ICC Champions Trophy: How India broke them all to make it

Then came the ‘Mighty’ Australians. They may not command the same admiration anymore,but no team can afford to take them lightly. An aggressive India came out pelting heavily on the Aussies from the very first delivery of the contest. A century by Dinesh Karthik and a five wicket haul by Umesh Yadav  inflicted a harsh 243-run defeat on the defending champions.

For the main tournament India were placed in the Group B with South Africa,Pakistan and West Indies.

The tournament kicked-off with the game between India and South Africa. It was a dream start for India’s new-look ODI team. Batting first,Shikhar Dhawan warmed up a cold morning in Cardiff with his splendid century and Rohit Sharma fared along well with his 65. It was in that moment when we saw a ‘ray of hope’ for a flourishing opening pair,which had been a matter of grave concern for India. Ravindra Jadeja came handy with his cameo of 47 as India posted a daunting 331 on the board. In response,South Africa could manage only 305 and lost the opening game by 26 runs.

West Indies might be considered as the ‘underdogs’ when competing against India but they have that ability to pull out a surprise any moment. The stage was set for a cracker of a game at the Oval as both the teams had won their opening clashes. MS Dhoni invited West Indies to bat first after winning the toss. Ravindra Jadeja wrecked havoc by claiming 5 wickets and Windies could manage only 234 in their allotted 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan proved that his innings against South Africa was not a fluke but arduous expertise and posted his second consecutive ODI century. Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik chipped in and made sure that India reach the target with 65 balls to spare.

Now,it was the turn for the inconsequential,yet most hyped game in cricket. Pakistan were already knocked out and to make it worse,they couldn’t even keep their pride intact. Dhoni won the toss and tactfully put Pakistan to bat first in rainy Birmingham. The game was reduced to 40 overs a side and Pakistan were out for 165 in 39.4 overs. The target was then revised and India were asked to chase 167. The heavens broke lose once again and the target was re-revised to 102 in 22 overs. India won in 19.1 overs with Dhawan’s 48. India topped the group B and advanced to the semi-finals unbeaten.

India set up a semi-final clash with Sri Lanka while England knocked out ‘Chokers’ South Africa,yet again. It poured so heavily in Cardiff that a washout was almost apparent. But then the rain Gods showed some mercy and India decided to bowl first. Angelo Matthews was the only Lankan batsman to put up some fight as they limped to a paltry score of 181. India had no problem whatsoever in chasing the score as Dhawan bedazzled once again and Kohli remained unbeaten on 58 to put India on course to the final.

For the first time in the tournament the Indians were up against the hosts England. When on one hand India were exuding confidence basking in the glory of their unbeaten run in the tournament,on the other they were also wary of the home advantage that England enjoyed. Both the teams were ready to fight it out for their maiden ICC Champions Trophy,since its commencement 38 years ago. When it was being feared that the title might have to be shared between the top two teams,following a heavy down pour in Birmingham,the rain finally subsided. The ODI tournament was eventually decided by a T20 game. Alastair Cook decided to bowl first and India somehow managed to get to 129 in the damp conditions. When England came out to chase the Indian bowlers made an impressive start by reducing them to 4 for 46. But then,Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara showed some nerves. They steered England to 110 in 17.3 overs,then the lanky Ishant Sharma bowled two brilliant consecutive deliveries and got rid of both Morgan and Bopara. In the end England fell short by five runs and the crowds erupted with joy as Team India lifted the last edition of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Edgbaston cricket ground.

The batting was expected to be India’s strength and it proved to be so,but it was the bowling and fielding that left the Indian cricket’s fans awe-struck. India is now off to the Caribbean to play an ODI tri-series against West Indies and Sri Lanka We can just hope that the team keeps up the winning momentum by continuing its dream run and win back the hearts of all who lost faith in the Gentleman’s game.