ICC World Cup 2019: Match 34, Windies vs India – Who Said What

India have registered their fifth win in six games in the ongoing World Cup. They defeated the Windies comfortably by 125 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester. It was teamwork from the Men in Blue as the batsmen posted an above par total on the board first and then the bowlers were just too good for the Windies’ liking. The Caribbeans have now been knocked out of the tournament officially as they can now reach seven points even after winning their remaining two matches.

After opting to bat first, Rohit Sharma was given out under controversial circumstances by the third umpire Michael Gough. KL Rahul once again couldn’t make a big score but his 48 laid a platform after stutter in the beginning. Virat Kohli looked a class apart once again on a tough pitch but failed to notch up yet another century. He scored 72 runs and in the process, also completed 20,000 runs in international cricket.

After his wicket Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni played smartly and made sure India didn’t collapse. They added 70 runs for the sixth wicket and propelled the team to 268 runs after 50 overs. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 56 off 61 deliveries while Pandya played well for his 38-ball 46.

Windies capitulate

The Windies batsmen did nothing much. Chris Gayle and Shai Hope, two of their best batters, got out early and it was always curtains for them. Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Ambris added 55 runs for the third wicket but the partnership never threatened to take the game. It was only a matter of one wicket for India and it came through Hardik Pandya who pinned Ambris in front of the stumps.

From 71/2, the Caribbeans collapsed to 143/10 as the other batsmen couldn’t sustain in front of India’s wrist spinners and even Shami-Bumrah duo was too hot to handle. They were skittled out in the 35th over itself as India registered a thumping win to boost their net run-rate which can put them on top of the table later in the tournament.

Man of the Match and India captain, Virat Kohli said:

(As Man of the Match) I can’t complain, we just became no. 1 yesterday as far as rankings are concerned, to be honest, we are playing that way for a while, need to continue that way. Things haven’t gone our way with the bat in the last two games, but we have still done well to win, that’s being the most pleasing thing. Happy with my own contribution as well.

We were in a similar situation today (150 odd for 4), but getting to 270 was crucial. Last game, we didn’t calculate well, we lost two quick wickets, but today we improved, Hardik played really well and MS finished strongly.

When those two play in that way, we always get to a good total. To get to 270 was good, that put pressure on their batting and was very difficult to chase. I don’t need to tell anything to my batsmen, they have to adjust according to their strengths and weaknesses and play according to the pitch.

That’s my game plan, I look to play in my own way, happy to take the ones and twos which I think is a big factor in ODI cricket, around 70% of my runs come in this way. Two difficult pitches, I’m happy with my contribution and look forward to doing more of the same in the future.

(As Captain) Dhoni knows exactly what he wants to do in the middle. When he has an off day here and there, everyone starts talking. We always back him. He has won us so many games. The best thing about having someone like him is when you need those 15-20 runs, he knows exactly how to get them. His experience, 8 out of 10 times has come good for us.

We have quite a few players who play instinctive cricket and follow their game plans. He’s such a keen understanding of the game. Always sends us feedback, that you know 260 is a good score. He’s a legend of the game. We all know that. Just hope he can continue.

Last two games, things haven’t gone like we thought they would. These haven’t been massive scoring games. But we’ve found ways of winning. Intensity has been the standout thing for me. Mindset really matters. Nothing is impossible. We feel we can win from any situation.

Windies captain, Jason Holder said:

Thought the bowlers did a fantastic job on this surface. Just let ourselves down with the bat. In hindsight, Dhoni’s (stumping) miss a crucial moment we didn’t seize. Let ourselves down significantly in this tournament. Missed a few chances in the field which cost us.

Batting was too inconsistent. Can’t fault the bowlers. Need to improve. Probably our weakest format, this. Kemar Roach was outstanding today. Youngsters have chipped in here and there. Bowlers had a reasonable campaign. Can’t fault their efforts. Fielding, definitely has to improve. So does the batting.