SPORT - India Pips Pakistan in 'Goodwill' Series

THE MUSLIM WEEKLY 2004
India Pips Pakistan in 'Goodwill' Series

Tanveer Ahmed
(Reports from Peshawar and Lahore)

Results of 5 Match One-Day Series

1) Karachi - India 349-7 & Pakistan 344-8
(India win by 5 runs)
0-1
2) Rawalpindi - Pakistan 329-6 & India 317 all-out
(Pakistan win by 12 runs)
1-1
3) Peshawar - India 244-9 & Pakistan 247-6
(Pakistan win by 4 wickets)
2-1
4) Lahore - Pakistan 293-9 & India 294-5
(India win by 5 wickets)
2-2
5) Lahore - India 293-7 & Pakistan 253 all-out
(India win by 40 runs and wrap-up series)
2-3

(The first two games were high-scoring as well as close while the subsequent
three petered out awaiting a grand finale that never materialised)

Pulsating Drums and 'water-tight' security (5km security cordon) and a
raucous crowd at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar were my introduction to
the Samsung Cup at the 3rd One-day International in Peshawar. Indian
Sub-continental culture (or Asian culture to us) at its loudest I thought,
considering that rival fans were intermingling with apparent mutual respect
for each other.

My local journalist friend and I had great trouble piercing
the security ring set in motion for this extravaganza. Hospitality was
typically excellent and true to form, lets not forget, this was the North
West Frontier Province after all (NWFP). Crowds had gathered hours before
the game and I also noted Military planes flying over from time to time
(presumably taking a break from their ongoing Wana operation).

Security in Lahore appeared lax in comparison although there was still
presence of cavalry and open-top mounted machine guns.It made me think about
the backdrop to this series and the importance of people to people contact
which would lead to empathy for each other and where it becomes a
non-zero-sum game (i.e where both parties benefit, not one at the expense of
the other).

This was perhaps best symbolised by the eruption of firecrackers
upon Indian Victory (In Lahore!) This many see as underlining an excellent
spirit that emerged throughout this series. International Sport necessitates
competition and hence pride, combine that with Nationalistic fervour on an
intense scale engulfing meetings between the two countries. the famous poet
of yesteryear Goerge Orwell went as far as talking about 'mimic warfare'

Match-Fixing:

Some within the media fraternity as well as the public suggest a
stage-managed, well-choreographed series which aimed to entertain the public
taking into consideration the benefits of an improved relationship between
two neighbours that have been at odds for longer than necessary. This at the
expense of sporting competitiveness.
Example being cited: 4th One-day; India went from 94-4 in chasing 293 and
finished with 5 overs to spare.

Who to watch out for:
In the Indian Team
Irfan Pathan
re-awakening art of swing-bowling (Used to devastating effect in final game
at Lahore)
Balaji- Fire at last in the Indian Tail-I can vouch for that because he
nearly hit me with a towering six in the press gallery in Peshawar
Pakistan
Shabbir - Tall and wily and can at times bowl exceptionally well (as in
Peshawar)
Yasser Hamid - Really asserting himself now in the opening slot, unflinching
and undaunted in approach.

Pakistan's Common Ailments:
Nothing changes much I am afraid, Inzamam talks about his bowlers mentally
too vulnerable to bowl to a team (of India batting second. Twice Pakistan
opted to field (contrary to popular custom). Which brings me to Fielding
errors which still apparent, although we musn't forget some of the briliant
cathes and stops made during this series.

Complacency, laxity, losing focus: are issues which Pakistan still need to
address. Batsmen not able to pierce field as often as they would like. They
have been very generous and sparing with extras. To not put too fine a point
on it and taking this as a final criticism, there is a common complaint that
Pakistan give wickets away too early and too often (through 'fishing'
outside the off-stump and other similar yet equally self-inflicting
measures).

Some of these featured highly in the final game in Lahore. For example,
Pakistan gave wickets away early (through loose shots) after having
contained India (relatively speaking) to 293 on a flat, placid pitch ripe
for scoring. (Bear in mind, Pakistan have never had a set, winning formula:
Even the World Cup win in 92 occurred only after many unlikely factors came
into being, not least the weather). Some argue that they need to go back to
the drawing board once again.

Nevertheless, they have enjoyed the favour of the Crowd (many a time
deservedly so) and they have appropriately conditioned themselves (keeping
quiet when they want the team to concentrate/concsolidate their position and
firing them up when they are on a roll. Of course, going against them when
they mess up should also be included in this equation).

The highlight I suppose was the Pakistani captain Inzamam's performances
which warranted him becoming the Man of the Series after consistently
batting well and with consummate ease.

Press Conference: Post-Match 5th One-Day International-Lahore

Inzimam gave many standard responses (Lets be fair, he did get a lot of
standard questions). He was visibly dissapointed but remained upbeat about
the upcoming Test Series, I couldnt help but ask him about Pakistan's
one-day strategy and whether there was (alas) a need for further
development. I also asked him, to what extent did he miss Saeed Anwar (whose
record proves him to be a thorn in India's side). His response was that he
was satisfied with the team's current strategy and that indeed who wouldnt
miss a player of such pedigree?

Ganguly, in contrast looked (justifiably) proud and relishing the success
that hard, committed teamwork had produced. He agreed with me that India
should play Pakistan more often and make the bond of friendship stronger.
Efforts to cement the relationship have been carried out at every diplomatic
and bereaucratic level conceivable. This cricket series has inherently
facilitated that process.