Feb 27th 2011. The fans from Kolkata might be even more complaining and cursing their fate as they were deprived of a classic World Cup ODI match between India and England. However the crowd at Banglore too would not be jumping in joy after the result but neverthless they witnessed a match that could have taken life of any passionate cricket fan with a weak heart. Yes, it was such a match where the fortunes of the team swinged like a pendulum clock striking at 12'o clock. Everyone were on the edge of their seats and in anticipation of something to happen.
India won the toss and MSD elected to bat and rightly so. The team boasting of 4 frontline batsmen and 3 deadly hitters of the game, the impetus was to get off to a flying start. And Sehwag just managed to get India its objective in the most riskiest of the manners, however England in particular Andeson were unlucky in the earlier overs. Then it was the Tendulkar show that grabbed all the headlines. Whenever he scores a century, it is now a ritual that the records are broken and new ones are set. So this time, he became the player with most centuries in World Cup - Five. India looked well on course to score a consecutive 350+ score of the tournament until the late collapse by Indian lower order gave England some momentum for the 2nd innings. From England's perspective - Tim Bresnan bowled well enough in right areas to trouble Indian batsmen and get his team important break-through's in the entire match. Indian innings folded at 338.
Only a fool would have given any chance to England batsmen to achieve this target. Because India are the super favorites to win the cup and any score in excess of 300 is always a mental barrier for sides chasing the total. But this is the beauty of modern cricket - 300 is no more a impossible to achieve target. Pietersen, standing a few meters outside of crease handled the swing of Zaheer and negated any flight offered by spinners. Meanwhile Strauss, always stayed on the backfoot and pucnhed through covers or pulled between mid wicket and square leg to keep the score board ticking at par with the asking rate.
There were a few instances in the game where Strauss was lucky to survive. Zaheer's in-cutters took a faint edge into Dhoni's gloves off Strauss's bat but none of the Indian fielders appealed for the caught behind. The big moment of the match was when Ian Bell was trapped in front of the stumps and umpire Billy said Not Out. Yuvi stratight away went for the review and the replays suggested that it was OUT. But because of the strange ICCs 2.5m ruling - Bell was given Not Out. The 3 umpires along with the help of technology also couldnt make the correct decision. At this point of time, England were crusing along for the most comfortable victory they would have had since the Ashes.
Even the most optimistic of Indian supporters would have given on the match now, I know I did. I turned off match and switched on to watch the Arsenal's quest for 1st trophy in 6 years - the Carling cup Final. (Meanwhile England had slowly come more closer to winning and they decided to take the power play). Suddenly I heard a roar from my neighbours place and switched back to cricket channel. Zaheer khan had just come into life and given a whole new dimension to the game. The game turned on its head. A few moments earlier England were winning, now it was India in driver's seat. 35 in last 3 overs and I felt England are definetely out of it (may be not) so I just checked the channel on the other side and van Persie scored for Arsenal levelling the game at 1-1. Coming back to cricket, Piyush Chawla, the leggie bowled two rank bad balls and got the punishment it deserved. The England tail enders made a mockery of bowling in death overs by showing more courage and lofty hitting. Shahzad's six was out of the blue and I was completely taken back and eventually match was tied.
It was a see-saw game yesterday. Eventually stayed balanced.
The last 10 minutes of the Carling Cup final were least memorable as well. The mistakes cost us as they have for the entire season. A horrible mix up between Koscielny and Scezeny ensured the match was wrapped up the Midlands Blues team without playing the Extra Time.
The wait for the trophy continues. (no excuses this time, all our fault.)
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A few points.
ReplyDelete1)Run out with one ball left,and it was a short run as well.How critical was that!!
2)Bell and Strauss batted beautifully,just a shame they couldn't use the batting power play better.
3)No mention of Pakistan v Sri Lanka Suhas.They look pretty up for it.....
Agreed with 1st point.
ReplyDeleteOn the 2nd point, I'd say both teams failed to use power play wisely. Scored at good rate but lost too many wickets.
On your 3rd point, I'd say Afridi is bowling very well at the moment. But their fielding was way too sloppy. I was surprised Sri Lanka didnt win that one; which tells me that this is going to be a very tight world cup. Anything can happen any time, no clear favourites.