The highlights from this period tell the story of the riveting events that have unfolded so far, and point to those yet to come, writes Varun Zaiwalla.
The first round of the 2007 Cricket World Cup has produced drama of the highest caliber, in both the tragic and the comic mode. The sobering murder of Bob Woolmer remains the focus, as it will undoubtedly for the whole tournament. There have been 24 matches of cricket, however, and almost two weeks have passed. In this time stories of all kinds have emerged, sport has gone on to illustrate why it is both the most exciting and most infuriating form of expression known to man. Records tumbled as players fought to outdo each other and establish their own era as the greatest ever. Personalities emerged from the mess of fixtures, statistics and calculations. Heroes were created, villains exposed, benchmarks set and reset. Emotion poured out from all corners of the game, as delight and anticipation bled into anger, pain and grief. The highlights from this period tell the story of the riveting events that have unfolded so far, and point to those yet to come, writes Varun Zaiwalla
Woolmer’s death
Unquestionably the biggest talking point of the first round was the death of Bob Woolmer, and the subsequent revelation that he was strangled, most probably by someone known to him. Conjecture ranging from angry fans and mob assassinations to suicide is spread around the World, as cricket enters a new, horrific chapter of notoriety in world sports.
Pakistani Pain
The failure of Pakistan to win either of their first games was a distinct low point for the team and the nation, especially in the loss against the unfancied Irish. Form tables and records were turned on their heads, as Pakistani batsmen capitulated with awe inspiring ineptitude.
Irish Shock
The Emerald Warriors reached the Super 8s stage after impressive performances against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They struck a mighty blow against the critics of so called minnows, and did much to raise the sport’s profile at home. Their reward is a glorious few weeks playing seven matches against the World’s top teams, and they are not ruling out the chances of going further.
India Disaster
India’s result against Bangladesh, bowled out for just 191, started the rot in the campaign, and efforts against Bermuda and Sri Lanka have gone in vain. The reaction at home has been typically fierce, while the team has been at a loss to render any meaningful explanation for the disappointment.
Bangladesh
The tigers of Bangladesh upset an India team that did not give it enough credit. The improvements made by this team in the time since their first victory in 1999 have been vast, and the gap that has opened up between them and the other ‘minnows’ means that they will not be taken lightly again.
Fans’ Reaction
Effigies of all the players are burnt all round India, and several players’ homes were attacked, as well as the restaurant owned by Zaheer Khan. The pressure brought by the hopes of these millions may have affected the team but the fear of returning having lost will make them feel even more regret. Even professional look-alikes of the players are being forced into hiding.
Flintoff’s Frolics
After England’s loss to New Zealand in its opening game, Andrew Flintoff provided a moment of comedy to rival his famously drunken appearance before the British Prime Minister the day after winning the Ashes. Reports had circulated about some England players antics in the Rumours nightclub after the New Zealand game, but nothing prepared cricket fans for the piece of ingenious bad publicity Flintoff provided by having to be rescued after falling out of a pedallo into the sea in the early hours. The suspension he received has probably done little to wipe off his boyish grin.
Sunil’s Slanging Match
When Sunil Gavaskar made some comments regarding the manner in which Team Australia celebrates its victories, he may not have expected a bitter and personal retort from Ricky Ponting. The Aussie captain highlighted instances of Gavaskar’s bad sportsmanship, and when Sunil replied by referring to the murder of David Hookes in a bar, the row erupted. Gavaskar finally backed down and apologised, but the early verbal sparring whet appetites for the battles in the field.
6x6
Herschelle Gibbs achieved a feat against The Netherlands that will stand the test of time, because it will be almost impossible to better. His six maximums from helpless bowler Daan Van Bunge may have come against a lesser team, at a ground with the smallest boundaries in World Cricket, but it still remains the biggest over in International Cricket history, and a fine achievement.
Fastest 50
Mark Boucher broke this record early on in the tournament, but such was the level of abuse dished out to bowlers in this round that the record fell just days later. It was Kiwi Brendon McCullum who walked away with the prixe after his 20-ball fifty against Canada.
Fastest 100
Matthew Hayden scored the fastest hundred in ODI history against South Africa, coming off just 66 balls. His dismantling of attacks has now earned him honorary citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis.
Big Guns Square Up
This match had been touted as the big one ever since the World Cup groups were announced, and it did not fail to deliver. With a record breaking hundred from Hayden, and nineties for Ponting and Clarke, Australia raced to 377 in their 50 overs. South Africa’s reply was equally electric, and every mind was on their successful chase of 438 last year. In the end, it took Smith’s retirement from cramp to snuff out the reply, but cricket fans will be licking their lips over the next meeting between these two.
Windies Win Initial Encounter
The West Indies came into the opening game of the tournament full of hope, while Pakistan’s talented team naturally carried big expectations with them. Quality cricket was on show, but the day belonged to Dwayne Smith, the unheralded all-rounder who scored a quick 32 off 15 balls and took 3 for 36. The importance of the home team firing could not be overestimated, as the tournament sought to win hearts at home.
Leverock’s Leap
The catch of the first round must be Bermudian Dwayne Leverock’s dive at slip to snare Robin Uthappa. The 21 stone giant leapt, or at least leaned, to his right with all the grace of a butterfly. The same cannot be said of his celebrations, as he ran rings around his teammates before blowing many kisses towards the crowd. The dent in the turf may well last as long as our memories of Leverock, a major character of the first round.
Malachi’s Moment
A poignant image that should serve as a reminder to the highly paid self indulgent players about what the game can mean was provided by Malachi Jones. The Bermuda pace bowler took the wicket of Robin Uthappa with his first World Cup delivery, and emerging from the celebrations were the unmistakable tears of raw emotion breaking through the tough fast bowler’s mask. There will be players who go further in this tournament, but how many will experience feelings like those?
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