One could see politicians, celebrities, ex-sportsmen in the audience along with scores of enthusiastic fans at Mohali. In retrospect, everything seemed to have gone in favor of the Indian team. Winning the toss was important. If Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, they would have been able to set a huge target for India, and the Indian batsmen would have to chase the target while combatting the sound Pakistani bowlers.
When India won the toss and elected to bat, everyone knew that was the best decision to make. The crowd energy seemed to be with the Indian team as they played some fabulous strokes. Sachin Tendulkar was awarded several lives, thanks to Pak fielders who dropped few catches. Yuvraj Singh, the son of the soil, was sadly dismissed as soon as he came in. With some good finishing by Suresh Raina, we ended up at 260 in the first innings.
At this stage, it looked like Pakistan had a definite chance of winning, unless Indians contain them very well. In fact, several facebook messages by Indian fans showed that they lost hope and did not really see a good chance of India winning.
Anyway, the second innings started. Overs were bowled and runs scored. It looked like the Indian fielding had become tighter and there weren't too many extras being given. The bat-ball volley continued until the first wicket fell at 44. Good start! However, whats important is that we need these kind of wickets at every stage, and not let partnerships stabilize.
Bat-ball volley continued once again until Pak reached the 70 mark, when the second wicket fell. This is where fans celebrated, and faint hopes of a possible victory began to rise. But again, we still have 9 wickets left and anything can happen.
As the match progressed, Indian bowlers and fielders worked together to either contain the runs or break partnerships that seem to be stabilizing. However, hope for Pak still remained as the captain came in to bat. It seemed like Afridi and Misbah can see the runs through, and this was a partnership that seemed a tough nut to crack....until....another son of the soil, Bhajji got Afridi caught out! Indian fans celebrated as a disgruntled Afridi made his way back.
It now seemed like Indians are going to make it, provided they continue to contain the batsmen and take regular wickets. However, its still not time to feel safe. With Misbah still batting and the batting power play due, anything could happen! These guys are known to turn situations around.
But, it seemed like destiny already chose the Indian team to be the winner of the day. With Nehra coming in and sending back two batsmen, hope for the Pakistani team almost finished. All that was required now is to not let any boundaries in the last two overs. The second last over was quite a useless one for the Pak team. Two balls down in the last over and 30 runs requiring off 4 balls, Gary Kirsten was seen smiling, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi almost dancing and fans celebrating. Mohali was electrified! icing on the cake, Misbah is caught out in the last over.
Bravo India! We are sooo proud and happy! It was a dream day for the Indian cricket fan, I doubt if anyone was able to sleep.
A major milestone reached, all roads now seem to go to Mumbai!
Both the countries prayed and both the teams played . But Afridi aimed and declared before the match that he would not allow Sachin make his 100th Ton. Now the Bhagwan blessed both, sachin didnot make ton (afridi's wish)but India won the match( India's wish.).
ReplyDeleteSankalpa for a positive thing gets definite blessings with bigger benefits..