It was billed as the marquee match between two evenly matched sides and lived up to all the hype it had created. Tendulkar who had never before scored an ODI century against the English in India, put all that to rest in a swashbuckling innings scoring 120 of a 115 balls. The lower order collapsed in a bid for quick runs and in the face of some tight English bowling but we still ended up on a mighty 338. That would be enough or so we thought.
There are not many innings that can overwhelm the Master's innings but what Strauss played today was a gem for the ages. Pulling and cutting the Indian bowlers with ease, Strauss scored a monumental 158 of 145 deliveries. At 281/2 in the 42nd over, India looked dead and buried. Enter ZAK, who scalped two in two to awaken the crowd. The Powerplay which had been taken by England spelt disaster yielding just 25/4 and let India put a foot in the door.
48 overs, 29 needed of 12, India were favorites but then two sixes in a Piyush Chawla over raised the tension to another level. 14 were needed of the last over which was bowled by Munaf. However even he got whacked for a straight six and ultimately it was two from one ball. Bang , to Yusuf at cover, England took a run and the game was a TIE. Phew!!.
No fingernails left, several heartbeats skipped and superstition kept me in my bed for over an hour despite the urgent need to use the bathroom. (No I didn't pee all over the bed, not even in the excitement :P).
At the end of it all, I think India went home the happier team. But the bigger picture was, India's bowling sucks. We always knew that but we aren't going to perpetually score 300+. Time the bowling pulled up their socks.
Another big picture was and its been reiterated many times, if only the ICC had done away with the bloated format and stuck with the 10 teams for this cup, we would have many such games with more frequency. Side effects would be more heart patients, more queues for manicure and might I say "wet" seats for the superstitious among us. (stats reveal many cricket supporters are completely irrational :D )
