A game that felt was going India’s way was just snatched away by some sensational batting from the Windies. Before even several could register that the Men in Blue could actually lose the game, it just slipped right past them!
The Toss and Wankhede
Indian team has a sensational record for chasing down totals in this World Cup. For that very reason, Darren Sammy put them to bat first. So grief certainly surrounded the batting camp and the fans, but then why not go out there a put up a big total. Wankhede, not one of the big stadiums in India was always going to be a run fest. A total of 388 runs were scored in the semifinal clash with more than 50 boundaries across both innings. Power packed performances just like the OPPO F1 from batsmen of both the sides.
The Virat Show
India started strongly with Rohit Sharma playing his best innings till date in the T20 World Cup. He gave the team a flying start. Men in Blue also registered the highest number of runs scored in power-play overs all through the tournament and also they did not lose a wicket. Soon after Sharma departed, walked in ViratKohli and continued his dreamy form right from where he left it against the Aussies. Rahane supported for a while and then Dhoni walked in to play a little 9 ball cameo. Virat’s 89 from 47 deliveries took India to a massive total of 192 at the end of their 20 overs.
Badree was the best Windies bowler with the figures of 1 wicket for 26 runs in his 4 overs. Messiah of Indian batting on the other hand, Virat had scored 50 of his 89 run innings only in boundaries.
The Song of Fire and Willow
When the West Indies came into bat, they knew they had a mammoth target to chase and with the home crowds backing the fielding side, it would not be an easy one. They lost Gayle early and Samuels was sent back packing soon too. But, Charles stood still and alongside Simmons they steadied the run chase. Power hitting, calculated risks and targeting Pandya, Ashwin and Jadeja did the trick.
Team India just could not find the right trick to break their partnership, until ViratKohli came into bowl and got the wicket of Charles. Simmons on the other hand was riding on some sheer confidence and also luck. Why luck? The man was out twice, both deliveries were no balls. Russel who walked in post that hammered a 20 ball 43 to take the game away from the hosts. The fire in their belly and the sheer power to muscle each delivery across the ropes was enough to help them chase down the total in the lost over.
What could have been done differently?
Well, why did Ashwin not bowl another over?Dhoni trusted Jadeja with the ball in the second last over which went for 12 runs. Also, Kohli is not a full time bowler, probably Dhoni went with his guts or stats to trust him with the ball in the final over, but again lack of experience maybe cost India. The men from the Carribean did bat beautifully and all due credit to their performance. As far as the Men in Blue are concerned, you were gracious in defeat boys. End of a wonderful campaign!
We captured the game using OPPO F1 WT20 Edition which has the ICC World Cup T20 logo engraved on the back case. A wonderful momento to cherish from the World Cup.
