Best of 2017

As the year of 2017 slowly comes to an end, it is time to recap and gather the best moments from what has been an outstanding year of cricket. It is an understatement to say that it was tough to compile my personal top 5 moments of 2017 as there have been so many moments that have changed cricket and entertained us as an audience. Therefore, I have chosen my top 5 moments in the year that have either helped shape the game, that reminded us the beauty of cricket and moments that have brought people together to witness the great game.


5.      7 BALLS, 1 WICKET.......... OUT 

Probably my favourite test match to date was the third and final deciding test between Pakistan and the West Indies. Pakistan showed their dominance as a test side by claiming an easy victory in the first test, however, an inspired West Indies team shot out the tourists for a bleak 81 runs in the second game.

But no one could have predicted the kind of finale that legends Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq had to their outstanding careers. With evenly distributed 3 and half days of test cricket, which to say the least was fairly boring in my opinion despite some brilliant batting from Azhar Ali (127) and Roston Chase (101*). With the constant loss of wickets throughout the fifth day it was inevitable that Pakistan was going to claim their first ever series win in the Carribean. The resilience of Roston Chase not only gave the West Indies hope of drawing the game and levelling the series but to some extent revived the spirit of the West Indies that has been somewhat lost over the years.

Chase batted the hosts into a position where with only one wicket remaining and 2 overs left to face, the storm of series hero Yasir Shah was the last mountain to claim. With overturned decisions to close catches, the final ball of Shah's series came a moment of insanity from number 11 batsman Shanon Gabriel. It was this gap of 3 seconds that had Pakistan claim their first series victory in the Carribean. Despite the devastating loss for the West Indies, the defiance of Roston Chase and the departures of test greats Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq along with the brilliance of Yasir Shah made this test match one of the greatest.


4.     THE URN RETURNS TO THE RED SANDS OF AUSTRALIA 

Probably one of the most anticipated series in world cricket and the world, the Ashes series goes 'down under' and was claimed in an emphatic fashion at the last Ashes test at the WACA.

England bounced back from the first two tests compiling a decent total of 403 courtesy of Dawid Malan and Johnny Bairstow who both compiled tons to lift the England side. However, with a one-dimensional side, England showed no signs of learning from their mistakes and Australia took full advantage.

A glorious and unstoppable double century from Steve Smith and a maiden ton from Mitchell Marsh lead Australia to an unbeatable position at 9D/662. From their, Australia did not look back as England were romped to a bleak second innings score of 218 to hand Australia a thumping innings and 41 run victory to place their hands on the 'urn'.

Australia after being blown apart by India and South Africa have rebuilt their side and through some excellent selections and dominant performances, they have won back the Ashes after two long years.


3. WOMEN'S CRICKET LIFTS OFF AT THE WORLD CUP

Whilst women's cricket has been going on for a while, it was the most recent world cup in England that really sent viewership and quality skyrocketing.

The likes of star players such as Meg Lanning, Elyse Perry, Sarah Taylor and Mithali Raj where amongst the great players of 2017 that lifted the game of cricket for women. The women's aspect of the game is without a doubt a fantastic component of our game, and there is no reason as to why it will not gain quality.

Moreover, the women's world cup not only had record viewership but also highlighted some glorious performances that demonstrated that the female game is on the rise and for the better of the game.


2.   CRICKET RETURNS TO PAKISTAN 

After the horrific attack on the Sri Lankan bus in 2009, Pakistani cricket fans have been watching the game from the black hole. With no direct contact with their heroes, it was only a matter of time before the game seemed to fall apart in Pakistan.

But it was the winning of ICC Champions Trophy that acted as the catalyst to the revival of cricket in Pakistan that demonstrated the passion and love for the sport are second to none. With the likes of the World XI tour to Pakistan and the Sri Lankan team being the first international team to arrive, the emotion could not have been higher. It was not only a great set of tours but it was a collective of tours that encapsulated the hearts of people and highlighted the true spirit of cricket.

The sell out crowds and praise for the tourists highlighted not only the spirit of cricket but also the greater meaning of having cricket return to Pakistan, which is a homeland to many greats of the game and lovers of cricket.


1.   CORNED TIGERS ROAR IN THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best moment of the year for me was Pakistan lifting the ICC Champions Trophy after what was a tough yet outstanding display of cricket.

Being absolutely embarrassed by India in the tournament opener, Pakistan were no doubt corned with no options. It was this moment after losing to India and Pakistan surge into the final where people started to see this road through adversity much like the 1992 World Cup. With no options left other than to win every game, Pakistan found inspiration through their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, bowling sensation Hasan Ali and a purposeful Fakhr Zaman.

It was a moment of high emotion as the final wicket was claimed against India in the final as Pakistan after what had been such a tough tournament of immense criticism were back to the top. Not only did the victory promote Pakistan cricket greatly but it more importantly gathered and encapsulated the respect of all other nations around the world. With all the criticism and doubt, it was the underdog that came out on top in the shape of a cornered tiger that is at its most dangerous.

There we have it, my top 5 moments of the year that I believe helped shape what has been a fantastic year of cricket. Let's hope for another brilliant year of cricket in 2018.