Afridi's joy crowns Malik's debut

A tournament in Abu Dhabi may never rank as one of the most important in international history but this one does matter greatly in the bruised world of Pakistan cricket. There are many reasons why we shouldn't read too much into this victory but we can enjoy it.

The best part for me was that a bunch of young players realised that their time had come. The route to success is tortuous and wildly undulating but if Pakistan can consistently muster today's spirit they will keep their fans with them. It has been a long time since a Pakistan team looked so full of energy--and if any Australians or South Africans were watching, yes this was energetic for the boys in green.

But the crowning glory was the adrenaline rush of Shahid Afridi's innings and the joy it returned to fans and players alike. Afridi, the man who could have been King, began the Age of Malik with a show of daring and unity that was a symbol of the team's spirit. Let's hope it continues.