LAHORE – Cricket-mad Lahorites enthusiastically celebrated the stunning victory of Pakistan cricket team as the Misbah-led team recorded a dazzling 72-run win against top-ranked England in the second Test match.  Congratulating to Pakistan team, they said the players’ gift for the countrymen brought happiness on the pale faces of the people at a time when the rising inflation and load shedding is crushing them on daily basis. They especially praised brilliant performances by Abdul Rehman and Saeed Ajmal.
Political leaders including PML-N president Nawaz Sharif, PML-Q president Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, JUI Chief Syed Munawar Hassan and others, in their messages, congratulated the team and the entire nation.
Nawaz Sharif, in a statement, said that every Pakistani was proud of their team. He, along with his party members, congratulated people and extended best wishes for the team.  Ch Shujaat said that a unity and team work helped the team to victory. He said by unity and discipline, the people of Pakistan have had the capability to achieve success in every walk of life.  PTI Chairman and former cricketer Imran Khan said that by beating the No 1 Test team and winning the series, the team had demonstrated tremendous talent and spirit.
Soon after the team won the match and series against England, the jubilant Lahorites gathered at Liberty Chowk and started dancing on drum beats. A great number of people celebrated the team’s triumph in the areas of Cantt, Gulberg, Model Town, Shahdrah, Chowk Yadgar, Mall Road and other localities of the city. They danced and chanted slogans of Pakistan Zindabad and greeted each other. A group of cricket lovers riding on bikes and holding national flags were witnessed at The Mall.
Some cricket fans also telephoned The Nation office to pass their warmest feelings for the Pakistan team.