It’s showtime as the league stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup nears its end and the cricketing world gears up for the high-voltage semi-final clashes. My Kolkata gets you viral reels on Instagram that capture the World Cup action and drama that unfolded over the past week.
The greatest ODI knock with no leg to stand on!
For everyone who was dissatisfied with the ongoing World Cup’s lack of nail-biting action and surprises, Australia, like always, had something up their sleeves. In a qualification decider for the Aussies, a resilient Afghanistan put up 291 on the board and had reduced the Kangaroos to 91 for seven within the 20th over. However, for power-striker Glenn Maxwell, the evening at the Wankhede had something else in store. Sticking to basics initially and jaw-dropping marvels beyond that, Maxi overcame a cramped leg (perhaps two) to win it for the Aussies with a blistering 201 off 128 balls, becoming the first Australian man to score a double century in ODI cricket. ICC dubbed it as the “best chase ever” in this reel
Maxwell turns into the Undertaker!
At one point in the game, Maxwell, notwithstanding his fours and sixes, was struggling to jog his way through the crease. During one such attempt, Maxwell ended up worsening the cramp and dropped flat on the ground. What happened next was a majorly relatable sight for all wrestling fans — Maxwell, much like WWE’s Undertaker, raised his head, as if resurrected with renewed power. What followed was him slogging the ball all around the Wankhede with nearly zero leg movement. ICC did not miss out on the opportunity to draw the obvious parallel, with the WWE superstar’s signature theme playing in the background.
Birthday boy in town
As the Eden Gardens braced itself to host the much-awaited clash between the World Cup’s top two teams, India and South Africa, the whole of Kolkata was decked up to welcome the birthday boy, Virat Kohli, on November 5. This reel by ICC puts together a montage dedicated to Kohli in the City of Joy, his moments leading up to the match and, finally, the crowning glory of his 49th ODI hundred. With a thousand flashlights illuminating the Eden stands, Kohli reached the historic milestone, equalling his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. It was a night to remember for Kolkata and Kohli.
Max relate, Virat!
It is only Kohli who can match his on-field heroics with his bagful of on-field mauj-masti moments. Eden got a similar moment when Kohli grooved to the pulsating beats of “Ainvayi Ainvayi” from the movie Band Baaja Baaraat, starring his wife, Anushka Sharma. With Kohli on song (in more ways than one!), impromptu jigs have been a common sight at this World Cup and ICC made sure to capture moment in Kolkata as well.
Helmet? Checkmate!
The past week has intensified the drama quotient at this World Cup, with some moments being weirder than others. The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka clash in Delhi saw a batter being timed out for the first time in international cricket history. And, sure enough, it was Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan with the appeal, backed by a shrewd but firm grasp on the rules of the game. With Angelo Mathews failing to take the crease within three minutes following the dismissal of the previous batter, owing to a malfunctioning helmet, Shakib appealed and the umpires obliged. ICC captured the drama as it unfurled on the field, with a dejected Mathews heading back to the pavilion without facing a ball.
The magic of Eden
It was the first time since 1996 that Eden had hosted an ODI World Cup match featuring India. As expected, Kolkata rose to the occasion and made sure Eden was abuzz with packed stands and their characteristic magic. The magical moment, as captured by @deckle_edge, shows the crowd in attendance singing Vande Mataram in unison, as the night sky was lit up with crackers following India’s emphatic win against South Africa.