Children relish best bowling display in Dubai

Dubai: It was an unforgettable experience for the schoolchildren who came to watch the second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket City. They were able to witness South African bowling attack at its best, especially with world’s finest pacer Dale Steyn in full flow.

“We opened the gates free for the public, especially for the young children to come and watch the best of players in action. A lot can be learnt by watching top players and this is a great opportunity which should not be missed,” remarked Macky Dudhia, General Manager Sports Business of Dubai Sports City where the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is located.

Though there were boys from English Language School who practice regularly at the ICC Academy, it was the girls from Westminster School who made the biggest noise. Westminster regularly plays in inter-school girls’ tournaments and they were delighted to watch the best of Steyn and Tahir, who stole the thunder with a five-wicket spell.

Ali Anwar Jafri, the joint secretary of the Sharjah Cricket Council, had played with Tahir in an exhibition match in 2007 in London. Jafri, who was one of the finest spinners in UAE’s domestic cricket, is settled in United Kingdom and recalled Tahir’s days while playing in English league cricket before he became an English County player.

“Tahir used to play for many clubs in Staffordshire like Kids Grove, Norton in Hales, and Meir Heath. He is a close friend of mine who owns a sport shop and Tahir is well known for his cooking. He cooks very good mutton and chicken kurma,” said Jafri.

On the first day, Tahir however made mincemeat of Pakistan’s batting with a career-best haul of five for 32.

With Pakistan being pushed to the wall on the first day, a large turnout of their country’s supporters will be required to light up their fighting spirits in the coming days.