RC editor

Suresh Raina defined. The spinners redefined. Mahendra Singh Dhoni designed the moves and strategies and inspired the downfall of the mighty South Africans.

The 14-run victory margin may seem minuscule, but in reality, India was always in control of the match – even when the Proteas were on the rampage with the willow while chasing. The emphatic win perhaps signaled a strong message to the rest of the competition – the Men in Blue means business this time.

RC editor

Suresh Raina defined. The spinners redefined. Mahendra Singh Dhoni designed the moves and strategies and inspired the downfall of the mighty South Africans.

The 14-run victory margin may seem minuscule, but in reality, India was always in control of the match – even when the Proteas were on the rampage with the willow while chasing. The emphatic win perhaps signaled a strong message to the rest of the competition – the Men in Blue means business this time.

Topping the Group C and qualifying for the Super 8’s was just a formality. After the initial blip in the opening pair, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh consolidated the innings first on a slow wicket and a sluggish outfield by rotating the strike frequently. When batting became easier, both Raina, Yuvraj freed their arms with some hefty blows.

If Raina’s 60-ball 101 knock earned him the Man of the Match award, then it must be said that it was Dhoni who was the architect of the victory by inducting an extra spinner in the squad – Piyush Chawla replacing Zaheer Khan. Going in with only two pacers, Praveen Kumar, proved to be the decider in this match as the Proteans huffed and puffed against the slow deliveries. Dhoni appointed Praveen only for one over while Asish Nehra got the full quota of four. The rest 15 by the spinners strangled the Proteas’ so tight that they couldn’t climb up to the 15-plus asking rate required by the 12th over to overhaul the 187-run target set by Raina and company.

The spinning strategy worked in this match in the Carribbeans. The slow wickets here have amazed many, but must have come as a pleasant surprise to India. Stacked with spinners and allrounders who bowls slow, India promises to go till the end this T20 World Cup wresting on the strong spinning department.

The tournament now gets tougher as it steps into the Super 8’s. The teams to beat seem to be Australia, West Indies according to current form. Can India do it this time?