T20 WC 2010 - the semi finalists

The semi final line-up is clearly drawn and India cannot grudge. Indians have displayed unwanted consistency in losing.

In the second version at England, India lost all its matches in Super 8. India scored 153/7 and lot to West Indies (156/3); England scored 153/7 and Indians fell 3 short 150/5. In the third match of no significance, South Africans successfully defended a measly 130 and won by 12 runs. Indians returned home empty handed.

This time the result was the same; though the opponents and the host were different. India lost to Aussies, Windies and then caved to Lankans.

Humiliation awaited the Host as they flopped to 105 and crushed to a defeat. Clarke’s men did not need a win but were not prepared for any compromise. In the earlier match Lankans went for a win – though Jayawardene and Jayasuriya fell cheaply, Sanga set up the chase, Mathews took them closer and Chamara Kapugedera sealed with a six off the last ball. India started off well with 50 in 5.5 and second 50 followed in 38 balls; Gambhir scored 41 off 32 and Raina flourished to 63 off 47. In the end, score of 163 was not enough. Debutant Vinaykumar removed Jaya for a nought and Lankans needed 25 off last 8. Indians bowling attack has proved to be a weak link and today, it was the inexperienced Vinay who suffered, though he had bowled well till then. In the penultimate over, fifth ball was hit for a six by Kapugedera and the next was a four,reducing the equation to 13 off the last over bowled by Nehra. Mathews hit a six of the first ball; 3 off 2 and Mathews was run out at 19.5. last delivery went for a six taking away India’s pride. Earlier in 14th over Yusuf had been hit for two sixers

In the first Semis England would take on Lankans on May 13 & on May 14, Aussies play Pakistan.

With regards – Sampathkumar.