Clinical India delivers Professional Display

By Shahnawaz Vahora
September 3 2005

India defeats New Zealand on the back of a fine fielding effort and much-improved batting built around a well-composed century from number 3 Mohammed Kaif.

For the first time out of five ODI games in the Chappell era against a higher ranked team, India held their nerve and ended victorious.

India produced the sort of clinical display that has so far been lacking in the earlier four matches (against an opponent ranked higher than itself). Mohammad Kaif hit the first second-innings century for India in 32 matches, the last one being the epic 140 by Tendulkar against Pakistan in Pakistan, and carried his bat through to complete a comprehensive 6-wicket victory.

Stephen Fleming won the toss on the day, and elected to bat on a surface that was an absolute beauty. The bounce was even, and the pace conducive to stroke play through the line. Furthermore, lack of swing and seam movement made it look like a 300+ pitch.

Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra started erratically for India and sprayed the ball around, giving away plenty of boundary balls and unwanted extras. Sourav Ganguly's early introduction of Ajit Agarkar considering the pitch, his reputation, and set batsmen therefore represented a big risk. But Agarkar did not fail his captain; he not only stemmed the flow of runs but also settled into a lively rhythm, beating the bat on more than one occasion. His accuracy paid dividends as Nathan Astle was lured into a false drive and was caught behind, giving India its first important breakthrough.

The arrival of Lou Vincent gave New Zealand a chance to up the run rate, and it did so in grand style. Vincent and Stephen Fleming made hay off poor deliveries from Nehra, slamming him to all parts of the ground. And almost against the run of play, Agarkar seized upon a half-chance and effected a spectacular run out. Fleming wanted a risky single which didn't come off as Agarkar, on the turn, hit timber to catch the Kiwi skipper out by a yard.

This act clearly inspired the Indian side, as they fielded zealously and bowled the next few overs with vigor. Yuvraj Singh pulled off another miraculous runout to get rid of dangerous Vincent. Diving full length, Yuvraj stopped the ball to save a certain two, all the while taking aim from an acute angle to pull off a spectacular direct hit.

JP Yadav then took over the mantle, settling into an impressive spell. He not only choked off the runs, but also got rid of Marshall with a well-directed inswinger. Styris and McMillan then formed a formidable partnership, rotating strike around while hitting the occasional boundary. Agarkar finally breached the defense of McMillan in the 41st over to end a good partnership for the Kiwis.

McCullum and Styris, and later Oram, stroked some lusty blows to take the Kiwis to what seemed a formidable total of 278 but perhaps was under par in these conditions. Nehra, Pathan and Agarkar finished with 2 wickets each and India must have been rather pleased to limit them to that score. One of the primary reasons India didn't concede a total of 300+ was their outstanding fielding today. They got their runouts, ran around zealously to save runs, and pulled off occasional spectacular stops to preserve their momentum.

The last thing India needed to chase a stiff target was to give away early wickets, and they didn't. Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly gave India a smashing start without taking undue risks and put on 65 in no time. Sehwag was severe on anything outside off-stump, singling out Andre Adams in particular for some stick. Ganguly perished yet again to a short ball, but at least there was the intent to hit the ball out of the park. Sehwag had his off-stump dislodged by Oram, but not before he had given India a flying start.

Mohammed Kaif and Rahul Dravid then settled into a crucial and ultimately match-winning century partnership. Kaif started off with two glorious straight drives and one delightful on-drive, reaching his 50 in 54 balls. Particularly impressive was his shot selection, which was decisive and productive. Dravid on the other end milked the bowling, motoring along to a well-made 39 before being bowled for the third consecutive time this series.

Yuvraj and Kaif put on a good partnership to take the match away from the Kiwis, and as good as sealed the match for India. Yuvraj suddenly against he run of play perished to a poor sweep shot, making way for the explosive Mahendra Dhoni. Kaif meanwhile continued rock-solid at the other end, determined to see the match through. Dhoni quickly came into his groove and blasted the ball around the park to take India to a comprehensive victory, but not before Kaif had completed a well earned century which earned him the Man of the Match award.

All in all, it was a professional display from Team India and Chappell would be well pleased to see his troops finally win one against quality opposition. This victory sets up the final nicely, and India will have everything to play for.