Ravindra Jadeja heroics in vain
Long after the dust had settled, a smattering of men and women in blue jerseys could be seen in the different corners of Old Trafford, staring vacantly into space, surrounded by a sea of empty bucket seats.
The other Old Trafford -- the football stadium next door -- is often referred to as the theatre of dreams, but for the many thousand travelling Indian fans from across the world, this stadium was the setting of a two-day nightmare. There were brief moments when it seemed their side might tide over, but in the end, there was heartbreak.
Indias stirring World Cup campaign eventually ended in the final over of the semi-final against New Zealand kept alive by the innings of his life from Ravindra Jadeja and sheet-anchor MS Dhoni. But, in reality, the show was over a whole lot earlier, when Indias heavy-scoring top order of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and captain Virat Kohli returned to the pavilion, each for a personal score of 1, leaving the team reeling at 5 for 3 in the fourth over.
By the time it was 24 for four in the 10th, what had appeared to be an eminently gettable target of 240, even in overcast conditions, was a bridge too far. The table-topping Indians were all but grounded; the stuttering Kiwis destined to fly into Sundays final at Lords.
The other Old Trafford -- the football stadium next door -- is often referred to as the theatre of dreams, but for the many thousand travelling Indian fans from across the world, this stadium was the setting of a two-day nightmare. There were brief moments when it seemed their side might tide over, but in the end, there was heartbreak.
Indias stirring World Cup campaign eventually ended in the final over of the semi-final against New Zealand kept alive by the innings of his life from Ravindra Jadeja and sheet-anchor MS Dhoni. But, in reality, the show was over a whole lot earlier, when Indias heavy-scoring top order of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and captain Virat Kohli returned to the pavilion, each for a personal score of 1, leaving the team reeling at 5 for 3 in the fourth over.
By the time it was 24 for four in the 10th, what had appeared to be an eminently gettable target of 240, even in overcast conditions, was a bridge too far. The table-topping Indians were all but grounded; the stuttering Kiwis destined to fly into Sundays final at Lords.
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