Champion's Trophy: Pakistan show character in defeating Sri Lanka

---

I admit I've always sneered at the Champion's Trophy as a lesser and more pointless cousin to the World Cup (particularly when only a few months separate them). The poor state of the pitches and lacklustre matches so far haven't helped its cause. However, in spite of myself, I find I'm being drawn into it. It's mainly to see if the England-Australia matches will serve as a barometer for the Ashes similar to the ODI and Twenty20 matches last year. And I took great interest in Pakistan's victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Losing their top quicks Shoaib and Asif to failed drugs test was a grave blow - even worse than Australia losing Warnie before the World Cup. I wonder if the team can replicate Australia's success and go on to win the tournament (I doubt it). Nevertheless, the boys rallied and showed great character in overcoming Sri Lanka who had good momentum after caning the West Indies. It must be tough on the nerves being a Pakistan cricket fan - I don't know if any other team takes you on such a rollercoaster ride. They went from the heights of a series victory over England (how sweet was that?!) to the Darrell Hair debacle. Things couldn't get much lower but somehow they managed it with losing one captain, another resigning, the PCB head resigning and the failed drug tests. And back up again with this latest victory.

Australia play their first game tonight (I hope ABC radio are covering it) against the West Indies. Everyone is expecting the Aussies to crush the Windies although I'm not so sure. Brian Lara has a habit of pulling something special out of the bag when he faces us, as shown just recently when they defeated us a few weeks ago. The way the West Indies can run hot or cold, you'd think they were the new Pakistan. I think (or hope) it will be a tight game with scores around 200 as the batsmen play the pitch cautiously but Australia should prevail in the end. Expect a Mike Hussey led run-chase or McGrath choking a West Indies run chase in the latter overs (that's as specific a prediction as I'm willing to commit to).

---

Posted by JC on Wed 18 Oct

3 comments

What a great game that was...

I'll be watching Aus play WI tomorrow - GOod luck - I think it might be a low scoring match...

---

Posted by Omar Haq on 2006-10-18 14:08:43

Indeed, particularly if the Windies bat first :-)

---

Posted by JC on 2006-10-18 14:39:41

Post New Comment

You need to be logged in to post a comment. If you're new, register here. Existing users, login via the right margin.