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Pollock's T20 WC Verdict: India Failed to Adapt to New Ball Challenge

Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock analyzed India's heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage. He stated India failed to adapt to the seaming conditions in Ahmedabad, unlike South Africa who had prior experience at the venue. Pollock pinpointed India's flawed chase, where they lost early wickets by not respecting the challenging new ball. The loss leaves India needing victories in their final two group matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Key Points: Shaun Pollock on India's T20 WC Loss: Failed New Ball Tactics

  • India's 12-match unbeaten streak ended
  • Failed to adapt to Ahmedabad conditions
  • Lost early wickets chasing 187
  • Must win remaining matches to advance
2 min read

'India didn't realise the new ball would be the biggest challenge...': Pollock's view on what went wrong for India

Shaun Pollock analyzes India's T20 World Cup loss to South Africa, citing failure to adapt to Ahmedabad's seaming conditions and the new ball challenge.

"India didn't realise that the new ball would be the biggest challenge with the seam moving around. - Shaun Pollock"

New Delhi, Feb 23

Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock gave his analysis of India's Super 8 stage loss to the Proteas and stated that the co-host didn't adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad and failed to realise the "new ball challenge with the seam moving around."

South Africa snapped India's 12-match unbeaten streak at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as they handed the defending champions a 76-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

After India dominated early as Jasprit Bumrah produced a stellar opening spell of 2-7, the Proteas scripted a comeback through a 97-run partnership off 51 balls between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. A late charge from Tristan Stubbs, who knocked off an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls, took South Africa past the 180-mark.

"India didn't adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad. South Africa had played three matches here already, so they knew what to expect. Yes, they struggled at first when they lost the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton early, but they did not stop adjusting as per the conditions. It was only when Brevis and Miller batted together that things worked for them.

"Tristan Stubbs put his batting power to good use in the end to help South Africa reach 187. India's chase would have been simple had they played carefully in the beginning," Pollock

In response, India failed to launch in the first six overs and were already in trouble at 31/3 after the powerplay. South Africa kept a lid on the explosive and deep-running Indian batting line-up as the Men in Blue were bundled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.

"The first six overs was the toughest because the ball wasn't coming onto the bat nicely. Instead, they went after the bowlers from the very first over. You can't do that on this kind of a pitch while chasing a big total. They lost two early wickets and were under pressure right away. Sometimes, you have to be smart and patient. India didn't change their approach. They didn't realise that the new ball would be the biggest challenge with the seam moving around," he added.

The defending champions will now have to win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in contention for the semi-finals, especially with their net run rate now at -3.8.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living here, it's frustrating. The Ahmedabad pitch is known for helping seamers early. Our batters looked like they were playing on a flat track in Mumbai. Basic game awareness was missing.
P
Priyanka N
It hurts to see such a collapse. But we must support the team now. The NRR is a big worry. Need two big wins with positive intent, but also smart cricket. Come on, Men in Blue! You can do it 💙
R
Rahul R
Respectfully, I think the management needs to share the blame. Why wasn't there a clear plan for the new ball? SA had played 3 games there, we should have done our homework better. This feels like an unforced error.
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Aman W
Miller and Brevis partnership was the turning point. Our bowling lost the plot in the middle overs after Bumrah's brilliant spell. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opposition. SA played better cricket, period.
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Kriti O
The pressure of the unbeaten streak? Maybe it got to them. Now the real test begins. Win both, boost the NRR. The character of the team will be shown in the next two matches. Jai Hind!

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