Quotes of the day:

“We will win today” – Aamir Sohail
“I fancy England to take the series” – Bumbles ( Lloyd)

Its difficult to doubt the word of 2 very experienced campaigners – both opinions were given to me with a lot of conviction – Aamir Sohail speaking in a careful, measured voice as if making sure that I don’t mangle his words ( he was sitting next to a few of our friends from Pakistani press so he knew what he was doing).

Aamir felt that Pakistan would come hard at England – was it an opinion based upon emotion or cold calculated logic – I don’t think we will ever know!

He did, however, contradict himself when I asked about the reasons for yesterdays epic failure. “Lack of a genuine fast bowler”, came the reply. “We cannot win matches with bowlers of the pace of Arafat” – he almost chuckled as he said that.

Bumbles was more of his usual Yorkshire [correction: Lancashire/Lancastrian] no-nonsense type opinion – almost a “hell yeah”, if you know what I mean. Pakistani batsmen had failed and were failing in spectacular fashion. Yes, Afridi was back but his recent form was hardly impressive, Gul was being taken to the cleaners in most games ( as he was today). A few other English presswallas nodded with approval from behind their laptops. The Pakistani journalists in the background were more interested in the latest version of MSN on their laptops – it was surreal.

So there it was – the stage was set – it wasn’t Pakistan Vs England any more – this was war aka Aamir Sohail Vs Bumbles

In terms of popular cynical opinion on the ground, Bumbles was the hot favourite. There were a few who believed something spectacular would happen but there hope was pinned on the superman in pyjamas – a Mr. Afridi. Few of us suspected that another hero would rise from, well so called ashes of his career, and deliver us to victory.

Malik, won the toss and made a strange choice – he elected to field. Hearts of man, woman and child in that stadium – another low turn out – must have missed a few thousand beats – bowl first? What in carnation was happening here?

I can safely say that when England reached 148 at the 20th over, the majority of us wanted to head back to our cars and taxis – the verbal obituaries were in progress – babies were crying, women were staring at their finger nails and men were packing their belongings for the journey home.

But there were a few rays of light – the biggest one was in the form of Arafat who picked up 3 and narrowly missed his hat-trick. He did all that but gave away too many runs in my opinion but I guess wickets do count. Razzaq on the other hand had a quiet bowling spell. No wickets, but only 4.25/over? In retrospect, it would seem that he was warming up for something big later.

For England, KPs form must be a source of great satisfaction – 2 back to back innings of substance and this guy will be a major threat to his opponents in the next world cup. The other batsmen joined in where they could to get a score that Shoaib Malik, by his own admission last night, would have wanted for himself.

Bumbles must have been beaming with joy.

The Pakistani opening pair walked out and then walked back within the first 6 deliveries. There most recent foe, when its not themselves, was a young man from Yorkshire – a man with a lot of swagger and as some of our press colleagues from that part of the world would have us believe – pizzaz and a great work ethic. The name was Ajmal – Shezad Ajmal!

He bowled a dream over and then disappeared all over the park. A good debut but did our opening princes make him look that majestic? I don’t think Bangladesh will lose any sleep over him.

The rest of the batting followed similar story lines as ever – and the phrase I repeat as always is “staying power” – or lack thereof! The ability to get a start and then lose your wicket is irritating to watch. Irritation levels also take a sharp hike when Afridi comes in with all the might of a gladiator and departs with a shot which on normal days would have cleared nearby Sharjah !

Afridis return today wasn’t that majestic as we wanted it to be. Infact, one of our journalists friends from Pakistan had predicted that if Afridi got out cheaply, he would go to his hotel and write his match report from his bed – he couldn’t be bothered to watch another Pakistani collapse.

I never hung around the press box to find out whether he carried out that threat or not. I had had enough. I went to be with my friends in a manner befitting musicians on the Titanic decks as it sank slowly.

My memory from that point onwards is a mish mash of wild cheering and jumping up and down, Razzaq took over and fired sixes and 4s in all shapes and sizes, supported by Alam ( fast becoming Umar Akmal 2 in terms of dependability), Razzaq finished the game in style – sort of a Pakistani version of what Morgan did last night!

I rushed back to the media section to see if I can see some of the press faces – they were no where to be seen – they had all rushed down to have tea and biscuits before they heard Collingwoods remarks.

As for me, I started to collect my belongings and then looked up as a familiar face walked by. It was Waqar Younis – he was, and I am not exaggerating, humming some tune! He was a happy man – is that what a loyal servant of Pakistani cricket feels when he sees his team win? I waited no more and asked him if he was happy with todays performance - “I am always happy” – pat came the reply.

We both proceeded to the elevator area to find Bumbles waiting. “So what do you say now? – I bet you didn’t take Razzaq into your reckoning, didn’t ya?”, I asked him jokingly. He smiled and admitted that Pakistan played out of their skins but being the old fox he is added “I won't be losing any sleep on this”

My day ended with a elevator ride with Waqar and Bumbles – I remarked to both that it was a pleasure to share the same space as 2 greats – “I am not a great, he is”, replied Bumbles pointing at a smiling Waqar.

So I guess this is it.

The mini series is over and I head back home tomorrow with mixed emotions. Happiness at seeing atleast some Pakistani victory – sadness as I will miss this experience.

Finally, a special thank to Junaid (itsmek1) for his efforts as PPs point man in Dubai – the man has tremendous energy as he demonstrated by cheering our team today!