickets in hand. However, the dreams of such destiny were shattered in the opening over when Mitchell Johnson struck gold by dismissing Umar and Misbah with successive deliveries in identical fashion. Kamran and MoYo steadied the ship but before the lunch break Hauritz captured 2 scalps in successive deliveries by removing Kamran firstly stumped, beaten in flight and then Aamer in bat pad fashion as one just kicked out of the rough on a wearing 5th day surface for the simplest of catches. Rauf was bowled before the lunch break and it was the second over after lunch which sealed Pak’s fate as Hauritz once again captured 2 victims in the same over, the third time this sequence happened on the day. That was that.

The following test was a demoralising, heartbreaking and a visually destroying one because after Pak skittled Australia for 127, they ended up on the retreating end. It was looking beyond reality but was the eventuality. MoYo pathetic unjustifiable field setting along with Kami’s technical flaws deteriorated in the most unthinkable manner as Australia accepted an open invitation to get their heads back in the match and frustrate Pak with global embarrassment.

The series was over and the final test was a repetition of the first in terms of gradual cycle. Ponting regained his form like a demon and suggested why he was voted Wisden’s player of the decade. His innings and formidability underlined Australia’s ruthlessness when other teams fluff their chances as this defeat just accelerated on the woefulness of the already shambolic state of the PCB.

There was some hope that limited overs would bring back some confidence and form but as it stands it’s been a depressing episode of sheer humiliation as the series has been comprehensively concluded with Australia claiming the hounours 3-0. Now a whitewash becomes a frontline possibility and fear for the low moralised camp to dread.

However, the island a little further from the depression lies an abundance of hope, promise and emerging talent looking to establish themselves to the world at the U19WC. 30th January will be the date of the final and hopefully their phenomenal achievement and moment of triumph will put somewhat of an end and justify this month of depression and shambles in Australia with the most justifying, pleasing and satisfying manner labelled the – brilliance of youth.

We should support, recognise and acknowledge their performances, achievements and emergence because with their youthfulness and success, promises and ensures the future is much brighter. Unfortunately, the previous two occasions didn’t see a transfer of such ability and promise onto the international stage. However, in my enlightened perspective I feel that this tournament will see a grand breakthrough of a promising and prosperous future for a nation in desperation for sporting success.

This is why I feel this way:

1) Azeem Ghumman is a pro- active captain. Doesn’t look like captaincy material with his physique but he alternates the bowling and field setting well. Future captain of Pakistan?
2) Usman Qadir is a class act. He looks promising without too much exaggeration or favouritism involved due to his father’s image.
3) Hammad Azam is a mammoth prospect who has shown excellent nerves of steel to perform under pressure.
4) Babar Azam and Rameez Aziz look technically and temperamentally sound for international cricket in the foreseeable future.
5) 100% winning record represents consistency and professionalism.