The biggest by any means of the cricket world cup 2011. 2nd semifinal between India and Pakistan. It still seems like a dream and I am waiting for someone to wake me up.
The most talked about point at the start of the match was Dhoni's decision of playing Nehra instead of R. Ashwin. Nobody agreed with it and to worsen it, the pitch had ample turn to offer to the spinners. India won the toss and choose to bat.
There is no denying the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is the numero uno of cricket, however there are many other players who have made countless contributions and won us matches...and are still happy under the shadow of God. Virender Sehwag, he may not have a great batting record, but the runs he makes and the way he makes them is a big confidence booster for the team. Just a Sehwag 30 odd can give India a blistering start, and Mohali was no different.
The opening 10 overs were all hammer and tongs...from India to Pakistan! A total of 300 plus seemed inevitable, however the rookie Wahab Riaz who was given a go over Shoaib Akhtar had different plans in mind. He had the day of his life in bowling. Not many bowlers dream of dismissing five Indian batsman in a world cup semifinal including the likes of Sehwag, Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh. Especially the first ball duck to Yuvraj Singh, was the turning point. India tattering at 6 for 205 in 41 overs. The score of 300 was beyond and there was apprehension, not only in the dressing room but in the hearts of 1.2 billion Indians.
Batting powerplay has been a vital shortcoming for team India in this world cup. India have lost wickets like a pack of cards on a number of occasions. This time however, India were already six down and a repitition of the past would have been aberrant. Suresh Raina, who had played his first match in the Quarter Finals, had a crucial 5th wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh which helped India defeat the 4 time champions Australia. This time too, Raina played an invaluable knock of 36 with the tail and made sure that India bat the full fifty overs and make a respectable 260. Also Sachin Tendulkar made invaluable contribution in the middle overs of 86 runs.
Pakistan has been more than potent as far as bowling goes in this world cup with their captain leading the way with 21 wickets in 7 matches before the semis. India made sure that he did not get any wicket this time around. Pakistan batting, well there has not been a single century from any of their players in this world cup. Dhoni's sublime captaincy with attacking field positions and innovative bowling changes have been lauded by one and all. Semifinal was a masterful bowling performance by all the Indian bowlers, a perfect team effort. Only 5 bowlers used and all bagging 2 wickets each.
Misbah ul haq....ROFL...poor fellow. He was the one who screwd up Pakistan in the first T20 finals in 2007 which India won and this semifinals, he did it again! He was the centre of mockery of one and all on facebook. He was a tad unlucky too...with wickets falling like heap at the other hand, he had to assure his survival. However he delayed the batting powerplay and the required onslaught, which resulted in their defeat. Again the captaincy and calmness of Dhoni was indeed legendary!
After the match I decided to go for CAD M with my roommate. Halfway we realized there was not enough petrol to reach Aundh, which was indeed a blessing in disguise as Pune had come down on the streets in celebrations. Not only Pune, whole of India had gone crazy, it was the happiest and most triumpant day for all. There were bikers everywhere shouting and cheering, boys and girls sitting on the window of the cars, drums, crackers and delight. It seemed like a dream and the feeling is still not going...some incident and memories are lifelong and defines a generation. This World Cup semifinal against Pakistan will never be forgotten by anyone!
Finals in 2 days time @ Mumbai @ Sachin's home ground....Srilanka must be already feeling the tremors of the assault they are going to face, not only from the players but also from the crowds! Jai Hind!
The most talked about point at the start of the match was Dhoni's decision of playing Nehra instead of R. Ashwin. Nobody agreed with it and to worsen it, the pitch had ample turn to offer to the spinners. India won the toss and choose to bat.
There is no denying the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is the numero uno of cricket, however there are many other players who have made countless contributions and won us matches...and are still happy under the shadow of God. Virender Sehwag, he may not have a great batting record, but the runs he makes and the way he makes them is a big confidence booster for the team. Just a Sehwag 30 odd can give India a blistering start, and Mohali was no different.
Pakistan has been more than potent as far as bowling goes in this world cup with their captain leading the way with 21 wickets in 7 matches before the semis. India made sure that he did not get any wicket this time around. Pakistan batting, well there has not been a single century from any of their players in this world cup. Dhoni's sublime captaincy with attacking field positions and innovative bowling changes have been lauded by one and all. Semifinal was a masterful bowling performance by all the Indian bowlers, a perfect team effort. Only 5 bowlers used and all bagging 2 wickets each.
Finals in 2 days time @ Mumbai @ Sachin's home ground....Srilanka must be already feeling the tremors of the assault they are going to face, not only from the players but also from the crowds! Jai Hind!
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