Mumbai, Day
2: The morning session of the 2nd day of the 2nd and
final Test between India and
West Indies perhaps has beaten even an
India-Pakistan cricket thriller in terms of viewership, suspense, expectations
and excitement. And the fans, ex-cricketers or organizers, Bollywood
superstars, Chief Ministers, central ministers, political bigwigs and business
tycoons who thronged the Wankhede stadium or millions of television sets were
not disappointed by the God of Cricket. The master-blaster almost found his
golden touch delivering glorious straight drives, elegant square cuts, lofted
shots—he tried even the flick over the head of the wicket keeper that was made
official by Virender Sehwag in one-day cricket. He added 36 more runs to
overnight 38 crafting a partnership of 148 solid runs with Pujara to lift India out of
the woods. He got out for a majestic 74 falling to Deonarayan and although fans
wanted him to go on for a memorable century they were not disappointed either. It
was a standing ovation for the cricket legend all the way back to the pavilion.
In all probability this was the last of Sachin Tendulkar as far as playing
cricket is concerned. It is still painful though to think that he will never be
seen playing with his heart out hitting all around the park.
The Indian
cricket Board officials and curators were perhaps rather too eager of
presenting a winning farewell series, because like the first Test this one is
also set to get over in two and half days tomorrow. Inspite of the Tendulkar
nostalgia and show of tremendous passion the strong-ever Pujara (113) kept his
end in perfect order and notched up his 5th Test century crafting
another momentous partnership with Virat Kohli (57). After the heroic knock of
177 in Kolkata Test Rohit Sharma (111 not out—two consecutive centuries in his
first two Tests) proved again how useful a cricketer he has become for India by achieving
another century off just 118 balls. The Indian first innings throughout had the
perfect one-day cricket look and style (495 in 108 overs). With all these
healthy knocks India gained
a massive lead of 313 runs and captured three West Indies
wickets for 43 runs at stumps on second day. Ashwin struck immediately with two
victims and hopefully for West Indies Gayle is patiently not out at 6. West Indies off spinner Shillingford made it a fifth
consecutive five-wicket haul in Test cricket and this is indeed a great plus
for the definitely weaker team in this Series. The Scorecard:
Finally it is
going to be a very happy ending for Sachin Tendulkar and his fans with India
poised to wrap it 2-0 tomorrow with a huge victory margin once again. Do not
lose heart; you can still watch your God of Cricket in action tomorrow too.
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