Finally, Pakistan have seized the opportunity. Finally, they have been able to finish what they started. Finally, a victory for Pakistan in a test match, and that too against Australia. But even a Pakistani victory is also not without any drama and this one was no different. Although this did not come without the usual Pakistani hiccups, still they were able to hold on and go all the way. Making a small second innings target look very big and make a mess of it is nothing new in Pakistan test cricketing books. The only difference this time was that they were able to chase it down. The Pakistani captain, in a post match interview said that he had asked his batsmen to stay relaxed at the crease and play their natural game. Barring Imran Farhat, and that too surprisingly, everybody else, captain included, was anything but relaxed. Probably they had their SCG demons on their minds and wanted to get the runs as quickly as possible. They have to start learning that batting in a test match is about temperament. You occupy the crease for as long as possible and runs will flow. You have to back yourself after playing every delivery and forget who your opponent is. You have to realize how good you are.
Salman Butt also showed good signs at the helm of captaincy but still needs improvement. At times he gave a pontingesque look by making brilliant bowling changes to break a partnership and at times he was too defensive and let the batsmen get away. Pakistan should have taken the extra hour at the end of the third day and tried to get as many runs as possible. They should have realized that the Australian bowlers are tired and the advantage was clearly with Pakistan. Instead they went for a conservative approach and left it for the next day. Even the Australian captain was amused at Pakistan not taking the extra hour option. And the next day nearly brought the downfall of Pakistan yet again. They lost seven wickets to get the remainder 40 runs whereas they had lost only three to get the first 140.
Pakistan should now try to get the positives out of this game and focus on the upcoming test series with England. They should realize that they too can beat any team and be positive with the body language. A test match is not over until you have conquered all the required sessions. One cannot take one session and claim the whole match.
By Razi Bilal
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