PAKISTAN’S emphatic win in the Twenty20 series against the Aussies on Friday has strengthened their chances of reaching the top in the ICC World T20 scheduled to be staged in Sri Lanka later this month. While the venue in Dubai has proved to be a happy hunting ground for Pakistan due to their close proximity to conditions at home, it is the manner of the team’s victory against the Australians that has been satisfying. It is apparent that the team’s strengths have begun to gel under skipper Mohammad Hafeez, but more important, the victory is proof that the players are gaining in mental tenacity which is a key factor in the now ruthlessly competitive game of cricket. It is this very trait that has been for long the hallmark of Australian cricket and beating the Aussies at their own game is a good omen for Pakistan.

The second match in Dubai that went down to the wire and had to be decided through the Super Over was a nerve-fraying contest but the winners proved themselves equal to the task. The marked improvement in Pakistani fielding, which has long been the side’s Achilles heel, was a pleasant sight as well. The extra effort put in by the Pakistanis in the field, the direct hits and numerous diving saves were a treat to watch and the credit must go to the team’s Australian coach Dav Whatmore. Credit here must also be given to players such as Kamran Akmal, opener Nasir Jamshed and Umar Gul whose return to the ranks have significantly lifted the performance of the team. That said, the ICC World Twenty20 could still be a different ball game for the team under Mohammad Hafeez but, hopefully, the recent win over the Australians in the UAE will hold them in good stead.