The crucial stand with Raina
Brett Lee had removed the Indian skipper, Dhoni, for just seven runs in the 38th over. The target was still a distance away and the asking rate was rocketing. Raina, who was not included in the previous games in the tournament, walked in to join Yuvraj.
India still needed 74 runs off 75 balls with five wickets in hand.
“I told him (Raina) I know we are chasing a run-rate of six, but play a few balls, see what is happening around and let us get a 20-30 run partnership," Yuvraj revealed after the match.
The new batsman began with three dot balls to hand Lee a wicket-maiden. From there on, though, there was no looking back. Yuvraj and Raina displayed exceptional concentration and that broke the spirit of the strong Australians.
Raina obeyed the instructions of his senior partner as he took his time to settle down, refusing to be drawn into a loose shot.
Finally, after facing 22 balls, Raina went on the front foot and smashed Lee for a massive six over long-off. It looked like India had the game in the bag.
Lee was brought back in the 48th over with India just four runs away from a historic victory. After three dot balls, Yuvraj punished a full delivery for a boundary and the Motera crowd broke into massive celebrations.
Yuvraj pulled off a Cristiano Ronaldo-style slide on the turf, roaring freely at the top of his voice while Raina ran in from the other end and jumped into his arms.
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