LETTER | There were a number of sporting events around the globe that took place last week, which produced results that sent shockwaves to the sporting fraternity.

The first to come to mind was the 3-3 draw that Malaysia salvaged against the mighty South Koreans in the AFC Asian Cup tournament in Doha, Qatar.

Nobody in their wildest dream would have thought of the outcome.

The Malaysian team was not at all overawed by the reputation of their opponents and played their hearts out to give their fans something to feel proud of.

It has been ages since the national team performed like this, to our delight.

England trounce India’s cricket team

The second sensational result was the victory by the England cricket team against India in the first Test in Hyderabad, India.

Playing in their own backyard, with the pitch conditions favourable for their spinners, England somehow found the answer to nullify them, and came out tops when all seemed lost after the first innings had been completed.

The unorthodox batting of Ollie Pope saw the 3-pronged India spin attack being torn to shreds by the blade of Ollie Pope.

The astute captaincy of Ben Stokes led to the batting collapse of the Indian team in their second innings.

No one in their right frame of mind would have bet on an England victory, except for the England team themselves, who played their hearts out.

With confidence in them, they did the unthinkable, carving out an unbelievable victory against the mighty Indians.

Aussies eat humble pie

The third sensational sporting result took place at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia.

The Australians who pride in the Gabba as their fortress, were left to eat humble pie as the West Indies triumphed over them in the second cricket Test.

It was the first victory for the West Indies after a spell of 27 years, and a well-deserved one too.

One unknown Shamar Joseph, nursing a broken toe, was the toast of the pacemen who singlehandedly destroyed the formidable batting line-up of the Australians in the second innings, to clinch a miraculous victory.

Unnerved by the prowess of the mighty Australians, he bowled with pace and venom to grind out this unlikeliest of victories.

It all boils down to having self-belief in oneself, no matter how the odds are stacked against you.

If you think that you too have the ability and capability just like your opponent, half the battle has been won. The confidence will take care of the rest.

All these unexpected results are an eye-opener to all our local sportspersons that you should not be overawed facing your opponents at all.

They may come with a reputation of sorts, but on the day, you can turn the tables on your opponent if you combine your confidence and ability into one potent force.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.