Pakistan had no business winning today and that too chasing 300-plus; perhaps this is precisely why they won. They have been poor in this tournament thus far, their bowling without sting, their batting uncertain. The future of at least one from captain and coach has been on the line.
The latter has been intent on making matters worse for himself. The former pulled out at the last minute, in typically tragi-comic circumstances after a rare public announcement yesterday had confirmed his place in the playing XI; not that he has been particularly inspirational. But it was in the air yesterday at Pakistan's practice, this vague feeling that something might happen, even with this depleted side. Nobody could really articulate it, but it hung in the air.
It is a well-worn cliché, but Imran Khan was on to something when he spoke of cornered tigers. This is not quite the same stage but Pakistan's position in the tournament is as perilous. Their progress is still in other hands: if India wins against Sri Lanka tomorrow, Pakistan are out. However, if India loses, Pakistan will go through to the final if they beat Bangladesh.
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