Pretty decent game for India so far. To start off I was a little concerned when we put them into bat because I feel if we get them to chase, they might self destruct if our bowlers put them under pressure. That's how we have won against South Africa in 2015 WC and 2013 CT. However, they self destructed themselves even while batting first which was due to result of a very disciplined bowling and fielding performance from India.
Bhuvi and Bumrah started off really well in the first powerplay by not allowing their openers to get away to a good start even though we did not get a wicket. Ashwin's inclusion provided the wicket taking option that we were missing in the middle overs. Jadeja also becomes a different bowler when he bowls alongside Ashwin so it was good to see him do well. Hardik was a bit expensive to start off with but once he got that wicket of Du Plesis, he was pretty good afterwards.
It was important to get De Kock out before he went on to make a big score because he generally bats pretty well against India. Even though he wasn't looking as fluent today, he still managed to get a 50 which was worrying but it was a relief when Jadeja got him. I have noticed this before as well that when AB and Faf bats together, there is always a chance for a run out. The same thing we saw in our game against South Africa in WC 2015 when South Africa were going pretty well in the chase and they decided to taken an unnecessary run and gift India a wicket. I also agree with the fact that I haven't seen AB perform especially when he is under pressure or when his team really needs him at the big stage. Make no mistake he is an unbelievable player with great talent and determination but just seems to fade away on the big stage.
As I have said, we have batted decently so far. Dhawan has looked really positive since he came out to bat. Rohit got out to a horrible shot which wasn't good to watch. Kohli hasn't looked quite his best today as well. He has played a couple of great shots but he is still pushing hard at the ball outside the off stump and plays away from the body which is always risky when there is a bit of swing. Not much swing today so he is surviving but he really needs to work on that. Hopefully these two can carry on and finish it off.
Bhuvi and Bumrah started off really well in the first powerplay by not allowing their openers to get away to a good start even though we did not get a wicket. Ashwin's inclusion provided the wicket taking option that we were missing in the middle overs. Jadeja also becomes a different bowler when he bowls alongside Ashwin so it was good to see him do well. Hardik was a bit expensive to start off with but once he got that wicket of Du Plesis, he was pretty good afterwards.
It was important to get De Kock out before he went on to make a big score because he generally bats pretty well against India. Even though he wasn't looking as fluent today, he still managed to get a 50 which was worrying but it was a relief when Jadeja got him. I have noticed this before as well that when AB and Faf bats together, there is always a chance for a run out. The same thing we saw in our game against South Africa in WC 2015 when South Africa were going pretty well in the chase and they decided to taken an unnecessary run and gift India a wicket. I also agree with the fact that I haven't seen AB perform especially when he is under pressure or when his team really needs him at the big stage. Make no mistake he is an unbelievable player with great talent and determination but just seems to fade away on the big stage.
As I have said, we have batted decently so far. Dhawan has looked really positive since he came out to bat. Rohit got out to a horrible shot which wasn't good to watch. Kohli hasn't looked quite his best today as well. He has played a couple of great shots but he is still pushing hard at the ball outside the off stump and plays away from the body which is always risky when there is a bit of swing. Not much swing today so he is surviving but he really needs to work on that. Hopefully these two can carry on and finish it off.
