India put up a brilliant team effort to beat Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Ishant Sharma’s contribution of 9-1-33-3 stood out as the match-defining figures under the grey skies at Cardiff. Coming in as first change, the lanky pacer stifled batsmen and removed Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara off consecutive overs to rock SL on the back foot.
The Sophia Gardens wicket was a bowler’s paradise and the Indian attack used the conditions well to restrict the opposition to a subpar score. Speaking about the bounce offered by the pitch, Sharma told the media, “Obviously, initially there was something for the fast bowlers, and when I came for the second spell, the wicket got flat. The ball was coming on throughout (onto) the bat. So I think it was really good in the second half.”
“I think I bowled really well, and I was in good rhythm. I think I am really confident in carrying through that momentum into the Champions Trophy (final) as well,” Sharma said.
While speaking about leading the current bowling line-up, he said, “Well, I think it is a really good feeling, but at the moment, (...) I don't even consider myself as an experienced bowler, because I have just played 59 one dayers. We are just helping each other out and working with the bowling coach. And we know now that the five fielders are in (the circle), it is quite difficult for the bowler. So I think we will keep working on our variations and everything. But I think it is going really well.”
Asked to elaborate on his plan while bowling to Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, he explained, “Well, I think I don’t have any; we don't really stick to any plans, because the wicket was really helping the fast bowlers. If you can see, there is some bounce and some movement for the fast bowlers. So, I was just coming in and hitting the lengths.”
Discussing the assistance from the wicket and his bowling, he added, “I think a good ball is a good ball in any kind of wicket. We have three different fast bowlers that we have been playing. Everyone stuck to their plan and helped each other out. So I think that is a good thing for us.”
In the last few games, the improved fielding of the side has also played a vital role in claiming opposition wickets and stemming the flow of runs. Sharma praised India’s fielding effort and said, “I think it is really tremendous. I think if you have the kind of fielders we have at the moment in the team (it is great); I think everyone is charging up and everyone wants to have the ball in their hand when the ball comes. I think it gives confidence to every fast bowler, not only for me. So I think it is very good, and, yes, we will keep working hard on our fielding and in every department. So, yes, we are getting better.”
Speaking about his captain MS Dhoni, he said, “I think MS is always supporting every youngster in the team. He has been tremendous with everyone. We are really pleased to have him on the side as a captain.”
Asked if he sees England as the biggest batting threat as a bowler, he replied, “I don't think so. As I told you, if you are bowling into good areas, no batsman can be a challenge for you. That is what we have been doing in the last five games and we are going to do the same thing in the final as well.”
Speaking about the final against England, he said, “Well, I think we have played quite good cricket until now. I don't think we have to change anything. We will stick to the plans and we will stick to our strengths and what we did before. We just need to carry on doing the same thing in the finals.”
