Pakistan scripts an exciting cricket victory but without Pakistan

Bangalore: It was a glorious day for Pakistan, no doubt. However it came in Leeds, instead of Lahore, or Karachi.

On Saturday, Pakistan defeated Australia for the first time in 15 years in a Test match. It also ended a run of 13 straight Test defeats by Australia—a record for one country against another. A memorable occasion, you will agree.

But, Salman Butt and boys are playing the home series against Australiain England, far away from its ardent supporters.International cricket in Pakistan has been suspended after an armed attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore in March last year.

With three wickets left, tail-ender Umar Gul ran for a single with a drive through cover off Mitchell Johnson. That was the winning run, which came with more than a day and two sessions to spare. Coming after the 150-run crushing loss in the first Test played at Lords, this three-wicket victory should spread cheer despite the imploding situation back home.

As the Pakistan team took a lap of honour around the sparsely-attended ground in what was Butt’s first Test as captain, a smattering of vocal Pakistanis cheered them.

"Honestly, it was a bit nerve-racking but that’s the way cricket goes. When you have this added responsibility (as captain) you think a bit more. Thank God, it went positively and we won," Butt said. "It means a lot, it’s a new beginning for Pakistan," added Butt.