IND vs PAK 30th Nov 2012

Any matter related to India and Pakistan fascinates everyone be it domestic or international. Moreover, if it is the cricket the interest intensifies manifold. India and Pakistan were once again confronting each other in an important clash of T 20 world cup 2012: An important match from both teams’ perspective to remain alive in the competition.

This match was special in its own way for many reasons. First, India had to not only win the match but also with a good margin to improve its run rate to improve its chances to qualify for semi finals. Second, besides being important from Pakistan’s perspective to win the match too, Pakistan also had to prove its dominance over India in world cup matches which it has been failed to do so till now. It is well known that Pakistan have never defeated India in any of the world cup matches be it 50-50 over’s competition or contemporaneous T20s.

Pakistan came for batting first. Notwithstanding their lethargic performances earlier, Indian bowlers seemed at its best and fielders, in their full spirit. Indian’s dominance in the field was conspicuous by their eye catching dives and agility. Few early wickets sent Pakistan batsmen at back foot, any attack against Indian bowling seemed threatening and lethal to them. And even if they tried to counter Indian bowling, ended up ceding their wickets. Pakistani batsmen could not bat for stipulated 20 overs even; added 128 to the scoreboard within 19.4 overs before its all players were shown way back to the pavilion.  

Indian batsmen when came into middle they had to achieve 128 runs with 19 balls still remaining so as to go ahead of Pakistan in overall run rate and remain ahead of Pakis in points table. After early dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, both Sehwag, who made come back after a long time, and in-form Kohli held their nerves in cauldron; seemed poised at the crease; demonstrated few exquisite shots. Many wonderful drives always kept the ball at a distance from the fielders while teasing them crossed the boundary safely. Though the target was not huge, the pressure was in no way less significant and why it shouldn’t be afterall, two biggest rivals were facing each other. Kohli along with Yuvraj Singh took digs at the Pakistani bowlers and fielders alike and steered India to an easy win by 8 wickets.  

It was a synthesis of great efforts from all departments, be it fielding, bowling or batting which brought the much needed win, for India, the easy way in the end. The continuing great form of Kohli does augur well for Indian cricket in this tournament and the times to come. Take a bow Kohli. Long way to go! Though the Indian bowlers displayed their best in the game, only recurrence of such performance can ensure hegemony of Indian cricket over other cricket playing nations.