T here must be a record for holding the most cricketing records, and Pakistan seem to have their gaze set intently on it. Now Wasim adds to Afridi's record number of sixes in a one-day century, the record number of sixes in a test innings. And Saqlain emerges as the opening bat who comes in at number 9. Fans use these record-breaking performances to place Pakistan in the top tier of test cricket.
Critics use the same events to argue that happy coincidence is keeping the caravan above sea-level.
They are both wrong. Saqlain Mushtaq, proclaimed at age 20 by many as the best off-spinner in the game, cannot find a permanent place in the side. Not surprisingly then, Imran Khan has called it the best Pakistan team ever. Some in the British press claimed this summer that Pakistan should battle Australia for top test cricket honours. However, the critics do have a case in seeing more negative than positive in the recent extravagant feats.