My Semifinal Matchday Experience

[jalebi_bhai]

 

Went for today's game and had a pretty good time. Was a nice, tight contest for the most part. Both teams fought hard but in the end the quality of our batting prevailed.

 

Some observations:

 

1. This was a match winning total by Australia. It was enough. It was quite hot and dry in the afternoon. Pitch wasn't a patta and scoring runs was hard work. Carey was their best batsmen on the day and frankly no bowler looked like they would be able to dismiss him, so no surprises he was out run-out. With a bit more quality in bowling, Ozs would have cooked us

 

In fact, I would go as far as to say if Kohli had gotten out instead of Iyer at the same time, we would have massively struggled. So credit to our boys on acing a tricky chase

 

2. Rohit might be the captain of the team, but Virat is still very much the heartbeat and voice of the pack. All the energy was circling around Kohli only. We can joke about PR agencies and whatnot, but Kohli's connection with the crowd is just organically on another level. Can't be manufactured by any PR agency.

 

As long as Virat was batting, the crowd had a sense of calm. He was largely in control in the middle and he only decided to take on the bowling once KL was reasonably set and the game was in the bag. Was a joy to watch him control a crunch chase.

 

3. Irrespective of the quality of the XI they put out, Ozs in ICC knockouts are relentless. They do not stop. Even with only 60 odd to defend with India having wickets, they were maintaining a high intensity. Their heads only dropped after Hardik smoked Zampa for a brace of sixes but till that moment, they were really giving it everything. With a bit more quality in bowling, they would have probably beat us. 

 

Overall, total paisa vasool outing. Hope our boys get the job done on Sunday

[vvvslaxman]

Cool dude. Atmosphere was really good. Colorful.

[Mariyam]

Great stuff @jalebi_bhai

 

Going for the finals also?

[Ultimate_Game]

Wonderful write up @jalebi_bhai 

[putrevus]

Great point about Aussies not giving up till last moment.Rohit and Indian bowlers on other hand gave up on chase after 10 overs finals.

 

 

[jalebi_bhai]

Thanks guys. Crowd was actually good for a Tuesday. 75-80% at peak capacity.

[jalebi_bhai]

28 minutes ago, vvvslaxman said:

Cool dude. Atmosphere was really good. Colorful.

 

The local Indian MC was the only downside. Annoying af

[jalebi_bhai]

28 minutes ago, Mariyam said:

Great stuff @jalebi_bhai

 

Going for the finals also?

Thanks Mariyam.

 

Won't be going for the finals. Too much hassle. Took me an hour to just get out of the parking areas post-game.

 

Today's game more or less satiated my appetite for the stadium experience.