India’s undefeated streak at the 2019 World Cup came to an end on this day last year (June 30) when they were comfortably outplayed by hosts England at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Since launch, everything was like England when Eoin Morgan chose to hit, after which Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow launched into the attack on India’s new ball.
Roy made 66 and Bairstow 111 when the England starters added 160 runs in just 22.1 overs for the opening wicket. A quick shot 79 by Ben Stokes and 20 by skipper Morgan helped England post 337 at 50 overs.
20 singles, 7 points, 3 four, 1 six: India’s last 5 overs
What followed was a chase that was ‘strange’ as India managed just 306 runs in its 50 overs odds despite one hundred from Rohit Sharma and 66 from captain Virat Kohli.
MS Dhoni, who has not played competitive cricket since the World Cup, was criticized for his approach alongside Kedar Jadhav, as the duo added just 39 runs in the last 5.1 in which India needed 71 runs.
During the association between Dhoni and Jadhav, there were 20 singles, 7 points, 3 fours and six loners during a 31-ball period.
How India’s defeat changed World Cup luck for England, Pakistan
England had headed to the showdown with India in the wake of consecutive defeats against Australia and Sri Lanka. The hosts were in a forced situation to win, but the victory against India increased their chances and they eventually reached the semi-final after beating New Zealand in their last group stage match.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinal took a big hit, as they were left with what turned out to be an impossible equation in their last group match against Bangladesh.
Pakistan was finally knocked out after they finished 5th in the group stage tie on points tied with New Zealand in 4th place. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men lost at Net Run Rate in the end.
New Zealand joined England, India and Australia in the semifinals.
When Pakistan’s cricketers accused India of deliberately losing to England
Since India’s defeat on June 30, several Pakistani cricketers have accused India of deliberately losing the match against England to hinder Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinal.
Recently, in June 2020, former Pakistani versatile Abul Razzaq said he has no doubt that India deliberately lost his World Cup match to England.
“There is no doubt about this, we said it before and all the cricketers say that, as I said, you can see it clearly; for a person like Dhoni who can hit a six or a four at will, he is blocking the ball.” so that’s easy to see, “Razzaq said when asked if India purposely lost to England, as quoted by PakPassion.
Ex-leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed had claimed that a few West Indies players told him that India did not want to see Pakistan in the semifinals.
“I was working with the West Indies team at last year’s World Cup. After India’s loss to England, Jason Holder, Chris Gayle and Andre Russell told me: Mushy, India did not want to see Pakistan qualify for the semifinal, “Ahmed said.
Ben Stokes on ‘twisting the words’
English SUV Ben Stokes, in his new book ‘On Fire’, described the loss of India and said it was strange to see MS Dhoni approach the persecution as he did.
In his new book ‘On Fire’ published by Headline Books and distributed by Hachette India, Stokes analyzed each of England’s games at the World Cup.
“Arguably the way MS Dhoni played when he came in with 112 required 11-over runs was even weirder. He seemed more determined in singles than six. Even with a dozen balls remaining, India could still have won.”
“… there was little or no intention on the part of him (Dhoni) or his partner Kedar Jadhav. For me, while victory is still possible, it always breaks.”
However, Ben Stokes had to clarify on social media when former Pakistani bowler Sikander Bakht claimed that England’s ATV had said that India deliberately lost to England.
When a social media user asked where to find Stokes’ comments on it, the player replied by writing, “You won’t find it because I’ve never said it … it’s called” twisting words “or” clickbait. ”
Think a little and be a little ashamed: when Aakash Chopra responds
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra recently crashed The criticism India received, urging Pakistani players to “be somewhat ashamed” before making accusations.
“Think a little and be a little ashamed. Waqar Younis, despite being the brand ambassador for the ICC, gave a statement during the World Cup that India shot the game on purpose. I mean seriously,” he said. Chopra on his YouTube channel.
“It is understandable if the association between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made no sense to Stokes or if he was confused by Dhoni’s approach towards the end. But he never said that India deliberately lost the game.”
“Former Pakistani cricketers openly say that India deliberately lost and that the ICC should fine them. How can you think like that? It was more important for India to lead the group at the time.”
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.