#TFGtake: How Pakistan proved bowlers win not only games, but trophies too
WHEN PAKISTAN qualified as the eighth and final team for the Champions Trophy, they were not even considered as the potential semifinalists, let alone being billed as the contenders for the elusive title. However, much to the surprise of all, the mercurial Pakistan unit conquered several obstacles en route to their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Once again, Pakistan proved to the world that they have arguably the most crafty bowlers in the world and while they might not have adequate experience, but in terms of skills they are second to none!
From Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan to Hasan Ali, everybody chipped in with match-winning spells. Here we look at how four defining spells of pace bowling against four quality teams ensured that the men in green had the last laugh.
After being hammered by arch-rivals India in their opening game, Pakistan's looked dead and buried. Many pundits questioned Pakistan ability along with their submissive body language. Some former cricketers even derided them and ridiculed their first-class structure. However, in their next game against the Proteas, their bowlers stepped up and set the tone for a significant win.
Here, we rewind back to how a few magical spells from their pacers set the tone for Pakistan.
HASAN ALI leaving South Africa's middle order in a disarray
After the spinners gave the initial breakthrough, the South Africans were trying to resurrect their innings. And, since Amir was going wicketless, the pressure was all on Hasan Ali, who bowled a dream spell- conventional and reverse swing, including regular change in pace. Using the dryness of the wicket, Ali cleaned up Faf du Plessis and soon sent JP Duminy and Wayne Parnell packing with back-to-back rippers. Ali's inspired spell left South Africa reeling at 118/6 on a decent batting wicket. In the end, his spell turned out to be decisive as the South African's were bundled out for only 219. In the end, the 22-year-old ended with figures 8-1-24-3.
Mohammad Amir & Junaid Khan- hunting in pair vs Sri Lanka
In the knockout game before the semis, just when it appeared that the Sri Lanka would go on to pile close to 300 on the board, Junaid and Amir rocked Lanka's middle order by removing Angelo Mathews, D Silva, Niroshan Dickwella and T Perera in quick succession. The two left-armers reduced Sri Lanka from 161/3 to 167/4 in a span of four overs. This spell of hostile and accurate bowling broke Lanka's momentum as they could only manage 236 in the end. Although, Pakistan staying true to their 'unpredictable' tag almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, but Amir chipped in with the willow too down the order to save the day for Pakistan. In the end, it was the match-winning spell by the duo that turned out to be decisive in Pakistan booking their place in the semis.
Hasan & Junaid tighten the screws on England in the semis
On a wicket which wasn't easy to score given the two-paced nature of the pitch, Junaid and Hasan came up with some disciplined bowling to tighten the screws on the hosts. At the end of the 30 overs England were around the 140 run mark with 7 wickets in hand and given their potent middle & lower order, a total of 280-300 looked definitely achievable. That said, Hasan removed England skipper Eoin Morgan by frustrating him with frugal bowling and Junaid too got rid of the dangerous duo- Jos Butler & Moeen Ali. Suddenly, England derailed from 140/3 to 162/6. While Ben Stokes tried to hang in, accurate bowling from the duo kept the all-rounder frustrated and he too was gobbled up in the end by Sarfraz of the bowling of Junaid. In the end, England could only manage 211.
Amir rips through the Indian top-order in the final
Many experts opined that after his return to cricket post the ban, Amir struggled to make any serious impact with the ball. While it was true to some extent, the 25-year-old chose the perfect moment to announce his arrival onto the international scene again. After Pakistan has posted a daunting total of 339 against India in the finals, everybody expected the in-form Indian top-order to come out firing on all cylinders. However, an inspired Amir trapped Rohit Sharma off only his third delivery for a duck and also outclassed Virat Kohli (twice) in his following over. Later, he also dislodged a dangerous looking Shikhar Dhawan. In a span of 5 overs, Amir had wrecked havoc in the Indian dressing room with three quick wickets. Amir's probing and devastating spell left India in tatters at 33/3 inside 10 overs and since then, the men in blue never recovered. In fact, it was arguably the best spell of bowling seen in 2017 Champions Trophy.
Interestingly, all the wickets in the tournament aided the batsmen, and despite being the worst batting line-up on paper, unable to capitalise on the friendly batting conditions, it was their seamers who brought them glory.
Pakistani bowlers' heroics further emphasized, regardless of the conditions, the bowlers not only win you games but major trophies too.
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