The voice within.

Ha! 5 hours.. It was worth the wait. India crushed the Gorey Langoors to a 4-0 series win at our own Bengalooru amidst all the rain that has been troubling the city for the last 2-3 days. I was expecting yet another carnival when Indians were put to bat by KP after winning the toss. But just when Veeru and Gauti were cruising through the innings, damn! It started raining and play was on hold for 2 hours and finally resumed at around 6 in the evening, only to last for 3 more overs. And this time, for 3 hours I was pacing around the TV room hoping that the match would start. Finally, the good news came at 9 o clock. Indians would get a crack at the English bowlers for another 5 overs as the match was reduced to 22 overs per side. I thought it was a bit unfair, considering the rate at which India had scored for the first 17 overs. England would have the advantage in that case. Anyways, as expected, Sehwag went after the bowling as soon as play resumed clobbing the first ball for a six over mid wicket. But then, pretty soon, he and Gauti departed with both finding James Anderson in the deep trying to go for the big one. Once again, the stage was set for Yuvi and his fireworks. With around 4 overs to go, and Dhoni and Yuvi at the crease, I was expecting something special from both the batsmen. Dhoni did exactly what was needed, a six of the first ball. Meanwhile, Yuvi at the other end, scored as though he had just taken a drinks break from the first match at Rajkot and come in to bat here. Sixes over mid wicket, deep square leg. There was just no stopping him. The last over however, was very well bowled by Samit Patel and Dhoni got out on the 5th ball for a well bowled york length delivery. Yusuf Pathan came at the crease with one ball remaining and Wham! The ball went sailing over long on for a biggie! Indians had made 167 in their 22 overs which was not so great a total given the 20-20 sort of game setup by the rain. Just when I was wondering about this, the revised target of 198 based on D/L method was announced which again brought back interest in the game. This method has been an enigma so far to me but in this case, I was glad that this method is there. :D 

The English came in to bat and scored at snails pace for the first 6-7 overs. Barring the Shah- Freddie partnership, they never looked like winning the game. When Munaf bowled the last ball to Broad , it was midnight and I was jumping on my bed, punching the air. Indians had beaten the English comprehensively, 4 times in a row and had sealed the series 4-0. :o)