The second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was heartbreak for all Indian supporters, but the fact remains that in terms of wins, this was India’s most successful one. They won seven out of eight matches and their win percentage was 87.5. Heading to the tournament, very few gave them a realistic chance as they had struggled in the Test series against Australia and later in the tri-series. However MS Dhoni’s men defied the odds and displayed a spirited show to be end up as one of the most dominating sides of the tournament.
Suvajit Mustafi lists out seven memorable moments from this World Cup that will stay with an Indian cricket fan forever.
1. Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami power India to a win against Pakistan in their tournament opener in Adelaide
These were scenes unseen before at the Adelaide Oval and the campaign for India received a perfect start with a win over their arch-rivals Pakistan. Adelaide bore a subcontinent look and the atmosphere was simply electrifying. The highlights were Shikhar Dhawan’s free – flowing 73, Virat Kohli’s matured 107, Suresh Raina’s blazing 74 and Mohammed Shami’s spirited four-wicket haul.
India’s 76-run win over Pakistan was celebrated no less than a World Cup win. The campaign received a kick-start and all the sorrows of their dismal Australian tour was forgotten.
2. Shikhar Dhawan’s onslaught on Dale Steyn and Co. at the MCG
South Africa were favourites to win the contest but India were in no mood to back off. The Men In Blue dominated the game and Dhawan was brutal against a bowling attack that comprised the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and co.
Dhawan got 137 and was well supported by Ajinkya Rahane’s breezy 79. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) had turned to a sea of blue, as the bowlers combined later and helped India to register a 130-run win!
3. The Ashwin show at Perth
The Associate Nations displayed some spirited cricket and were threatening the big boys with upsets. Ireland had already beaten West Indies and United Arab Emirates (UAE) almost pulled off a win against Zimbabwe. However India were in no mood for favours. In a clinical display at Perth, India dismissed UAE for 102 and the demolisher in chief was Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed 4 for 25.
4. Bowlers, Dhoni steal show against West Indies
Indian bowlers combined well and bowled out West Indies for 182. Shami was brilliant with the ball and picked up three wickets. India did suffer some hiccups during the chase but Captain Cool MS Dhoni pulled it off in remarkable style. India won four out of four and Dhoni equalled Sourav Ganguly’s feat of eight consecutive wins in World Cup.
5. Another Dhawan show, this time in New Zealand
Ireland tried hard but were no match against the spirited Indian side. Once again the bowlers did well to restrict Ireland to 259 and batsman stole the show in Hamilton. The leader of the pack was once again Dhawan, who blasted 100 from just 85-balls.
6. Raina-Dhoni spoil Brendan Taylor’s farewell
Brendan Taylor played an innings of his life and scored a brilliant 138. India faced the toughest challenge from Zimbabwe, who wanted to give Taylor a perfect farewell. At 92 for four, India were facing a possibility of their first defeat in the tournament but Raina and Dhoni stood up to the occasion and bailed India out. Raina brought up his first World Cup hundred and remained not out at 110, while Dhoni played a magnificent hand of unbeaten 85.
7. Rohit Sharma stellar sees India to semis
Bangladesh, who qualified to the quarter-final stage for the first ever time, tested India’s batting with some disciplined bowling upfront but couldn’t pass the hurdle called Rohit Sharma. Two times double centurion in ODIs, Rohit played one of this finest knock to help India pass 300. Indian bowling was way too disciplined and Bangladesh fell short by 109-runs.
Unfortunately the semis didn’t go India’s way but throughout the tournament they gave us memories to be very proud of. All the unfair criticism by section of the media can rest in peace.
(Suvajit Mustafi consumes cricket for lunch, fiction for dinner and munches numerous other snacks throughout the day. Yes, a jack of several trades, all Suvajit dreamt of was being India’s World Cup winning skipper but ended up being a sports writer, author, screenwriter, director, copywriter, graphic designer, sports marketer, strategist, entrepreneur, philosopher and traveller. Donning so many hats, it’s cricket which gives him the ultimate high and where he finds solace. He can be followed at @RibsGully and rivu7)
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