Actually, a lot of good things happened today. Starting with Raina being bought in at Yusuf’s expense. I was very pleased with that change. Never had any trust in Pathan anyway. I would like this team to be retained for the next 2(?) matches.

It was good to see a decent bowling performance too. Not letting Aus get away with it, despite a great 100 by Ponting. 260 was going to be manageable.

As for the batting, there was some atrocious running, a horrible brain-fade…but the good part was that Yuvi and Raina were able to hold it together. Lee and company were handled well. It was good to see the team pull through in this high pressure situation. This experience should hold them good in the next 2(?) matches.

Lastly, it was good to note that Yuvi was Man of the Match, even though he was my fantasy team captain. I think my curse has been lifted now. I can pick players without jinxing them.

4 years I waited for my team to heap misery on Bangladesh on a big stage. They did it. 8 years I had to wait for my team to avenge the horrid 2003 final. They did it. So now just Pak and SL* to go then, guys? Don’t make me wait another 4 years for the WC

* My call is that SA and SL will play the other S/F with SL prevailing. Which will be good. Kolkata ’96 is still fresh in my mind.

I am not too bothered about the loss to NZ. What does bother me is the fitness of certain team members and match weariness. On the other hand, Ishant’s bowling was a relief. RP Singh gives me a lot of confidence because of the awesome IPL he had and Ojha looked good in parts too. If only our openers strike gold soon…sigh…

Anyways…tommorow’s match is important for reasons more than it being a warm up game. No two teams playing can capture the magic of an India-Pak match for me . Hope I am able to catch some live non-Cricinfo action.