Wow is all I can say. Unfortunately, I was at work and couldn't watch the match live which is a shame, however watching the highlights online made up for it a little. Once India finished their innings, I was skeptical about their win given Pakistan also has a good team.
I was quite sure it would be a close match, however I did almost give up hope half way through Pakistan's innings thinking India might lose. Once I saw Malik and Afridi go down one right after another, I thought India had a decent shot.
I'm sure for those of you who saw this, you could have cut the tension with a butterknife. It was equivalently thrilling for me, albeit without the live tv. My colleagues were probably wondering why I kept hitting the F5 button frantically. It probably didn't dawn on them I was refreshing the match scorecard on BBC hoping to see the number of wickets go up. Unforunately for me I had to go to a meeting at this crucial point but was quite pleased when I got back to find out Arafat and Tanvir were bowled out. Yes you heard me right Arafat, Yasir Arafat not Yasser Arafat. The former is a cricket player for Pakistan and the latter is the well known chairman of the PLO. I'm sure if this guy 'Yasir Arafat' grew up in NYC, kids would have had a field day with him. :D
When I saw Pakistan was at 152 for 9 in 19 overs, I could hardly contain myself. The suspense was killing me. Fortunately I didn't have to wait long as my next refresh showed Pakistan 152 all out. I have to say these intense rivalries do make for very good finals. I think the last sporting event I saw with such enthusiasm was the 2000 World Series between the Yankees and the Mets. Both New York teams where the Yankees were my favorite baseball team since I started watching the sport.
All in all, I felt both sides played quite well and it was a thrilling, tantalising match for fans. Just the way the first Twenty20 world cup should finish.
