Thumpa Wumpa Dumm

Heard of that figure of speech called "euphony"? It is also called the Figure of Sound. The title of this post should classify as euphony. Now, why this title? Because this is what I was uttering when I was watching Dhoni's pyrotechnics. And I have to add... YET AGAIN!

Indian bowlers had controlled Pak well till the 41st over after which Razzaq and Younis hit some biggies to dent the statistics of the Indian bowlers. Sreesanth was probably the most impressive today, scalping 4 of the 10 wickets that could be claimed. Some impressive catches were taken and good lot many runs saved with tight fielding.

When India came over to their batting, Gambhir batted with more confidence than he has displayed in the earlier ODI outings. Learning on the job is what is showing up. Good for him. Fall of Gambhir brought Dravid and Yuvi together at the crease. Yuvi is increasingly falling into the mould of Dravid. Controlled aggression, impressive strokeplay and "wall"ing up to provide the much needed support. Dravid completed his 68th 50 and fell immediately after that. Stage was set at 141/2. In came Dhoni. And duly did what he is increasingly taking charge of - complete the match with a few overs to spare.

In this match, what was also good to note is that India did not panic despite the asking run rate creeping up to near 8. They kept their cool about themselves and picked runs wherever they could. With an eye steady on the target required, Dhoni and Yuvraj built a great partnership that brought runs at more than run-a-ball. It seems the coach had asked Dhoni to bring India up to 206 runs at the 40 overs mark. And India were 205/2. Sticking to the plan? This execution would be a perfect 10 then!

In the 41st over, Yuvi pulled Rao Iftikhar for a boundary and while completing his run, pulled a hamstring. He appeared in great pain and was treated on the ground for quite a while. He could not run much with that pain and so Gambhir was sent as a runner for Yuvi. Shortly after that, Yuvi completed his 6th ODI 100 (in 90 balls) which deserved the standing ovation he got from the dressing room. Dhoni decided to flex his arms after that. A huge hit off Arafat that sent the crowds into raptures. More was in store.

What followed in the next 2-2.5 odd overs was sheer muscle power. 12 litres of milk dont go waste you see! :-) Dhoni smote a boundary, followed it up with a towering hit beyond the fence and 3 dot balls later, another creamer that rapped the ropes. Who was the bowler? Asif. Utter disdain on display. Sami came next and was clubbed for 2 huge sixers that brought India on level with Pak. Dhoni's ability to hit powerfully with little or no risk to himself is really amazing. He must be taking a cryo-freeze before coming on to the pitch to take the batting stand. Man! What a power hitter!! A single scored, match was complete. Infact, it was a no-match towards the end! :-)


Yuvi and Dhoni win the match for India again at Karachi.
Yuvi - 107 (93) - 14x4s, Dhoni - 77 (56) - 6x4s & 4x6s

India probably inflicted the biggest series defeat for Pak in Pak. 4-1. I had expressed a wish in my previous post that India could only hit the final nail in the coffin by making it a 4-1. My wish has been fulfilled. 13th consecutive ODI win on chase. This must be a record of sorts. I will wait for the record man - Maverick - to post his views on numbers. He is the man for it. Bring it on, Mav! :-)

PS: (Via Maverick)
- India U-19 team lost to Pak in the U-19 World Cup Finals. Talk about Juniors making amends for the Seniors defeat to the same country! A dismal show from Indian team after an impressive win over England in the semis.
- Yuvi may not be available to play against England because of his hamstring injury.