Lop-sided matches can sometimes take away the charm of the competition. United Arab Emirates (UAE) did promise in its first two fixtures, but may not have imagined such a rapid decline when pitted against a strong team like India.
I did not expect an upset because India has looked a well-groomed unit during its thumping performances against Pakistan and South Africa. But, I also did not expect UAE to put up such a meek exhibition on a slightly challenging pitch.
UAE need not lose heart. Even established teams suffer sudden loss of form and confidence. Here, it was a case of the entire team collapsing. For UAE, there were lessons galore, and it should help the players in their forthcoming contests. I am glad India did not relent and went about its business in a truly professional manner.
For those who followed the Australia-New Zealand match, the afternoon must have been disappointing. There was some electrifying stuff from New Zealand, and then Australia almost pulled off a stunning victory. This was a match that befitted the stage. In comparison, the India-UAE encounter had little to offer.
By deciding to bat first, UAE took the easy way out. Given India’s awesome batting strength, the decision by UAE skipper Mohammad Tauqir was understandable. It also gave India the chance to test its striking force as Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his World Cup debut. His five-over spell was assuring in terms of his fitness, and that to me was the biggest gain from this match.
The Indian bowlers can pat themselves even if the opposition happened to be weak. Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma have settled down and begun to land the ball in the right areas more consistently. This adjustment is crucial to their success on Australian pitches, and the team management can expect more lively spells from them.
The spinners, R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, used the opportunity to come up with a length that should come in handy when they bowl to the West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland in the remaining matches.
I am particularly impressed with the line that Ashwin bowled. It is a good sign, indeed, because India will need substantial contributions from the spinners in this tournament.
The performers of the day, however, were the two left-arm quick bowlers, Trent Boult from New Zealand and Australia’s Mitchell Starc. They were the main actors of the thriller at Eden Park, where New Zealand won by one wicket.
