Our magnificent men in blue

Musings by Shekhar Nambiar

Writeup: captain Rohit Sharma hoists Shami in a hug after the latter created history

India is through to the final of the men’s ODI World Cup. It was their tenth consecutive victory of the tournament, an unblemished record indeed. There cannot have been a greater victory for India.  

Virat Kohli bows down to masterblaster Sachin Tendulkar after achieving the milestone of 50 tons while his wife Anushka claps on.

Also read: Hard work, tenacity pays

Huge congratulations and credit to Mohammad Shami for his record-breaking seven-wicket haul. His 7/57 included the wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson.  As he said at the end of the match, it was now or never. There may not be another opportunity for such a feat.

Shami has become the first bowler to get four five-wicket hauls in World Cups.

Mohammad Shami roars after breaking all records taking 7 wickets for 57 runs. He gets special mention in Prime Minister Modi’s congratualtory message.

By all accounts, it was a great match. Virat Kohli’s 50th ton in ODI, breaking Sachin’s record and the marvellous batting by Shreyas Iyer, who also scored a century.

Full credit to the Kiwis whose spirited and defiant batting gave the Indians a scare. The Wankhede crowd watched in hushed silence and baited breath as Shami broke the back of the Kiwi batting one by one. Shami’s seven-wicket haul saw India through to the Narendra Modi stadium this coming Sunday.

Also read: Yeh dil mange more

Williamson’s 69 and Mitchell’s 134 are stuff that’ll be remembered for a long time.Ravindra and Devon Conway disappointed their team as they fell to the fury of Shami.

A grateful nation cheered the team as they steered their way to a fantastic win. Despite some fielding lapses, including missed catches, the Indian side managed to hold on to their winning streak.

Shreyas Iyer scoring his consecutive century on Wednesday against Newzealand.

The Wankhede crowd hadn’t seen such a confident and aggressive Indian side.

Also read: A day out at Kotla

With India scoring nearly 400 runs, the writing was on the wall. The Kiwis were in for a big challenge.  There being no dew on the ground probably didn’t help them in their chase.

Such was the tight bowling and accuracy of Shami, he pretty much ensured there was no way out for the New Zealanders.

Hardik’s temporary exit has been a blessing in disguise for Team India.

 Daryl Mitchell celebrates his hundred in Newzealands defiance against India.

The one big message from the win is not to give up and keep trying, precisely what Rohit did. He led the team well, notwithstanding his looking flustered occasionally.

It is but natural that there would be disappointments and frustration during a high- pressure game such as a semi-final.

In the end, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This was all too evident on Wednesday. 

Good luck Team India!

Also read: Sixes win matches!