Team India, after registering a thrilling victory over Zimbabwe, have further justified their stake for the World Cup. However, the outcome of this encounter did not have any bearing on the position of Team India in the tally, as they had already qualified for the quarter finals.
But to prove their stronghold and continuity, it had become imperative for them to conquer Zimbabwe as it will definitely provide them edge over other contenders as only New Zealand is the other privileged unbeaten Team in the World Cup.
After playing an important role in the victory ride of Team India, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has opined that the pressure placed on his team by Zimbabwe proved fruitful in their final cricket World Cup group match at Eden Park on Saturday.
Although, Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor’s brilliant attempt of contributing 138 runs in his final game for his country helped in giving India a challenge of 289 to win, but in vain. The target became a tough job for Team India as the world champions had lost four important wickets even before putting a hundred run mark on the score board.
It was a dedicated and committed innings of Dhoni (85) and Suresh Raina (110) which added 196 in an unbroken partnership which established the fact that India and co-hosts New Zealand are the only unbeaten teams going into the knockout stages.
MS Dhoni said in the press conference, “I think it couldn’t have been better. If it had been the last game of the league stage and you get an easy win you don’t get a lot out of that.”
He added, “What was good was that the spinners were put under pressure and we lost quick wickets initially and that put our middle order under pressure so we gained a lot out of it.”
Dhoni emphasized that Raina’s innings at number five had been crucial. He said, “More often than not you don’t get an opportunity (at five). You get to bat maybe after the 38th, 39th over and you have to slog it out and you don’t score too many runs. At the end of the day, when you get into the knockout you want to get runs under your belt. I would say it was a good game for us and all the batsmen were under pressure.”
It is heartening to note that our boys are well aware of their responsibility and the way they have shown their determination. The goal of holding the World Cup seems well within reach provided our bowler deliver in time and the batsmen stay focused. Consistency will prove to be the mantra for this glorious trophy.