Contests between the two arch rivals have always been action-packed as no one had predicted a dramatic end to an enthralling Twenty20.
With Misbah run out off the last ball the match got tied. As the tournament rules didn’t allow for the spoils to be shared, it went into a bowl-out. Indian trio in the form of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Robin Uthappa were all on target as Pakistan completely melted under pressure.
Not dampened by three breaks of downpour Uthappa’s superb half-century rescued India after a sensational spell from Asif who completely gutted India’s top order. Making good use of a sporty pitch that was juiced up by the brief showers, which assisted him to bowl four magnificent spells that vindicated Pakistan’s decision to put India on to bat. His first victim, Gambhir got dismissed for a duck with a superb return catch in the third ball of the match. The paceman bowled Sehwag in the very next over, as Yuvraj got caught at mid-on in his third and Karthik being bowled in his final over.
Amid the depths of despair at 36 for 4, India recovered to 141 for 9 as skipper Dhoni and Pathan spearheaded Indian innings. Two massive sixes on to the roof of the stands by Pathan was the pick of the day that set off the Indian fans ablaze.
Pakistan intending on going for a quick victory suffered a shaky start as opening bowlers Singh and Sreesanth gave India a perfect start to keep the runs down. Singh cleaned up the reckless Nazir as Agarkar got rid of Butt. A mix-up with Younis Khan sent Akmal packing as Yuvraj directly shied the stumps. Younis then gloved one back on to the stumps. A partnership was needed, and Misbah and Shoaib Malik built one, concentrating mainly on singles with couple of odd clever thumps over the field. Pakistan lost three wickets for three runs and all of a sudden India sensed victory. Shoaib Malik and Misbah put on 40 for the fifth wicket before Pathan removed the skipper.
Agarkar dropped the dangerman Afridi of his own bowling but Harbhajan’s full toss dismissed him cheaply. Pakistan needing 39 off 14 balls with four wickets to spare.
It was not yet over as Arafat and Misbah stormed back with vital 17 runs as the duo smacked off Agarkar. Sreesanth had the final say to save the day for India, as he got Misbah run out off the final ball trying to sneak the match-winning single.
Via: BBC
Heads of to Indian bowlers....and especially thanks to new ”Bowl out” scheme... the dream of Pakistanis to beat India in World Cup is again shattered.
