Melbourne: Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led India displayed a clinical performance in all their departments — batting, bowling and fielding as they emerged victorious against South Africa at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With this win, the Men in Blue have finally broken the World Cup jinx but at the same time ensured the tag ‘chokers’ remains with South Africa. So what led Team India to a historic win today? Here are some reasons that might just interest you.
Dhawan’s back to twirling his moustache
After failing to live up to his reputation Down Under in the tri-series that had almost put India’s batting plans in jeopardy, Shikhar Dhawan can now safely say that he’s back in form and ready to fire. Facing Pakistan in the World Cup opener, Dhawan’s sweet timing of the ball brought a huge relief to many fans not only in Australia but also around the world. His quick 73 off 76 was a huge contribution to India’s massive total of 300. And if that was not convincing, his century at the MCG on Sunday should be enough to silence critics. After losing Rohit Sharma cheaply, the 126-run partnership along with Virat Kohli for the second wicket consolidated the Indian innings. Back-to-back knocks from Dhawan, can the southpaw make it three in a row against UAE on February 28?
(Photo: AP)
Team India’s electric fielding display
Cricketing experts have praised India’s current line-up. To many, this side may have looked unusual with players literally throwing themselves at everything. But they surely delivered producing two vital run-outs that, according to South African skipper AB de Villiers were the turning points of the match. Mohit Sharma’s brilliant throw at the stumps to skipper MS Dhoni saw danger man de Villiers walk back to the dressing room. And Umesh Yadav proved that it’s not only his bowling skills that earned him a place in the side. Another brilliant throw from the speedster, and David Miller made his walk back to the pavilion.
Suresh Raina throws himself at the ball during the India vs South Africa match at the MCG on Sunday. (Photo: AP)
Mohit Sharma, the apt replacement for Ishant Sharma?
If India’s senior-most pacer Ishant Sharma’s exit from the World Cup due to injury was a big concern for Team India, then they can now heave a sigh of relief as Mohit Sharma is proving to be the ideal replacement for the injured Sharma. Picking up two wickets in his seven overs with an economy rate of 4.42 against South Africa, and three wickets in his nine over against Pakistan, Mohit Sharma could well seal his place in the team. Question lies, can he sustain this good run?
(Photo: AP)
Jinkya on a roll!
Ajinkya Rahane is looking in fine touch and now has become a player that can bat at any order. After the untimely wicket of Virat Kohli, fans were in two minds if Rahane could deliver and match up to the expectations of Kohli. But it looks like Rahane didn’t pay heed to any of this dope as the Mumbai batsman came out in the middle and blazed his way to a 60-ball 79, a knock that included three massive sixes. He also added a century stand with Shikhar Dhawan for the third wicket that propelled India to a massive score of 307.
(Photo: ICC)
The ‘Little Master’ at MCG
The best is saved for the last and India’s historic win at the MCG can also be highly attributed to the presence of the ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar who was cheering the Men in Blue from the stands. One can undoubtedly say that if India had to deliver and come out victorious against a strong well-drilled Proteas unit, Tendulkar’s part from the stands should be credited.
(Photo: AP)
