AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        He is the master of deadpan expression. Inzamam-ul-Haq's visage never told what was going on in his mind. Hardly one had seen him overreact, for that matter react on the cricketing field. That apparently changed on Wednesday at the Sabina Park as the Pakistan skipper's emotions got the better of him after his final one-day international appearance.

        The past few days must have taken its toll on Inzy and his men. Shattering it must have been the death of coach Bob Woolmer, after the ignominy of beaten by Ireland. An unfazed Inzy knew that he had a job to do, unfurling his lazy elegance for one last time, albeit briefly, in the big stage of World Cup.

        In a career spanning a decade and half, the man from Multan delighted fans with a mix of power and subtlety - the livewire in many of his team's victories. His record — in Test and ODIs — speak for themselves (a collection of 8,813 runs in Tests and over 11,000 in the slam-bang version is no mean one).

        Inzamam burst into the scene spectacularly in the 1992 World Cup with a match-winning knock against New Zealand that propelled Pakistan into the final. Since that memorable day, he has been a pillar of strength as far as the country's batting fortunes were concerned. Several masterful knocks have flowed from his silken bat, leaving rival bowlers stunned at the sheer power and grace of the executioner.

        Inzamam can easily be termed Pakistan's best-ever batsman in a list which includes legendary names like Hanif Mohammad, Javed Miandad, Majid Khan and many more.

        As a captain, he had his moments and led the team to significant wins and orchestrated a vital drawn Test series in India with a depleted squad. The solidity which he brought to the outfit and to the batting line-up, in particular, was something to be seen. Even in the most difficult of times, Inzy was a picture of serenity which reflected in his batting. Milking the

        The big man's career ends in the aftermath of a turbulent week and World Cup for Pakistan. In the long walk back to the pavilion - for one final time in the biggest stage - Inzy's conscience looked clear as he trudged back slowly.

        Run Inzy, run Inzy...no more shrieks from the non-striker.