Meanwhile the Indians are in a huddle with MS doing some stern talking. The players listen in intently and then they break out of the huddle before striding out to the centre. The openers are out there too. No Ashwin. It is Nehra to start. He has been one of India's best bowlers and with age, he gets better. He wants to play in the next T20I WC in 2020. Nehraji - way to go! The field is being set and there is a lone slip in place. It is Charles who will be taking strike. Here we go...
Rahane reckons that India have 15-20 more, but we have seen that anything is chaseable on this Wankhede wicket. We saw Mumbai chase something around 190 in 14 overs or so - if my memory serves me right - to get into the knockout stages. South Africa failed to defend 220+. So only time will tell whether India have enough. And also which West Indies will turn up? The one that can blow away any total, or the one that will self-destruct to make the contest a one-sided one. We never know with the men from the Caribbean
But still there is another innings left to play in this game and if Kohli is out of the world at this moment, then West Indies have a man from another galaxy when he gets going - Chris Gayle. The man with the biceps of tree trunks, looks like the character from the movie Predator, wielding the bat like an axe can make any total seem silly. But there is a big if, here, that is if he gets going. We have seen Mahendra Singh Dhoni use Ashwin often to get Gayle out in the T20 League when Chennai played Bangalore. And time and again, in the first couple of overs. Will MS do the same again tonight? Will Gayle see off Ashwin? Fascinating questions and answers coming up shortly...
Welcome back. Consider this - Kohli was on 1 when West Indies missed three run-out chances off 2 balls. Three! Fast forward to the end of the innings - he finishes on 89 off 47 and takes India to 192. Will West Indies live to regret those misses? When you miss simple chances to send the best batsman in the world, in the purplest of patches that anyone can hope to be in, then someone has to pay. Right? If West Indies do go onto lose the game, then they will have a lot of time to reflect on their near misses. It wasn't far too, with Ramdin and Bravo missing the stumps by a coat of varnish. That's the difference between winning and losing right there, folks! And you don't reprieve Kohli. You don't!
Rahane: "I was [about being prepared]. I knew I was batting well in the nets and it was just a mental adjustment. I have been playing here from my U-14 days. We were targeting 165-170, so we got 15-20 runs extra. It was not a typical Wankhede wicket, the ball was stopping and we were looking for singles and the odd boundary. Our spinners will come in handy and we have to field well. Two or three wickets in the first six overs will be good for us."
After a sizzling Rohit Sharma knock was cut short by a Badree drifter, and after Kohli conquered his nerves, him and Rahane built along steadily on a batting beauty. Did they prolong the building effort too long? Once Rahane perished though and Dhoni got to the crease, business picked up. It almost seemed like Kohli felt liberated and started to tear into the bowling. Another absolute masterclass started unravelling. His bat started waving like a wand, it enchanted Russell in the 19th over which leaked .. 19. Those rare times he mis-hit the ball, catches were dropped in the deep, and the Indian total kept leaping to greater heights. 59 were scored off the last four overs and it has left the West Indies with a steep climb in front of them.
The Wankhede cauldron was rumbling. There is something about this stadium that just transports you to a different kind of frenzy. Maybe Kohli was feeling the jitters too, running between the wickets like a hypnotized man early on. If ever there can be an apt situation to describe pandemonium, it was the 9th over of the innings. Kohli ran like a maniac, and West Indies just wouldn't run him out. They should have known, that that's the only way to get him these days.
19.6 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 1 run, Dhoni wanted two but Kohli says no for the first time, I guess. Bravo finishes it with a off-cutter, it was on a length and in the slot for Kohli, he mistimed the loft to long-on, went on the bounce to Brathwaite and he released the ball quickly to keep it to a single
19.5 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, FOUR, was waiting for this shot. Those strong wrists come into play for the first time. Very full and around off, Kohli whips it with all his might, all bottom hand and it almost carried the distance. Went on the volley
19.4 -
Dwayne Bravo to Dhoni, 3 runs, that is just amazing. Bravo is not happy. He cleverly drags the length back on the slower delivery, Dhoni mistimes the pull to mid-wicket. Simmons sprints forward and fires it at the bowler's end. Bravo lets it go as Sammy was backing up, he doesn't gather it cleanly and that is enough for the duo to steal another run
19.3 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 1 run, fires in a fast yorker around off, Kohli squeezes it to backward point, only a single
19.2 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 2 runs, dropped! It was a tough catch and Simmons did well to get something on it. Slower delivery just outside off, Kohli was made to fetch that and he got it off the toe-end to deep mid-wicket. Simmons runs to his right, dives full length and gets only fingertips. Luckily it didn't roll away for four
19.1 -
Dwayne Bravo to Dhoni, 1 run, Bravo gets away with one. Full toss on leg-stump, Dhoni gave it his all on the whip, on the bounce to deep mid-wicket. Either side of Simmons and it would have been four
18.6 -
A Russell to Kohli, FOUR, huge over for India. 19 runs off the over. Sets it up for the final over superbly. Full toss and with the kind of form Kohli is in, you don't expect him to miss out, hammered along the ground. No chance for long-on or long-off
18.5 -
A Russell to Kohli, FOUR, fabulous shot! How did he manage to get under that? Russell speared in a yorker around off, Kohli makes a bit of room, crouches low before going up and over extra cover, the fielder jumped up just as an after reaction
18.4 -
A Russell to Kohli, 2 runs, yorker length on the stumps, Kohli jams it down and the ball goes through his legs. Barely crosses the 30-yard circle and the duo are back for the second
18.3 -
A Russell to Kohli, SIX, length and deposited into the crowd. Kohli took this from outside off and hit it flat towards long-off. The fielder would have thought he is in with a chance, but the ball kept going over him
Benn has been moved from there. Clever from Sammy as the third man region will be kept busy with all the yorkers being hurled in..
18.2 -
A Russell to Kohli, 2 runs, Benn the fielder at third man and Kohli collects two comfortably. Very full and just outside off, Kohli opens the bat face and directs it behind backward point, Benn was too casual in his approach. Should have attacked the ball
18.1 -
A Russell to Dhoni, 1 run, yorker length around off, Dhoni was winding up for the helicopter, the line didn't allow him to go leg-side, squeezes the drive to long-off
Andre Russell [3.0-0-28-1] is back into the attack
17.6 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, FOUR, that is genius. Couple of steps down the wicket, converts it into a length delivery and drives it on the up through extra cover. Russell at long-off had a few metres to cover, but the timing was just too good for him, his dive goes in vain
17.5 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, no run, deceives the batsman with a slower one, Kohli taps it back to the bowler
17.4 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, FOUR, Brathwaite almost got there. Off-cutter on a length, Kohli stoops low and fetches the heave from outside off, gets it off the face of the bat to long-on. Brathwaite ran forward, dived and almost took a blinder. Unfortunately, he missed and the ball rolled away
Just the three singles of the over and the DJ eggs the crowd on with "We want sixer" chant..
17.3 -
Dwayne Bravo to Dhoni, 1 run, full and bit of curl into the batsman, Dhoni flicks it with a closed bat face to long-on
17.2 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 1 run, quicker full delivery outside off, Kohli drills the drive square on the off-side, sweeper keeps it to a single
17.1 -
Dwayne Bravo to Dhoni, 1 run, slower delivery, ends up as a full toss on leg-stump, Dhoni helps it along the way to short fine leg. Should have done better with that
Dwayne Bravo [2.0-0-21-0] is back into the attack
India's 150 is up and how much more in the last 3 overs? 30 is bare minimum.
16.6 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, FOUR, Brathwaite goes away in frustration. Kohli looks at the bottom of his bat. Even the rub of the green is going Kohli's way. Well-directed yorker - right at the base of off-stump, Kohli backs away and just about manages to get his bat down, third man inside the ring and the ball raced away
16.5 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 2 runs, fifty for Kohli. Third of the tournament. His team-mates are up on their feet. Few in the crowd are bowing to the champion. Short delivery gets a little big on Kohli, who plays a short-arm pull, the ball lobs up and drops near mid-wicket. Pushes for the second and Dhoni needs no second invitation. He is congratulated by his skipper
16.4 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, FOUR, the Kohli juggernaut keeps rolling. Slower delivery that is dragged down. Kohli had ample time to pick his spot, pulled it off the front foot behind square, rolled his wrists to get the placement right
16.3 -
Brathwaite to Dhoni, 1 run, leg-cutter outside off, Dhoni pushes it off the front foot to sweeper cover
16.2 -
Brathwaite to Dhoni, 2 runs, full delivery outside off, Dhoni drives it wide of sweeper cover, another two stolen by the duo
16.1 -
Brathwaite to Dhoni, FOUR, how many times have you seen Dhoni playing the lap? He has played that to perfection. Walked across his sticks, Brathwaite fires in a low full toss, Dhoni gets enough connection to get it over short fine leg. Good start to the over..
Last four overs coming up. Dhoni has promoted himself up the order. Knows that he is hitting them well and needs to take his side to a competitive score. Will not be easy against Bravo's slower ones and Russell's yorkers.
15.6 -
A Russell to Dhoni, 1 run, on a length just outside off, Dhoni drives it on the up to sweeper cover, off the mark with that single
15.6 -
A Russell to Dhoni, wide, that was a harsh call. Length delivery outside off, it was touch-and-go as Dhoni let it pass. Umpire Kettleborough called it a wide
15.5 -
A Russell to Kohli, 1 run, high full toss outside off, Kohli mistimes it to sweeper cover
15.4 -
A Russell to Kohli, 2 runs, low full toss and Kohli was aiming towards cover, the bat turns on impact and the ball dribbles off the toe-end to mid-wicket. This pair has twos for breakfast - got it with ease
MS Dhoni, right handed bat, comes to the crease
15.3 -
A Russell to Rahane, out Caught by Dwayne Bravo!! The Champion jig is out. The crowd are silenced. Looks like only the XI players in the field are happy with that wicket. Short delivery and Rahane fetched the pull from outside off, seemed to have nailed it. I for one was sure it was sailing over the deep mid-wicket fence, but not to be as Bravo settled under that and took it inches before the rope. It had plenty of air time, but not the distance. It might be a blessing in disguise for India as it will bring out their power-hitters. Rahane c Dwayne Bravo b A Russell 40(35) [4s-2]
A Russell to Rahane, THAT'S OUT!! Caught!!
15.2 -
A Russell to Kohli, 1 run, fullish and outside off, Kohli drives hard and straight to sweeper cover
15.1 -
A Russell to Kohli, no run, Russell starts with a yorker, Kohli jams it off the inside edge onto the pad, rolls back to the bowler
Andre Russell [2.0-0-22-0] is back into the attack
14.6 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, no run, Rahane also employing the Kohli tactic. Walks down and yorks himself, digs it back to the bowler. Apart from the Kohli-special boundary, it was a very good over
14.5 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli shuffles across and steps out, and Brathwaite hurls in a full toss, should have been in the crease, can only whip it down to long-on
14.4 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, FOUR, "how did he do that?" asks a bemused Ian Bishop. A low full toss just outside off, there were two men patrolling the point region, Kohli opens the bat face, slices it over those two fielders. Hit the practice wickets and bounced over them
14.3 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, no run, sees Kohli charging down and fires it outside off, Kohli is made to reach out and he can't lay any wood on that. Smart bowling from Brathwaite
14.2 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, 1 run, leg-cutter around off, Rahane was looking for the big hit, spots the slower delivery and eases it down to long-on
14.1 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 1 run, fuller and on the stumps, Kohli shimmies down, almost yorks himself and plays a wristy drive to long-off
Carlos Brathwaite [2.0-0-14-0] is back into the attack
There was a loud cheer during the over. I thought it was for Kohli, who had just hit a boundary. But then the screen showed Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin in the house and another big knock from Kohli? Remember Eden Gardens v Pakistan?
13.6 -
Benn to Kohli, 1 run, touch quicker and around off, Kohli taps it in front of point, calls for a single and Rahane responds
13.5 -
Benn to Kohli, 2 runs, quicker, fuller and just outside off, Kohli stays leg-side of the ball and reaches out with his arms, drills the drive to deep extra cover, Charles has some work to do and he keeps it to a brace
13.4 -
Benn to Rahane, 1 run, fraction short and outside off, Rahane dabs it to sweeper cover
13.3 -
Benn to Rahane, 2 runs, make that the umpteenth two. After completing they walk across and show a bit of glove love. Tossed up on middle and leg, nurdled with soft hands behind square on the leg-side
13.2 -
Benn to Kohli, 1 run, slower and on the stumps, worked away to mid-wicket
13.1 -
Benn to Kohli, FOUR, that run-out miss already hurting. Quicker delivery drifting in, Kohli slaps it square of the wicket, hit it hard and gave the sweeper cover no chance to cut that off
The running between the wickets was a major contributor in the win against Australia. Today also, Kohli and Rahane have looked superb. Kohli is the fittest among the Indians and his partners have complemented him nicely. Who would you rate the fastest between the wickets? I would go Dhoni, Kohli, Raina, Rahane and so on...
12.6 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 1 run, once more walks down and almost yorks himself this time, squeezes it out to long-on
12.5 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 2 runs, Kohli is coming towards Bravo, the length is pulled back and punches it wide of sweeper cover, another brace added to the total
12.4 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, FOUR, full marks for the effort. Russell almost pulled off a stunning save. Kohli shimmies down and takes it on the full, whips it in front of square on the leg-side, Russell moves quickly to his right from deep mid-wicket, slides and flicks it in. His leg was in touch with the ad cushions
12.3 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 2 runs, Kohli and Dhoni against Australia. Now, Kohli and Rahane against West Indies. Very good running. Off-cutter on a length, Kohli wrists it with soft hands in front of long-on, called for two and Rahane was in comfortably
12.2 -
Dwayne Bravo to Rahane, 1 run, Bravo has mastered the slower delivery, another one that dips on the batsman, Rahane steps out and nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region. No chance for the double
12.1 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 1 run, direct hit and Rahane was gone. Slower delivery just outside off, steered away to short third man. Benn has a shy at the striker's end, Rahane's bat got stuck before the crease. But Benn missed and Rahane survived
Dwayne Bravo [1.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack
Eight overs left and India need at least 100 more. Remember 230 wasn't enough for South Africa. 180 was hunted down easily by this West Indian side. However, this pitch is slightly different. Has something in it for the spinners...
11.6 -
Benn to Kohli, 1 run, this is on the stumps, Kohli works it to mid-wicket
11.5 -
Benn to Rahane, 1 run, down the leg-side, glanced to short fine leg
11.4 -
Benn to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli is a strong bottom-handed player and he will play that inside-out drive very well, leans forward and drives, but long-off is very wide to keep it down to a single
11.3 -
Benn to Rahane, 1 run, Rahane is good off the back foot, so you are better of trying to force him on the front foot, it's way too short and Rahane pulls wide of long-on, where Brathwaite slides and keeps it down to a single
11.2 -
Benn to Rahane, 2 runs, again into the vacant mid-wicket region with a turn from almost outside off stump, Kohli responds to Rahane's call and easily gets back
11.1 -
Benn to Kohli, 1 run, shortish and outside off stump, Kohli rocks back and cuts hard, but straight to sweeper cover
Sulieman Benn [2.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack
10.6 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli steps out and flicks the full delivery to deep mid-wicket
10.5 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, 1 run, full delivery from Brathwaite, Rahane flicks it to backward square leg
10.4 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, no run, oh that's wristed nicely but straight to short fine leg. Rahane smiles as he knows that a couple of yards either side of Badree there would have been four
10.3 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli punches it down to long-on
10.2 -
Brathwaite to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli opens himself up for a big hit, but taps the slower ball softly to mid-wicket, no one in the circle and Rahane races back for the second. That was excellent running between the wickets. My colleague Pratyush Sinha said "ones and twos can be seductive too" and that certainly was. Hang on, looks like the umpire has called for one-short as Kohli did not plonk his bat inside the crease while turning back for the second
10.1 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, 1 run, shortish and on the off stump, Rahane pulls to deep square leg
Carlos Brathwaite [1.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack
9.6 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, spinning away outside off stump, tapped to cover
9.5 -
Badree to Rahane, FOUR, bad ball and that's been punished! Short and on the off stump, Badree is missing the trick, get it fuller and Rahane hasn't been picking Badree when the ball is full, this is a freebie and Rahane pulls fiercely off the back foot to the mid-wicket boundary
9.4 -
Badree to Kohli, 1 run, Kohli hints at stepping out, Badree drops it short to force Kohli to stay back and cut to sweeper cover
9.3 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, just outside off stump, wristed along the ground to deep mid-wicket
9.2 -
Badree to Rahane, no run, shortish and just outside off stump, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler
9.1 -
Badree to Rahane, 2 runs, nicely hit, but Charles does well from sweeper cover with the sliding save. Short and outside off stump, Rahane cuts to deep point
9.1 -
Badree to Rahane, wide, that's down the leg-side, Rahane misses the sweep, Badree will have to rebowl that
8.6 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 2 runs, Kohli comes forward and takes the slower ball on the full before flicking it to deep mid-wicket
8.5 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, FOUR, now the outside edge flies past short third man! Gee, this has been an eventful over! Slower delivery outside off stump, Kohli reached out and got the edge, luckily for India it didn't go to hand. Kohli fist-pumps after the ball passed the fielder there. He was aware that he got away a couple of times earlier in the over. Bravo smiles as he knows he can't do anything about that.
8.4 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, 2 runs, oh another run-out missed. West Indies! Surely, that's schoolboy stuff! Slower delivery outside off stump, Kohli inside edges the flick towards backward square leg and races back for the second run, the throw comes close to the stumps, but Ramdin fumbles and Kohli was short despite a full length dive
8.3 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, no run, oh what happened there? What on earth was happening there? Kohli could have been run-out twice. First Ramdin missed and then Bravo missed. Both easy chances. Anyway, this was a brilliant slower delivery from Bravo, the yorker that dipped on the batsman and bounced past the stumps. Kohli was keen for a run, Rahane said no, Ramdin had enough time to knock the stumps out, Bravo rushed forward and tried to under-arm the ball, but both missed by a whisker. Kohli had given up and probably Bravo could have run with the ball and taken the stumps out
8.3 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, no ball, oh that was awkward from Kohli. He was late on the pull to this bouncer and got beaten. Hang on, called a no-ball because this is the second bouncer above Kohli's head in this over. Free-hit comes up. Kohli looks at the square leg umpire for height and umpire had his right hand stretched
8.2 -
Dwayne Bravo to Kohli, no run, the short ball to Kohli first up from Dwayne Bravo, good bounce and good carry, Kohli lets it go
Mid-wicket is in for Kohli
8.1 -
Dwayne Bravo to Rahane, 1 run, straightaway bowls a slower delivery, Rahane watchfully flicks along the ground to deep mid-wicket
Dwayne Bravo, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
The DJ is here!
7.6 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, the googly again, Rahane uses his wrists to stylishly flick it to deep mid-wicket
7.5 -
Badree to Rahane, 2 runs, short and outside off stump, Rahane rocks back and cuts it along the ground to deep extra-cover
7.4 -
Badree to Rahane, no run, I think this is the first time Rahane has come on the front foot to Badree. The googly from the leggie, Rahane missed the defence and got hit on the pad, but looked like it was missing leg stump
7.3 -
Badree to Kohli, 1 run, googly down the leg-side, Kohli works it behind square on the on-side
Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease
7.2 -
Badree to Rohit, out Lbw!! That's plumb in front. Loud shout from Badree, umpire Richard Kettleborough thought about it for a while and raised his finger. This was the straighter one from Badree, just skidded off the surface but Rohit was playing for turn as he tried to flick. Didn't move his feet forward and it sneaked through the gate to hit Rohit right in front of middle-leg stump. Rohit looked so good for a big knock and this is a big breakthrough for West Indies. Hawk-Eye shows that the ball would have crashed into the top of leg stump. Rohit lbw b Badree 43(31) [4s-3 6s-3]
Badree to Rohit, THAT'S OUT!! Lbw!!
7.1 -
Badree to Rohit, no run, very full and down the leg-side, Rohit misses the flick, gets hit on the pad, no appeal for LBW
Samuel Badree [2.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack
6.6 -
Benn to Rahane, 2 runs, now that is a delivery to be played off the back foot. No doubt in it! Short and on the off stump, Rahane pulls wide of long-on, Charles pushes it back just before touching the rope, waits for Russell to pick up the ball and throw but his team-mate thought on the same lines as well. In the end Charles himself had to shy at the stumps
6.5 -
Benn to Rahane, 2 runs, please come on the front foot Jinks! Quicker delivery on the leg stump, Rahane works it towards the vacant mid-wicket region, Ramdin had to tidy up and Rahane was quick to get back for the second as well
6.4 -
Benn to Rohit, 1 run, the slider, no turn and went straight on with the angle from round the wicket, punched with an angled bat to deep point
6.3 -
Benn to Rahane, 1 run, spinning away outside off stump, Rahane prefers to play off the back foot and rolls his wrists on this shot to send it towards long-on
6.2 -
Benn to Rohit, 1 run, shorter in length, so Rohit goes back to clip it to deep mid-wicket
6.1 -
Benn to Rohit, no run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, Rohit leans forward and defends it to the right of the bowler
Sulieman Benn [1.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack
This is India's best batting powerplay of the tournament and this is the first time they haven't lost a wicket in the first 6 overs.
5.6 -
A Russell to Rohit, 1 run, oh that's sweetly timed as well. What's a good score here? 200 at least? Full and outside off stump, Rohit drives crisply but cover intercepts the ball
5.5 -
A Russell to Rohit, FOUR, slower delivery goes horribly wrong. Rohit spotted it nice and early. The length was short and Rohit had enough time to rock back and pull handsomely over mid-wicket. No one in the deep and it's a one-bounce four
5.4 -
A Russell to Rahane, 1 run, sensible batting from Jinks. Rohit is in good touch, so he wants him back on strike. Gets low to this length ball and guides it along the ground to third man
5.3 -
A Russell to Rohit, 1 run, played with an angled bat to backward point
5.2 -
A Russell to Rohit, SIX, "We want sixer, we want sixer," was the chant from the crowd and Rohit doesn't disappoint. That's a dreadful delivery from Russell. The batsman has full license to swung hard at it and Russell bowls a juicy length ball. Rohit waits and muscles it down the ground for back-to-back sixes
5.2 -
A Russell to Rohit, no ball, SIX, oh that's a high full toss above waist height and a free-hit to come India's way. Russell totally lost control of this one and bowled a full toss down the leg-side, Rohit spotted it early and smashed it over backward square leg
5.1 -
A Russell to Rohit, no run, good length delivery angled in, Rohit misses the flick, hit on the thigh pad, Rohit was keen for a single, but the ball went nowhere and Jinks (Rahane) rightly said no
Andre Russell [1.0-0-2-0] is back into the attack
4.6 -
Badree to Rohit, 1 run, a wristy flick from Rohit as Badree bowls full and on the off stump, the ball rolls to mid-wicket
4.5 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, quicker delivery on the leg stump, worked to deep mid-wicket
4.4 -
Badree to Rahane, 2 runs, that's nicely pulled off the back foot, it's racing away but DJ Bravo runs across from long-on and uses his feet to great effect to stop the ball just before the rope
4.3 -
Badree to Rahane, FOUR, something had to give and Rahane plays the big shot, almost lost his wicket though. This is close to the off stump, Rahane steps out and tries to loft, gets a thick outside edge that flies to the left of short third man
4.2 -
Badree to Rahane, no run, the flatter trajectory is seriously troubling Rahane. This is hitting the top of off and he opts to play off the back foot, somehow manages to drive it back to the bowler
4.1 -
Badree to Rohit, 1 run, very full but down the leg-side, clipped away to deep square leg
Samuel Badree [1.0-0-3-0] is back into the attack
So that 11-run over will ease a few nerves in the Indian dug-out
3.6 -
Benn to Rohit, 1 run, slow turn for Benn, Rohit plays with an angled bat off the back foot to backward point
3.5 -
Benn to Rohit, FOUR, four more and this is Rohit's highest score in the tournament. Bad ball from Benn. Flighted delivery down the leg-side, Rohit gets down on one knee and sweeps well behind square, fine leg was inside the ring and it was always running away to the boundary
3.4 -
Benn to Rohit, FOUR, sure turn for Benn, but he's bowled this way too short and allowed the batsman to pick his spot. He went back and executed the back foot drive to perfection through cover. Didn't try to hit it hard
3.3 -
Benn to Rohit, no run, this is firmly driven into the off-side, short cover makes a good stop
3.2 -
Benn to Rohit, no run, flatter in trjectory, Rohit gets behind the line and defends
3.1 -
Benn to Rohit, 2 runs, that's nicely guided but I think Gayle got a hand on it at first slip. Turn for Benn! Rohit waited for the ball to come and opened the face of the bat at the last moment, fell short of first slip despite Gayle diving to his right. Looks like the fielder did not get a hand on it on the replay
Benn comes on with a slip.
Sulieman Benn, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
2.6 -
Brathwaite to Rohit, 1 run, risky run, direct-hit needed but Big Benn misses. That was so risky because it went to Benn's natural (left) side. Full and on the stumps, Rohit drove it straight to mid-on, took the fielder on and in the end had to put in a full length dive. A direct-hit would have been so tight
2.5 -
Brathwaite to Rohit, no run, nice and full outside off stump, Rohit jammed the drive off the bottom of the bat to mid-off
2.4 -
Brathwaite to Rahane, 1 run, Jinks fetches this from outside off stump and tries to turn into the on-side, inside edge onto pad and it rolls to mid-wicket
2.3 -
Brathwaite to Rohit, 1 run, good length delivery on the off stump, Rohit waits for the ball to come and turns it to mid-wicket
2.2 -
Brathwaite to Rohit, no run, short and wide outside off stump, Rohit wanted to cut that away over backward point, but the ball bounced a bit extra and missed the bat
2.1 -
Brathwaite to Rohit, SIX, two tight overs and Brathwaite offers a juicy freebie to release all the pressure. The ball travels here at the Wankhede and the margin of error for bowlers here is very minimal. Full and on the leg stump, Rohit lofts through the line and sends it easily over mid-on
Carlos Brathwaite, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack
1.6 -
Badree to Rohit, 1 run, Rohit goes back and punches it down to long-on
1.5 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, flatter in trajectory and on the stumps, Rahane turns it off the back foot to backward square leg. Again very unorthodox from Rahane as he is reading Badree off the pitch. He is not able to judge Badree's length
1.4 -
Badree to Rahane, no run, again Rahane is reluctant to come on the front foot to Badree. Awkwardly plays off the back foot and pushes it towards short mid-wicket
1.3 -
Badree to Rahane, no run, oh that's dangerous from Rahane! Not short at all and Rahane gets into a bit of tangle as he went on the back foot, was cramped on the cut, chopped into the off-side
1.2 -
Badree to Rohit, leg byes, 1 run, appeal for LBW, but it was sliding down the leg-side. Rohit doesn't pick the googly and tries to flick off the front foot, misses and almost overbalances, the ball hits the pad and goes past the stumps and the keeper
1.1 -
Badree to Rahane, 1 run, the skidder from Badree, Rahane goes back and clips it along the ground to deep square leg, Rahane should have been forward and he was hurried on the shot
Samuel Badree, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack
That's a good opening over from Russell. India managed just 2 runs off it.
0.6 -
A Russell to Rohit, no run, Rohit opens the face of the bat and guides it to point
0.5 -
A Russell to Rahane, 1 run, steep bounce for Russell. Shortish delivery on the off stump, Rahane hops and tries to fend, took his eyes off the ball and it went off the glove and rolled behind square. Rahane took the bottom hand off the handle and that meant it went down to ground almost immediately
0.4 -
A Russell to Rohit, 1 run, this is turning out to be a good over, fourth dot ball in a row. Oh hang on! That's a fumble and India open their account. That went straight to Badree, who made a mess of it. This good length delivery jags back into the right-hander and takes Rohit's inside edge before rolling to mid-wicket
0.3 -
A Russell to Rohit, no run, yes-no, but Rohit is safe. Short of a length delivery this time, Rohit misses the flick, gets hit on the thigh pad and it rolls towards short mid-wicket, Rohit wanted a run and was almost halfway down the pitch, but Rahane sent him back
0.2 -
A Russell to Rohit, no run, now that is a top nut from Russell. He bowled a poor first ball, but this one's a jaffa! Good length delivery pitching just outside off stump and leaving the right-hander very late, Rohit was completely opened up in his defence and is so lucky to have not kissed that to the keeper
0.1 -
A Russell to Rohit, no run, ohhh! That's a gentle loosener and Rohit has missed out on a freebie. Should have been put away to the boundary. Full and on the leg stump, Rohit softly flicks, was a conservative hit and it went straight to mid-wicket. Russell gets away with one first ball
Rohit and Rahane are at the crease. Rohit is on strike. A Russell will open the attack
My o my! I don't want to leave. I don't want to write. I just want to sit back in my chair and ... do nothing. What a game! If Kohli is superhuman, Simmons is .. no, I don't have a word. Actually, I don't have any more words. I have exhausted my entire vocabulary. The West Indies men's team will now tag along with their women compatriots and head to the finale at the Eden Gardens. The date is set. England are waiting. If that game comes even close to this one, we'll probably die of a gazillion heart attacks. Take care of your health. Jog everyday in the morning. Cheers!
Let's take a look at some of the tweets from this game:
Harsha Bhogle: West Indies, deserving finalists. They love this form of the game. Wish them well in the final.
Michael Vaughan: Forget the result .... That was a fantastic game of Cricket ... 2 great teams .. Brilliant pitch .. Incredible crowd... Bloody Love T20
Anil Kumble: Well done WI. India, not good on the filed today. #IndvsWI #T20 WC
Tom Moody: Another top game in Mumbai, good wicket always produces high quality contest. Congratulations @westindies a real show of resilience #wt20
Brain Lara: Great great great!!! Well done Windies!!! #silence #wankhede #WestindiesvsEngland #T20 WC #finals proud to be West Indian
Dhoni: "I knew it was a bad toss to lose. The dew starts setting in during the second innings. Our first few overs weren't bad but then spinners came in and they didn't have much on offer. Our spinners don't have a history of bowling well with the wet ball. One of the WCs, we were knocked out because we didn't bowl well with the wet ball. Other than the two no-balls I'm not very disappointed with the bowlers. There wasn't much on offer. I wanted the fast bowlers to make a game out of it and give the part-timers a 5 run cushion and then see whatever happens at the death. The conditions were tough for them. It's a hard format. Usually the games are quite close. Only one or two games you will cruise through the opposition. Usually it gets down to the final over. Yes it is draining. But we are used to it. In the T20 League, we face many such games which go till the end."
Sammy: "We knew it was going to be a massive step, our fifth step in this tournament against a very good Indian team. I must commend the whole team. They came at us in the Powerplay, we stuck to it. I knew it was a 200 wicket. Halfway in the game, I told my team they are 10 runs short. Even when we lost Gayle, the way Simmons and Charles played and Russell put the finishing touches, I'm very proud. I was praying to win the toss, and surprisingly I have won 5 out of 5. We knew it was a chasing ground. We were inspired by the under-19 team [that won the WC] and the ladies earlier today. Now we have 2 West Indian teams in the semi-final. It means a lot for the people in the Caribbean islands. We said before the tournament started, Chris is our best T20 player but we have 15 match-winners. Today Charles, Simmons and Russell took responsibility against a very good Indian team. We just believed. I can't describe it in one word. At the starting of the game, we said this is ours for the taking. I'm very excited. One step left. On Sunday we have to take that step the best way we can."
Lendl Simmons: "I slept over the flight [referring to his jet lag]. I got a call in the morning after the Afghanistan game to come over, if I am fit. I came under pressure and had come here for a reason - to deliver and I delivered. I enjoy batting here. The fast outfield also helps. Yes [rating it as one of his best innings]. In a tough situation. I didn't play in the final [T20 WC 2012] in Sri Lanka and I almost missed out on this one. 180-190 is a par score and with the power-hitters we have, the guys believed we could chase it. I got three chances and things went my way and I cashed in."
Lendl Simmons is the Man of the Match
The whole of India, all one billion of them, had pointed their snipers at Gayle. And to an extent, Samuels. Once they had been taken out by a Bumrah/Nehra head-shot, that was supposed to be it. What was Charles doing wasting his time? What was Simmons doing hanging around? Get out of here. Let us celebrate... *The duo keep batting and the game starts turning* .. Okay, okay, let them take some pride home. *Now the West Indies are seriously turning it on, but Virat Kohli comes on and removes Charles*...Ah, there you go. There's our hero. The laws of Gods and Men don't apply to him. *But Simmons doesn't stop. Keeps smacking them over the ropes. Russell joins in too and kills the game*...Blank. The crowd is mute. Deafening silence at the Wankhede.
Hospitals in Mumbai are on red alert. Simmons doesn't need them. He has the elixir of life. He is a unicorn. And he is on a drip of Elvish medicine too. To be reprieved once of a no-ball, okay it can happen. Twice is just outrageous. Add to it that relayed catch with which Jadeja stamped on the ad cushions. Simmons has been blessed by the Mother of God. He'll probably conquer the whole world by tomorrow.
I'm done. I'm might be dead by tomorrow. Please inform my loved ones. This is not for my weak heart, not when I'm on commentary, trying to get everything I can to do justice what is happening out there and every ball is an event as Bumble would say. When Kohli was reprieved thrice in two balls, the whole of India would've felt that it was their night. But they hadn't reckoned with Lendl Simmons who eclipsed Kohli in terms of luck. Caught twice and both were no-balls. Then Jadeja stepped on the rope when catching one near the fence. Whatever he did, it turned to gold. Edges were flying into spaces and as I mentioned before, he should go and buy a lottery ticket tonight. I bet he would win the jackpot. He should try. Replays show that Russell let out a huge roar and the veins on his face was a sight to behold. It nearly popped out. West Indies knew the value of Simmons' innings, they were all over him during those celebrations. Phew I badly need a liedown for two nights in a dark room to get over this. The good thing, is just a single game left in the tournament. Will head to the Himalayas after that for some mental pace - I'm kidding!
19.4 -
Kohli to A Russell, SIX, he can't! The West Indies have knocked out India! A million hopes are dashed. Look at Sammy and Co. Some of them may have injured themselves while trying to run onto the field, while clearing the LED hoardings. But they don't give a hoot about anything. They want to celebrate and surround Russell who is the hero. I nearly burst a gasket while trying to fist pump after Russell swung that to the deep mid-wicket fence. Such was the passion on display. I might have a migraine after that celebration, but what a win this is. Kohli - the Superman looks distraught, has the double teapot pose and when he can't help his side win, no-one can. A low full toss on the stumps, Russell was waiting for it and tonked it well into the stands at deep mid-wicket. As soon as he hit it, he knew it and started the crazy celebrations. Boy, do they know how to enjoy or what!
19.3 -
Kohli to A Russell, FOUR, the inside edge has run away for four. Right in the gap at deep square. This was on a length on the stumps, Russell swung hard and beat deep backward square running to his left. Eluded deep mid-wicket as well. That should be the game, unless Kohli pulls off a miracle
19.2 -
Kohli to A Russell, no run, a dot. A dot. Kohli is appealing for lbw. But that is going down. The leg-cutter, sliding down, Russell pulls and misses. They don't take the leg-bye
19.1 -
Kohli to Simmons, 1 run, fullish on the pads, Simmons flicks a single to deep mid-wicket. He wants Russell to finish it off. Doesn't want to take any risks
Virat Kohli [1.0-0-4-1] is back into the attack
Who will bowl the final over? It is Kohli. I said don't rule that out earlier. Good move I would say. Wouldn't be surprised if he pulls it off for India
18.6 -
Jadeja to A Russell, FOUR, and again. The West Indies dug-out are on their feet. This is another fabulous shot. Down on one knee and lofted over cover. There was a deep cover, but he got nowhere close to it, one bounce over the ropes. Those two hits have decisively swung the game the West Indies' way
A big conference between Jadeja, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Nehraji. The ball has been lost in the crowd and we have a new one. The drier ball and should help India
18.5 -
Jadeja to A Russell, SIX, bang! That's six. The mute button has been pressed at the Wankhede. Fired in flat and outside off, Russell launched that miles over long-off. What a clean hit that is. When the pressure is on, Russell can strike them and he is coming to his side's rescue
18.4 -
Jadeja to A Russell, no run, another dot. Very full on the stumps, drilled back to Jadeja, who stops it. Simmons isn't going anywhere. The crowd come back to life. Jadeja can he continue like this?
18.3 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 1 run, Simmons shuffles across and slogs to leg. Right off the toe end and just a single to deep mid-wicket. India still staying in this
MS and Jadeja have a long chat
18.2 -
Jadeja to A Russell, 1 run, heaved to long-on. Mistimed and just a single
18.1 -
Jadeja to A Russell, no run, fired flat and outside off, Russell reached out on the cut, missed. A dot to begin
Ravindra Jadeja [3.0-0-36-0] is back into the attack
17.6 -
Bumrah to Simmons, FOUR, that's four. A slower delivery outside off, Simmons gets a thick outside edge over point. No-one back at third man and it has run away. What an end to the over - 12 off the last three after the first three went for dots
17.5 -
Bumrah to Simmons, 2 runs, Pandya does well to prevent the four. Low full toss, drilled wide of long-off, Pandya runs and dives to push the ball back. Saved two
17.4 -
Bumrah to Simmons, SIX, Simmons won't get out. Tonight. Mark my words. He is like the cat who has 9 lives. Or more. Even if he tries to hit the stumps with his bat, the bails may not come off. Such is his luck tonight. What did he have before coming into the game? I for sure want some. I want his luck. Coming to the ball, he went deep in his crease and muscled that over wide long-on. Jadeja and Kohli were the men, the former from deep mid-wicket, caught it, but stepped on the cushions, before flicking it back to the latter who caught it. Jadeja is one of India's best, but he was too close to the ropes there. We have seen those tag-team efforts come off before, not this time. The third umpire has a look and signals six
17.3 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, the crowd are on their feet. Third dot in a row. Another slower delivery outside off, Simmons is aiming to slog without realising that he is being beaten by Bumrah's cleverness. MS is once more alert to prevent the bye. What will Simmons do now. He seems to be frustrated
17.2 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, two dots in a row. Slower one outside off, Simmons is on his knee looking to slog it over mid-wicket, misses and MS is quick to collect and prevent the bye
17.1 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, what a superb delivery that is. As he did in the last over, he has dug in the slower short ball outside off, seeing Simmons charge out. Simmons can't do anything about it, it is out of his reach so bails out
So Nehra is done. Bumrah has one. Ashwin has two. Jadeja has one. We have seen the last mentioned go for plenty. So who will bowl the last three and in which order. Has MS messed it up a bit? So Bumrah will bowl the 18th. So that means the spinners will have to bowl out. A big risk. Or will Kohli get a go? Don't rule that out
16.6 -
Nehra to Simmons, 1 run, very full and follows Simmons, who was backing away, drilled to long-off
16.5 -
Nehra to A Russell, 1 run, now round the wicket and a low full toss, slapped to long-on. Just a single
16.4 -
Nehra to A Russell, SIX, such is the power of this man that even miscues are going for six. A spliced pull off a length ball and it has gone all the way wide of long-on. The fielder didn't even get there. That is another nail in the coffin! India need wickets and a couple of them very quickly. This match is going away from them
16.3 -
Nehra to A Russell, no run, very well bowled. Right up there and on the stumps, dug out back to Nehra who sticks his hand out to stop and the ball deflects away to his left. They don't risk the single
Back over the wicket to Russell
16.2 -
Nehra to Simmons, 1 run, leg byes, Nehra comes round the wicket and Simmons got inside the line to paddle, missed and off the thigh pad. They take a single to short fine
Before the start of the Nehra over, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kohli had a long chat. West Indies favorites to win this now. With still Bravo, Sammy and the man mountain - Brathwaite to come. The dew is playing a big part and the Indians can't seem to get Simmons out. He is playing a real blinder. The faces of the crowd tell a story
16.1 -
Nehra to A Russell, 1 run, low full toss outside off, Russell mistimed the loft, gets a single to long-off
Ashish Nehra [3.0-0-15-1] is back into the attack
15.6 -
Bumrah to Simmons, SIX, Simmons is coming to the party, big time. Bumrah missed the yorker and he has been blasted back over his head for six. Very full on the stumps, Simmons cleared his front leg and got a flat six over long-off. No chance for the fielder to catch that
15.5 -
Bumrah to A Russell, 1 run, that hurried Russell completely. Cracker of a delivery, nips back in and cramps Russell for room, the ball hit the bat and not the other way around, Bumrah chases and they just run a single to mid-wicket
15.4 -
Bumrah to Simmons, 1 run, the pressure is getting to India. That should've been a dot, low full toss outside off, slapped to extra cover. Ash shies at Russell's end. Russell is in and there was no need to throw, Bumrah can't back it up and there is no-one at mid-wicket. So they run the single
15.3 -
Bumrah to Simmons, FOUR, Simmons is having more luck than Kohli. That is saying something. This is an outside edge and with third man inside the ring, once it cleared him, it was four. Flies over Raina who was chasing back, bounces away
15.2 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, that is well bowled. Completely fools Simmons by slipping in the slower short ball outside off, saw the batsman charging and bowled it cleverly, Simmons tries to flat-bat it to leg and misses. Bounces through to the keeper
15.1 -
Bumrah to A Russell, 1 run, the umpire has to duck for cover. Full toss on the stumps, Russell muscles it over the bowler, Kohli does well to move to his left and keep it to a single
Jasprit Bumrah [2.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack
14.6 -
Pandya to Simmons, SIX, and the free-hit has gone for six. This is another clean hit. Simmons shuffles across and goes outside off, this is on a length and begging to be hit, muscled over deep mid-wicket and what an end to the over. Pandya is almost close to tears. No more smiling. His day with the ball comes to an end
14.6 -
Pandya to Simmons, no ball, look at Simmons. Buy a lottery today Simmo! You might win the jackpot. He has a big smile on his face. This is another front foot no-ball. Can you believe that! This is a big no-ball too. Pandya the culprit this time. And the catcher is Ashwin, the first time offender. A full toss outside off, Simmons lifted it straight to the fielder at extra cover. Must have been kicking himself for holing out. But lo and behold, told to stay on and replays prove that it was a no-ball. As Wilko on air says, he must be tired of walking back and being asked to come back on. Free-hit time!
14.5 -
Pandya to A Russell, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Russell throws the bat at that. Sliced off a thick outside edge, the ball bounces once before it reaches third man
14.4 -
Pandya to A Russell, no run, well bowled. Full and sliding across Russell. He can't square drive, misses
Now Pandya round the wicket
14.3 -
Pandya to A Russell, SIX, "that is a ridiculous hit" says Wilko on air. "that is an upper-decker" chirps Warney. Even Kettleborough is impressed. Lets out a "wow" before signalling six. This is incredible from Russell. Stays back and clubs the back of a length delivery miles over deep mid-wicket. Looked like a mishit at first glance, mishit - my foot! That has gone a mile. He can hit the ball. 99 metres is the measurement
14.2 -
Pandya to A Russell, no run, now sends Simmons back after tapping the back of a length delivery to backward point
14.1 -
Pandya to A Russell, FOUR, brutal from Russell. He is a powerful striker of the ball. Mid-off was in the circle and he has flat-batted it wide of him. Nothing but a length ball outside off and Russell smoked that
Hardik Pandya [3.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack
13.6 -
Kohli to A Russell, 1 run, full outside off, Russell gets forward and drives to long-off. Keeps strike
13.5 -
Kohli to Simmons, 1 run, cutter on the stumps, nurdled to short fine. Easy single and that's 50 for Simmons
13.4 -
Kohli to Simmons, 2 runs, nudged through mid-wicket. Jadeja fumbles and two it is
13.3 -
Kohli to Simmons, no run, now Kohli is diving, sprinting and throwing the ball at MS. He is on fire and some more. Punched to the right of him, he dives and half-stops. Knows the ball is getting away from him, runs towards it and stops the thought of a single. Great stuff and the crowd are back on their feet
13.2 -
Kohli to Simmons, no run, nudged to short fine, straight to the fielder. No chance of a quick single
Andre Russell, right handed bat, comes to the crease
13.1 -
Kohli to Charles, out Caught by Rohit!! Make Kohli the PM of India or the President. Or whatever high-profile post there is in India. He comes on first ball and gets a wicket. Stretches his arms wide and breaks out into a big smile - implying I knew this was going to happen. Just throw me the ball, MS - he seems to be saying. Is there anything he can't do on a Cricket field at the moment. I'm not too sure. Maybe someone can enlighten me. This was a length delivery, Charles swung and miscued it high up in the air, straight to the fielder at long-off. Easy take. Full marks to MS for pulling out a rabbit out of the hat. Another of MS' genius moments. Charles c Rohit b Kohli 52(36) [4s-7 6s-2]
Kohli to Charles, THAT'S OUT!! Caught!!
Virat Kohli, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
12.6 -
Jadeja to Simmons, FOUR, why no sweeper? MS is missing a trick. He should know that Simmons is a good inside out hitter over cover. This is sliding on full and wide outside off, Simmons on one knee carves it over cover and there is no-one in the deep to cut that off. One bounce and over the ropes. There is a deep cover but he was a mere spectator. Again another good over for West Indies
12.5 -
Jadeja to Charles, 1 run, flat and outside off, forehanded with lots of power to long-off
12.4 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 1 run, well bowled! Saw that Simmons was backing away to leg, bowled it well outside off, Simmons reached out and dabbed it to backward point
12.3 -
Jadeja to Simmons, FOUR, Simmons plays the inside out hit over cover so well, nearly a six. The third umpire into the action. It is a four. Just bounced inside. It is fired full and wide of off, Simmons laced it over cover. There is no sweeper and if he was there, would've been a dolly
12.2 -
Jadeja to Charles, 1 run, can Rahane get there? No he can't. Did well to sprint forward and try to take the catch. But it fell just short. Charles miscued the loft, got lucky. There was a chance for two, but the batsmen are happy with one
12.1 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 1 run, steered to backward point, Simmons looks at Charles and then takes the single
Game on at the Wankhede. I can hear a pin-drop. The wives of the Indian cricketers look a bit worried. As are the crowd. Meanwhile the West Indies women cricketers are in the house as well. What a game this is
11.6 -
Pandya to Simmons, 1 run, Simmons uses his feet and drags the big shot to long-on. Only a single
11.5 -
Pandya to Charles, leg byes, 1 run, Pandya goes up for an lbw call. But that has struck Charles well outside the line of off, a cutter and Charles shuffled across on the shot, missed and ensured he got outside the line
11.4 -
Pandya to Charles, no run, now backs away and drills the full delivery straight to the fielder at extra cover. Two dots in a row. Good comeback by Pandya
11.3 -
Pandya to Charles, no run, so close! How did that miss off? Charles is beaten by a length delivery around off, which straightened, he was playing too early to leg, and watched the ball miss the off stump
11.2 -
Pandya to Charles, FOUR, what wrists. Even Kohli will be proud of that. Sammy and Co. are on their feet applauding the 50 from Charles. This has been a special knock. Length delivery and he has whipped that with iron wrists over mid-wicket. Just a subtle flick and the bottom-hand power comes into play and nearly all the way, one bounce over the ropes at deep mid-wicket
11.1 -
Pandya to Simmons, 1 run, Pandya follows Simmons as he backs away, punched to the right of point, easy single
10.6 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 1 run, look at Sammy and Bravo. Look at their expressions. They are in shock. I heard a "come on" from Simmons. This is a high full toss and inexplicably after shuffling across, he tapped it through mid-wicket. Was expecting the square leg umpire to call a no-ball. But nothing of that sort came. Due to all that, Simmons and Charles didn't run the second. They were so sure of the no-ball. On replays, it showed that it was a marginal call. 50-50!
10.5 -
Jadeja to Charles, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Charles gets forward and drives to long-off
10.4 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 1 run, now dabs a single to short third. Sensible stuff
10.3 -
Jadeja to Simmons, FOUR, that is a top shot. Simmons knows this ground very well. He has played for Mumbai here. This is fired full and wide outside off, Simmons reached out and cracked the square drive, beats the diving point and sweeper had no chance. That was hit very, very hard
10.2 -
Jadeja to Simmons, no run, reaches out and cuts it straight to the fielder at backward point
10.1 -
Jadeja to Simmons, SIX, this is a rank half-tracker and Simmons is a tremendous puller. Backs away to leg and thumps the pull over deep mid-wicket, the West Indies' dug-out is happy, they clap. West Indies getting a move on now, the crowd barely whisper
Ravindra Jadeja [1.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack
Our man, Vishaal, is at the ground and he has this to say: 'There's a bit of dew. Ball being wiped almost after every ball. Extensively in between overs.'
9.6 -
Pandya to Charles, no run, nothing stroke from Charles and he nearly edges it to MS. Length delivery outside off, slight shape away from Charles, who was looking for a dab to third man. Missed
9.5 -
Pandya to Simmons, leg byes, 1 run, nips back in and beats Simmons on the flick, hits the thigh pad and they take a leg-bye. Too high to warrant a shout for lbw
9.4 -
Pandya to Charles, 1 run, now softly paddles the length delivery from outside off to deep mid-wicket. Just the single
9.3 -
Pandya to Charles, FOUR, the crowd have gone silent. Charles is playing a top knock. Takes the chest high short ball and pulls powerfully behind square, rocketed to the fence
9.2 -
Pandya to Charles, SIX, Pandya just smiles at MS. He often does that. I don't know why. Whenever he is hit for a boundary or a six, he breaks into a smile. Did the same against Bangladesh too. Must be a habit. The third umpire is called for to check whether this is is a four or a six. May have just bounced inside the ropes. Nehra signals six. It is six. Tight decision and again the third umpire has to get this spot on. Because in these T20 games, even a run may prove potentially crucial at the end. This was full and on the stumps, Charles cleared his front leg and heaved, got a thick outside edge and flew over short third inside the ring. Had enough legs to hit the cushions on the full? Was a touch and go call but the third umpire takes his time and makes the call
9.1 -
Pandya to Charles, no run, short outside off, Charles is lining up Pandya. But this is out of his reach, he has left it alone and not high enough to be called a wide
8.6 -
Ashwin to Simmons, 2 runs, cleverly bowled by Ashwin, sees Simmons charging out and floats it wide of off, Simmons had already stepped out and for a moment, felt like he may have ran past that, but sliced it over cover. Jadeja runs around from sweeper cover and kicks the ball back with his boot, saved two. How crucial will those two be at the end of the game?
8.5 -
Ashwin to Simmons, no run, tossed up and Simmons gently pushes it back to the bowler
8.4 -
Ashwin to Charles, 1 run, good stop by Bumrah at short third. Went to his right and stuck his big right mitt out. Stopped it cleanly and saved at least two
8.3 -
Ashwin to Charles, FOUR, a mistimed sweep and it is four. That goes with this format. Manish Pandey does ever so well, but fails to stop with the boundary. Charles took it from outside off and got it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Manish sprinted and pushed the ball back, but the ball deflected back over the ropes
8.2 -
Ashwin to Charles, no run, fired in very full and on the stumps, Charles jams it out to the right of Ashwin, Ashwin dives to his right and stops the single. Good work
8.1 -
Ashwin to Charles, SIX, what is great about this shot, is that despite Charles not getting to the pitch of the ball, he has hit it for six. Took a couple of steps out, was beaten in the flight, but swung across the line and got enough bat to get the ball sailing over deep mid-wicket
7.6 -
Pandya to Charles, 1 run, takes a step out, picks the slower delivery and nudges a single behind square
7.5 -
Pandya to Charles, FOUR, this is not pacy nor is short enough to create problems to Charles. He shuffles across slightly and muscles the pull to the left of deep square leg, the fielder had a few paces to move but was never getting there. A brutal swipe to leg by Charles. West Indies needed that boundary
7.4 -
Pandya to Charles, no run, dug in short outside off, Charles is beaten for pace on the pull, flies through to MS
The fifth bowler is one where the West Indies have to look to attack. But having said that Pandya is no slouch with the ball
7.3 -
Pandya to Simmons, 1 run, full and Simmons gets forward to drive wide of mid-off. Easy single
Pandya loses his run-up and has to go back to bowl
7.2 -
Pandya to Charles, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Charles rolls his wrists on the shot and finds deep backward square. A soft pull
7.1 -
Pandya to Simmons, 1 run, short of length outside off, Simmons pushes with soft hands in front of point and an easy single
Hardik Pandya, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
6.6 -
Ashwin to Simmons, 1 run, tossed up and Simmons gets forward to push to long-on
6.5 -
Ashwin to Simmons, no run, well bowled! Completely foxed Simmons there. Fired it full and wide outside off, just inside the line, Simmons couldn't reach out and left it. He looks at the umpire for a wide, but doesn't get anything. And rightly so
6.5 -
Ashwin to Simmons, no ball, "now, now" says Sunil Gavaskar some 100 times on air. Another exaggeration by me. But Simmons will come back and get a free-hit. So lucky he is. Is that a big moment in the game? Rubbish ball outside off, short and wide outside off, Simmons reached out and cut it in the air, this time Bumrah at short third anticipated the shot and went to his right to take it with two hands as he tumbled forward. But all his celebrations come to nought as Ashwin has nothing behind the front line. He rarely bowls a no-ball, but this one is a clear overstep
6.4 -
Ashwin to Simmons, no run, tossed up on off, Simmons gets forward and softly pats it back to the bowler
6.3 -
Ashwin to Simmons, no run, slower and turning in, punched back to the bowler
6.2 -
Ashwin to Simmons, FOUR, cut in the air and wide of Bumrah at short third. Wide and short outside off, Simmons reaches out and cuts in the air. Placed it just wide of the tall man. Since the fielder was in, it was four once it passed the fielder
6.1 -
Ashwin to Charles, 1 run, punched off the back foot to long-on
One thing that West Indies have to factor in, is how quickly Jadeja gets through his overs. Before you know it, he is done and one over has gone. With the asking rate so high, the visitors have to take into account a lot of factors. Need street-smartness
Ravichandran Ashwin, right-arm off break, comes into the attack
5.6 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 2 runs, just wide of Bumrah at short fine. Simmons's heart must have been in his mouth for a fleeting second as he saw the top edge go up in the air. It was a rank bad ball, short and down leg, Simmons went half-heartedly on the swipe and got lucky
5.5 -
Jadeja to Simmons, no run, slightly slower on the stumps, punched to the left of mid-off. A fumble and Simmons thought about the single, wisely decided against it
5.4 -
Jadeja to Simmons, no run, Jadeja shortens the length, pushed back to the bowler
5.3 -
Jadeja to Simmons, SIX, MS shouts something to Jadeja after he has been hit for a six. Simmons is a quality player and he backs away to leg, takes the ball on the half-volley and smokes it flat over long-off. That came right off the middle of the bat and went a long way
5.2 -
Jadeja to Simmons, 2 runs, sliding onto middle and leg, flicked to the left of deep square, easy two
5.1 -
Jadeja to Charles, 1 run, flat on off, wristed off the back foot to deep mid-wicket
Ravindra Jadeja, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack
4.6 -
Nehra to Simmons, no run, comes back well. Takes pace off the length delivery, defended back down the wicket
4.5 -
Nehra to Simmons, FOUR, Nehra grimaces while Sammy and Co. clap. This is stylishly played. Fraction short on the stumps, Simmons gets inside the line and plays the Flamingo pull - ala KP who is a master of it. Beats deep square comfortably. Nehra knew he got that slightly wrong
4.4 -
Nehra to Charles, 1 run, there comes Charles's slog. Beaten by the slower delivery, as Nehra followed the batsman, a horrid swipe to leg and it produces a thick inside edge
4.3 -
Nehra to Charles, no run, make that three dots in a row. Charles is stuck. Terribly stuck. Gets an inside edge onto the pad on the flick, looks for a single to MS but Simmons isn't going for it
4.2 -
Nehra to Charles, no run, length delivery angled across, Charles pushes with hard hands and the thick outside edge goes to backward point. The pressure is building on Charles
4.1 -
Nehra to Charles, no run, that is a wild swing. But that is typical Charles. He knows only one way to play. Clear the front leg and swing to leg. Here he misses and the ball flies over the stumps
Glum faces in the West Indies' dug-out. Gayle and Samuels are sitting there with a pale look on their faces. Even the ever-cheerful Sammy looks tense. Nehra will continue. With two quick bowlers in Nehra and Bumrah, MS has the liberty to bring on his spinners when the powerplay is done. That is one big positive of this Indian side. MS trusts both Nehra and Bumrah and more often than not, they have delivered
3.6 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, back of a length outside off, tapped with an open bat face to backward point
3.5 -
Bumrah to Simmons, no run, length delivery outside off, Simmons gets forward and defends to the left of the bowler, Simmons wanted the run, but there was never one there
3.4 -
Bumrah to Charles, 1 run, did that stop on Charles? May have done so, but he chips it in the air to the vacant mid-wicket region
3.3 -
Bumrah to Charles, no run, length delivery outside off, dabbed straight to the fielder at backward point
3.2 -
Bumrah to Charles, FOUR, the last shot was power. This is placement. Not often do you say that about Charles. But he uses the angle and gets inside the line to deflect it wide of short fine inside the ring, the fielder was Ashwin, he didn't dive and the ball raced away. Successive fours
3.1 -
Bumrah to Charles, FOUR, that is trademark Charles. Picks the length ball and swings across the line, nearly all the way, one bounce over the ropes at deep mid-wicket. That is cleanly struck
Lendl Simmons, right handed bat, comes to the crease
2.6 -
Nehra to Samuels, out Caught by Rahane!! I would love to read Samuels' mind. Or would appoint someone to do so. Wonder what goes through his head. Sometimes I wonder, he himself must not know. He is such a talent, an enigma but he often flatters to deceive. He single-handedly destroyed Sri Lanka in 2012 helping his side win the final, but has often played poor shots to get out. This is a rank bad shot. Why do you show all three stumps and expect to get away with it every ball. You can't. Here he doesn't. Backs away to leg, Nehra deceives him with a slower delivery, chipped to cover for the easiest of catches. He should've defended or gone with power. Did neither and offered a dolly. He walks away with a stoic expression on his face. Samuels c Rahane b Nehra 8(7) [4s-2]
Nehra to Samuels, THAT'S OUT!! Caught!!
2.5 -
Nehra to Samuels, no run, not the width or the length to be cutting, Samuels is staying very leg-side of the ball, chops it to backward point. No room to work with for Samuels
2.4 -
Nehra to Charles, leg byes, 1 run, Charles doesn't know much about that. This was the slower short ball, gripped the surface and beat Charles' pull. He was early into the shot and Samuels calls him through for an extra as the ball dribbles behind square off the body
2.3 -
Nehra to Charles, no run, clears his front leg and swats it, but straight to the fielder at mid-on. It was on a back of a length on the stumps, Charles mistimed that. Found Pandya
2.2 -
Nehra to Charles, no run, Nehra is pleading with Richard K for an lbw. But looks like that has pitched outside leg. May have been a bit high too. Good call from the umpire. Charles is beaten on the flick and despite being struck on the back leg, he survives
2.1 -
Nehra to Charles, FOUR, Charles will play his shots. If it is there in his arc or not. Full on the stumps, he clears his front leg and drills it to the left of the diving mid-on. Pandya is a bit wide and despite his full-length dive, the ball beat him and went away
1.6 -
Bumrah to Samuels, FOUR, bit of width and Samuels has put that away. Fraction short outside off, Samuels stays beside the line of the ball and cuts to the right of point. Raced away. That is a much better shot from Samuels
1.5 -
Bumrah to Samuels, no run, stays back and dabs the ball towards point, no chance of a quick single and again Charles isn't interested
1.4 -
Bumrah to Samuels, no run, again Bumrah's inswingers are troubling Samuels, this nips back in and catches Samuels on the thigh pad. He was hurried on the shot and missed the tuck to leg
1.3 -
Bumrah to Samuels, FOUR, the outside edge flies away where a second/third slip would've been. Samuels pushing with hard hands to a pacy delivery, gets the edge and is lucky that it beat third man. Unconvincing way to get off the mark, but he will take it
1.2 -
Bumrah to Samuels, no run, tucked to mid-wicket, Samuels looks for the single, Charles isn't interested
Marlon Samuels, right handed bat, comes to the crease
1.1 -
Bumrah to Gayle, out Bowled!! He has knocked him over. Bumrah is jumping up and down. That is a special delivery. Gayle has missed a swinging full toss. How often does Bumrah get that right. We have seen him master the low full toss/yorker at the death, but to get it up there first ball, to Gayle is top class stuff. We know that Gayle struggles with the swinging ball early on and he is comprehensively beaten. The crowd go mental at the Wankhede. They know that is half the game won. Low full toss, swinging in, Gayle played across the line and was beaten for pace, the ball thudded into off stump. This fellow is a talent. Full marks for MS too, for trusting Bumrah, he could've so easily gone for Ashwin knowing Gayle's weakness against the offie, but he backed the young man and it has paid off handsomely. We saw Gayle beaten for pace by Rabada and here it is the same again. Half the Caribbean Islands have turned off their televison sets. Ok - I made that up. Gayle b Bumrah 5(6) [4s-1]
Bumrah to Gayle, THAT'S OUT!! Bowled!!
Jasprit Bumrah, right-arm medium, comes into the attack
0.6 -
Nehra to Gayle, 1 run, retains strike with a clip from middle stump to deep mid-wicket. Good over from Nehra, just the six off it
0.5 -
Nehra to Gayle, FOUR, Gayle is off the mark. No risk in that shot, dug in short on the stumps, no real pace or height behind that delivery, Gayle rocks back and pulls with one leg up in the air, beats mid-wicket and races away. That is a confident way to get off the mark
0.4 -
Nehra to Gayle, no run, dug in short outside off, Gayle extravagantly lifts his bat and lets it go. Called one short ball off the over. This is good bowling from Nehra
0.3 -
Nehra to Gayle, no run, Gayle didn't know much about that. That nearly took out the stumps. Very tentative from Gayle. Pushed out at a full outswinger with no feet. The ball took the thick inside edge and bounced over the stumps. Another day it could've clipped the bails and that would've blown the roof off at the stadium. Gayle knows he has made an error there and practices the leave. Nehra's followthrough gets bigger and he flashes a grimace. Nothing more
0.2 -
Nehra to Gayle, no run, lovely outswinger, well outside off, that's a leave from Gayle. He did the same against England too and then blazed away. Wonder he will play the same way today too
Two slips in place for Gayle
0.1 -
Nehra to Charles, 1 run, short of length on off and middle, Charles gets inside the line and tucks it to fine leg, off the mark and the crowd go silent. What! For a single. Wait till Gayle gets going
Charles and Gayle are at the crease. Charles is on strike. Nehra will open the attack