3 huge momentum changers that we are not discussing enough

[BacktoCricaddict]

This Indian team does not get enough credit for their fielding. But in this WC, 3 of the biggest moments that went in India's favor, came - not from luck or from the other team effing up - but from absolutely stunning catches by the Indian team. All great efforts to be celebrated!!

 

(1) Fakhar Zaman is a known tormentor of the Indian team. And he was looking ominous, striking the ball well, including a 6 off Axar Patel. At the end of the previous over, the match was still in balance - 72/2, 40-odd runs to get, RRR 6.00.  Pak's win probability was 90+% at that point. A couple of more big blows from Zaman could've shifted  the momentum completely Pakistan's way. But, nossir!!
Got him, Hardik gets a big wicket, and Pant takes a terrific catch! Steps out and Hardik bounces him. Well directed, at the front shoulder, cramps him for room, and he only manages to glove his pull. It loops up over Pant's right shoulder, and his weight is initially moving left, because of Hardik's angle. He does so well to turn around, run backwards, mindful of the helmet behind him, and then complete a terrific falling, tumbling catch

 

Fakhar Zaman c †Pant b Pandya 13 (8b 1x4 1x6 8m) SR: 162.5

 

(2) 87-1 in 8.5 overs. Head was cruising. Marsh was struggling a bit, esp against Kuldeep, but was hanging there rotating strike and letting Head do his thing. Win probability had surged in Aussies' favor to 60+ percent. Another 30 runs in that partnership and it could've been a complete disaster. Marsh had played out a silent over from Kuldeep, felt the pressure some and went for it.  A well-struck blow - beautiful shot - a sure shot 6.  But, Axar Rajeshbhai Patel says ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Timing it perfectly, he puts his hand up between the ball and rope, and the damn thing sticks like Fevicol! Who said Fevicol can't fix broken hearts?  Absolute stunner!!!

WHAT A CATCH, AXAR PATEL!!!!!! That's a really good hit from Marsh in every way other than placement. A touch short from Kuldeep, turning in towards leg stump, and Marsh gets down on his back knee for that pull-sweep that he plays so well. Nails it, and it's travelling at speed, but Axar times his jump perfectly at deep square leg, stretches his right hand up over his head, and plucks the ball out of thin air

Mitchell Marsh c Patel b Kuldeep Yadav 37 (28b 3x4 2x6 38m) SR: 132.14

(3) THE CATCH. NOTHING TO SAY HERE. SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT, IT'S JUST THE BASELINE.

David Miller c Yadav b Pandya 21 (17b 1x4 1x6 37m) SR: 123.52

Edited June 30, 2024 by BacktoCricaddict

[vvvslaxman]

The day Australia fields like typical subcontient teams they will stop winning tournaments. THey day we field like Australia we will start winning tournaments. If you look at Australia fielding almost always sets the tone for them in knock outs. It becomes 11 vs 2 on the field. I won't say we had the perfect fielding in this world cup. We are the second worst in catching after Australia. But in crunch games we pulled off catches like this. Best way to choke opposition is with gun fielding like this.

[R!TTER]

It was bowling for us in 2003 WC, 17 CT as well.

[Lord]

Fielding always matters

 

 

[BacktoCricaddict]

Just now, vvvslaxman said:

But in crunch games we pulled off catches like this. Best way to choke opposition is with gun fielding like this.

 

When the opposition puts its foot on the accelerator, we can put the brakes on with clutch fielding!!

 

[Lord]

those facial expressions of SKY lol

[Gollum]

1 minute ago, R!TTER said:

It was bowling for us in 2003 WC, 17 CT as well.

Stupid decision at the toss in both those games. We could have given Aussie a scare, and buried poyzzz under scorecard pressure. 

[Lord]

@Gollum post some Paxtani reaction videos to celebrate the win even more.

[BacktoCricaddict]

2 minutes ago, Lord said:

Fielding always matters

 

 

To quote my mother-in-law, who is the biggest cricket fan I know:  "CATCHES WIN MATCHES!!"

[Gollum]

Just now, Lord said:

@Gollum post some Paxtani reaction videos to celebrate the win even more.

Most of them are appreciative man. Even on spaces yesterday night, they showed grace. Think I have to dig up some Bangladeshi content now, for salty tears. 

[BacktoCricaddict]

I said there was nothing to say about SKY's catch, but I will here:

 

16 to go from 6.

 

David Miller - a legit, legit power hitter. The wicket was important, but just as important was the 6 runs saved!!  If that ball goes for a 6 ... 10 from 5 was easy pickings for Miller.