It was said to be the more difficult group and so it proved as the current holders India went out of the tournament. It was sad in a way as the favourites, and rightly so, did not manage to quite galvanise themselves when it mattered after two easy pre-tournament games. The loss of the brilliant Sehwag and talk of unrest behind the scenes can’t have helped.
There’ll be lots of ifs, buts and maybes from the Indians; would India have did it had Yuvraj stopped the 5 byes in Harbajan’s last over? Yuvraj himself would say that he made up for that with a ridiculously good first ball 6. Then there’s Jadeja who faced 3 overs of dots. Many said that he played too slow yet he will argue that he got two important wickets including that of Pietersen’s and took an important catch.
It was clear what Pietersen and Collingwood felt fired the English up and that was the booing their team got at the beginning of the game. It was a strange thing to have occurred, especially at a cricket ground, yet supporters of other sides should take note of the possible real consequences of booing the opposition.
But the day India lost to the Windies, they also lost to England as the English watched and noted the Windies paceman trouble the Indian batsmen with bouncers, and licked their lips. If the English had thought at the time of employing the same strategy against India, the question must be asked if the India coaching staff told their batsmen to practice countering short pitched balls in the nets. It was an effective tactic to employ against the Indian batsmen as it’s not the type of shot they often use and also because many of them use heavier bats. Indeed, Nasser Hussain suggested on commentary that the short pitched ball was effective because the Indians love to drive. Unfortunately for the Champs, they won’t be driving but flying, all the way home.
To all Indian fans who still have tickets to the remaining games, we invite you to come and get behind Pakistan.
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June 15th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Nice post TJ.
To hear Nasser Hussain rub it in was galling, but the Indian effort this time around has been thoughtless. It is just as well that they were showed up.
/*..still have tickets to the remaining games, we invite you to come and get behind Pakistan*/ – Like the humour and irony in that. Noticed that Indian fans arrived early to back Pakistan’s opponents SL and Pak fans stayed back on Friday to rile India against the Windies.
That said…Go well today against the Irish!!!
June 15th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Thanks Late Inswing,
Underachievement always leaves a bad taste in the mouth but I don’t think the Indian fans should be too critical. It’s just that type of format where a few bad overs can cost you the game. Add that to the difficulty of that group and the possibilty of an early exit was always on the cards for anyone.
Dhoni was critical of the batsmen but I don’t think your bowlers, especially the pacemen, did much good. Irfan Pathan should have been much more effective in these conditions and Ishant Sharma has still to impress me.
No irony or humour! Indians fans should do it. They’ll get lots of credit for it and theres nothing wrong with spreading some love…..unless it’s to someone elses spouse of course.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Once again, England cricket team has showed that they are able to come back on the brink of elimination. Their victory against India remained England’s hope to be the champion of this edition of twenty20 tournament. They need one more victory to ensure their place in the semi-final round. Let us see if they can do it or not.
June 15th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I hope the Indian fans take up your invitation!
Though on facebook they r all selling their SF and Final tickets!