The only unbeaten side, India aims for her third World Cup
By Kersi Meher-Homji
India is marching ahead aiming for her third Cricket World Cup (CWC). They had won her first CWC in 1983 in England and her second in India in 2011-12.
Out of 10 teams competing in the current CWC, India remains the only unbeaten team. Among other top teams, Australia has lost to India while New Zealand has gone down to Pakistan.
India also has highest Net Run Rate (1.160) followed by England (1.051), New Zealand (1.028) and Australia (0.908).
Last night (Thursday, 27th June) India thrashed West Indies by a big margin. Skipper Virat Kohli top scored with 72 elegant runs. Later MS Dhoni (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) added 70 runs for the sixth wicket as India totalled 7 for 268 in 50 overs.
Fast bowler Mohammad Shami struck initial blows and the Windies were soon in trouble. His bowling partner Jasprit Bumrah took wickets at the end and the Windies were shot out for 143 to lose by 125 runs. Shami took 4 for 16 and Bumrah 2 for 9 exhibiting aggressive economy.
The irony is that Shami would not have played a single match in this CWC but for an injury to pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. As a philosopher once said, “Things happen for the best.”
Kohli was made Man of the Match for his match-winning 72.
India will play England on Sunday the 30th June, Bangladesh next Tuesday the 2nd July and Sri Lanka next Saturday the 6th July.
Then start the semi-finals between the top four countries.
Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=13591