It was the all important Finals of the T20 World Cup in picturesque ‘Barbados’ and rains were predicted but what turned out was from a script by an ace sports drama writer that was worthy of an Oscar ! Call it a heart-stopping cliffhanger with Hitchcock’s masterful suspense and climax it had all the elements ! By the evening end, it was incredible story of our ‘Magnificent Eleven’ who just refused to give up the ‘Cup’ like recalcitrant boys !
We were ready with snacks from 7 pm our time to watch the favourites India cross the line this time, yet bit wary of the ‘Proteas’ challenge. India started with some sparkling fours from ‘out of form’ Virat but then two wickets fell cheaply including prize one of Rohit. Great rearguard action from Virat and Axar and audacious shots by Dube helped India to post a slightly above par score of 173 and the big Finals was set up nicely !
In reply, SA started looking a bit shaky losing their Captain Markham but soon Decock and Stubbs took control with some lusty hitting but it was big-hitting Klaasen who was ominous with his awesome striking and along with Miller, all our spinners were getting hammered. At half way stage – a sinking feeling SA were running away with the game. So distraught were we with the onslaught, that I was chewing fingernails in despair in front of the TV & Tandra refused to watch further and retreated to the prayer room for hope !
But when there’s such huge yearning to succeed even the Gods smile and miracles start to happen fast. Rohit still keeping a steady head despite all odds stacked, got dangerous Decock trapped on the leg side, blazing Klaasen in a real mad rush to wrap up the game (equation was just 30 in 30 balls with 6 wickets in hand) edged one behind, Bumrah bowled magical two overs, Arshdeep kept his nerve in his, Surya brought off a stunning catch on the ropes to send Miller when 16 runs were needed of 6 balls. Hardik in the final over kept great control to let India snatch victory from jaws of sure defeat ! Rarely in a match have there been so many heroes, all chipping in in every which way they did.
Finally, while the nation exploded with joy and fans celebrated all across there were high emotions running in the players many of whom broke down and even the sedate Coach Rahul Dravid joined the boisterous festivities on the field. There was utter euphoria of India lifting a T20 WC after 17 years and the poignant announcements from two modern day legends Virat and Rohit retiring from T20 format, riding away into sunset in glory. For Dravid, one can feel the poet’s words ‘Gods in his heaven, all’s right with the world’ ! What a perfect fairytale ending for us all…
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