Of Underdogs, enthuthiasm and passion !

Its was an extraordinary day at CWC 2007.

Bangladesh rolled India with a 5 wkt win, and Ireland stunned Pakistan with indomitable will to win, shutting fancied Pak out of WC!

It was so heartening to see young Tamim from Bangladesh taking the Indian attack to sword by irrepressible spirit, and attacking batting. Strokes flew thick and fast in the off and cover, and Zaheer could only watch. But what was absolutely delicious and final nail in coffin, was the breathtaking six off Zahir, which only few accomplished batsmen would dare to take chance off. Tamim read the fast short bouncer, charged down the track and brilliantly connected the ball crashing it high above the fence. His body language ominous and I knew he was burning, to finish the match there and then and prove a point... He was unstoppable, and India's fate was more or less sealed.....

I personally have had the pleasure of sometimes being the underdog or more fancied opponent in the games I relish playing.. Badminton and Lawn Tennis. As a more fancied opponent in Tennis, I met my match once and it was joy to be part of that tennis... I was two months into my 27th year, and in fairly good nick. So was pleasently suprised on the way things turned. She was hitting hard, winners flying left and right, down the line or just in the baseline as I watched in disbelief.. Oh what an exhilerating display by the youngster. I was tired in 30 minutes, engaged in some fantastic rallies. My opponent was just 12 a year old girl, and I had never been part of such a game!! We played a friendly no-score match, but something I shall always remember..

Then there was a baddy match, where I once showed incredible grit to come from behind and defeat a slightly better opponent in 3 sets. I recall I lost the first set..and trailing 6-10 in second. But I was not going to lose that day. I managed to dig deep and clawed back in second set taking it to 14-14 and finally closing it out. Yes!!! I still remember that moment. Then the third set was again thrilling, but i am glad i prevailed and entered the next round...

There have been many other greatest moments in sports and wow, is it fun to get that adrenaline rush, the never-say-die spirit, hang in there, play like never played before, beat the odds , and hold up the racket in triumph... Thats the glory...