Ponting and Hayden were getting the fours, but typical of how the big teams and better players play, they were also looking for the short singles. One such attempt, in the 10th over, almost produced a mishap when Ponting drove to mid on and took off. Hayden stayed rooted, and Ponting, having run three quarters of the length of the pitch, had to scramble all the way back.

Unfazed, he kept taking on the fielders - and to Lara's credit, he brought his best fielders into the ring, and stationed them well inside the circle, in challenging positions.

In the game against South Africa, Shane Watson with his throw from the line to get rid of the rampaging AB de Villiers had shown how one moment of brilliance in the field could create the magic that turns tides. Here, it was the turn of Ramnaresh Sarwan to do unto others.

Hayden had brief periods of striking the ball hard and clean, but for the most part was kept shackled by good tight lines and great fielding, especially within the circle on the off.

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