India in West Indies – seemingly not gelling together. In the ninth edition of the tournament, there were total 51 matches played and much before the real tournament began, Indians were knocked out of the tournament and had to pack their bags for home. The right to hold the tournament was gained through ICC’s rotational policy and the Cup tourney was being held for the first time in the Caribbean land.
The 16 competing teams, the largest ever contingent initially were divided into four Groups – India vied with Lankans, Bangladesh and new entrant Bermuda. (Australia, England, Newzealand, South Africa, West Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Canada, Kenya, Ireland, Nederlands, Scotland and Bermuda.
To wipe out your confusion, this is all about the 2007 ICC WC held between 13th March to 28th April 2007. India & Pak went crashing not even reaching the Sup 8 – Aussie, Kiwi, SL & SA clashed in Semis – Aussies defeated Lankans in the finals.
India’s disastrous campaign started on 17/3/07 at Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain when Indians succumbed to Bangla – all out for 191 and Bangla scoring them losing only 5 wickets. Against the little known Bermuda at the same venue, India scored 413/5 with century by Sehwag and getting them for 156. In the crucial match against Lankans, India chasing 254 were all out for 185 in 43.3 overs.
A similar fate beckons Dhoni’s men this time. For a semi berth, India lost to Aussie pretty badly and yesterday Chris Gayle went agonisingly short of scoring another ton but providing a tall score. Indians floundered against pace and short ball yet again.
For regular followers, the difference in standards between IPL and International was too obvious. Was there any difference in the attitude too would be a serious question to ponder !!!
After Gayle’s gale, the Windies pacers delivered barrage of bouncers; Darren Sammy & Dwayne Bravo discomforted them initially. Vijay looked out of sorts; Gambhir yet to rediscover his form. Rohit got a dubious decision and Indians were facing the wall again. Briefly a respite appeared on when Raina and Yuvi chased but not good enough. Yusuf continued to struggle and Dhoni was not elegant. The end was a 14 run defeat. Lack of quality bowler and planned batting was evident.
The victory augurs well for Windies but they still will have to bat Aussie to ensure a place in Semi. If Lankans win on Tues alongside Aussie, it would be those two teams for the next slot. The last tourney was marked by low spectator turn out due to various reasons – primer being the cost of the tickets. This time the turnout are much bigger. Though there could be theoretical hope with a win against the Lankans, the discomfort would end soon for the relief. Perhaps not the best of bowlers bowling at you (as was in IPL) is revealing the cracks in the armour. Time and again, playing overseas, the chinks become too evident.
In the second match Aussie displayed their class scoring 168/5 and beating Lankans by 81 runs. A resounding win brought about by Dirk Nannes and Johnson. Randiv bowled very well and but for a great knock from Craig White could have been in trouble. With another win of great force, Aussies are virtually guaranteed of a berth in Semis and perhaps the WC itself.
Regards – Sampathkumar.
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