4 March 2008

Tendulkar had played superbly and his sights were firmly set on a second successive century before he was dismissed in bizarre fashion as looking to work a single on the on side off the bowling of Michael Clarke, he lofted the ball on the air but was brilliantly caught by Ricky Ponting at mid on. Tendulkar had made 91 and his wicket meant that India were 205 for four in the 41st over.

Rohit Sharma did not last long on this, caught in the covers by Symonds for two to give Clarke his third wicket and leave India, who had seemed set for a huge score, in a spot of bother, as they found themselves 209 for five in the 42nd over.

Irfan Pathan gave his captain some good support as the duo attempted to get India up to a competitive total. Attempting to smash Nathan Bracken through midwicket, Pathan totally missed the ball and was bowled for 12, to leave India 237 for six in the 48th over.

Dhoni followed Pathan just a few balls later, when he was caught on the mid on boundary for 36 by Clarke. Dhoni’s wicket meant that India were 240 for seven.

India managed to reach 258 for nine from their 50 overs, perhaps 30 or 40 runs less than where they would have expected to be given that they were 144 for 2 after 30 overs.

© Cricket World 2008

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