Jaipur ODI: Hadley Chase Thriller!

The first onedayer between India and South Africa had everything like that of Hadley Chase thriller. The apparent weaknesses, the ups and downs and the twists!

India were without four key players and SA was without it captain. Perhaps SA put India into bat first to attack the weaker batting order right away.

India added to their plan by a shaky start with Tendulkar run out and Sehwag run out in an absolute tragedy. But India did very well in the end amassing 298/9. There was just one half century by Suresh Raina, but almost every player did his bit contributing to the final competitive score.

SA started very well thanks to a couple of weird umpiring decisions. But then, wickets fell at regular intervals and India looked to finish it off with SA begging for mercy at 225/8 with all recognized batsmen back in pavilion.

And then, the final twist. With some fierce batting by the tailenders South Africa almost snatched the match away from India. India won by 1 run!

A classic encounter reminding all cricket lovers of the intensity of the game of cricket.

One last word is unavoidable though. India always corners a team and then gives it a new lease of life. On so many occasions and losing finally many of them. Jaipur ODI and the Kolkata Test are the latest instances. But winning both of them by the closest margins lends to Team India a new vigorous positive energy.

Don't bother about short or longer versions of cricket. Just enjoy good cricket!

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