Wednesday, April 6, 2011

My Top 10 World Cup 2011 Magical Moments - India


Its been almost 4 days now...Thanks to the repeat telecasts, media frenzy, interviews and otherwise, the moment which has since been etched in the Indian cricket folklore is somehow still fresh in my mind. And heart too...Am sure same is the case with the Indian cricket fan! Having taken the following Monday off while watching TV I kept going back to the repeat telecasts and the interviews to soak up the achievement! And then unlike the 'live' telecast there was no anxiousness as I knew the outcome!!! As I recollected Team India's performance from match day 1 ten moments stood out. Ones which will stand out as My Top 10 World Cup 2011 Magical Moments - India.


1. Sachin Tendulkar 6th time lucky - Being carried around the field

As India won the World Cup if I recollect correctly Harsha Bhogle said 'His resume is complete!'. Sachin 'God' Tendulkar, the face of Indian cricket for over 2 decades with innumerable records to his name. Like every other fan of my generation have watched him right from his first series in Pakistan way back in 1989. His highs...his lows...His milestones...his match winning performances...Today 22 years later after finally making the summit he was full of emotions...joy & relief. But mind you he was not a bystander. Opening the innings in all the 9 matches he just missed out on being the highest scorer in this edition of the World Cup!


2. MSDhoni lifting the Cup (that counts)

If not for Sachin this of course would be topping my list. What a man, what a captain. There has been enough spoken and written about him already. For me its a great story of focus, performance and marshaling of your resources to achieve the ultimate objective.


3. MSDhoni's Six

11 balls left, 4 runs to win. A fullish delivery by Kulasekara and Dhoni smacked it over long on for a Six starting the celebrations across the World!


4. Yuvraj Singh - Man of the Tournament

Not one for a series of consistent performances leading to him receiving the coveted prize. He was there taking catches, getting wickets, saving runs, scoring runs...barring the semi final in almost every match. But for me the best was the 5 wicket haul against Ireland and his gesture celebrating the same.


5. Zaheer Khan - 3 maidens in a row: Finals

What made it even special is the fact that it was the same 'Zak' as he is popularly known who had bowled a string of wides and no balls to give 15 runs in his first over in the final of the 2003 edition. Though he went for a few runs later on the match he did take 2 wickets to take his tally to 21 scalps for the tournament - a joint first!


6. India vs Pakistan in World Cups 6-0

Each time they meet emotions run high. World Cup clashes are even worse. And then this was in the knock out stages at Mohali where Pakistan's record is much better than India's. Thanks to an overall performance India maintains a clean sheet!


7. Beating Australia in the QF

Well we have beaten a lot of times in the past in neutral venues, at home and in Australia. But this was sweet. In a way revenge of the 2003 loss. Billed as potentially the last match for two legends Sachin & Ponting at the World Cup stage, there was lot at stake. With half centuries from Sachin, Gambhir and Yuvi we did manage to win with 14 balls to spare!


8. Virat' Kohli's gesture

Going back to the celebrations after MSD scored the winning runs. Not many were aware till it was shared on the news channels that Virat Kohli quietly picket up one of the wickets and handed over to Sachin! He also carried Sachin through the victory lap. When asked pat came the reply, '' He (Sachin) has been carrying nation's burden for over two decades. Now it was our turn to carry him." Sweet!


9. Opening Match Sehwag: 175, Kohli: 100*

First match in the World Cup. Opponent: Bangladesh. A team capable of springing surprises. Has been the reason for India getting eliminated in the first round of 2007 edition. But as the match progressed witness a swashbuckling 175 from Sehwag. Was threatening Sachin's record for highest ODI score. Sadly missed out. Keeping him company and scoring a century on World Cup debut was Virat Kohli. What a talent for the future of Team India's cause.


10. Yusuf Pathan's unassuming sixes

An unsung hero as far as am concerned. A pinch hitter, an all rounder, a committed fielder. Favoured till the quarter finals till he was surprisingly dropped what I'll always remember are his towering sixes which brought a sense of relief and joy on every Indian fan's face especially the 3 sixes he hit against Ireland. So this is it. These are my top 10 magical moments. Moments which will be etched in my memory for my lifetime. Thank you Team India.


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