India Set the Tone with a Batting Masterclass
India’s innings was built on composure, calculated aggression, and depth in batting. The top and middle order capitalised on England’s inconsistent bowling, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike effectively. Boundaries flowed regularly, and partnerships ensured the scoreboard pressure kept mounting.
Crossing the 400-run mark in a World Cup final was a statement of intent from the Indian side. It not only reflected their batting depth but also showcased the maturity of a squad that has dominated the tournament from the group stages onward.
England’s Chase Begins with Early Drama
England’s pursuit of 412 began on a shaky note as India struck early with the new ball. Joseph Moores was dismissed cheaply, dragged onto his stumps, giving India the early breakthrough they desperately wanted. The wicket briefly slowed England’s momentum, but it did not dent their belief.
Ben Mayes and Ben Dawkins then stitched together a crucial partnership, counterattacking India’s seamers and spinners alike. Their stand ensured England remained well above the asking rate during the powerplay overs.
Mayes and Dawkins Shift Momentum
Ben Mayes, England’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, played with authority, targeting spinners and using reverse sweeps and lofted drives to unsettle India’s field placements. Dawkins, initially cautious, gradually found his rhythm and punished anything overpitched or short.
Their aggressive intent forced India to alter their bowling plans, with spinners switching to flatter, defensive lines. England crossed the 100-run mark at a brisk pace, keeping the chase alive and the pressure firmly on the Indian bowlers.
India Strike Back Through Spin
Just as England appeared to be gaining control, India’s spinners delivered timely breakthroughs. Khilan A. Patel removed the dangerous Ben Mayes, who fell for a quickfire 45, providing India a much-needed lift. The dismissal checked England’s momentum and brought renewed energy to the Indian fielding unit.
Kanishk Chouhan followed it up by dismissing England skipper Thomas Rew, whose aggressive cameo had threatened to tilt the balance further. These wickets ensured England remained under pressure despite a healthy run rate.
Dawkins Holds Firm Amid Pressure
Ben Dawkins continued to anchor England’s innings, nearing his half-century with composed stroke play and sharp running between the wickets. His ability to find gaps and rotate strike prevented India from completely choking the chase.
However, with wickets falling at regular intervals and the required rate climbing steadily, England faced an uphill task as the match moved past the drinks break.
Final Poised on Execution and Nerves
With a flat pitch offering little assistance, India’s challenge lay in maintaining discipline and mixing variations smartly. The bowlers understood that patience, rather than panic, would be key to closing out the contest.
England, meanwhile, embraced the challenge of a historic chase, knowing that a few sustained partnerships could still make the final unforgettable. As the game progressed, the balance swung delicately between bat and ball, befitting a World Cup final.
For live updates and official tournament details, readers can follow the International Cricket Council’s website at icc-cricket.com and India’s cricket updates via bcci.tv.
