Chase Master & 82 Saga

Somethings never change and as mentioned in previous chapter we saw him coming after them and he did. Sunday, whole nation switching to watch one contest and it’s that man who delivers smile on faces of 1.5 billion people. Let’s Play!

Boom Boom in the house

Very first thought came into my mind when I saw Bumrah entering the stadium was “Where is his Money in the Bank Briefcase?”. We do need him on the ground and that was the only possible way by Cashing in the Money in the Bank, lol.

Though we thought he was there for the match and there was a special ceremony for him by ICC honoring his performance. He was included in the T20 team of the year, Test team of the year along with Men’s cricketer of the year and Test cricketer of the year.

One does think of achieving one but it’s Bumrah he makes sure it is multiple scalps whether it’s a wicket or awards. We are lucky to have him on our side, Jasprit Bumrah is our Heritage!

As we moved to National anthem Pakistan was able to listen the complete Jana Gana mana after that short one at their home ground, We did lose toss and again asked to bowl.

Shami was in no mood to complete his over and soon Babar was finding his rhythm playing cover drives. We miss Arshdeep whenever we don’t get an early wicket and then comes Hardik with his ploy of making Babar play cover drive and adjusting the length on very next ball with Babar nicking it behind the stumps and ofcourse not keeping the calm with his celebration.

Rizwan and Saud shakeel built a partnership but it was so slow that it ended up like digging your own grave. We couldn’t get wicket in the middle overs again but this time it didn’t matter as when they wanted to break shackles, everyone was falling one after another special thanks to Kuldeep and a late spin striking by Axar and Jadeja, Pakistan couldn't catch hold of it and they bundled out for 241 and that was still a good score to fight with.

King for the Kill

As it was Gill in the last match, this was Kohli who not only killed the chase but also the Pakistan campaign which they are hosting. Can’t find a better revenge for 2017 CT Final where he was the captain.

Rohit got out after his T20 batting and we were watching this man walking to the crease with all hoping it’s his day but with the new ball there is always some threat and you know it’s his day when he hits a Cover drive holding his shape and that’s how he completed his 14,000 ODI runs in style. 3rd on the list currently and you expect him to go to 2nd in a while.

We were into the game when Kohli started rotating strike as soon as spin was introduced giving no chance for a false shot. Gill was outplayed by a peach. That was very sharp from Abrar and he had no answer. Mr. No. 4 Iyer was tested by Haris rauf with the short ball ploy but it hardly worked out and we can see how Iyer has changed his batting stance, With his unsteady bat we can call him Smith as well. Haris rauf and Kohli reminds us of MCG 2022 Ball 18.5 and he dominated him by keeping boundaries in check.

Iyer got to his 50 and soon to pavilion as he changed his gear and Kohli was in 80s nearing a hundred then comes Hardik. We all know what happens when he comes to bat on and he started charging the bowler from 1st ball. Suddenly we find everyone praying for his wicket only to see Virat score century. He soon falls and Axar comes in with only 19 remaining with Kohli needing 14. He denied him double for a wide and Virat got furious over that. Deep down Bapu was doing what all of us were expecting from him.

Shaheen bowled couple of wides and everyone in our cafeteria was abusing him all for a cause. Rohit was signalling to Virat from the dressing room to hit a six as four was needed to win. Finally Kohli did hit four when there was 2 needed to win and completed his century. Everyone was up on their feet clapping for King Kohli. 82nd Hundred for Virat and we are waiting for 83rd already. 82* and 82nd Vs same team and 82 keeps geting more significant for him.

Kohli was asking dugout to Relax in “Main hoon na” style.

This reminds of that India Vs South Africa Semifinal match from T20 WC 2014 where Dhoni was playing dot balls so that Virat could hit winning shot as he was the key in the chase.

How rarely we feel all kinds of emotions in a single match? This was one. Everyone rooting for one guy to complete his 100 and there was pure joy in it. Sunday was truly made with that hundred in the evening when monday starts to kick and we all forgot about that. Thank you Axar for this.

Whole world is watching you, you took your team home and here is this man who never forgets to celebrate his people on his success. Whether it is pointing out his bat towards sky for his father or kissing his wedding ring for Anushka.

GOAT Batsman and Gem of a Man!

We move for our last assault in Group stage with Kiwis and it will decide who will we play in Semifinal on 4th Australia or South Africa. It’s the same 4 from CWC 2023 Knockouts. Many will be wishing for India to lose tomorrow only to not face Travis head but sooner or later it is going to be the case.

Let’s hope for the best and gear up for a cracking contest tomorrow!

Jai Hind!