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Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer turned commentator, playfully poked fun at England‘s misfortune after they suffered a significant defeat against India in Match 29 of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday, October 29.
India’s complete dominace over England
In the match the hosts demonstrated their dominance by securing a convincing 100-run victory. India, led by Rohit Sharma, were invited to bat first and posted a competitive 229/9 on a challenging pitch. Rohit’s standout performance with 87 runs and Suryakumar Yadav‘s valuable 49 runs played crucial roles in India’s batting effort.
The Indian bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, executed their game plan effectively, restricting the defending champions to a mere 129 runs. This victory not only showcased India’s exceptional performance but also moved them closer to securing a spot in the World Cup semifinals.
England’s struggles continue: A troubling campaign
On the flip side, the CWC 2023 has been a difficult campaign for the defending champions, England, as they found themselves on the losing side for the fifth time in their initial six games. Their journey have been plagued by inconsistencies and challenges, placing them in a precarious position on the points table.
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli’s sister pens a heartening post after India’s magnificent win over England
Ravi Shastri’s playful dig at the disparity between India and England
Amid England’s struggles, the former Indian coach, Shastri took a humorous jab at the disparity between India and England in the World Cup standings. Using the hypothetical example of a ten-team points table, he playfully noted that India occupied the top position while England found themselves at the bottom. This lighthearted remark highlighted the stark difference in their World Cup journeys.
“Koi puche ki India aur England ki teams mein kya farak hai toh bolna 8 teams ka (If anyone asks the difference between India and England’s teams, tell them it’s a difference of 8 teams),” Shastri said during the commentary.
England’s uphill battle: A semifinal qualification hurdle
With just two points on the board after six fixtures and three games remaining, England face the daunting task of winning all three matches to end the group stage with eight points. While this is a mathematical possibility, their fate may also depend on the performance of other teams to secure a spot in the semifinals.