So the World Cup Tournament is at its thrilling stage - the knockouts. Important few are separated from the trivial many. How has this World Cup progressed? Has it fulfilled the expectations of cricket lovers? Has it proved to be intriguing? So far, yes. Here is the review...
It was expected that New Zealand would be a strong contender from Group-A, and they lived to the expectation. Cohesive unit of the Kiwis looks strong as both batsmen and bowlers are performing in unison. McCullum, Williamson, Taylor, Guptill have fortified New Zealand's batting line-up similar to what Crowe, Greatbatch, Rutherford, John Wright did in the 1992 edition. Boult, Mcleghan, Southee, Milne, these missiles have managed to target the opposition with rampant attack. Even the mighty Australians are not spared from them.
Australia, too, has gained higher rank with their performance in the league matches and quarter final. Their bowling has been praiseworthy. Especially Starc’s impressive swing bowling provided the impetus, both at the start of the innings and in the death period. In the batting section, Australia performed in unison almost in every match. Their batting display was like a relay race. Every batsman handed over the relay to the next one after completing his task.
In the other group, even though South Africa have reached to the semis, with their performance until now they didn’t appear to be a serious contender to achieve that eluding title. Their performance seems like a racing car running with local speed. If they wish to lift that coveted trophy, they have to bridge the gap and loop-holes that are causing erratic performance. All the time the wizard, ABD, cannot come to their rescue.
India! Nothing has gone against India. The fate has showered its blessings with both hands. At the start of this prestigious tournament, India looked like a local car doubtful of even competing in the race. But until now they have amazed all with their crisp performance and raced to the penultimate stage of the tournament like a Ferrari car. Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli, Rohit, Raina, Dhoni, all these eminent characters have delivered under crisis. Bowling? Wow! The way our bowlers bowled with control, it looked like they had some dose of ‘jadi-booti’. Until now ‘Kisiko bhi nahi diya hai mauka’.
The competition has entered its last phase. The last four deserving teams are prepared with their sleeves rolled up for the ultimate battle. No second chance, vigilance has to be at its peak. Enemy like Duckworth-Lewis might bring some hurdles. Mental games would weave a web. A dropped catch would remind ghost of the past - ‘Boy, you just dropped the World Cup!’ The team that bravely faces all this, would ultimately emerge as the Champion.
Although there would be only one winner of this war, the valour shown by all cricket warriors in pursuit of this title would be marked as a sign of glory in the chronicles of the World Cup. So Spartans, No retreat... Just fight it out!
It was expected that New Zealand would be a strong contender from Group-A, and they lived to the expectation. Cohesive unit of the Kiwis looks strong as both batsmen and bowlers are performing in unison. McCullum, Williamson, Taylor, Guptill have fortified New Zealand's batting line-up similar to what Crowe, Greatbatch, Rutherford, John Wright did in the 1992 edition. Boult, Mcleghan, Southee, Milne, these missiles have managed to target the opposition with rampant attack. Even the mighty Australians are not spared from them.
Australia, too, has gained higher rank with their performance in the league matches and quarter final. Their bowling has been praiseworthy. Especially Starc’s impressive swing bowling provided the impetus, both at the start of the innings and in the death period. In the batting section, Australia performed in unison almost in every match. Their batting display was like a relay race. Every batsman handed over the relay to the next one after completing his task.
In the other group, even though South Africa have reached to the semis, with their performance until now they didn’t appear to be a serious contender to achieve that eluding title. Their performance seems like a racing car running with local speed. If they wish to lift that coveted trophy, they have to bridge the gap and loop-holes that are causing erratic performance. All the time the wizard, ABD, cannot come to their rescue.
India! Nothing has gone against India. The fate has showered its blessings with both hands. At the start of this prestigious tournament, India looked like a local car doubtful of even competing in the race. But until now they have amazed all with their crisp performance and raced to the penultimate stage of the tournament like a Ferrari car. Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli, Rohit, Raina, Dhoni, all these eminent characters have delivered under crisis. Bowling? Wow! The way our bowlers bowled with control, it looked like they had some dose of ‘jadi-booti’. Until now ‘Kisiko bhi nahi diya hai mauka’.
The competition has entered its last phase. The last four deserving teams are prepared with their sleeves rolled up for the ultimate battle. No second chance, vigilance has to be at its peak. Enemy like Duckworth-Lewis might bring some hurdles. Mental games would weave a web. A dropped catch would remind ghost of the past - ‘Boy, you just dropped the World Cup!’ The team that bravely faces all this, would ultimately emerge as the Champion.
Although there would be only one winner of this war, the valour shown by all cricket warriors in pursuit of this title would be marked as a sign of glory in the chronicles of the World Cup. So Spartans, No retreat... Just fight it out!
