The frenzy atmosphere was set on 24th March, 2011 at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. The odds were against India considering their previous record at Motera.
The Quarter-Final clash between India and Australia is zeroed down to pride-war between Sachin and Ponting. Undoubtedly they are the best batsmen of the modern-era. The gripping moment is to watch --- “Who will win the legacy battle and ends up on the winning side?”
Finally the heat was on… temperatures are up and rising … can India pull this time … at least for the Master Blaster … lot of questions pondering from all the corners … the only sure thing is match would be intriguing, spell bounding and will test our syndromes.
Match:
Ponting won the toss and without any concern opted for batting.
Australians had a dim start and Ponting’s sublime effort gave relief to Australia. Keeping back the poor form with bat, Ponting turned the tables, audience (who booed him) and the critics with a scintillating century. Undoubtedly it was one of his best centuries under pressure.
For India bowling and fielding clicked finally as a unit to content Aussies to 260. Zak, Yuvi, Bhajji and Ashwin bowled as per the plan to keep the Aussies in check.
Indians started their batting steadily but Sehwag’s wicket at 44 runs gave much needed break to Aussies. Sachin and Gambhir steadied the ship with half-centuries but Sachin’s wicket in 19th over was a big blow to India. Then there was a slump in Indian's chase to reach 187/5 with 74 required from 76 balls.
Yuvraj and Raina played innings of their life to keep India afloat for the victory. Yuvraj boundaries to Tait and Lee, Raina’s six to Lee eased the pressure and tension in Indian camp. Yuvraj’s boundary in 48th over made India to cross the victory line. The emotions after the match did the speaking.
Post-Match:
It was a sluggish end to Ponting and Australia in the world-cup after being champions for the last three times. However Ponting left with high head by scoring the lone century in the match. Sachin’s endurance is going to semi-final now. Gritty Indians did everything to stop Aussies.
Now the focus is shifting to Mohali, where India will take on Pakistan. It can’t get bigger than this.
India needs to conquer three M’s- Motera Mohali and Mumbai. First M is conquered; let us wish India and the Master to triumph in the next two M’s.
Jai Hind !!!
