Chapter 145: Chapter 143
In the annals of cricketing history, few tournaments could match the intensity and sheer spectacle of the ICC T20 World Cup. As the world watched, India found themselves standing on the precipice of glory in the 2016 edition, hoping to erase the memories of their heartbreak in the 2014 finals. The stage was set for an epic showdown with England, a team that had been relentless throughout the tournament.
The Road to Redemption:
India's journey to the 2016 T20 World Cup finals had been filled with exceptional moments, and a sense of déjà vu lingered in the air. Two years prior, in Bangladesh, India had reached the finals, only to falter at the last hurdle. The pain of that loss, especially for Virat Kohli, who had played a stellar knock, still resonated. Now, in 2016, Virat was back as the captain, determined to lead India to victory.
The tournament had been a rollercoaster ride. India's batting line-up had fired consistently, thanks to the explosive form of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan at the top, followed by the inimitable Virat Kohli, and with Suresh Raina providing the late flourish. The bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and the rising star Nitish Reddy, had been on the money, picking wickets and stifling opposition batsmen. India had not lost a single game in the tournament, and they entered the finals as the team to beat.
The Showdown:
The final matchday arrived, and the Eden Gardens in Kolkata buzzed with excitement. India won the toss, and as expected in T20 cricket, chose to bowl first. It was a decision that would set the tone for a high-voltage contest.
England's opening batsmen, Jason Roy and Alex Hales, walked out to a deafening roar from the crowd. The English had been formidable throughout the tournament, with their explosive batting and accurate bowling. Roy and Hales wasted no time, launching a barrage of boundaries that left the Indian fielders scampering.
Harsha Bhogle: (with excitement) What a start for England! Roy and Hales are taking the attack to the Indian bowlers. The outfield is lightning fast, and they're making the most of it.
Ravi Shastri: (with admiration) These two have been in terrific form, Harsha. India needs a breakthrough, and they need it soon.
The English onslaught continued, with Roy and Hales racing to their respective half-centuries. It was an exhibition of power hitting, and the Indian bowlers were feeling the heat.
As the partnership reached a daunting 150 runs, Virat Kohli turned to his trump card, Ravichandran Ashwin, to break the shackles. It was a moment of high drama, and the crowd sensed it.
Harsha Bhogle: (with anticipation) Here comes Ashwin. He's the man with the golden arm for India. Can he provide the breakthrough?
Ravi Shastri: (with expectation) The pressure is immense. Ashwin thrives in situations like these.
The very first ball of Ashwin's over did the trick. A well-disguised carrom ball sneaked through Roy's defense and shattered the stumps. The Eden Gardens erupted in joy.
Harsha Bhogle: (with elation) What a delivery! Ashwin strikes, and the dangerous Roy is back in the hut.
Ravi Shastri: (with admiration) That's the class of Ashwin. He's delivered when India needed it the most.
But England, with a formidable batting line-up, was far from done. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan joined forces and continued to pile on the runs. The score raced past the 150-run mark, and it seemed England was on course for a massive total.
Harsha Bhogle: (with concern) England's batting depth is astounding. Root and Morgan are keeping the pressure on India.
Ravi Shastri: (with urgency) India needs to find a way to break this partnership, Harsha. It's crucial.
As the innings entered the final four overs, England was looking at a mammoth total. Then came the twist in the tale.
The Turning Point:
Jasprit Bumrah, India's death-over specialist, was entrusted with the 17th over. His ability to nail yorkers at will had been a game-changer for India throughout the tournament. However, it was the young sensation, Nitish Reddy, who would prove to be the catalyst for India's resurgence.
Bumrah and Nitish combined their skills to perfection. The yorkers were pinpoint, the variations deceptive. The English batsmen struggled to find boundaries, and the run rate plummeted. The Eden Gardens witnessed a bowling masterclass.
Harsha Bhogle: (with amazement) Bumrah and Nitish are bowling like a dream. England can't get them away.
Ravi Shastri: (with pride) This is incredible stuff. The pressure is immense, and these two are thriving on it.
In the final four overs, England could manage only 20 runs, a far cry from the onslaught they had unleashed earlier. The final scorecard read 203/5 in 20 overs, a formidable but not insurmountable
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