A tale of two captains

“Pakistan, five runs short of World Cup glory; Sharma to ul-Haq — spoons it over the wicketkeeper’s head … SREESANTH TAKES THE CATCH AND INDIA ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!”

Or something like that.

A fantastic end to a classic final that brought down the curtains on the Twenty20 World Championship 2007. South Africa and cricket were huge winners after a tournament that was, by all accounts, an overwhelming success.

Third time we’ve played hosts — third time the tournament has exceeded all expectations. What price 2010 now?

But let’s take nothing away from the two brilliant teams that featured in Monday’s showdown at the Wanderers.

Pakistan, the Brazil of world cricket, a match for any team, regardless of format, at any time, against an under-rated Indian side that had deservedly seen off South Africa and Australia.

Unquestionably the best teams were in the final and with their traditional rivalry the best match-up any neutral could have hoped for (if South Africa were out).

The Wanderers was packed to capacity with an atmosphere that a former England captain, South African-born Tony Greig, described as the best he had ever experienced. Rare praise indeed, considering the hosts weren’t even playing.

India won the toss and captain MS Dhoni elected to bat. The pundits agreed that 160-plus runs would be competitive but not ideal in these batting conditions.

India stalled posting a sub-par 157 with Ghambir the only player to hold his nerve with a magnificent 75. The immense batting talents of Yuvraj and Dhoni were conspicuous by their absence.

Having said that, the Pakistan attack of Asif, Gul, Afridi, Arafat, Tanvir and Hafeez was scary; probably the most clinical and exciting attack I’ve ever seen. Shaoib Malik, the Pakistani skipper, employed them with deadly precision. No matter where India looked, there was no bowler to target.

Gul (Pakistan) and Ghambir (India) were definite man-of-the-match candidates at the halfway mark.

During the change of innings, Greig — who had confirmed India as a must-win — now changed his mind and declared Pakistan victors at a canter. If you were using Greig as your betting guide, please contact me regarding a decent sequestration attorney.

No doubt in anyone’s mind that India were 20 runs short. Anyone but Dhoni and his magnificent warriors.

Pakistan were soon in trouble at 53 for three after 5.4 overs, RP Singh with two wickets and the unfortunate run-out of Nazir, the only Pakistani batsman coping to that point.

Enter Irfan Pathan, later awarded man of the match. He got rid of both Malik and the dangerous Afridi in one devastating over. Pakistan were dead at 77 for six after 11 overs.

Misbah ul-Haq had other ideas — after blasting 43 off just 38 balls in 51 breathtaking minutes, he had brought Pakistan to within five runs of the impossible.

But it was not to be. A rush of blood, a moment’s madness and he spooned Pakistan’s hopes into the hands of Sreesanth.

Ironically, Sreesanth had had a nightmare match up until then but he will always be remembered for that moment — the catch that sent the trophy home to India. The crowd went wild; the Indian players and coaching staff were overjoyed as they lapped the field time and again.

Dhoni, the Indian captain, stands on the threshold of fame and fortune as a result of his incredible leadership of this young Indian side. The Times of India has Yuvraj hailing him as the best current captain.

The decision to go with youngsters instead of Tendulkar, Gangooly and Dravid vindicated. Home to a heroes’ welcome and mad celebrations. A sharp contrast to their early exit from the 50-over World Cup. As Yuvraj told Gerald de Kok after the game, the early exit created such a stir he elected to “hide out in London” rather than return home.

And for the Pakistan captain, Shaoib Malik, controversy following his remarks thanking the Muslim world for supporting the Pakistani team. This is very harsh considering his inexperience and language barrier.

I would, however, point out to the Pakistani team that you have great support from many millions of non-Muslims as well. The excitement that you bring to the game is a credit to your team and your country.

Both teams and all the nations that participated in this year’s world championship deserve praise for the enterprise, sportsmanship and courage they displayed. It really was a festival of cricket.

The T20 is now a major part of the world game, with sponsors lining up to be part of the next phase of its growth.

That said, as Darryl Cullinan pointed out, it’s now on to Pakistan and the Test arena. I’m looking forward to this new challenge, as are the Pakistani faithful if the Pakistani Cricket Forum is anything to go by.

Are we supposed to work with this and the Rugby World Cup going on? I mean, how many more car breakdowns do you think those magistrates will accept?