Nothing binds this nation together like cricket. No one can disagree that cricket and gossiping about politics are two of our favorite pastimes. So, when Pakistan reached the T20 WC final, Wise Market thought it opportune to organize a grand screening of the auspicious event and let everyone enjoy it in a big way.

Please read this blog to find out how it went and what it was like to organize an event at his scale.

Countdown to the final:

Against all odds, Pakistan made it to the final of the T20 WC, 2022. The team had a tottering start to the event and lost its initial games. The loss to Zimbabwe was particularly biting as nobody expected it and came on the heels of the defeat at the hands of India.

It was the usual game of ifs and buts for the Pakistani cricket team then. Many experts and fans had written off the prospects of Pakistan making it to the next level of the tournament. Indeed, it seemed like an uphill task reaching the semis with a lot of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

But it happened pretty spectacularly. Those who were terming Pakistan’s entry in the semi-final as a fluke were stunned by the team’s brilliant performance there. It was a fantastic fielding, bowling, and batting performance, where Pakistan successfully chased the winning total and completely outwitted the losing side, New Zealand.

So, it was all set then. Pakistan was braced to face England in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and hopefully lift the World Cup to become the T20 champions again.

The screening by Wise Market:

Wise Market organized the screening of the semi-final at its office. It was a public holiday, but the company held the screening, and anyone was welcome to come. Most of the team members attended the screening and enjoyed it immensely.

For the final, the company decided to go for a grander screening at a bigger venue. So, it decided to organize it at Eiffel Tower, Bahria Town. It offered enough space to accommodate a large number of people and placed a massive screen there for everyone’s delight.

Besides the employees, there was an open invitation by the company for everyone. The employees were free to invite their friends and family to watch the event. It was a free-for-all invitation as the company wanted everyone to attend and enjoy.

The Ambiance and the match:

Wise Market had arranged for plush seating at the event. The sofas and the chairs were neatly arranged in rows before the screen so everyone could see the action. A DJ was there to charge the crowd further with thumping musical breaks at every wicket, four or six by the Pakistani side.

A considerable number of people turned up at the event, although the site was far from downtown Lahore. The atmosphere was electrifying as everyone was excited and wanted to see their team lift the cup. The hopes were very high in the wake of Pakistan’s incredible semi-final performance.

And then there were the ominous comparisons with the 1992 World Cup final!

Several luminaries also graced the occasion and enlivened the atmosphere. Among them were our very own Dr. Subayyal Ikram, Vice Adm. Zahid Ilyas, COO of all projects of Bahria Town, and Col. Ali Ahsan, Security Head of Bahria Town. Wise Market Pakistan’s CEO and Co-founder, Mr. Bilal Zahid, was also present.

And the winner is:

So, with loud claps, cheers, screams of joy, and bhangra interludes, Pakistan lost the final. But it won hearts in the process. The team put up a great show and went to great lengths to win the game. Admittedly, it fell short by 30-40 runs from putting in a challenging total.

But what it lacked with batting, it worked hard to make it in the bowling and fielding departments. Great effort, Team Pakistan. You deserve our respect and adoration. It is just a matter of time before the stars align in your favor and you make it big.

Conclusion:

In the end, everyone left the venue feeling somewhat sad but, at the same time, hopeful for a better performance the next time. The attendees, in tandem, appreciated the arrangements made by Wise Market. The ambiance was terrific; it takes a lot of work to organize an event on such a grand scale.

Kudos to Wise Market for putting up a fantastic show, and better luck, Team Pakistan. We will see you winning big time soon.