Cricket Classics - Part Xv : 2014 T20 World Cup Final – Sri Lanka vs India
Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,
Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress or leave us with unforgettable moments.
So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week. Anyway, after missing out a few weeks, I am with another iconic match.
Sri Lanka Cricket team and fans desperately needed an ICC Trophy after losing the 2007 and 2011 ODI World Cup Finals, and the 2009 T20 World Cup Final. So, that dream became true after 18 years marking the climax of the golden era of Sri Lankan Cricket. We won the maiden T20 World Cup trophy, beating our neighbors India.
Well, it was the fifth edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The tournament was hosted in Bangladesh from 16 March to 6 April 2014 with 16 teams.
The Indian team was captained by MS Dhoni and had some sensational talents like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashwin, etc. They came to the final with an unbeaten run, defeating South Africa in the semi-finals.
The Sri Lanka team also on the other hand had a decent run with just one loss. With some legendary players like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, etc. we had the perfect opportunity to take revenge for 2011 ODI Final. On the other hand, it was Mahela's and Sanga's last T20I match which had to be memorable.
Everything was ready at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on 6 April 2014. Lasith Malinga took over the Sri Lankan's captaincy as Dinesh Chandimal stepped out for his poor batting performance.
India opted to bat. Mathews was successful in taking Rahane early. Then Rohit and Kohli built up the inning with a 61-run partnership. Anyway, Sri Lankan ballers were very disciplined from the start even on the slow pitch. Virat Kohli was counter-attacking well with a half-century.
After 16 overs, they were in a powerful position 111/2 with plenty of power hitters to come.
But Sri Lankan ballers did a miraculous spell in the last 24 balls. It still is the best death-balling performance I have ever seen.
- 17th over by Sachithra Senanayake - 0,0,1,1,1,1 - 4 runs
- 18th over by Lasith Malinga - 1,0,1,1,0,1 - 4 runs
- 19th over by Nuwan Kulasekara - W,1,1,0,1,1 - 4 runs & 1 wicket
- 20th over by Lasith Malinga - 0, wd,2b,0,2,1,1W - 7 runs & 1 wicket
19 runs in the last 04, against Kohli, Yuvraj, and Dhoni in a T20I World Cup Final. It was a perfect execution. With that balling effort from Sri Lanka, India could only score 130/4 in their 20 overs. Yuvraj Singh known for his aggressive batting, struggled to get going which turned out to be a turning point in the match. He only scored 11 runs from 21.
Sri Lanka came to the chase as the happier side. Anyway, Kusal Perera was gone in the second over. Then Dilshan and Mahela build up the inning with a 36-run partnership, but these two also couldn't play their usual aggressive style. Indian ballers also managed a low strike rate, taking regular wickets.
Sangakkara took the anchor role from one end, scoring 52 runs off 35 balls. In the final 06 overs, we needed 47 runs with 06 wickets remaining. It was challenging with the conditions. But Thisara Perera played a match-winning cameo of 23 runs off 14 balls, with three sixes.
With that, Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup, ending the drought of an ICC Trophy. It's still one of the greatest days for Sri Lankan Cricket. And we could give the perfect farewell to the great Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.
src - Wikipedia
espncricinfo
Thank you.
Best Regards!