T20 drama unfolds

The 3rd edition of ICC T20 World Cup started on the backdrop of lavishly organised and scandal tainted Indian Premier League. Most of the players were up and ready to hit the ground straight away in the Caribbean.

The tournament started off with a low scoring last ball affair between Black Caps and the Lankans. Indians then played a double header on a weekend and showed some serious intent to regain back their "Champions" status; it proved merely a false indication and what followed was a disaster for MSD and his Men in Blue. Elsewhere, England sobbed over Duckworth and Lewis which was about to knock them out of the tournament and Australians just went about with their usual business and seemed very confident of T20 format this time round. At this stage, without any cupsets the strong teams entered the Super Six stage.

Tournament had already witnessed 2 centurions by now in S. Raina and M Jayawardene. India fell apart from here on and England were on upswing. South Africa choked yet again and New Zealand failed to make the cut which allowed lucky Pakis to make it to Final Four. On the other side, the rub of green was not favoring the Indians and they lost not only lost the spot in Semis but also lost the match to brilliance of Angelo Matthews. The battle lines were drawn - Sri Lanka vs England and Australia vs Pakistan.

In Semi Final 1, Stuart floored the Lankan batsmen with Broad smile and then Pietersen KO'ed them to underground. Semi Final 2 was antithesis of what was anticipated by many (it was supposed to be annihilation of Afridi's Survivors). We wished it was a final in many ways and Michael Hussey provided an enthralling finish to the game. Hats off to Mr. Total Cricketer.

Here comes the Finals. Ashes reignited. Winner takes it all. Just when I thought Collingwood's decision to bowl first would backfire, his Plan A worked. An inspired spell of bowling from Sidebottom, Bresnan, Swann restricted Aussies to a meagre total. The champagne was ordered in Buckingham Palace. Now, Kieswetter and KP just provided the final rites chasing the Oz target. Morgan ensured no more hiccups as they crossed the finish line. Memories of 1979, 1987 & 1992 WC Final and 2004 Champions Trophy were wiped out. England crowned as the T20 World Champions. Celebrations continued...

(Hope you all like my first attempt at writing something meaningful. I definitely a'int Robbo standards.)