Since the day the 2023 World Cup started, it has been cricket, Cricket and CRICKET. Luckily, or deservedly, it has been a pleasurable period for us with India’s unstoppable wins thus far. Hopefully we might win all the nine matches – an achievement in itself. And we shall keep our fingers crossed for the semi-final and final matches.
Aside India’s performance, the day to day matches not involving India have equally been interesting. To be frank, I was planning to watch them only in passing. But facts turned otherwise. On the very first day New Zealand avenged their last World Cup final defeat by winning the very first match against England - by 9 wickets.
The much-awaited match between India and Pakistan ended in India claiming supremacy. Afghanistan, who I would call the heroes of the 2023 series, stole the show by defeating Pakistan, England Sri Lanka and Netherlands.
Netherlands, who are on an Associate status, showed their mettle by defeating the formidable South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Sri Lankan Government dissolved its Cricket Board for poor performance. For government interference in cricket, ICC removed Sri Lanka from membership.
Sri Lanka’s Mathew was declared out for not entering the crease within the stipulated two minutes for World Cup (and three minutes for international matches), as the rival team Bangladesh raised the point of order. This is the first time in the 146 years of cricket. Ganguly had a narrow escape when he was similarly to be declared out, but the opposing team, West Indies, did not make a call.
New Zealand posted an unachievable score of 400-odd against Pakistan, and everyone was skeptical, including the Pakistani commentator, if Pakistan could measure up to it. Possible rain was the forecast and Pakistan focused on run rate and got the benefit of it under the DLF formula. Unlucky New Zealand and lucky Pakistan.
Hardik Pandya, our Vice Captain, sustained a leg injury during one of the matches, and was ruled out for the rest of the World Cup. Mohammad Shami stepped in, and he proved how devastating he could be to the opponent batters. Not just once, but in consecutive matches.
Mohammad Siraj, an opening bowler from one end along side Jusprit Bumrah from the other, got his ranking upgraded to 1 from South Africa’s Maharaj. And, on the batting front, Shubman Gill usurped the first place from Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam.
At home, the Indian capitan, Rohit Sharma, or better still, the Hitman, set the tempo of the Indian innings by hitting the ball for fours and sixes in Power Play 1 when most fielders are in the inside circle.
The single most admirable event of the series? Yes, the limping Maxwell, having fallen flat on the ground once or twice because of acute leg pain, still persisted at the crease with both his legs covering the stumps, and deciding to go for nothing short of fours and sixes to sail Australia from 91 for 7 to a victorious 293 for 7 against Afghanistan. A single-handed achievement that is sure to go in the annals of cricketing history as an example of challenging to win under all odds. At the same time, no less credit is due to the Afghan team who dared the Aussies and gave them a run for their money. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan takes the cake for that.
Based on the performance at this World Cup, Netherlands and Sri Lanka do not qualify for the Champion’s Trophy to be held in Pakistan in 2025.
As an aside, we were happy to see film celebrities being given a break for ads and, instead, our Mr Dependable Rahul Dravid featuring for an engine oil ad – Engine oil ho ya shaadi, soch samjkhar select karna. Looked very natural. Also enjoyable was the comedy of errors by Sprite cool drink, relating an unconnected event outside to the cricket enthusiasts watching a match inside shouting drop it, or andhar—bahar… The ad on monthly health insurance premium versus annual premium was very imaginatively done in a ad when a patient walks out of the hospital half way through treatment for lack of coverage. And, to end it again with cricket, Dhoni did a convincing job by laying a condition to the youngsters that he would watch the match with them only if they served Lays.
A good time pass these past 20-30 days – alas, coming to an end soon.
Meanwhile, happy Diwali.
2 comments:
A nice summary of progression of World Cup Cricket so far in advance of semi finals and finals. We hope the author comes out with part two of this blog to cover the knock out matches and the Final. Cricket lovers, especially Indians, have had enjoyable moments as India has been remaining undefeated till now. A pakistani stalwart, Wasim Akram jokingly commented that an international team comprised of the participating teams needs to be formed to defeat this Indian team, whil another Pakistani was wondering if India is using a special shining ball surreptitiously after watching our bowlers performance. Happy Deepavali.
- YESR
Awesome coverage. This absolutely an all round performance by Sundaram. No details is missed from advertisement to Saurav Ganguly in the past delaying his readiness at the crease and Wes Indies letting him play. This is a perfect all round blog.
7135 HN Shankar
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