Bizarre , peculiar and bepuzzled yet highly entertaining are the main characterisations that spring to mind as we approach the close of the second test between Pakistan and India . A series that promised ever so much has failed to live upto expectations , yet the puzzling factor is that the failure cannot be attributed to the players performances . Rather , the peculiar nature of the pitches has severely restricted the abilities and performances of the players . The series has been presented so far in a single one dimensional fashion with batsmen scoring heavily , bowlers getting battered and bruised , good deliveries being belted away over the boundaries and the end result is that of a stalemate , deadlocked as was the case at the very beginning . Despite the series being dominated by batsmen from both sides , credit and plaudits must be given to those that deserve it nevertheless , irrespective of the easy paced nature of the wickets . Some of the standout performers in the series are the following :
1 . Younis Khan - Accused of a poor temperament , limited cricketing abilities , and mediocre technique , a few years back Younis came in for a lot of criticism at his inclusion in the pakistan XI , some perhaps plausible , other a little harsh , yet the rewards of persisiting with this robust ,gritty and determined pathan from Mardan are finally becoming evident . Having already firmly established his reputation as a key member of the middle order with his dazzling displays against India in India earlier this year , Younis has cemented that reputation during the course of the year with his ever consistent valueable and solid knocks in the Carribean and in the home series against England . However , he apepars to have gone one notch up in this current series against India , displaying his continuous improvement as a batsmen and undisputed potential . With one big hundred(199) along with 2 fifties from his 3 innings in this series , he must be the top performer of the series .
2. Rahul Dravid - A year that has seen a transformation in management staff, squad members , large quantities of disarray amongst the team , the Ganguly factor and a considerable amount of success towards the end , Rahul Dravid has been at the helm of all the activities surrounding Indian cricket . Enduring captaincy of one of the biggest cricket playing nations is a large responsibilty in itself but with the events that have occurred int he past year , Dravid's composure and calmness to remain undeterred make him all the more admirable . Consistently performing for the Indian team and forming their backbone , Dravid has performed all season long regardless of the performances of the players surrounding him . He has lead the team from the front by example and has passed all challenges with immense ease . Compiling two centuries , both as openers , from his two innings this series , go a long way in displaying Dravids versatility as one of the leading batsmen in the World and his ability to adapt to diverse and alternative circumstances such as opening the innings enhance that reputation to great heights .
3. Shahid Khan Afridi - Alarm bells ring , crowds begin to buzz , all rules and regulations are broken , and an undescribable feeling of excitement , awe and pleasure take you aback upon hearing this Pathan's name . The most scintillating part is that these emotions are preserved regardless of whether or not he performs . He receievs teh same reception from the crowd each time he enters the arena and has firmly established himself as one of the most popular icons worldwide . However , now he has a reputationt o go along with it and makes himself all the more dangerous . The last year has witnessed a distinct change in Afridi despite no alteration in technique or shot selection . Rash as ever , Afridi has perhaps developed a sense of responsbility and his mature approach has contributed to his success of the past year . Always considered a one day specialist , within the last year Afridi erradicated such theories with hsi solid displays in the tests against India last year in India , opening the batting in positive manner and providing stability at the top . This complimented his success against the Windies when batting in the middle order and his lone century , though for alost cause , clearly indicated that Afridi had become an integral member of the test side . This series has seen Afridi be Afridi but only with extra consistency , the only trait Afridi needed to master . Two quickfire yet mature hundreds have certainyl cemented his place in the side for some time and perhaps has given him the extra confidence to always perform in such a manner on a regular basis
Off course other performances have been also visible during this series , in particular Sehwag's double century , Mohoomad Yousuf's big hundred in the first innings at Lahore and Kamran Akmal's century , yet the top three remain the most memorable performances . As far as the bowlers are concerned , all of given complete dedication and effort yet none have been able to establish their rhythm and have faced uphill tasks . Expectations are high that Karachi will provide diffident conditions , alternative circumstances and eventually , a much awaited result but don't hold your breathe .
Article by Sharez Khan
but yeah well lets hope the one-dayers are a little more interesting and tight and i think they will be 
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