Dhoni Dhamaal

Today's ODI provided a much needed reinforcement to the belief of Indian Team that they have got what it takes to beat the champions. This was the 11th consecutive OD win on chase for India. Pathan bowling with great economical figures and 3 prize scalps, Sreesanth - 3 time unlucky and wicketless in the end - was damn impressive, Sachin doing what he knows best... whack 'em balls around the park, Yuvi - the yuvraj to dethrone the maharaj [;-)] and whatever adjective I use for Dhoni is not enough. He is just dhamaal!

After going down 2 wickets with Sachin at crease and "Wall" Dravid coming on, not many would have imagined what kind of innings India were to provide for the Lahore spectators. With 3 overs to spare, India won the match with 5 wickets in their bag. And to whom does the credit go to? Sachin, Yuvraj and then Dhoni. Yuvraj and Dhoni were together in a 102 run stand off just 79 balls. When Dhoni came on to the crease, I felt somewhat reprieved, expecting some good meaningful innings from him. Before I started counting the number of boundaries that he had hit, he got an embrace from Yuvi for having completed his 50. 5th ODI 50. I was like "WHAT! Already??". It was that fast. He came on when Yuvi was on 52 or something. And he had reached his 60s when Yuvi was still on 69. That was the power of Dhoni's innings. That's why... Dhoni Dhamaal!

And Indian fans were out there in full strength. And colors and glitter! :-) Check this pic from rediff. Full kudos to them. Indian skipper also acknowledged the immense Indian support that they had in this game.

The tricolour and glitteratti!

In the end, when Pak Prez Parvez Musharraf came on to the prize distribution ceremony, he made a confession of sorts. He told Dhoni that his hair style looks cool and that he should not cut it. The camera quickly cut over to Dhoni who obviously was shying at that moment. He also congratulated the teams between the many "very well"s that he used in his speech.

India move on to the 4th ODI, to be played at Multan, riding high on the success of the 2nd and 3rd ODIs. One more, and they would clinch the series. Which is what every Indian is hoping that the Team India would do.