There had not been any world cup tournament where the final battle was fought between two sub-continent teams. It happened this time in 2011 – India and Sri Lanka up against each other for the most coveted trophy of cricket on 2nd April 2011. Sri Lanka pounded 274 runs in their innings with the help of a magnificent ton from a great competitor – Mahela Jayawardene.
As the teams vanished from the grounds for the innings break, Indian fans and supporters felt the moments of fear and anxiety. No cricketing nation had ever won the world cup at the home soil, highest total ever chased at Wankhede Stadium stood at 225, highest runs ever chased in a world cup final stood at 241, side of the century hitting batsman had never lost a world cup final. The odds seemed to stack up high considering these facts.
While the moments of fear and anxiety existed, there existed moments of inspiration and optimism too. The pain of not winning a world title for 28 years was excruciating and it was getting no lesser with every passing 4 years. The pain of the loss at 1996 semi-final against the same team was still suppressed in the hearts of many and there was no better time for redemption. Little master had already served Indian cricket for 21 years and was left yearning for “the ultimate prize” in 5 previous editions of the tournament – 2011 being virtually his last. This was supposed to be the fitting finale for our own Don. What more? No wicketkeeper batsman had ever lifted the trophy and there was no better person than MSD to do that for India.
At 31-2 in 6.1 overs, the anxiety seemed to get better of inspiration. Fear seemed getting better of optimism. Malinga had trapped the imperious duo of Sachin and Sehwag within half hour. Exactly at this juncture, I had to switch off my cellphone due to mandatory aviation rules and I took off from Delhi for an official tour. I told my colleague that there is only way India could win – “MSD needs to come at no. 5 ahead of Yuvraj and Raina” and with all hopes tied to an Indian win, we were air-borne. Two hours later, the pilot informed us that the Indian score is 205-3 in 38.1 overs with MSD and Gautam batting. The Master Stroke Decider once again seemed to work for India and there was no way India could loose from that position.
Inspiration and optimism vanquished fear and anxiety finally. Team India pulled off a stunning win with a trademark MSD shot over long on. Bewilderment and loss of words surrounded MSD, ecstasy choked Yuvi on the other end, joy erupted in the dressing room and off went the nation India into never ending night of celebrations, dance, joy and partying. The wait was over, it was time those hands held the trophy, it was time they kissed the trophy and it was time the nation became united in joy and happiness. A moment which comes once in a lifetime or twice at best!
For me, it can be only once. I curiously looked at the watch as I landed in Dubai. It was about to be 00:00 hours and I gleefully accepted best ever birthday present from the men in blue.
Hail team India! Hail Guru Gary! Hail the leader and skipper MSD!
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2 comments:
If you were airborne during the game the wait would have been excruciating. What a game and what a result. India exploded in noise - that night is something nobody who was here would ever forget.
@ Ramesh - yes, it was very excruciating... but I could make up for the missed action on internet, truly a night to remember!
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