India won the toss and Captain Dravid opted to bat at Bristol in the second One-Day International against England. India already trailing 1-0 in the series, is looking forward to level the series at Bristol.
Indian openers cautiously made a healthy century partnership with Little Master playing the anchor role, completing his 50 in 56 balls. He also crossed another major land mark in his career, completing 12,000 runs. The Little Master engineered a few delightful boundaries in his 99 of 112 balls. Sachin fails to complete his century again 3rd in last 5 ODIs. Prior held on to a bouncer from Flintoff, edged of Sachins arm. Umpire gives him out. Sachin walks out hesitating. Replays suggest a bad decision but snickometer says umpire may be right.
After 50 overs, Indian total is on 329 for 7. Runrate remained above 6.5. India reached 50 in 12.3 overs, 100 in 17th and 150 in 27th over. India covers 200 in 35th over. 250 in 43rd over and 300 in 47th over.
Saurav chipped in 39 runs from 45 balls, with a lucky edge flying over the keeper Prior for a boundary in 15th over. Ganguly then guided a Tremlett ball over the boundary-lines in 17th over and followed by 2 consecutive boundaries to take the score to 100.
Ganguly tried to get himself run-out a couple of times but he was not successful as in the first ODI. Sachin on 57 was dropped in 20th over by Tremlett of Flintoff, but the very next ball Ganguly fell on 39, Collinwood taking the catch. Flintoff makes the first breakthrough. Powerplay ends with 112 on the board.
Sachin sends Tremlett over the ropes in 25th over. Very much an entertaining innings from the Lilttle Master. Indian fans are all having the adrenaline rush.
Dravid came in after Sachin departed. He completes 50 from 43 balls. He is on fire. Blasting right and left. Skipper steals the show with unbeaten 92 of 63 balls.
Yuvraj Singh replaced Ganguly. Yuvaraj edge drops just short of Prior early in his innings. He departs with an entertaining 49 from 54 balls. Broad claims his wicket. Collinwood taking the catch.
Dhoni came replacing Yuvraj. Dhoni posted a quick 21 of 18 balls before falling for Anderson in 47th over. Tremlett taking the catch.
Dinesh Karthik lbw Flintoff for 1 in 2 balls. Ajit Agarkar came in for D Karthik and goes for 1 in 2 balls. Caught Prior bowled Flintoff. R Powar came in for Agarkar and goes for 1 in 2 balls. Caught Prior bowled Flintoff. Piyuh Chawla 1 in 1 ball. Not Out.
India has posted a challenging total. The highest against England.
England made 76 in 11 overs before 2 wickets fell in consecutive balls of Munaf Patel, sending both openers back to pavilion. Earlier Prior was also caught off a no-ball. Piyush Chawla bowled Pieterson but Bell made a patient 64 before getting caught by Munaf in Chawla’s over, while Masceranhas made 52 0f 39 balls with 5 sixes before falling in RP Singh’s over giving a catch to Agarkar. Flintoff began with a bang but was back to pavilion giving a simple catch to Agarkar, giving Powar a wicket. Collinwood was bowled by Chawla in a googly. Bopara added 17 before getting adjudged LBW. In the thrilling final over, Broad scored 20 runs with two sixes and two boundaries, when 30 runs were required to clinch the victory. England ended the 50 overs with 320 for 8 on board.
Indian fielding was pathetic with Ganguly, Powar, Dravid, Dhoni all dropping crucial catches. If not for the misfields , India would have registered a thumping victory. Finally India just managed to win the game, beating England by 9 runs. Despite registering the best score against England, they failed to capitalize on it. And the win would have slipped out of our hands if not for some late wickets.
Surprisingly the high scoring match with 650 runs did not produce any centuries. The match was a total entertainer and everyone enjoyed it. There was something for everyone. And the climax was just thrilling.