ICC World T20- Curtain Call for 2 legends

A curtain call for 2 Legends

A fitting tribute was paid to the two legends of Sri Lanka Mahela Jayawardane and Kumar Sangakara who hanged up their boots after a memorable triumph at the ICC World T20 and their team members dedicated the tournament to them.

The match was played at the Sher-e- Bangla stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. New Captain Lasith Malinga choose to ball first after winning the toss and showed the world that it was the right decision. Opening pair of India Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane couldn’t impress much as Ajinkya Rahane just made 3 runs and was bowled by Angelo Mathews. Virat Kohli came on a crease and it was his fine performance which enabled India to make 130 runs. Rohit Sharma scored 29 runs who also hit 3 boundaries took the score to 64/1 scoring a 60 run partnership. He was caught out by Senanayake after scoring 29 runs and next on the crease was Yuvraj Singh was also couldn’t add anything to the score. He scored 11 runs by taking 21 balls in the crucial moments of the match. Virat Kohli was at his blasting best scoring 77 runs in 58 balls. He hit 5 fours and 4 sixes. In the second last over impressive bowling performance by Nuwan Kulasekara reduced the score as Yuvraj Singh was not able to repeat his performance as he did against Australia. He was caught out by Thisara Periera and next on the crease was India Captain MS Dhoni who also couldn’t do any good and made just 4 runs taking 7 balls giving the strike to Virat. In the final over which was bowled by Sri Lanka Captain Lasith Malinga in his unorthodox style reduced the score to 130.

Sri Lanka had to chase a target of 131 runs in 120 balls. First to bat for Sri Lanka were Kusal Perera and the experienced Tilakratne Dilshan. The first wicket for India was taken by the debutant Mohit Sharma of Kusal Perera who was caught by R.Ashwin. The next on the crease was Mahela Jayawardane. This was his last T20 match. Along with Dilshan he took the score to 41 runs and the next wicket for India was taken by Ashwin of Dilshan who was caught out by the Virat Kohli. Kumar Sangakara was the next to bat and he held the fort by scoring vital 52 runs which led to the win. Mahela Jayawardane was caught by R.Ashwin on the ball of Suresh Raina. Thisara Perera along with the former captain Sanagakara led to a successful chase and India was defeated by Sri Lanka with 6 wickets in hand.

This win for Sri Lanka was dedicated to Kumar Sangakara and Mahela Jayawardane who over the years have played for Sri Lanka leading them to numerous victories. ODI Captain of Sri Lanka Angelo Mathews dedicated this win for the 2 legends. Another senior member of the team Tilakratne Dilshan expressed the same feeling when asked later on.

This was a fitting victory for the Sri Lankans.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The ICC World T20 has always been a stage where legends are made and farewells are marked. In the most recent tournament, it served as a curtain call for two of the game's most illustrious figures, adding a poignant layer to the already electrifying atmosphere of T20 cricket. For fans around the globe, the tournament was not only a showcase of the sport's future but also a heartfelt tribute to the past.

The first of these legends, MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, made his final appearance in the marquee event, a tournament he had famously won in 2007. Dhoni's presence on the field was a symbol of calm and calculated brilliance, a stark contrast to the high-octane, fast-paced nature of T20 cricket. His decision to retire from international cricket at the end of the tournament was met with a mix of admiration and nostalgia. Dhoni's ability to turn the tide of a match with a single boundary or a strategic call from behind the stumps will be remembered for years to come.

Similarly, Australia's Shane Watson, a player known for his all-round capabilities, also chose the ICC World T20 as his final international stage. Watson's career has been marked by his versatility, power hitting, and fearless approach to the game. His performances in the tournament, both with the bat and the ball, showcased why he has been a key player in the Australian setup for over a decade. His farewell was a moment of reflection for many, highlighting the end of an era in Australian cricket.

As the tournament progressed, each match featuring these legends became a bittersweet affair, with fans cherishing every moment while knowing it was the last. The final games of Dhoni and Watson were not just about the outcome of the matches but about the legacy they leave behind. Their contributions to the sport, their teams, and the development of T20 cricket have been immeasurable, and their farewells at the ICC World T20 will be remembered as a fitting end to two extraordinary careers.