Review: My 5 memorable moments of the 2014 ICC World T20
Like the format of the game, T20 World Cup – in its 7 year history – has witnessed five different nations emerged as the champion with only five teams managed to get into the final showdown; out of which three belongs to sub-continent.
In the meantime, not only the T20 format is widely acknowledged by the masses, but also the induction of innovative technology garnered pretty eyeballs. Those LED stumps, Spider Cams, Cheerleaders, etc. have ensured wide possibilities in the future of T20 cricket itself! Leave alone its collective impact on Tests and One-dayers for a while.
Right from the start – back in the year 2007 – in South Africa to the Bangladesh in 2014, there have been a lot of moments for cricketing minds to cherish for long. Be it Yuvraj Singh’s 6-sixes in an over or that final over by Joginder Sharma in the 2007 T20 WC, Pakistan’s characteristic victory against Sri Lanka in the 2009 Finals, England’s historic trophy celebrations in the following year v Australia, or the West Indies’ calypso rhyme in the year 2012: one can find his/her own favorite to relate with.
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| Review: Five best moments of the ICC World T20 Bangladesh 2014 |
5. England v New Zealand, Chittagong: NZ started their campaign in a style.
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| Stuart Broad was unhappy with the umpires with lightning in the area |
Ask Stuart Broad and he would describe as being deceived, but to no extent. On the other hand, Kiwis were seen as happy as they have been from a while now.
After sensing the possibility of rain due to huge crack of lightening, Brendon McCullum hit those important but unfair sixes which obviously gave them a go-ahead in a fairly poised match. In some way, the match set the tone for both sides with New Zealand as a more competent side to watch out for compared to the less-confident English side.
4. New Zealand v South Africa, Chittagong: Kiwis nailed by Steyn in the final over.
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| Dale Steyn effects the winning run-out |
The same happened during a group match in Chittagong where South Africa not only managed to win the match by just 2 runs, but also kept their chances to remain alive in the tournament.
Chasing a modest total of 171, the way New Zealand lost the match is rather more disheartening. Their in-form batsman Ross Taylor was on-strike till the last ball, yet Steyn made sure “it will not be a cakewalk either”!
And rest one could assume the consequences followed. Ross Taylor was made run-out by the bowler himself and oh! How pretty that celebration was to watch for. Steyn’s no-one-is-allowed-to-score approach in the final overs executed well, once again. Thus, complemented the quality of bowling he possesses.
And rest one could assume the consequences followed. Ross Taylor was made run-out by the bowler himself and oh! How pretty that celebration was to watch for. Steyn’s no-one-is-allowed-to-score approach in the final overs executed well, once again. Thus, complemented the quality of bowling he possesses.
3. West Indies v Australia, Dhaka: Sammy humbled Faulkner off two sixes in an over.
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| James Faulkner reacts after Darren Sammy finishes the match with a six |
Darren Sammy’ heroics off James Faulkner probably muttered the same. The two back-to-back sixes certainly echoed much of the ‘talk’ back right into the face of babbling Australian all-rounder.
Later, pictures confirmed the intensity of the match with the way Chris Gayle danced; Sammy rejoiced the Windies win followed by Dwayne Bravo’ presser, said: “Respect game and fellow cricketers”.
Just like putting mirrors in front of an ugly face won’t change its fate anyway. Apparently, the boomerang returned with severe injuries; resulted in opening the send-off doors for the Australians. Lost an almost in-controlled match due to poor bowling, Australian team was left bamboozled the way opposition finished it.
2. Sri Lanka v New Zealand, Chittagong: Herath produced spell of the tournament.
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| Rangana Herath had figures of 5 for 3 |
Before the match, both Sri Lanka and New Zealand had the equal opportunity to make the cut for SFs. While at the end, Sri Lanka stepped up confidently in a one-sided match: thanks to the phenomenal bowling by Rangana Herath, who took 5 wickets in 3.3 overs with two-maidens and conceded just three-runs.
New Zealand, earlier, did bowl neatly and set the target to 120 on board for themselves. For which only Kane Williamson stood strong as a lone fighter among all his teammates. He was not supported well and left alone in the middle to watch the other end fails as wickets fell continuously at regular intervals.
1. India v Sri Lanka, Dhaka: Sangakkara takes SL home in the final.
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| Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka hits the ball past MS Dhoni of India |
Restricted India to 130/4 after winning the toss – the final over by the Lankan captain redefined the definition of slog-overs in a big match like this.
In reply, India did manage to get an early breakthrough but it was probably not their day.
Kumar Sangakkara, who remained off-colour for most of the tournament, then, found it the best opportunity to get some runs underneath him. And in such a way he scored a flashy half-century that comfortably drove Sri Lanka for a much awaited luxurious victory!
Kumar Sangakkara, who remained off-colour for most of the tournament, then, found it the best opportunity to get some runs underneath him. And in such a way he scored a flashy half-century that comfortably drove Sri Lanka for a much awaited luxurious victory!
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