March 13, 2011

ICC World Cup 2011 updates: Day 22

On the 22nd day of the ICC World Cup 2011, India and South Africa faced against each other at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India. The toss went into the favor of India and they chose to bat first.

India gave a fine start with the openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Right from the start of the innings, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were hitting the ball all over the ground. Sachin Tendulkar was more aggressive than Sehwag. The both put up a partnership of 142 runs in just 17.4 overs. Sehwag was out and Gautam Gambhir came in to bat. He also batted well and put up his half century. The second wicket partnership consisted of 125 runs. Sachin Tendulkar got out and finally South Africans managed to remove the little master. This was the turning point for them. When Sachin departed, India's total was 267 for the loss of 2 wickets in just 39.4 overs. He scored his 48th ODI century scoring 111 runs in 101 deliveries. After this, India collapsed and lost all its remaining 8 wickets scoring only 29 runs. They could not even complete the 50 overs nor could score a total of 300 runs. The worst batting performance i have ever seen in my life. India after 48.4 overs, put up a total of only 296 runs and lost all 10 wickets (IND- 296/10, 48.4 over). Dale Steyn took 5 wickets.

In reply, South Africa also started off very well. The top order batsmen played their part and put very useful runs to the total. Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers put up half-centuries each. Other batsmen, played some good knocks. The match went on closer as if the match could be won be any team. Till the last over, there was no confirmation on who will the match. In the last over, South Africa needed 13 runs with 3 wickets on hand. The ball given to Ashish Nehra on whom the match depended on. The very first ball went for a four then next delivery went for a Six. This 2 deliveries decided that South Africa have almost won the match. In that over, Petersen hit 4,6,2,4 and won the match with 2 deliveries in spare. South Africa scored a total of 300 runs in 49.4 overs (SA - 300/7, 49.4 over). Harbhajan Singh took 3 wickets.

South Africa won the match by 3 wickets. Man of the match went to Dale Steyn who took 5 wickets and was responsible for the collapse of the Indian batting.

No comments: