Congratulations to the Australian Women for re-gaining the World title they ceded to England four years ago. While their West Indian opponents had played some exciting cricket during the tournament, it was a very one-sided final in Mumbai. Jess Cameron top-scored with 75 then Ellyse Perry blew away the top three as the Windies reply stuttered and stumbled to 145 all out and a defeat by 114 runs. Fast bowler Perry returned only half-fit and was limping in between overs so it was testament to the Aussies' all-round strength that they could secure their sixth title withiut her for three games. As for England, they did wrap up third place with a second century of the competition from Charlotte Edwards.
Over in Hamilton, her male counterparts were second best to New Zealand in the first ODI but in Cape Town, the undisputed kings of Test Cricket, South Africa, completed an entertaining victory over Pakistan. A few years ago, they may have failed to convert strength on paper into dominance on the pitch but these days they can't stop winning. In the last two years, they have claimed series victories against all the major Test nations apart from the West Indies. Three at home, three overseas.
The Second Test at Newlands had been finely balanced at the close of play on day 3, but three wickets in three balls (one from Peterson, two from the prolific Philander) hastened the collapse of Pakistan's resistance. However, the Proteas' star batting line-up still had to face Saeed Ajmal, whose six wickets had helped his side to a slight first innnigs lead. Whilst Umar Gul had despatched Alviro Petersen for just on run, Smith, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers and Du Plessis all provided enjoyable cameos in the chase to 182. Ajmal did manage to complete a well-deserved 'ten-for' with defeat just a few runs away, but another Edgar slog-sweep brought up the inevitable win several balls later.
Pakistan did at least compete all the way to the end, and the enormous cricketing experience of their line-up showed a reassuring determination to attack even in the face of near-certain defeat. On the down side, that experience comes with age, and of their bowling attack, Umar Gul was the 'youngster' at a fairly mature 28. Mohammad Irfan made his debut at the grand old age of 30 and looked lively with his left armers across right-handed batsmen. At an incredible 7 feet 1 tall, Irfan certainly cuts an imposing figure but his running to retrieve balls in the outfield resembled a basketball player in wellington boots. Monty Panesar would have outsprinted him comfortably!
Until this week, Pakistan had enjoyed a solid couple of years, winning four out of five Test series, although two came against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and two were achieved in the UAE. A consolation win at Centurion would do wonders for their confidence ahead of a summer tour of the Caribbean and the return series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Graeme Smith's men have a busy year ahead, including host series against India and Australia. I can't see them being displaced from the top of the tree for quite a while.
