New Delhi: A 0.1 point difference can push you behind 5-6 people in a competitive exam and what if the exam is the Champions Trophy final where an over step by a millimeter actually makes a difference of 111 runs?
Jasprit Bumrah over stepped on 3 occasions on Sunday afternoon but his first No ball turned out to be fatal for India. His foot went over the line by millimeters and the rest is history.
Fakhar Zaman was caught behind for 3 when umpire Marais Erasmus went upstairs to check for a No ball. And after getting a reprieve as early as the fourth over of the Pakistan innings, when he was finally out, he had 114 runs beside his name, had scored his maiden ODI hundred and more importantly had laid the foundation which helped Pakistan put on a mammoth a 338 for 4 at the end of 50 overs.
It was not only a difference of 111 runs, it actually shifted the complete momentum of the match to Pakistan’s way. A first wicket which would have open the gates for the in-form Indian bowlers ended up in 128-run opening stand, Pakistan’s best in the current Champions Trophy.
A similar No ball in the semifinal had robbed India off Tamim Iqbal’s wicket, which did not cost the defending champions much and Kohli along with millions of Indians would be hoping he script remains the same this time around also.