T- 20 World Cup

Congratulations Pakistan for their astounding victory over favourites Srilanka to lift the T-20 cricket World Cup at Lords stadium, London. The early dismissal of in-form Tilakaratne Dilshan (who became Man of the Series) costed Srilanka dearly. Pakistan once again proved their mettle in crunch situations and delivered when it mattered most. But I must admit, due to geographichal & cultural proximity I was more on the side of Srilanka. And the final match brought me the memories of the only International cricket-match I've watched live at a stadium : that was a group-match between Srilanka and Pakistan in 1999, at Sharjah(UAE). That match ended in a tie - a rarity in cricket-(and full value for money).

But Pakistan's unexpected success was more akin to their 1992-ODI worldcup victory. In that tournament,they luckily reached the semis already battered and bruised. Their opponents England, like Srilanka in this tournament, cruised undefeated to enter the finals. Pakistan then unleashed all their brilliance in next two games and rest is history! Imran Khan's men clinched the ODI-Worldcup. The success of Younis Khan and co. is of no lesser significance.
While Pakistan achieved success fighting against all odds, opposite was the case of India. The previous champs never really existed as a team but as a bunch of celebrities with media, big-business,bollywood - all joining the bandwagon but came to crushing halt when they were eliminated at the priliminary stage. They should have realised that sport is real, unlike bollywood.
Anyway it is heartening to see that two teams from South Asia is doing well at a sports arena. Infact South Asia has always been in the news for the wrong reasons. The attack on Srilankan cricketers at Lahore is fresh in the memory. South Asian countries are like brothers with many similarities in culture and traditions. But it was the differences which has long been overlooked and the polititians are largerly responsible for this.But in the Gulf countries, they often live,work and eat together under a common roof in cordial relations with a sole aim- to attain a better life .