The first chapter of a cricket fairytale waiting to happen was written yesterday at Trent Bridge. The ghost of Robin Hood smiled as two teams – South Africa and Pakistan – battled for their place in history.
This ground saw South Africa claim one of their greatest victories in 1965 when Graeme Pollock scored arguably one of the greatest centuries by a South African.
South Africa today strived and strained but were denied by a Pakistan side determined to keep their date with destiny.
It was three months ago that the Sri Lankan bus was attacked in Lahore. The Pakistan players were following a block behind.
A lot has happened since as Pakistan’s cricketers wander the world as nomads looking for a place to call home. Cricket, itself, is seeking solace from the excesses of commercialism.
Let us therefore be generous. Let us forget this was a Twenty20 game. Let us put aside the debate about Tests and the shorter form.
Above all, let us not be churlish and state that South Africa choked. Pakistan won the big moments.
Afridis’ double strike on Gibbs and De Villiers denied South Africa any momentum. Pakistan only bowled one wide, and neither side bowled a no ball.
This was high pressure and no player choked.
Umur Gul was outstanding with his toe-seeking missiles; Duminy tried valiantly but it was too little and too late.
At the end, Graeme Smith was philosophical and his stature grows because he is pleasant in victory and defeat.
It also spoke volumes for Pakistan cricket that the last over was entrusted to a seventeen year old. He held his nerve and his team is in the final.
The second chapter of this pact with destiny will be written tomorrow morning and it remains to be seen if Sri Lanka can prevail.
The spirit of cricket will be exhorting a Sri Lankan win. Sri Lanka are the “good guys” of international cricket and Pakistan desperately need succour with all the flames circling them.
The cricketing Gods will decide if Robin Hood rides once again.
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