It's 1.30am in Melbourne, India have just edged out arch-rivals Pakistan to win the inaugral 20/20 World Cup. What a see-saw battle, ending only when Pakistan's lone saviour Misbah Ul Haq attempted a fatal chip shot with victory in sight. In 1983, I was all of 5 years and too young to comprehend the famous victory at the 83 World Cup. Including that game India have played 9 finals in tournaments involving 5+ teams, winning only 3 the last time being in 1993 in the famous Hero Cup win in Kolkata. What I've just witnessed is one of the best ODI finals in recent history, given the damp squibs the last few World Cup finals have been. India triumphed relying mainly on self-belief and casting off doubts about their inexperience in this format. A new captain, the return of a few old stalwarts and some fresh blood undoubtedly helped to a large extent. Truly after ages we've seen a superstar Indian team rather than an Indian team of superstars. That the two teams played this encounter in the true spirit and hugged and complimented each other after the game only gladdened the heart at the end. September 24th will go down as the day India rediscovered its fighting spirit and started to write a new script that will define its cricketing future for years to come. Who would have thought an event in another continent would give me my happiest day yet in Australia. Good night.
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