Pakistan must follow Moin's lead

The battle between South Africa and Pakistan on Saturday was like a real life street fight between two of the best fighting cricket nations in the world. Although the final reward wasn't a life and death matter like many bare-fisted street fights, the two points and psychological implications gained by the South Africans were critical in the scheme of this memorable World Cup. When all looked lost, the closely-knit and disciplined South Africans fought to the death to overhaul the Pakistani team who have one of the most enviable bowling attacks on the International stage.

From that magnificently entertaining encounter stepped a player who represents the instinctive characteristics of the hardest and toughest of any street fighter. While Lance Kluesner was undoubtedly the star of South Africans victory I believe Moin Khan's exciting effort to resurrect Pakistani's batting was sadly lost in the aftermath of the superb climax and fight back witnessed at Trentbridge.

The awesome form of the Pakistani wicket keeper Moin Khan was equally impressive on Saturday, as it has been throughout the competition. His innings in the same match as the Kluesner onslaught was frankly quite brilliant. Following the footsteps of Javed Miandad, who was one of the games toughest ever competitors, Moin has transformed games with fantastic improvisation and courage with the bat in his hand. Playing strokes that are far from the pages of the textbook, Moin is providing more headaches for his opposition than any cheap wine hangover. Having played him in a few Test matches he is one of the hardest competitors in the game, who has the ability to make a difference through absolute defiance and will to fight to the finish.

Moin's strong personality and competitive spirit are crucial to the fortunes of the Pakistani team who have reputedly had trouble in the past, keeping the team spirit together. His inspirational performances in both forms of the game, with the bat and behind the stumps, can only help his talented team perform more consistently than they have been criticized for in the past.

Tomorrow against archrivals India, every one of the Pakistani players will have to follow Moin's lead if they are to stay in touch in this World Cup. Although they will almost certainly qualify for the semi-finals, Wasim Akram will certainly recognize the importance of bouncing back after Saturday's disappointment. Winning is a habit that shouldn't be tampered with and Wasim will be keen to find the touch that makes his team as dangerous as any, in this dazzling World Cup.

To quote former superstar all rounder and aspiring Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, "I only pray that there will be no violence in the crowd at tomorrow's game." If praying is the answer to peace and a great game of World Cup cricket tomorrow at Old Trafford then my prayers will be devoted to this tonight in my bed.

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