As we approach the end of the first decade of the 21st century, what are your good and bad memories… things or events you will remember as you grow older…
Best…
Pakistan v India final at the inaugural T20 World Cup
Pakistan come from behind win at the second T20 world cup
Shahid Afridi’s re-birth as a bowling all rounder
Ashes 2005
Birth of the IPL
Worst…
Inzi’s refusal to step onto the field after tea break on the fourth day of the 2006 Oval test, only to change his mind minutes later.
Terrorists attack cricketers in Lahore
Pakistan Cricket Board continues to operate as a dysfunctional organization
Pakistan beating Australia in ODI series in 2002 under Waqar. that was a top Aussie team and we beat them fair and square.
Pakistan winning T20 WC. even though I think ppl went way over the top and celebrated as if we'd won the 50 over world cup which is the real deal... but this was special because of the situation at home and the boycott we were facing. it was an emotional win. watching Younis with the Pak flag draped around him was special. plus any win that comes with the discovery of a special talent (Aamir) is really pleasing.
worst:
the Lahore attack on SL cricketers... sad and humiliating in more ways than one. nothing comes close.
Bob Woolmer's untimely death. he could have revolutionized Pak cricket if he was given the support he deserved.
don't know if it counts in this decade but losing the 1999 world cup final was painful. that tophy should have come home to Pakistan. it was just right... but our awful, awful batsmen killed it for us...
losing the 2003 world cup and watching all the greats I grew up watching bow out in ignominy. after this, I stopped caring as much... nothing hurt much afterwards. I'm not as connected with Pak cricket as I used to be and I don't feel as strongly about this set of players as I used to about the guys from the 90s.
all in all, I think the last decade hasn't had that many great moments for Pak cricket, imo... but a lot of dark, dark days... on the field but especially off the field.
forgot to mention the ODI series and test series wins over India under Inzi (can't remember the year). they were special too... as was the emergence of Asif (at least initially)...
forgot to mention the ODI series and test series wins over India under Inzi (can't remember the year). they were special too... as was the emergence of Asif (at least initially)...
Correction: We drew the test series in India 1-1 and won the one-day series 4-2 under Inzi in 2006
Worst
Losing to the Irish and Woolmer's death, attack on sri lankan team (our friends in the world of cricket), ICC decision to stop tours and games in Pakistan.
Best
20/20 WC win, MoYos Islam and record breaking in 2006
England’s (test) tour of Pakistan - The england side that was winning series left and right and was on an ashes high. The career high I’d guess of Kaneria.
Well noted, Akmal, Razzaq were absolute difference between India and Pakistan on those two days… Also the highlight of English tour was Shoaib super performance as well. that was the only time I thought he is a true champ
