Sporting gesture by Courtney Walsh
Some incidents during a game left a long lasting impression on the mind of millions. West Indies - Pakistan encounter of 1987 World cup was once such match that is remembered till date for the true sportmanship displayed by West Indian
Lets go back to the match and recall what exactly happened that day.
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16th Oct 1987, the two times world cup champions West Indies were struggling for a place in semi-finals. In a must-win group match with Pakistan, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first.
After an early blow, West Indies managed to score 216 from 50 overs. Skipper Vivian Richards was the top scorer in the West Indian innings with a quick 51 from 52 balls.
Chasing down 217, Pakistan had lost 2 quick wickets for just 28. However, opener Rameez Raja and Javed Miandad provided a much needed stability to the team with 63 runs partnership and took the total to 91 before Rameez Raja departs for 42. West Indies bounced back in the match with 3 quick wickets including that of Javed Miandad and Saleem Malik. The entire responsibility came on skipper Imran Khan and wicket-keeper batsman Saleem Yousuf. The two added 73 runs for the 6th wicket partnership before Imran khan was dismissed by Walsh. Saleem Yousuf on the other end smashed 56 from just 49 balls before falling to Walsh. The match reached its last over where Pakistan needed 14 runs from 6 balls with 1 wicket in hand. Abdul Qadir and Saleem Jafar were at the crease.
Walsh was given the last over and the choice was obvious as he was the most successful of the lot with figures of 4/26 from his 9 overs. The match was more in favour of West Indies but destiny has planed something else on that day.
The unforgettable last over by Walsh
This first two balls resulted in single leaving 12 to get off from four. Qadir, who was known more for his bowling showed his batting skills by hitting 2, 6 and 2 from next three balls.
Now Pakistan needed 2 to win and 1 for tie on the last ball. Walsh ran in to bowl the last ball and pulled up without delivering; Jaffar at the non-striker's end was well out of his crease. Walsh could have easily run him out and won the game for West Indies, but he decided to warn the batsman instead. Qadir made the necessary runs off the last ball. West Indies for the first time in the history of world cup failed to qualify in the semi-finals. The sportsmanship by Walsh won him many fans.
Walsh was gifted exotic carpet by Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq. Almost 27 years, people still remember the generous act by Walsh.
The game of cricket has emerged as a winner...It was the victory of 'Courtney Walsh'...It was the victory of Cricket.
Sahir
