Those who call Chris Cairns one of the best all rounders in the World would have been proud to watch him lead New Zealand to one of their major victories in World Cricket. Someone who was not even sure of being in the XI because of a knee injury played one of the most exquisite knocks and made history for his team. He started off with his bowling when the Indian Openers were on a rampage and he bowled some magnificent overs and put the brakes on them. He might have got any wicket but his spell was a crucial one as it swung the game New Zealand’s way. But what he did with the bat was absolutely marvelous. He was a perfect model of composure as he played the innings of his life. He came to the crease when 4 wickets had fallen down and there were almost 160

runs to make. People who are so used to seeing Cairns hitting the bowler out of the ground were in for a surprise as he curbed his natural instincts and played as the situation demanded. First with McMillan and then with Harris he stood firm like a rock and played a shrewd innings. He was defending the good balls and taking singles otherwise but can u imagine a Cairns innings without some lusty blows. One six that he hit off Tendulkar was a beauty. He hit another six off Kumble and the Indians knew very well that as long as he was there, they had no chance and Cairns knew that as well. His innings symbolized patience, aggression, responsibility and most of all commitment. It shows how he has matured so much in the past few years and what an asset he is for his team.

Later in an interview he called this innings as the one of the greatest moments of his life and no one can disagree with that, as it was a truly majestic innings.