The Cup That Counts

As we all know, we Indians have come a long way, from nothing at all with two World Cups now. After 28 years, it was truly a magical moment for the proud Hindustanis to lift the trophy of their dreams at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 2nd of April, 2011. “The Cup That Counts” finally belongs to the glorious Indians who won by 6 wickets againts Sri Lanka on Saturday. A truly deserved victory for India.

Sri Lanka was said to have won the toss and they chose to bat first, but sources have revealed the truth that Sangakkara had actually lost the toss, but due to the confusion he created, there was a re-toss conducted. However, the Lions of Lanka batted pretty decently in the begining. India had high hopes of winning when they got 3 wickets and the score was in 100s. But Jayavardene never gave up and went to score a smashing century for his team and holds the record for being the 6th person to score a 100 in a World Cup final. Sreesanth’s bowling was an utter disappointment. But Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh made up for the loss. However, towards the end of the first innings, Sri Lanka chose batting powerplay and they were spectacular! They literally managed 60 plus score in 5 overs, giving them a total score of 274 runs! That was the moment which shattered every Indian’s hope of winning the Cup.

However, the Indian cricket team did not give up. The opening batsman being Sehwag, with Sachin on the other side, no one could stop India from capturing the trophy. Unfortunately, Malinga’s super speed bowling got Sehwag an LBW in the 2nd ball for no runs! It was even more disappointing when Sachin lost his wicket for 30 runs and the entire Indian crowd was spellbound! This was when we all realised we had absolutely no hopes of survival. But Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli gave their best level performance and managed an amazing partnership. Sadly, Dilshan’s eccentric dive to the right got him a catch and Kohli was out in no time. Team captain Dhoni then entered and his performance, despite all the injuries, was out of the world. He had an amazing chemistry with Gambhir, giving Gambhir 97 runs. Eventually the game was played by Lord Ram (Dhoni) and Laxman (Yuvraj Singh) and they were so consistent and so radiant and full of life, that it was no surprise at all for us to bag the trophy. The hero of the game was Dhoni, of course, with 91 runs, not out, who ended the game with a gladiatorial sixer and the man of the series, was Yuvraj Singh for his excellent all-rounder performance.

The sole reason for our victory was the unity among the Indians, captain Dhoni’s humble behaviour, Gary Kirstin’s amazing coaching techniques, the entire team effort and of course, their love for the nation. All I can say is I Love My India!

Tags: Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India, Laxman, Lord Ram, Ramayana, Sri Lanka, World Cup