RC Editor

It was touted to be an Australian affair at the T20 World Cup. But faced against a “Braveheart” Kevin Pietersen, the Australian juggernaut can simply be termed as “Gone with the Wind.” In a rather anti-climax, England bulldozed past Australia in a tame affair to lift the T20 World Cup late Sunday night.

Royal Challenger Pietersen not only found his touch, but also took England to its first major title in many years through his brand of cricket. In the way, he also cornered the Man of the Series award too. His inimitable style of controlled aggression overshadowed his Team RC colleague and another T20 specialist Cameron White in the field on Sunday. White flirted with the English bowlers earlier to stage a mini-comeback for the battered Australian innings with a 19-ball 30, but it was David Hussey who shouldered the responsibility to carry Australia to 147/6 after being down and out at 8/3.

The meagre total didn’t mean a lesser challenge, however. Having Nannes, Tait and Johnson in the line-up, Australia had the wherewithal to defend any total. To overhaul the target, England needed monstrous experiences on a wicket that threatened to be bouncy and carry pace. The calmness of Pietersen and the youthful exuberance of Kieswetter overawed the Aussies.

England’s success and triumph at the T20 WC rested on the shoulders on another Challenger Eoin Morgan. His slog sweep off Steven Smith (another Challenger from Down Under) in the final offered reminiscence of his belligerence.

The face-off between the Royal Challengers in the T20 WC final eventually went to the Englishmen. RC was well represented in the T20 throughout its tenure. Pity, there were no Indians!