Australia have always enjoyed an edge over India in World Cups. Be it in 2003, when they rampaged India at the finals or when the Indian middle order collapsed in the semi finals of 2015, giving a 95 run victory to Australia. As India takes on Australia tomorrow, let us see a match when the Indian Juggernaut could not be stopped by the Aussies.
2011 World Cup:
The 2011 edition of the World Cup saw the Indian team peak on so many levels. Every batsman scored, every bowler had a killer spirit, improved fielding and most importantly team work. It was a now or never chance for them, Sachin Tendulkar - the god of cricket was playing his last World Cup. The nation wanted their team to win, they wanted Sachin to lift the precious silverware. A man who made billions smile, deserved this.
But there was a threat on their way - Australia. They were Champions of the last three editions and had won 34 matches in a row, before losing their last league match to Pakistan. With a washed out match against Sri Lanka and a loss against Pakistan, they were the third placed team in Group A. India from group B had a tie against England and a loss against the Proteas and were placed at number 2. It appeared to be a battle of equals. Australia were not the same of previous edition with many players retiring and India, extremely motivated to win it for their most beloved man.
The day of battle arrived -24-Mar-2011.
Australia won the toss and chose to bat in the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera. Every Indian wanted to avenge the 2003 World Cup loss. Aussies were not ready to give up their crown easily. After the dismissal of Shane Watson, their regular number 3, Ricky Ponting arrived. His form was questioned over the series. He would be dismissed cheaply again, many thought as he had only 83 runs from the six previous outings. But he had a point to prove. He began batting his way through the innings and scored a century. The Indian bowlers restricted them to 260 with Zaheer, Ashwin and Yuvi picking 2 scalps each.
With Sachin and Gautam Gambhir, the Indian innings started well. Gautam Gambhir was foolishly run out with Yuvraj singh in the other end. MS Dhoni was dismissed for 7 and it appeared as though India were in troubled waters with 74 more runs needed. Suresh Raina provided the much needed support for Yuvraj Singh and India cruised with 14 balls to spare.
India moved to the semi finals and Australia for the first time in 16 years were knocked out of the tournament. Ricky Ponting quit captaincy and Yuvi became India's favorite child. India beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka and went on to win the World Cup. Sachin Tendulkar, along with a billion others realized his dream after 22 years in world cricket.
Dreams do come true!
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