By SS
August 31 2003

Pakistan in the end had Shoaib Akhtar to thank for their 9 wicket victory in Peshawar. Having conceded a first innings lead, Pakistan bounced back and bowled the visitors out for only 96 in their second innings. Mohamed Hafeez scored a maiden test century to guide Pakistan to victory by 9 wickets. Shoaib Akhtar ensured Pakistan comfortably won the second test in Peshawar, this after conceding a first innings lead to the Bengalis of 66 runs. In a complete and sudden turnaround the Rawalpindi express turned up at Peshawar railway station on time and in the mood.

The 9 wicket victory for Pakistan was in the end achieved with relevant comfort, but the first innings bowling and batting performance must have given Pakistani fans, the selectors and the coach some food for thought.

Batting first on a flat track expected to take spin later and being 180 for 1, the Bengalis must have had real hope and then being 310 for 2 they must have been thinking about their first test victory, but as so often happens to Bangladesh they collapsed and ended up being bowled out for 361, losing their last 8 wickets for only 51 runs. Shoaib Akhtar was their chief tormentor with a fiery spell of pace bowling in which he reverse swung the ball and bowled the correct length for this pitch. Shoaib ended up with figures of 6 for 49.

The Pakistani batting with the exception of Taufeeq Umar and Yousuf Youhana flopped big time. Against an attack like Bangladeshs 295 all out was a pathetic attempt as player after player showed a lack of patience and temperament. Yousuf Youhana was left high and dry on 64 as Alok Kapali mopped up the long tail taking a hat trick.

With a 66 run lead and not having to bat last the Bengalis must have been looking at a score of about 300 in the second innings to test the nerve of the Pakistani batting, but it was not to be. Once again Shoaib Akhtar rattled the Bengali cages and at the end of day 3 Bangladesh found themselves at 52 for 4 with their form players back in the pavilion.

Day 4 proved to be Pakistans best day, as Shoaib and Umer Gul cleaned up the remaining 6 wickets to leave the Bengalis at 96 all out, leaving Pakistan with the comfortable task of having to score 163 for victory.

Mohamed Hafeez and Taufeeq Umer shared a solid opening stand of 140 and Yasir Hameed came in and stroked some lovely boundaries as Pakistan eased home with more than a day to spare. Mohamed Hafeez scored an important first century in test cricket and showed glimpses of why the selectors have shown faith in him.

Shoaib Akhtar was rightly named man of the match, as it was he who completely turned this game round with some devastating spells.

The third test starts on Wednesday in Multan, and Pakistan have recalled Saqlain Mushtaq and Younis Khan to the squad, but Shoaib will be returning to play for Durham and will miss the third test.

Pakistans fast bowling resources look depleted for the next test and one would expect a slow low pitch which will provide assistance for the spinners to be prepared. Younis Kahn will probably replace the injured Shoaib Malik and I would expect to see Saqlain replace Shoaib Akhtar.