World champs do it again
If India went overboard after their triumph at the Twenty20 World Championship last month, their new found love of the abridged version of the sport is only going to escalate after another win over Australia.
The Indians, so easily disposed of in the recent seven-match one day series, looked in their element against an Australian side that could not quite get out of second gear in any facet of the match.
Winning the toss and batting, Adam Gilchirst slammed three fours off the opening four deliveries, before Rudra Singh got his revenge, bowling the left-hander. Ricky Ponting was typically dynamic, however Matt Hayden never really got going, eventually losing his wicket to Harbhajan, bowled for 17 off 19. Andrew Symonds, greeted with a warm round of boos, albeit apparently minus racial taunts, was run out for 20 off 18 balls.
The Australians were still in a reasonable position to attack, however the final seven overs were disappointing, bringing a mere 56 runs, giving the visitors a final score of 5/166.
Ponting made 76 off 53 balls, but the lack of support was costly, as a winning target became a reachable one.
India were determined to step in front of the required run rate from the get-go. Vehrenda Sehwag was caught behind off Brett Lee for 5, however the Australian tearaway was given the most punishment, savaged for 35 runs off his 3.1 overs.
Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa put on a spectacular 82 runs in 8.1 overs, setting up the relatively easy win. Yuvraj Singh, in danger of becoming typecast at a Twenty20 specialist, eased back into his bludgeoning role, hoicking three sixes in his cameo of 31 not out off 25 balls.
The Indians passed Australia with seven wickets and 11 balls to spare. It was the home sides most complete effort since their win over Australia in the Twnety20 World Championship semi final. It’s a performance that will no doubt raise questions as to why India cannot convert their irresistible form to the fifty over game.
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