Thriller at the Oval!

What a humdinger! What a contest! Right down to the wire. How many of us honestly expected India to pull it off after watching Mascarenhas smash sixes off the final five deliveries of the 50th over? Not many I would presume. All credit then to the old firm of Ganguly and Tendulkar who batted as if there was no tomorrow. And Robin Uthappa, of course! Imagine being a passenger all tour and then being suddenly thrust into the role of finisher for such a crucial game. The daggers would have been out, and a bit justifiably too, had he failed and India goofed up the chase. But Uthappa justified the faith shown in him by his captain. Ok, more than a couple of edges flew behind the stumps for boundaries, including an inside edge off Anderson that practically shaved the leg stump. But there is some truth in the adage that you create your own luck. Putting Uthappa down as one of the young turks to watch out for during the World Cup, I had then noted how he seemed so composed even while hitting outrageous shots over the infield. There does not seem to be even a hint of desperation in his hitting which reminds me of a certain Virender Sehwag at his peak. When he hit the fine off drive that took India to victory, Ravi Shastri was so overcome with emotion he hollered, "Uthappa you beauty! You deserve ten dosas!" Well said Ravi. And add an extra helping of chutney too, for Uthappa really spiced things up at the Oval on that wonderful evening!