Bucking the trend, and the evolution of Boom-Boom

It's tempting, while a fairly tense match is still in progress, to try and come up with some scintillating commentary, or penetrating analysis of field settings, bowling figures, etc., or sage advice, armchair-expert style, on what the batsmen and bowlers ought to do next, as if it were that simple. Or, for that matter, that easy to implement, like flicking a switch to the 'wicket-taking' or 'one four and a few singles per over, nothing crazy' setting. So I'm going to resist the urge, and do something else - I'm going to talk about the teams.

In the world of test cricket, it's pretty easy for certain clichés to attach themselves with limpet-like tenacity to the national sides, remaining stubbornly in place long after they've ceased to be relevant. New Zealanders are meant to be boring, slightly colourless (guess no-one told Adam Parore); Pakistanis prickly and volatile (remember Sarfraz Nawaz?). The more these ridiculous cachets are belied, the happier I am, which is why the current Pakistani team gives me the warm-and-fuzzies. Their latest lineup is by far the most endearing they've fielded in ages, with one of the most appealing and charismatic captains of any side, ever. Younis Khan's bouncy effervescence and wide, disarming grin were on constant display throughout the Champions' Trophy, regardless of whether his side were winning or losing. And when they finally lost, wrenchingly, to New Zealand in the semifinals, he was the image of the gracious loser, effusive in his praise of both his own team and the opposition. When he said that he had no regrets, it was hard to doubt his sincerity.

Younis Khan wonders for the millionth time when Colgate will get the hint and drop him a sponsorship already.

If you need further proof of the new, unprecedentedly healthy attitude pervading in the Pakistani side, look no further than Shahid Afridi. The Afridi of old seemed to almost pride himself on his inconsistency - would he score a century? Flail wildly and get himself out for a duck? Run himself out, or his partner? Anything's possible with old Boom-Boom! He had seemed at one point to be priming himself to take on the role of cocky douchebag for times when Shoaib Akhtar was unavailable. But today, having just watched Brendon McCullum hit his bowling to the fence to bring up a century for which he was palpably desperate, Afridi applauded graciously as the batsman ran past him, pumping fists in a heady combination of joy and incredulous relief. The nickname has stayed, but Afridi himself has undergone a near-total metamorphosis, having contrived to make himself invaluable to the side as both batsman and bowler and embraced the additional responsibility of T20 captaincy. At post-match interviews, he beamed instead of glowering, and gabbled enthusiastically and endearingly in rapidfire broken English. His team-mates have been infected with the same spirit. After Vettori was set reeling, staggering back out of his crease by a bouncer that smacked into his helmet, he was instantly surrounded by a gaggle of concerned Pakistanis - including his IPL team-mate Shoaib Malik, who came running to give his fellow DareDevil a hug and check his hairline minutely for bleeding or bruising.

"Dude. Seriously. Duck next time, yeah?"

It's always been difficult to root for the Pakistanis - they've at varying times been mercurial, abrasive, choke-happy - but their talent and competitiveness has almost never been in doubt. It would have been a shame to see one of the most fascinating sides in the game neutered of their aggression and fire, but happily for them and for us, they've managed to add a bit of zen and a dash of smiley cuddliness to the mix without sacrificing their spirit. Good going, boys. I might be rooting for New Zealand in this particular clash, but if Pakistan do win, it couldn't happen to a nicer team.