India celebrated on the first Sunday of the Asia Cup after winning over Pakistan and this past Sunday was the Pakistan fans’ opportunity. As Pakistan won by 5 wickets, everyone celebrated on the roads. People returning home in cars cheered and waved their flags in heavy traffic. Some sang the popular Pakistan song Dil Dil Pakistan, Jan Jan Pakistan, while others went on to proclaim into the night: “Jeetega tho jeetega, final bhi jeetega!”
Selfie with stars
There might not have been as many banners hailing Virat Kohli from the crowd on Sunday but there were a few “King Kohli is back” posters as the former captain blasted a 44-ball 60. Kohli, though, sparked a discussion at the post-match conference when he said only MS Dhoni had messaged him after he left the Test captaincy. Later, the 33-year-old obliged many Pakistan media personnel with selfies. Also requested for pictures was Man of the Match Mohammad Nawaz. Mediapersons had to wait for him to speak in the conference room, as he clicked selfies with the ground personnel and the security staff who approached him.
Pakistan’s Jonty
Pakistan opener-wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who top scored with a fighting 71, is nicknamed the “Pakistani Jonty Rhodes” as he often rushes with the ball to run batsmen out just like the South African would. Rizwan, who played in the Pakistan Super League earlier when it was held in the UAE, had once said that Dubai and London were his favourite holiday destinations. Though he is a batsman, his two favourite cricketers are Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Keeping pace
Some of the finest pacers — Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Irfan Pathan — are commentators for the Asia Cup. Since their cabin is close to the press box, they frequently cross over and spend time with the journalists. Australian pacer Brett Lee, who came to watch the match on Sunday, also visited the press box and posed for selfies with the Pakistan journalists.
Net practice
At 37, having quit playing nearly 10 years ago, Irfan Pathan looks as fit as ever. A day off from commentary, he was seen practising at the ICC Academy indoor nets, where he bowled to UAE team skipper CP Rizwan for a long time. Rizwan told The Telegraph: “It was a great feeling facing Pathan whom I have always admired as a fine all-rounder. He was accurate and quick and was so keen to beat me and bowl me out.”