Pakistan beat the demons within

Before harbouring any hope of conquering India, Pakistan had to overcome its own self-doubt and defeatist attitude. They finally got it righ...

Before harbouring any hope of conquering India, Pakistan had to overcome its own self-doubt and defeatist attitude. They finally got it right 8212; not everything, but enough to halt India8217;s triumphant march and, in the process, carve out a most creditable, series-equalling victory.

With their stock of self-esteem in the cellar and their public image in mud after Multan, the popular perception here being that Pakistan had perhaps lost its winning touch or even desire for victory, and given their listless demeanour, a 3-0 drubbing was more or less inevitable.

Even otherwise it would have been difficult for any outfit to claw its way back in as emphatic a manner as has this side packed with greenhorns; despite being the world champions the Aussies had revelled after such an outcome against the same Indians earlier in the year. There were five main reasons for Pakistan8217;s comeback.

For starters, the turf made a difference. It supported Pakistan8217;s strength, its pace attack. Just looking at the green top gave the speed trio a lift. And though the Indians recognized the value of staying positive and Rahul Dravid made the strategically correct decision, pitch with rass has traditionally unnerved them. It was no exception this time round.

Secondly, Pakistan played with discipline, perhaps seeing the example set by the Indians at Multan. Not just the bowlers but the batsmen and the team in the field 8212; the victory was possible only because the whole team put in every endeavour to achieve it.

Divine intervention 8212; also played a role. The injuries to Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan and Shabbir Ahmed could not have happened at a more opportune time. The hands of selectors and the team management was forced and Pakistan, for the only time in this series, got its combinations absolutely right.

Inzamam8217;s captaincy, leading from the front and keeping his cool when he was facing wrath of critics and ordinary fans alike. It was nothing but solid grit that made him play that flawless innings that took the game away from India.

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But it was the bowling that was a revelation. There was not one single contribution huge enough to have alone demolished India, but the sum total of all parts was good enough to bowl out the Indians twice.

When on day one, Shoaib and Sami were again wanton and profligate, Gul showed the way with seam and swing bowling of such sublime quality that it ripped the heart out of the Indian batting. Then Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan8217;s splendid rearguard was snuffed out by Danish Kaneria.

Shoaib and Sami regained pace and hostility and some direction too on day three, and Gul perhaps bowled the ball of the series to dismiss Laxman 8212; it landed on leg and middle, swung to beat Laxman8217;s normally broad blade and knocked off the off-stump. The form that Pakistan bowling struck at Lahore is ominous for India. On countering it well and prospering against it would depend whether they realise their cherished dream of a first Test series win in Pakistan.