India makes a strong statement in its WC opener

India makes a strong statement to the teams participating in WC 2011 with an impressive win over Bangladesh at Mirpur in its first league match today.

Though the pitch appeared to have prepared for a batsmen friendly, Bangladesh decided to put the opposition in as they won the toss considering the due factor that comes into play in the second innings of the match.

With the result is out, I think now that they should have evaluated the pressure against the score board vs the due factor that comes.

Especially when playing against a strong country like INDIA, they should not have given more weight to the Pressure on the score board that India could put.

The conditions right from the word go, favored Batsmen. The opening duo Sachin and Sehwag utilized them for the best of the team.  The score board was hopping at it’s ever best.

A good indication was, Sachin found his feet moving at their best. Sehwag too was in a bright form.

When it appeared that only a self -mistake can separate the duo, we lost Sachin to a run-out.

Gambir was too at his best until he fell for a decent spin delivery.

Virat was a class act as usual. The best part of his innings was, he never came under the influence of Sehwag. He was playing his shots within his strengths to complete his first century in the WC.

Sehwag’s innings scared many a sachin’s fans like me as he was nearing to a double but it was at 175, he lost his wicket.

India concluded it’s innings at 370.

Bangladesh started well and continued to be well all the way. Especially the batsmen showed their courage and made a statement to the world of cricket that they are no more cubs… they have immense talented people in the team.

I liked the way they tried to come close to the target.

Indian bowling too was good except Sreeshanth, who is a bit off-colored.

A bit concern to be given for the Indians is on the extras being given. It contributed 24 in the match and really a cause of concern especially in big matches that are coming.

Munaf was excellent with his line and length, which rewarded him with 4 wickets.

Zaheer was too impressive so as Harbhajan, who is after a long time, coming closure to his best of late.

Over all, Fighting Bangla and hot Indians and off-colored Sreeshanth were the real features of the match in which Sehwag was declared “man of the match”.

Pictures courtesy: ESPN