Posted by Mudassir on 13:25
Today when Andrew Strauss tossed the coin in air Darren Sammi must be screaming for not have availed himself of that opportunity as it turned out to be the fortune coin for England captain. Every thing went in favor of the man in blue who won the toss, elected to bat first and went on to win the thrilling contest at Chennai. England batting first started well but failed to sustain some formidable bowling spells from West Indian bowlers. They hardly produced any good partnerships and wickets rushed to fall in succession. This has now taken an interesting shape as they have hardly managed to score any big since they drew a big game against India. Yet again they were all out for an odd total of 243. WI bowlers have really shown some spark and they look to be a better bowling unit who are performing consistently fair so far.
Chris Gayle started his innings in his typical style. It was kind of a monster punching at the bowlers with tons of force as couple of shots he played went just above the level of the ground way back into the audience. He did really lift the run rate and decided to get close to the target as soon as possible. His attacking approach could not last too long though. He was dismissed to leave the hot meal for Sammi who was to keep up the momentum alike. Sammi fearlessly kept on swinging his bat all along the ground and hit Tredwell thrice into the stands for massive blows to lead his side to 100 in 14.1 overs. At this stage of the WI innings the things looked all set in their control. But unfortunately the West Indians refused to alter their reputation of throwing away their wickets cheaply one after the other. Kieron Pollard hit some good shots before falling prey to Graem Swann who was never giving any room to the batsmen.
Then a partnership between Sarwan and Russel ignited their fightback and they marched to cross 200 to run through the terrified England troops. But WI fans must be completely blank of the fact that their team would cheaply falter later on to perish like soap bubbles to hand a thrilling win to England eventually. It was the left arm spinner Tredwell who from nowhere entered the squad to steal the limelight. He and Swann produced two most incredible spells of spin bowling and left West Indians shocked by grabbing couple of quick wickets to end the story. This was not the first instance in this event when England had displayed a thrilling encounter. They have done this in almost all of their games in this World cup so far. Whether it be the drawn match against India or the loss against Ireland, last over win over South Africa or the one played today, well fortunately or unfortunately they have gone on to produce those most exciting combats of the tournament to date.
This mega event has now produced some unexpected results for couple of teams. Bangladesh have won most number of matches than in any world cup they had played before to be well placed in the run for the knock out berth. England on the contrary are struggling to find the place in last eight who once were supposed to be amongst the favorites. England have registered their 3rd win in the preliminary round they are desperately awaiting the match between Bangladesh and South Africa though. England are still on the verge of elimination and their exit will be stamped if Bangladesh win their final game.
