Youhana Set to Score Triple Century Against Exhausted Indian Attack

Tomorrow unfolds the final chapter in the tense and absorbing historic first ever test match in over 2000 years of human history on Multani soil between India and Pakistan ending on the 1st of April.

It has been an intriguing battle: on the one hand the shrewd, calculating moves of Inzamam - always a step ahead of the competition (and indeed of everyone else in South Asia) - on the other hand, the quirky, off-balance, unorthodox strategy of Dravid, a mere shadow of his former self. And on the other other hand, the colorful pageantry of love, friendship, generosity and goodwill that has swept all of Pakistan and all of the Indian Press in Pakistan. Considered till only recently the intellectual and physical equivalent of a root tuber left underground two weeks too long, the lithe, spritely Inzamam has seen his fortunes undergo hyper reversal. From reading the pitch, to calling the toss, to running between the wicket, to inspirational and energizing presence in the middle, Inzamam is a man revised, a cricketer reviled.

’His move to encourage a mammoth first innings total by India and then make them bowl two consecutive innings under the intense heat of Multan has paid off’, said an effusive Rameez Raja. ’The Indians look a tired lot. Nothing can prevent Youhana from getting his triple century on the 5th day and setting India an unachievable fourth innings target. The final session of the day should be enough for Saqlain’s wizardry (intentionally concealed in the first innings) to finish off the Indians. We are praying that rain does not spoil everything.’

Asked if Inzamam’s runout for 0 in the second innings was also part of a master plan, Rameez replied, ’Absolutely! Everything in this new look Pakistani team is meticulously planned. Nothing is left to chance. Inzamam’s runout yesterday, as well as the wickets of Yasir, Razzak, Moin, Sami, Shoaib and Saqlain have paved the way for Shabbir to play his pivotal 11th man supporting role.’

Even Coach Miandad has praise for the captain: ’Hamalay naiy lalkon ko motay motay mazboot hathoon kee zarurat thee. Inzamam nay lalkon ko sumbhaal liya hai. Sub lalkay Inzamam ko follow kaltay hain. Khanay mein, peenay mein, sonay mein, catch na lanay mein, aur also obviously in lunning between the wickets.’

Dravid has faced opposing fortunes. Hailed as a sanguine, dependable, rational, even intellectual figure, he has come under severe criticism for his captaincy. Critics have ignored the fact that his is a makeshift captaincy in Ganguly’s absence and should not be compared with Inzamam’s inspired leadership.

’Enforcing the follow-on played right into the hands of the Pakistanis", says a jubiliant Waseem Bari. "It is unexpectedly lucky for us that Ganguly is not captaining the side due to injuries shrewdly induced by Inzamam during the last One Day.’

’But we must not get complacent’, continued Bari. ’There is still one more day of cricket to play. There is a match to be won.’