 The score was 139/5 in the 30th over. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, departed after a cameo, had dented the hopes of victory. It was looking gloomy
and Pakistan were in for another lack luster batting performance. In came Abdul
Razzaq who had not scored a half century in four years, and a century since
2004. Razzaq is known for hard hitting and little cameos, like he played against
England recently; smashing 44 off 21 balls. But the target was too much for
him. Nobody thought that Razzaq would play the innings of his life to see Pakistan
home. In the post match presentation Ramiz Raja said that nobody can
disagree that this was one of the greatest innings played in the history of
one day international cricket.
Razzaq started off cautiously. Fawad Alam struggling and keeping required
run rate high only meant more pressure on Abdul Razzaq. But as the great English
golf player Harry Vardon said that there are two types of players: one
who can win under pressure and one who cannot, Abdul Razzaq set out to prove
that he is of the tribe who can win under pressure.
Razzaq first showed a sign of aggression when he came down the track and hit
a six off Robin Peterson. After that it went quiet again with Razzaq and Alam
taking singles. Fawad Alam eventually found some momentum and Razzaq
started freeing his arms, hitting few boundaries and sixes. The two took the
score at 200 in the 40th over. It was possible but seemed highly improbable.
The turning point came when Pakistan took the Powerplay just at the right time.
Johan Botha conceded 11 runs in the first over of Powerplay. South Africans
caught up with that very soon Morne Morkel bowled two good overs and Fawad Alam
was dismissed in the Powerplay. Razzaq meanwhile reached his half century, he
started to look dangerous.
Pakistan needed 53 off four overs. It looked a far off dream. Then came the
big over from Charles Langeveldt, Abdul Razzaq thrashed him for three
maximums, taking 20 runs off him. The target was now reduced to 33 off three
overs. The problem was Pakistan only had two wickets in hand. Therefore Razzaq
knew that if Pakistan had to win it would be on his own. Langeveldt was put
for two more sixes and Pakistan needed 14 off last over with only one wicket
in hand. Razzaq thumped Albie Morkel for two more sixes, taking his match
tally to 10 sixes, before hitting a four to achieve the unthinkable. Pakistan
won the game. Razzaq scored 109 off 72 balls.
This would go down as one of the classics in cricket.
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