My Experience Of Watching A Test Match Live In The Stadium
The Pakistan Vs Australia 2022 2nd Test Day 4 marked my maiden encounter with the Pakistani Team in a live setting, having previously only attended a few PSL matches. The surreal sensation of watching Pakistan play live was amplified by the fact that Australia was touring Pakistan after 24 years, making the series exceptionally noteworthy. Watching players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins compete on our home turf was beyond a dream. The thought of seeing the world’s top test team playing in Karachi would have been laughable five years ago. I yearn for the day when India also plays in Pakistan, considering the cricket fervor that exists on both sides of the border. I am particularly fond of Virat Kohli and eager to see him play here.
The series opener in Rawalpindi ended in a draw, and Karachi was the stage for the 2nd Test. Winning the toss, Australia elected to bat first, amassing a colossal 556 for 9, before declaring on the third day. Pakistan was dismissed for a meager 148, and Australia added about 80 runs for a single loss by the end of the day. I arrived at the stadium on the 4th day, anticipating a lopsided game. Despite this, witnessing Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins unleash their bowling fury was a spectacle in itself. However, the highlight of my day was seeing Babar Azam, the “King Of Karachi,” enter the fray. The electricity in the air, as he walked onto the field, was palpable. Being a Babar fan since 2015, this was a significant occasion for me.
With a daunting target of 485 runs, and a draw appearing unlikely, Babar approached the crease with resolute determination. Abdullah Shafique, his partner, also displayed a robust performance. The day saw Babar notch up 102* runs, effectively announcing his arrival in Test cricket. Abdullah also contributed a substantial 70* runs. Babar’s elegant mastery over Cummins, Starc, Lyon, Swepson, and Cameron Green was an exhilarating sight, made even more special by witnessing it live. Pakistan managed to pull off a draw, with Babar accumulating 196 runs off 425 balls, and Abdullah and Rizwan chipping in with significant knocks. Babar’s record-breaking performance earned him the Man of the Match award. This day, during which I witnessed one of the finest innings in Test Cricket history, is etched in my memory, and I look forward to sharing this experience with future generations :)
