The Bowlers did extremely well but the Batters nearly made a mockery of it all... The Indian batting line up stumbled yet again but they managed to win a contest that was a no match converting it into a thrilling encounter.
The Indian bowling attack was considered naive before going into the game... With the Indian strike force Irfan Pathan completely out of form... But the Baroda Bomber took two quick wickets, one including that of England skipper Flintoff, to resound his comeback... Though taking wickets was never a problem for Pathan, the cause of worry was the expense at which he claimed the wickets (the economy rate). His return to form will be a certain impetus for Team India.
He is the Shy Lad of the team certainly a genuine talent but has always been out of the lime light... He has had some great outings and this game too was this mans show... Yes it is Munaf Patel I am talking off, the lad clamed (3-18) his best bowling performance at this level of the game... Earning him the man of the match award.
Though team India managed the win but they were forced to stretch to get to the poultry total of 126... It was indeed a poor batting performance by the Indian line-up considered to be the one of the best line-ups in the World... India would have liked to win with a lot more wickets in hand but that was not to happen... Anyways it was important to win to make a good start in the campaign at the Champion’s Trophy.
Team India can have a good long break... But one thing Rahul and his boys should remember is that this was the easiest of all matches and the ones that are coming up will be lot stiffer, so to continue winning they will have to put up a good show both with the bat and ball.
