It was the last match pre-Quarterfinals for both teams in Group B – India and West Indies. India, South Africa, and England are already confirmed for the Quarter Finals. It would be either Bangladesh or West Indies depending on the outcome of this match’s result. India so far had played 5 matches, won 3, tied 1 and lost 1 having 7 points. West Indies too had played 5 matches–won 3 and lost 2, having 6 points.
It was a day night match to be played at MA Chidambram Stadium, Chennai, India. India won the toss and decided to bat first. There were two changes for India: injured Virender Sehwag was rested due to a knee problem and Suresh Raina was taken in his place; and in bowling section Ashish Nehra was rested to give a chance to R Ashwin for the first time in this WC 2011.
Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir opened that bat. Tendulkar was soon back to the pavilion but on his own. A ball from debutant Ravi Rampaul..Virat Kohli came in place of Tendulkar. Soon Gambhir too followed Tendulkar by lofting a catch at boundary in the hands of fielder deputed there. Rampaul had two wickets in his pocket by then. Yuvraj Singh joined in Kohli to drive Indian innings further. In first power play India had lost both its openers. Virat was the captain of Under-19 World Cup winner team. Lefthander allrounder Yuvraj is a player of precision, grit, and power.
Average that was above 6 per over went down to around 5.5 after the exit of Tendulkar and Gambhir. Yuvraj got dropped twice – one by Sammy when he was fielding and second by Sammy again on his own bowling.
By 19th over, average had gone down further and was just near to 5. At the end of 20 overs India were 97 for loss of two wickets with Kohli playing at 37 in 49 balls and Yuvraj at 26 made in 43 balls. 228th six of WC and first of Indian innings by Yuvraj came in 21st over being thrown by Sammy. First half century partnership of Indian innings between Yuvraj and Kohli came in 73 balls.
Article comments
1 - Wilfred Grey
I find the Widies perfomances- I can't find a word to describe it. It's areflection of our attitudes in the genreral society.
2 - Jaideep
@Wilfred: Yep you may be right and then this applies on all countries teams.