India Rising

What a final!!! India vs Pakistan final is something my generation has been waiting for. The last time they met in a final of a world championship was in 1985, it was a beauty. This is the first time that they are competing in a World Cup Final. The expectations were sky high, and both the sides delivered.

It was 3.5 hrs of pulsating cricket, and the finish was nail biting. When you think that India had all but won the match, by taking 7 wickets and with the asking rate at about 2 runs per ball, it proves you wrong. Misbah hits 3 sixes in an over, and then Sohail hits another 2. Err… match in the bag? You wish!

And so it went down to the wire, 13 from 6, 9 wickets down. So you think, yea India is really close to winning it, and what do you get. A wide. Hmm.. thts ok.. its just a run, still 2 runs per ball, 12 in 6 balls. Next ball, SIX!!! YIKES!!! 6 in 4 balls. Thats gettable… Looking at the shot he played, you get a feeling thathe is capable of hitting everything for 6, and all he needs is one ball, and he has got 4. I shudder…. Next ball, a cute paddle shot by Misbah. You panic, with all kinds of thoughts going in your mind. YIKES!!! Fine leg is up, and at such times it goes to four. So that means it is 2 from 3 balls. . NO WAIT!!! INDIA WON!!! Cute little paddle becomes too-cute a shot, and the ball goes to Sreesanth. INDIA WON. INDIA WON. INDIA WON.

It was so surreal… as the indian players raced towards each other, and threw themselves on each other, one man slouched on the pitch – Misbah. One shot away from glory, but he will be remembered for the shot he played, rather than the breath taking and counter attacking innings he played. Well played, Pakistan. We love your spirit, but we want victory nonetheless.

I still don’t know what Chak De means, and now Chak Dia, but as always I know the experience of Chak Dia, India. India, you beauty!!!