ICC World Cup 2015: Short notes - February 15
Today was the big one. The clash of the neighboring continental giants and fierce rivals. After a spirited show, Zimbabwe came up short against their more fancied rivals.
- Zimbabwe have already surpassed expectations. And are now looking a strong contender for a knock-out berth.
- South Africa stuttered initially, but their depth in batting rescued them from a precarious situation into an unbeatable one.
- David Miller & Jean Paul Duminy are now the proud owners of the record for the highest 5th wicket partnership in ODI history. A record which went by almost unnoticed because all eyes were on the other game going on in Adelaide.
Which brings me to the real game of the day:
- It was supposed to be the biggest game of the World Cup, yet inspite of the few nervous moments, India walked away with their biggest ever World Cup victory against Pakistan.
- India still not managing to make full utilization of the end overs. This was something of a bugbear for India last time around as well.
- DRS controversy made another appearance. Again, it’s not the system, it’s the people handling it and their awareness/ignorance of the rules regarding its usage which is creating all the trouble.
- Sohail Khan appealed for LBW on his very first delivery to Shikhar Dhawan. The umpire signalled not out and Sohail immediately called for DRS while Misbah rushed to recall the DRS review. Fortunately, the umpire listened to Misbah as the replay showed the ball hitting Dhawan bang in the middle of his bat.
- Yasir Shah can easily pass off as Lionel Messi.
- This Indian habit of slowing down when approaching a century (e.g. Kohli) could land th team in major trouble in the future.
- Sir Jadeja's legend got enhanced further when he strolled for run and Pakistan had ample time to run him out, not once but twice and both times they missed.
- Misbah left last man standing. A scene oft-repeated in the past few years, especially against India.
- A for Akmal, B for Ball, C for Catch, D for Drop, An Akmal putting down a catch, another recurring theme for Pakistan