India's day out at the MCG
The MCG packed to the rafters, two top teams, India coming out on top. What's not to like?
Shreya Paranjape
23-Feb-2015
Packed to the rafters: Indian fans thronged the MCG and belted out their support for the team • Getty Images
Why I chose this game:
My home team and one of my other favourite teams playing at the MCG, this was an opportunity not to miss.
My home team and one of my other favourite teams playing at the MCG, this was an opportunity not to miss.
Key performer:
Shikhar Dhawan looked promising right from the start of the innings. His 137 - the highest by a batsman against South Africa in World Cups - really made us fans have hope for a big total, especially after the early loss of Rohit Sharma.
Shikhar Dhawan looked promising right from the start of the innings. His 137 - the highest by a batsman against South Africa in World Cups - really made us fans have hope for a big total, especially after the early loss of Rohit Sharma.
Wow moment:
Wow moment for me was watching Ajinkya Rahane bat the way he did, completely different from his usual style. He kept going for the big shots, and executed them well! It was a treat watching him go away from the typical Rahane style of batting and bat with aggression.
Wow moment for me was watching Ajinkya Rahane bat the way he did, completely different from his usual style. He kept going for the big shots, and executed them well! It was a treat watching him go away from the typical Rahane style of batting and bat with aggression.
One thing I would've changed:
The heat; it was unbearable! It was apparently only 35 degrees, but it felt a lot worse than that. You could see spectators grabbing anything they could find so they could fan themselves to cool down. The occasional breeze during the game was like a real godsend.
The heat; it was unbearable! It was apparently only 35 degrees, but it felt a lot worse than that. You could see spectators grabbing anything they could find so they could fan themselves to cool down. The occasional breeze during the game was like a real godsend.
Shot of the day:
Mohammed Shami's boundary off Dale Steyn in the last over of the innings. Steyn's expression after that shot was truly priceless
Mohammed Shami's boundary off Dale Steyn in the last over of the innings. Steyn's expression after that shot was truly priceless
Crowd meter:
The stands were packed, the atmosphere was as good, if not better than the India vs Pakistan game at the Adelaide Oval. To be among 86,000-plus people, with majority of them being Indian supporters was a different feeling altogether. There was a Mexican wave that went around six times, with just as much enthusiasm from the crowd each time. The usual India chants were the most popular, and Virat Kohli was the most popular player getting the loudest cheer, whether he was warming-up, batting or patrolling the boundary.
The stands were packed, the atmosphere was as good, if not better than the India vs Pakistan game at the Adelaide Oval. To be among 86,000-plus people, with majority of them being Indian supporters was a different feeling altogether. There was a Mexican wave that went around six times, with just as much enthusiasm from the crowd each time. The usual India chants were the most popular, and Virat Kohli was the most popular player getting the loudest cheer, whether he was warming-up, batting or patrolling the boundary.
Overall:
I am so grateful to have witnessed this record-breaking game live at the MCG, a memory I will treasure forever and definitely one worth losing my voice for.
I am so grateful to have witnessed this record-breaking game live at the MCG, a memory I will treasure forever and definitely one worth losing my voice for.
Marks out of 10:
I think everyone present at the venue or watching it on TV will agree this was a sure shot 10/10. Two great sides on show and India coming on top. Brilliant game of cricket!
I think everyone present at the venue or watching it on TV will agree this was a sure shot 10/10. Two great sides on show and India coming on top. Brilliant game of cricket!
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