The Cricketing Religion in GOD’s own country has given us quite a few special moments to be cherished for a life-time. The 1983 WC victory.. 2003 WC Road to the finals.. Sachin’s ODI double century: to name a few.. However, the series of extraordinary events which materialized on 30th March, 2011 in the now-legendary PCA stadium in Mohali will be remembered forever!! Yes, It was a Wednesday when Team India inspired by GOD’s gritty 85 with due heavenly help; bled blue till the very last over to emerge victorious against arch-rivals Pakistan in a WC semifinal match!!

And that was after MSD seemingly shocking decision to replace Ashwin with Nehra for this priceless “mother of all games”. Despite a rampaging start by Viru, MIB finished with just 260! Considered to be a below par score by most experts and yours truly as well. I was in a state of utter hopelessness at the break; with some unbelievably negative thoughts haunting me: Is the DREAM finally over now? Will it be Pak vs Lanka final hosted by India? Will GOD remain without WC glory forever? Crashing out to Pakistan in a WC semis in India: it can’t get more horrible than this?

Hoping the MIB bowling without Ashwin on a spinning pitch & with both Munaf & Nehra on a seamless pitch; to defend this score seemed to be a case of extreme over-optimism!!! Heard about rising to the occasion against all odds with nerves of steel: that’s exactly what the so-called ordinary bowling attack of ours achieved on ‘A Wednesday’!! The fact that the very first extra was conceded in the 37th over of Pak innings is a reflection of the razor-sharp disciplined effort by the now famous-five!! More ironical being the fact that the stand-out performers were none other than ‘Nehra’ & ‘Munaf’: undoubtedly the most ridiculed players in this Indian outfit!! The way MSD marshalled its resources in the most optimum manner despite tons of pressure & a rock-solid start by Pak deserves a lot of appreciation! And the Indians did gave it their all in the field too, which indeed was a wonderfully pleasant surprise!! A strangely played knock by now India’s favourite Misbah and an agonizingly late batting powerplay taken by Pak further compounded their misery!!

Absolute craziness on streets all-over India with booming firecrackers, ultra-loud music, dancing, singing, drinking & what-not: this very very special victory was indeed celebrated with unbelievable enthusiasm & joy!!

Just like 24 Sept. 2007, the day we were crowned T20 champs after another special performance against Pakistan, 30 March, 2011 will also find its place in the golden pages of Indian Cricket history!!

HAPPINESS all around :) :) :D :D