What a match. In fact, it was exactly that, a "match". One side with a prodigal batting line up and a below par bowling attack. The other with an erratic set of batsmen but maverick bowlers. Hence the word "match". As in "matching clothes" or "a matching couple". To win, a team had to come one up on its weakness. At the end of the day, it was exactly what happened. India, after seemingly squandering another explosive start decided for once to behave brain surgeon like when they came to bowl. They appeared listless at the beginning of the second inning but as the game progressed it was obvious that these boys had come with a plan in their mind. Nehra resolved to surprise all and sundry with his discipline, Munaf manufactured cutters when the swing died off and Zaheer, though off color by his sterling standards deceived the batsmen more with his mind than speed. The spinners did what was expected of them, choke and strangle. The fielding standard went northwards. The result is there to be seen.
Having said that the two teams were evenly poised, let us see if there was something that differentiated the two. Yes indeed, it is a subtle point yet one that proves to be the clincher during hours of urgency. It is the belief in one's own self. When the Indian batting was almost coming apart at the hands of Wahab Riaz, Suresh Raina, who had precious few chances in this World Cup, rose to the occasion and did what was expected of him. Here is a young guy, unsure of what his position in the team is with constant threat from the Murderous Talents of Yusuf Pathan, holding his nerve and guiding his team to a total that proved extremely ungettable at the end. His was an inning too far for the opponent to cover. The phrase "rising to the occasion" has been used with much leniency but this was one event where the words did justice to the doings. Had Pakistan had one Rainaisque character in their squad, they would probably not have come second best.
Pakistan though should not go disappointed. They have outlived all expectations. They have also discovered a wonderful competitor in Umar Akmal. Certain players may have went past their "use by" dates and those players have been exposed in the course of this tournament. It is time they use their chopping axes for the right reasons and have a strategy to take their cricket to the level where it belongs.
India go into the finals facing a tricky opponent in Sri Lanka. If today's contest was a "match", that of Sunday's would be "even". Two great champions of the game will probably play their last World Cup. Two most suave and immaculate captains of the present day will play their pawns. In all, we should have a contest no less entertaining than any. They are by far the two best teams of this tournament and hence they make this contest worthy by their presence. Let it be a match to remember. Let the best team come out the winner.
Meanwhile...we shall keep Bleeding Blue....
Having said that the two teams were evenly poised, let us see if there was something that differentiated the two. Yes indeed, it is a subtle point yet one that proves to be the clincher during hours of urgency. It is the belief in one's own self. When the Indian batting was almost coming apart at the hands of Wahab Riaz, Suresh Raina, who had precious few chances in this World Cup, rose to the occasion and did what was expected of him. Here is a young guy, unsure of what his position in the team is with constant threat from the Murderous Talents of Yusuf Pathan, holding his nerve and guiding his team to a total that proved extremely ungettable at the end. His was an inning too far for the opponent to cover. The phrase "rising to the occasion" has been used with much leniency but this was one event where the words did justice to the doings. Had Pakistan had one Rainaisque character in their squad, they would probably not have come second best.
Pakistan though should not go disappointed. They have outlived all expectations. They have also discovered a wonderful competitor in Umar Akmal. Certain players may have went past their "use by" dates and those players have been exposed in the course of this tournament. It is time they use their chopping axes for the right reasons and have a strategy to take their cricket to the level where it belongs.
India go into the finals facing a tricky opponent in Sri Lanka. If today's contest was a "match", that of Sunday's would be "even". Two great champions of the game will probably play their last World Cup. Two most suave and immaculate captains of the present day will play their pawns. In all, we should have a contest no less entertaining than any. They are by far the two best teams of this tournament and hence they make this contest worthy by their presence. Let it be a match to remember. Let the best team come out the winner.
Meanwhile...we shall keep Bleeding Blue....
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