India win the series
by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

Scorecard:India v England
Player:A Flintoff, V Sehwag, SR Tendulkar, G Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, YK Pathan, Z Khan, MM Patel, I Sharma, RS Bopara, IR Bell, OA Shah, KP Pietersen
Event:England in India 2008/09
DateLine: 23rd November 2008

 

India take an unassailable 4-0 to win the seven match ODI series against England here at Bangalore.The remaining three matches are of academic interest and India might think of experimenting and giving few other players a chance.In a rain shortened game in Bangalore of 22 overs each India went on to make 166 for 4.The D/L method made sure that England had to get 198 and they fell short by 19 runs. They ended up with 178 for 8 in 22 overs.

Earlier in the day England won the toss and elected to field under overcast conditions.There were always a chance of thunder showers at any given point of time.India opened with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Sehwag started in a blazing fashion whereas Sachin was little bit circumspect and lot of delays due to foot marks led to a disturb in his concentration and he was cleaned up by Stuart Broad.In walked Gambhir and along with Sehwag went after the England bowlers. Just as they were settling in rain came pouring down and there was a break in play. There was a delay for two hours. The Groundsmen worked hard to make sure that the ground was in order. that led to a 44 over game and India were already into their third poweplay which was a disadvantage as against England who chose theirs.

But once again it started pouring and one just got the feeling that this time the match is not going to start. The groundsman once again were into action and made sure that they used the Super Sopper and made sure that there was play possible. In the end it was a 22 overs a side match.India who were 106 in 17 overs before the break ended up scoring 60 runs in 5 overs. Sehwag ended up scoring his 50 and thereby getting to 6000 odi runs. He was finally out for 69.But the momentum was carried on by Gambhir, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan.India gave a very stiff target of 198 to England

India started very well and made sure that England were restricted to only 21 runs in 6 overs.Munaf Zaheer and Ishant made sure that England did not get away they were stifled. Pietersen and Bell were cleaned up after Bopara went to a spectacular catch to Ishant Sharma.England were struggling at 52 for 3 at the ned of 9 overs.That is when Owais Shah and Flintoff came together and it was absolute mayhem.

They were involved in a partnership of 82 in 8 overs.Owais Shah was severe on the spinners. It was a wet outfield and spinners were struggling to grip the ball.Harbhajan, Yusuf Pathan, and Yuvraj came in for some severe punishment. Shah brought up his half century in quick time.He went on to hit 72 of 48 balls before Zaheer Khan stepped in during the batting power play and took his wicket. Flintoff who also played well was finally consumed by Ishant and from there on it was downhill for England.India were convincing winners

After all the controversy regarding selection issues and leaks Dhoni marshaled his troops really well. Not for once did he look tensed when Owais Shah and Flintoff were going strong.He made sure that India surmounted all obstacles like rain, wet ball, wet outfield D/L method, made no excuses and made sure that India came out on top and thereby winning the series. England on the other hand gave excuses after their defeat in Kanpur due to badlight.England have to make lot of strides in the next three games so as to challenge this rampaging India. For that they need to show intent which has been sorely missing in this series.India have channelized their off field distractions in a positive manner, regarding selection issues and leaks whereas England have done exactly the opposite in theirs, with regards to the IPL.