Inzamam-Ul Haq had been holding back his tears for the last few emotionally exhausting days. But today when he walked off the ODI arena wearing the Pakistan greens, the resistance gave in. The eyes welled up as the Zimbabwe players first came up to shake hands with him during his last walk and then the entire Pakistan team lined-up outside the dressing room to be with the out-going captain. Inzi’s 35-ball 37 was insignificant in a match where runs and wickets didn’t matter for Pakistan and all they needed was an effort that could be the best tribute to their departed coach. With a Pakistan fan holding a poignant ‘Do it for Bob’ placard, opener Imran Nazir ensured that his under-performing team could at least put a band aid on the fractured dreams of their supporters. His 121-ball 160 (8x6, 14x4) was enough for Pak to reach 349. The Woolmer shadow was evident at the ground as the game started with a minute’s silence with the usual figure of the man with silver hair and glasses hunched over a computer missing. But there were a few moments on the field when his influence was evident. Inzi’s slog sweep for a six seemed like a personal tribute to his late coach who is said to have brought the shot back into the sport. But that was a brief spike in Inzi’s short stay. As he got out he knew it was all over, and despite the fact that he hasn’t ruled himself out of Tests, many feel that this was last ‘Big Easy’ innings. One thing, however,missing today was the typically Inzi slow trudge back to the hut. With hands to shake and tears to wipe, Inzi walked away into the sunset .
