India finally played a perfect game yesterday. It batted without a fault, fielding was decent and the bowlers stuck to their job. New Zealand were unlucky to find India in such a mood. It just gives the final on Tuesday that touch of expectation. Once again, the match underlined how much openers mean in one-day cricket, especially in the sub-continent. Good starts are rarely wasted. Then there were quite a few famished batsmen in the Indian team. Once they had the taste of blood, they bayed for more!
Sachin Tendulkar once again raised his own batting bar magnificently. I hope all those who criticise him for not doing well in crunch games will remember this innings. He came with a batting plan which was to play uninhibited cricket.
He was more aggressive than he had been lately, lifting deliveries over the bowlers' head, hitting inside out over extra cover and there were ferocious pulls off anything short. With all those brilliant batsmen making their marks in this tournament, Tendulkar again served notice that he remains master of them all.
Cherish him as long as you can.
Bureau Report