What a match it was yesterday 24Th March 2011.
India played against the invincible Australia, champions in four world cups.
Ricky Ponting the captain who has lead his team successfully on three occasions in the past.
It was nerve racking and a tough game for the Indian team to surpass the mighty Australians.
Australia batted reasonably well with Ricky Ponting scoring 104 runs, a really good captain’s innings. True leaders are the ones who lead from the front and motivate their team, and Ponting did just that.
He showed grit, good and firm attitude and a determination to win.
Australia scored 260 for 6 wickets in 50 overs.
This was followed by India, the going was good until the first wicket fell at 44 that of Virendra Sehwag.
There was a hush in the stands, and India recoiled back with Gautam Gambhir coming in at 2 nd position.
The going was good between Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir, and Sachin lost his wicket at 94 runs on the score board. He had played well scoring 53 runs and completed 18000 runs in One Day Cricket , and this was his 94Th Half Century.
The trouble for India started with wickets falling in regular intervals, and in 93 runs India had already lost 3 more wickets. India was at 187 for 5 wickets.
The Australians are known for their intimidationary tactics on the field and they never give up easily.
There were times when we thought that India would not make it as the run rate had dropped and Yuvraj Singh was at crease with Suresh Raina.
For Suresh Raina it was a first ever experience against the mighty Australians in the World cup. The pressure could be seen on his face as he faced the onslaught of the Aussie bowlers.
He kept his calm and gave support to Yuvaraj.
Yuvi had the grit, calmness and determination to play a very sensible cricket which kept India going though slowly but firmly.
Australia had tried everything but could not break the formidable partnership of Raina and Yuvaraj.
It was a crucial game and Yuvaraj had the nerve to remain there till the end and maintain the run rate and eventually helped India win with five wickets in hand and wound up the game in 47.4 overs.
The Indian side owes its victory to Yuvaraj who bowled well with 2 for 44 and scoring 57 not out. He has completed 10000 Runs in One Day Cricket.
India enters into the semi finals, would be facing the fiery Pakistan and let’s hope India does it once again.
