A Result At Any Cost?

Well if all the three formats of the game of cricket are taken, it shows that it is only the test format that is found doing a little bit of justice to the game of cricket. The test match is followed by the one day internationals and then by the recent entry into the game - the T20 format. For, it is only the test cricket wherein a result of the match is hardly or never influenced by the weather. Of course, if the overall series is taken, then there can be some influence of the weather gods on the series, favoring or spoiling the fortunes of one particular team out there.

Many a times, one day matches are forced to yield a result despite numerous interruptions from the weather. The limit for a one day match to yield a result was reduced to 20 overs a side, which was previously 25 overs, thus increasing the degree of injustice to one team and luck to the other. And it is even more evident in the T20 format of the game, where even 5 overs a side can be found to yield a result, with the third match of the Indian Premier League between the Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab proving to yield a result with each team completing 6 overs a side. It would not be too far off for the ICC to term a match that has completed 5 overs to be fit for a result.

Looking at the match, it is just not possible as to who held the upper hand in that game at Cape Town. Both the teams out there were well equipped with what it takes to be the best at the end of the day. Both Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh are destroyers of any bowling attack on their day, which is a well known fact. But, taking a close look at the scorecard of the Kings XI Punjab, it was the lesser known players as usual in Ravi Bopara and Goel who scored in double digits, with Yuvraj Singh being the only experienced among them. The other experienced lot that included Mahela Jayawardane, Irfan Pathan and Kumara Sangakkara had nothing to prove.

And nothing can be said about the batting of the Delhi Daredevils for a 6 over out of 20 would hardly give any decent conclusions. Likewise, Virender Sehwag is as likely to be tempted as his explosiveness is. So, the batsman can get out any time without any second thought. And yes, Gautam Gambhir is a responsible man if his recent past is considered. But, the run out of Yuvraj Singh which was a mishap never made justice for, such things are the last and least expected when the batsman is found going for a kill. Many a times, non strikers favour the opposition by getting his partner run out. And this is what happened in Yuvraj's case when there was no stopping him to belt two 6s.