Phoenix : Rising From The Ashes

The New Crowned World T20 Champions

A West Indies win would be nothing short of a miracle in the finals of the World T20 after they put a mere 137/6 on board, Sri Lanka should chase this without much trouble with such an strong batting line up, especially Mahela and Sangakkara ,they would not allow the middle order to collapse which is what exactly happened.

This particular tweet from Harsha Bhogle says it all -

"if jesus christ could do no wrong and still get crucified who is darren sammy?"

He was skeptical of a WI win but again he rightly mentioned it was Sri Lanka’s game to lose. But for Sri Lanka no one is to be blamed. It was the best poised final they could win but ruing for their mistakes in batting is what they are now left with, disappointing!

Let us analyse the game from the very beginning. Darren Sammy won the toss and decided to bat first. The pitch seemed to have something for the bowlers and did help SLankan bowlers initially with the odd ball keeping low and some taking off after hitting the deck. The shrewd captain Mahela at work. The start WI got themselves was show of some top class bowling from the Sri Lankans,with WI scoring at a meagre 3rpo approx for the first 10 overs. Had not Samuels played a much needed 56 ball 78 runs innings, WI would have been struggling to reach the 3 digit mark. And some fireworks from Sammy in the dying overs helped WI post 137/6, something the West Indian bowlers could fight for. WI batsmen smashed a quick 105 in the last 10.

Sri Lanka were pretty happy with the total, they were confident to chase the target in less than 20 overs. But Rampaul and company had different plans, sending Dilshan back to pavilion for 0 in the 2^nd over showed they won’t go down without posing any challenge. Meanwhile Sangakkara and Mahela were going easy with a 2^nd wicket partnership of 42 runs, Sangakkara was out for 22 in the 10^th over. It was all then that the wickets fell like a pack of cards with Narine picking up the final wicket of Mailinga, catch Dwyane Bravo.

What went wrong for the Lankans? Did the pitch play foul? Not pretty sure of the latter as WI amassed 105 in their last 10 so pitch deteriorating maybe out of context. I would say bad overall cricket from the Sri Lankans, poor cricketing shots, lack of partnerships except the Sanga-Mahela 42 run stand there was nothing in the Sri Lankan batting scorecard. Not to undermine the West Indian clinical effort in the field and some quality bowling.

As soon as Malinga hit Narine over the extra cover, WI players started running towards the pitch as the last Sri Lankan wicket was down, catch Bravo. Celebrations had to be huge as flamboyant boys from the Caribbean were the new crowned T20 Champions. Gayle and the rest of them were dancing on the outfield for some time. It's all Gangnam, it's been their mojo this tournament. West Indies won today despite Gayle doing nothing with the bat, proves they are solely not dependent on the services of Mr.Gayle, it was a team effort, rightly said by Sunil Narine.

The West Indian team celebrating after defeating Sri Lanka in the World T20 final.

Suresh Raina and not his nephew tweeted this-

Don't know what was more entertaining - Samuel's sixes or the gangnam! Congratulations West Indies and a very happy birthday #CSK boy Bravo

Bravo could not have asked for more, a World-Cup victory as the birthday gift completes it all, well done boy, you deserved it.

Richie Richardson, the team manager, screamed into the microphone, before saying, "feels good, feels good. It's been a long journey. It is very important for everybody, we've made the people back home proud. A number of them have come here, one flew in for this match only."

Its hard to see another defeat to Sri Lankans in yet another World Cup final, they must be really frustrated but of all their finals this was their best chance, it was theirs to lose. West Indies on the other hand, played brilliantly. Despite having a modest total to defend , bowlers did their job and fielders backed them really well.

Thirty years since WI last played a world cup final, their best batsman gets out inside the power play, run rate is 3 after 10 overs yet they come champions, hats off to them. Celebrations have already started and it will be a long one this time back in the Caribbean.

Congratulations to West Indies, the newly crowned T20 Champions and congratulations to Sri Lanka for organising such a terrific event and being a wonderful host.