Posted by Then a dot ball. Then another six.
Post-qualifying kicked off as if it had a bit of catching up to do. It was almost as if the tournament had begun a couple of weeks ago without the majority of teams being present until now.
India are playing New Zealand. Martin Guptill hit the first ball, delivered by R Ashwin, for six. Next ball he missed a straight one and was adjudged LBW. (You always use the word ‘adjudged’ when it was later shown to be missing.)
Incoming batsman Colin Munro promised greater solidity, defending the third delivery of the match with a good straight bat. Next ball he reverse-pummelled a six.
New Zealand’s number three lasted way longer than Guptill though. It was the sixth delivery he faced before he clogged one to mid-off and exited the stage.
The match continues.
Six and out, eh? Was Afridi guesting for New Zealand?
As of now, 2 sixes and 5 outs.
India cannot be eliminated from this tournament at an early stage.
22/3 according to my Cricinfo ticker.
Someone needs to go out there, tap the Kiwi captain on the shoulder and explain to him, “it’s not your night”.
At 41/5 it might just be. Would be depressing to lose from this position though. Remarkable comeback to seal the victory. Bet that’s what this is all about me really.
It really is though.
And so it was. Smashing stuff. Except not much actually got smashed, though that made it all the more smashing, or at least “proper”.