Even though “Brothers Day” is celebrated on last Sunday in the month of March every year, the cricketing world seemed to have celebrated it much in advance on the 10th of February. The Hussey brothers earlier in the day and in late evening the Pathan brothers made sure that it was a day to remember for both the Aussie and the Indian fans.
Even though the setting was different with the Kangaroos clashing with the Kiwis in the 4th ODI and the Men in Blue playing a T20 International with the Lankan Lions; a lot was at stake for all the 4 teams. The Kangaroos were desperately trying to keep the ODI series alive being 2 – 1 down before yesterdays match while the Lankan Lions were trying to salvage some lost pride after the 4 – 1 mauling they received at the hand of the Indians in the ODI series.
The Hussey brothers forged a match winning partnership to make sure that the 5th ODI does not become a mere formality but a winner takes all affair. Even though David Hussey perished and could not see the team through to victory his brother Michael (Mr. Cricket) was there to deliver the final blow.
Thousand of miles away from the Australian continent, the atmosphere was electric in the Emerald Isle with a carnival crowd rooting for revenge and more. Jayasurya set the clock back by many years and unleashed a Tsunami that was silenced by an athletic effort from Ishant Sharma. Set an imposing total the Indian team flattered to deceive after a whirlwind opening. Eventually the stage was set for the Pathan brothers with India at 115/7 and the required run rate in double digits.
Yusuf did not bother to hang about and went bang bang from the start which resulted in pace being the preferred medium of attack replacing spin (which had stopped the Indian run chase dead in its track). Thereafter Irfan ripped apart Malinga (the slinger) & Dil-hara (interestingly the bus stop near his place is named no – ball Junction) to take India through and it was well and indeed a perfect Brothers Day gift to cricket fans across the world.
[...] watched the live telecast of the recent India vs Sri Lanka T20 game last Tuesday on Neo Cricket Live TV Channel. At this moment, I am on vacation in India after a gap [...]