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Anonymous at April 10, 2018 0
sachin tendulkar india

Facebook and Google have positioned themselves to obtain the rights to broadcast international cricket matches in India, which are to be awarded on Tuesday, according to several local media.

The auctions conducted by the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) focus on the allocation of rights between 2018-2023. The two behemoths are not alone on the starting line. In particular, they will have to compete with the two current broadcasters, Star India and Sony Pictures Network India, as well as the YuppTV streaming service.

This is the first time that Google ventures into the sports rights sector in India. Facebook, which remains at the heart of several polemics, had already tried to get in September the broadcast rights of matches of the Indian championship, but had failed against Star India.

The allocation of broadcast rights for international matches is divided into several prizes, which include various geographical areas, in India and abroad, and media, television and digital. Facebook and Google would be well placed to obtain these digital rights, according to several Indian newspapers.
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Anonymous at November 03, 2013 7
What do you expect on Diwali? Fireworks and the likes, obviously. Rohit Sharma’s double-century at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the seventh ODI against Australia was just that.

With the riveting and jaw-dropping performance, Sharma has now become the third player to score 200 in an ODI match.

After dismissing in-form Virat Kohli on duck, Australia’s hopes were running. But then Sharma came, saw and outclassed. He ruined Aussies’ hopes, making 209 runs off 158 balls, claiming many a record.

He played the second-biggest innings of ODI history and became the third player to score 200 after countrymen Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

The biggest one-day innings is under Sehwag’s belt who scored 219 in December 2011 against West Indies. Tendulkar made his double-ton in 2010 against South Africa.

Moreover, Sharma also broke Shane Watson’s world record of most sixes in an ODI innings, hitting 16 sixes. Watson hit 15 sixes. Sharma also completed his 1,000 runs in 2013 and 3,000 runs in career.

Sharma completed his double-century in a style, smashing a six to Clint McKay on the first ball of the innings’ last over. He was dismissed after two balls, but not before creating a history. He took only 42 balls to reach 200 from 100.
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Anonymous at October 21, 2013 0
Wife of Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and India’s renowned tennis player Sania Mirza has revealed that Sachin Tendulkar had gifted her a car with his signature on winning Wimbledon junior title.

[caption id="attachment_2405" align="alignright" width="300"]Sania Mirza says she did not know who Tendulkar was when he gifted her a car (Photo: OutlookInida.com) Sania Mirza says she did not know who Tendulkar was when he gifted her a car (Photo: OutlookInida.com)[/caption]

According to Indian newspaper India Today, Mirza said she was 15 at the time and did not even know who Tendulkar was. However, she said she was very delighted at the present.

India’s No. 1 tennis player said Tendulkar was not only a legendary cricketer but was also excellent at tennis, and she knew it only when Tendulkar came to Kolkata to play an exhibition game where Mirza was match referee.

She said nobody wants Tendulkar to leave cricket, but every player has to call it a day at some point. Therefore, his decision should be respected, she said.

Referring to Virat Kohli, she said there was no dearth of talented players in Indian team. However, no one could replace the Little Master, she added.
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Anonymous at October 13, 2013 0
A few days back Sachin Tendulkar announced that he would retire after playing his 200th Test match. India will be playing their next two Tests against West Indies next month. The second match of the series would be the last Test of Tendulkar, who has played 198 matches in the format.

[caption id="attachment_2378" align="alignright" width="300"]Mumbai will host the match as per Tendulkar’s request: Mumbai Cricket Association (Photo: BCCI) Mumbai will host the match as per Tendulkar’s request: Mumbai Cricket Association (Photo: BCCI)[/caption]

Kolkata’s Eden Gardens stadium and Mumbai Wankhede stadium have been involved in a tug of war over hosting the second and last match of the series.

According to the Cricket Association for Bengal, the second Test was to be played in Eden Gardens as per the rotation policy of the BCCI for Tests.

On the other hand, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) said Sachin should play his last match at his home ground.

Sachin himself wants to play his last match in his home ground and requested the BCCI to change the venue. According to MCA president Ravi Sawant, the BCCI accepted Tendulkar’s request to arrange the second and last Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The decision will be announced officially on Tuesday in the Program Committee of BCCI.
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Anonymous at October 11, 2013 1
Sachin Tendulkar, the holder of most records in the history of cricket, has finally retired from the Test cricket. He will bid adieu the world of cricket after player his record 200th Test.

[caption id="attachment_2344" align="alignright" width="300"]Sachin Tendulkar will leave all form of cricket after playing his 200th Test (Photo: Getty Images) Sachin Tendulkar will leave all form of cricket after playing his 200th Test (Photo: Getty Images)[/caption]

Tendulkar will play his 200th Test possibly during the West Indies’ tour of India next month. No player has ever touched the 200-mark in the Test cricket. So, it will be another feather’s in Tendulkar’s cap.

The Little Master has announced the decision in a statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The statement quoted Tendulkar as saying: "All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. It’s hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it’s all I have ever done since I was 11 years old. It’s been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test Match on home soil, as I call it a day.”

He appreciated the BCCI for supporting him since his career started in 1989 and paid special thanks to his fans for remembering him in their prayers.

The 40-year-old batting great played his Test debut in National Stadium Karachi and then become an integral part of the Indian cricket team from early ‘90s.

He has several records under his belt. He has most runs in Tests and ODIs, most centuries and half-centuries in Tests and ODIs, most fours in Tests and ODIs, first ODI double-century, most man-of-the-match awards, most runs  in World Cup tournaments, most runs in a single World Cup, most ODI and Test matches and biggest ODI partnership.

Tendulkar has scored 15,837 runs in 198 Tests and may cross 16,000-run milestone in the next two Tests.

Now his fans are fully prepared to bid him farewell, and the stadium would be filled to capacity when the legendary cricketer plays his last match.
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Anonymous at September 14, 2013 0
India are obsessed with keeping their hold tight over the international cricket. Therefore, they can't stand those who try to create obstacles in this regard. When Haroon Lorgat was head of the ICC, he tried to control India and now Haroon Lorgat has become Chief Executive of Cricket South Africa after completing his tenure at the ICC. Since then the cricket relations between India and South Africa are sour.

India were handcuffed when Logart was the head of the ICC, but now India want to set some old scores. India are supposed to have a long tour of South Africa to play three Tests, seven ODIs, and two T20s. However, India have shown reservations over the issued schedule, in fact, it looks like that India might refuse to tour South Africa this year.

In order to strengthen its position, India are trying to use Asian teams to hold a tri-nation series in November and December during the time slot allocated for South African tour. This tri-series will include India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Heads of all three Asian teams are in Chennai to attend Asian Cricket Council's meeting where the issue is likely to be raised on Saturday. In December, Pakistan are already scheduled to play a complete series with Sri Lanka in the UAE including three Tests, five ODIs, and two T20s. Now if Pakistan agree to Indian plans, they have to withdraw the bilateral series in the UAE with Sri Lanka. However, that will be a stronger blow to South Africa.

The sudden approval of visas for Faisalabad Wolves to take part in the Champions League T20 can be part of India’s lesson to South Africa. Until the visa issuance, it was clear that India would refuse Faisalabad Wolves' participation in the CLT20 citing security reasons. However, abrupt visa clearance for team Faisalabad and news regarding a tri-nation series is somehow evident that something must be going wrong.
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Anonymous at August 26, 2013 0
It seems Pakistan’s Under-23 team also comes under pressure of India in big tournaments just like the international team. That’s why India trounced the green shirts by 9 wickets in the final of Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup 2013.

[caption id="attachment_2250" align="alignright" width="300"]Batsmen below par performance throughout the tournament is a wake-up call for Pakistan (Photo: ACC) Batsmen below par performance throughout the tournament is a wake-up call for Pakistani cricket (Photo: ACC)[/caption]

The only sense of an edge Pakistan felt throughout the match played in the Singapore’s Kallang Ground was perhaps the toss. Then there was nothing left for them. Everything belonged to India. Just like Pakistan’s ODI team, it was the batting department that sank the U-23 side as the whole team was bowled out on 159 in 47 overs. Only Umar Waheed (41) and Usman Qadir (33) showed some resistance.

Pakistan’s start was not that bad as the end turned out to be. They were 95 for 3 when Waheed departed. And then the team collapsed like a house of cards. Captain Hammad Azam was dismissed in the next over and as the scored reached 107, the team had lost Mohammad Waqas, Raza Hassan, Bilawal Bhatti and Mohammad Nawaz. They were 107 for 9. The situation could have been much worse had Usman Qadir and Ehsan Adil not added 52 runs for the last wicket.

India’s Baba Aparajith was the leading wicket taker with three wickets, whereas Sandeep Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav took two wickets apiece, and Sandeep Warrier and Ankit Bawne dismissed two batsmen.

After a poor show in the first innings, Pakistan now needed to tackle the tournament’s strongest batting line-up. But Pakistani bowlers soon realised they were up against a brick wall. Unmukt Chand’s wicket on 28 was the only loss suffered by India and they chased a small target of 160 runs in the 34th over. Lokesh Rahul and Manprit Juneja played unbeaten innings of 93 and 51.

India’s only dismissed wicket was taken by Raza Hassan.

Batting remained Pakistan’s Achilles heel throughout the tournament. Pakistan would have been out of the event in the semi-finals had Hammad Azam not played an outstanding knock.
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Anonymous at August 24, 2013 0
Apart from real and practical steps which benefit the masses, there has always been a confrontation between Pakistan and India. Be it games in the playgrounds or skirmishes at the border, a dispute is indispensable when players or soldiers of both countries come face-to-face. That’s why Pak-India contest in the world of games draws so much excitement and drama. Fate has now once again pitted the archrivals against each other as both teams are going to lock horns in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup 2013 on Sunday.

[caption id="attachment_2228" align="alignright" width="279"]Hammad Azam’s 66 saved the day for Pakistan (Photo: AFP) Hammad Azam’s 66 saved the day for Pakistan (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Pakistan Under-23 beat Sri Lanka in the second semi-final after a sensational match. In the game played at The Padang, Singapore, Sri Lanka chose to bat after winning the toss and scored 230 runs at the loss of seven wickets, thanks to the 94-run knock of opener Udara Jayasundera. The other opener, Shehan Jayasuria, was the second top-scorer for the team with 33 off 46. Both batsmen provided an 81-run start to the team.

Usman Qadir’s heroics with the ball restricted the Sri Lankans from amassing a big total. He took five-wicket haul against just 32 runs.

Pakistan suffered their first at the score of zero, and the match was almost slipped out of their hands when the team lost its seventh wicket on 129. Now Pakistan needed over 100 runs with just three wickets in hand. But captain Hammad Azam led from the from at the stage and first took the score to 169 with Bilawal Bhatti (25) and then to 196 with Usman Qadir (11).

When Qadir departed at 196, it seemed the game was over for the green shirts as they required another 35 runs and only one ball could shatter dreams. But Ehsan Adil managed to save his wicket by facing 14 balls, giving time to Azam to continue his fireworks from the other end. In the 49th over, Azam smashed a four to Lahiru Jayaratne on the first ball and then hit a six on the fifth ball to lead Pakistan to a one-wicket victory with seven balls remaining.

Azam’s 66-run innings off 69 balls included two 4s and three 6s. He was also given the player-of-the-match award.

Meanwhile, India beat minnows UAE in the first semi-final by 46 runs to earn a place in the final.

Now the final will be played between Pakistan and India on Sunday (Aug 25) in Kallang Ground, Singapore. The match will start at 6.30am (1.30 GMT) according to Pakistan time.
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Anonymous at August 04, 2013 0
Expectations, possibilities or risks; call it whatever you will, Zimbabwe have bene defeated in the last ODI, too, by the world champions India, who have lifted the series 5-0 under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. Because of a lot of fresh blood in the Indian team and the fact that Zimbabwe were playing at home, it was expected that the hosts would carve out at least one upset win. But India whitewashed them, beating them also in the last match with a heavy margin of 7 wickets.

[caption id="attachment_2051" align="alignright" width="257"]India’s new captain is taking shape in the form of Virat Kohli (Photo: AFP) India’s new captain is taking shape in the form of Virat Kohli (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

The key player of the Indian victory was Amit Mishra, who claimed six wickets in the match, which helped him equal Javagal Srinath’s world record of the 18 wickets in a series. His performance restricted Zimbabwe, who India put into bat after winning the toss, to 163 runs.

Half of Zimbabwe’s team was back to the pavilion on just 72 and India had laid the foundations of victory even before the first innings was completed. Unfortunately, captain Brendan Taylor failed once again and was dismissed for a duck after facing 11 balls. Hamilton Masakadza was only among the top-order batsmen who played a respectable innings of 32.

Sean Williams and Elton Chigumbura added 50 runs in the sixth wicket until Mishra sent them packing in two back-to-back overs along with Tinotenda Mutombodzi. Brian Vitori tried to put up a resistance but Mishra dismissed them too and ended the hosts’ innings on 163. Williams was the top-scorer for Zimbabwe with 51 off 65.

Mishra took 6 wickets for 48 runs in 8.5 overs. Mohit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami all took one wicket each.

India’s start in the chase of a low total was not good as they lost their first batsman – Cheteshwar Pujara – in the first over. But then Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane took the score to 55 until Dhawan lost his wicket to Kyle Jarvis after scoring 41 off 38 with the help of 6 fours and 1 six. Ravindra Jadeja and Rahane added 71 runs in the third wicket, taking the score to 126. Rahane was dismissed after completing his half-century. Later India chased the target in the 34th over . Jadeja and Dinesh Karthik remained not out on 48 and 10, respectively.

Mishra earned the player-of-the-match award for his outstanding bowling.

After their return to home, India will start preparations to host Australia and South Africa, whereas Zimbabwe will get themselves ready to face Pakistan, who will leave for Zimbabwe at this month’s end.
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Anonymous at June 24, 2013 0
After South Africa, England must be awarded the ‘chokers’ title for what they did in the final of 2013 Champions Trophy. Having collapsed Indian batting line-up for the fist time in the tournament, they imploded at a time when they were just a few runs away form the victory. England reached the final of Champions Trophy for five times and today was the day when they were poised to lift the title. But a late comeback by India snatched the win from their clutches and culminated into a five-wicket loss for the hosts.

[caption id="attachment_1750" align="alignright" width="300"]India proved that they are real ODI number one team (Photo: AFP) India proved that they are real ODI number one team (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

The win has made MS Dhoni the first captain of the history to claim all ICC tournaments: An ODI World Cup, a World T20, first rank in both Test and one-day formats, two Indian Premier League titles, a Champions League T20 title, and now the Champions Trophy. He is undoubtedly the king of the cricket world, having nerves of steel.

Today was a great day in Birmingham but rain and mismanagement by the ICC spoiled it thoroughly.  Thousands of fans in the stadium and millions of them worldwide kept on waiting for the match until the ODI was limited to a Twenty20, and that too after the match was provided with 75 additional minutes. The biggest proof of the council’s mismanagement was that they did not allocate a spare day for the final, let alone group matches. That means had the match been abandoned because of the inclement weather, the tournament’s title would have been shared by both teams.

England put India into bat after winning the toss and for the first time the visiting batsmen found themselves in trouble. India were 50 for one when Ravi Bopara turned the tables. At first he claimed almost impregnable wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and then dismissed Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni, leaving India reeling. In between the loss of these three wickets, James Tredwell sent packing Dinesh Karthik and India lost four wickets for just 16 additional runs with just seven overs left in their innings.

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja played came forward to play responsible innings at the stage and added 47 runs in almost five years, guiding India to a somewhat defendable target. Kohli was dismissed by James Anderson in the 19th over after scoring 43 off 34, including a six and four fours.

Kohli’s dismissal did not affect the flow of runs as Jadeja kept the momentum going. He helped India amass 129-run total with his unbeaten 33 off 25.

English bowlers fully exploited the conditions. Bopara remained most prominent, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in four overs. Anderson, Broad and Tredwell took one wicket apiece.

England’s start was quite disappointing. From the very outset they were playing as if the target was 230 instead of 130 which was clear proof of their poor shot selection. Cook played a cut shot when two fielders were standing in the slips, giving catch to Ashwin in the first slip. Jonathan Trott was looking confident but lost his balance in playing an almost wide ball, prompting Dhoni to swiftly break the wickets. England lost his most key player on just 28.

It was high time that a batsman played long innings for England, but young Joe Root’s adventurism cost him his wicket. He gave away catch to Ishant Sharma in trying to pull Ashwin on backfoot. Ian Bell’s presence at the time was a sign of strength for the hosts, but his dismissal can only be regarded as misfortune. Bell was denied the benefit of doubt which, according to law, should be given to batsman. Dejected and surprised, he returned to the pavilion. England were now 46 for four.

[caption id="attachment_1751" align="alignright" width="231"]Turning point: Having remained zero throughout the match, Ishant Sharma became hero in just two balls (Photo: Getty Images) Turning point: Having remained zero throughout the match, Ishant Sharma became hero in just two balls (Photo: Getty Images)[/caption]

Then came Bopara, who, along with Eoin Morgan, gave his team what it was craving for – a good partnership. They both took England to the 17th over when they only needed another 28 runs to win.

Indian fans in the stadium were in complete silence and disappointment was evident on Dhoni’s face. Dhoni gave ball to Sharma to bowl the first over of the powerplay despite his failure in his first three overs. After failing to utilise the first ball, Morgan hit the second ball to six. It seemed Sharma lost his footing as bowled the next two balls wide. Now only 20 runs were required on 16 balls. Sharma, who had been a punchbag on Twitter by Indian fans, became hero in just two balls, thanks to the sheer lunacy of English batsmen. Morgan and Bopara lost back-to-back wickets, leaving England in danger of collapsing. In the next over Jadeja clean bowled Jos Buttler, and a ball later, Tim Bresnan was run out. The match reached a stage when England required a six on the last ball, which was surely out of question as James Tredwell was the batsman.

Although the match was an epitome of mismanagement, there’s no denying that the team who deserved lifted the title fully deserved it. From their arrival in England to the final of the tournament, they remained unbeaten and proved it once again that they were number one team.

Shikhar Dhawan and Ravindra Jadeja were awarded “Golden Bat” and “Golden Ball” awards, respectively, for their riveting performances in the event. Jadeja was also given the man-of-the-match award.

Now England will shortly play two T20s against New Zealand, while India will leave for West Indies to play a tri-series, including Sri Lanka apart from the hosts.

England vs India


Champions Trophy 2013, Final


June 23, 2013


Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham


Result: India won by 5 runs


Man of the match: Ravindra Jadeja


Men of the series: Shikhar Dhawan (Golden Bat), Ravindra Jadeja (Golden Ball)









































































































بھارتRunsBalls4s6s
Rohit Sharmab Broad91410
Shikhar Dhawanc Tredwell b Bopara312421
Virat Kohlic Bopara b Anderson433441
Dinesh Karthikc Morgan b Tredwell61100
Suresh Rainac Cook b Bopara1600
MS Dhonic Tredwell b Bopara0400
Ravindra Jadejanot out332522
Ravichandran Ashwinrun out (Bell)1100
Bhuvneshwar Kumarnot out1100
Extras(wides 4)4
Total(7 wickets; 20 overs)129

 















































England (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
James Anderson40241
Staurt Broad40261
Tim Bresnan40340
James Tredwell40251
Ravi Bopara41203

 














































































































انگلستانTarget: 130 runs (20 overs)RunsBalls4s6s
Alastair Cookc Ashwin b Yadav2900
Ian Bellst Dhoni b Jadeja131610
Jonathan Trottst Dhoni b Ashwin201720
Joe Rootc I Sharma b Ashwin7900
Eoin Morganc Ashwin b I Sharma333031
Ravi Boparac Ashwin b I Sharma302502
Jos Butlerb Jadeja0100
Tim Bresnanrun out (RG Sharma/Dhoni)2400
Stuart Broadnot out7510
James Tredwellnot out5400
Extras(leg-bye 1, wides 4)5
Total(8 wickets; 20 overs)124

 






















































India (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar30190
Umesh Yadav20101
Ravindra Jadeja40242
Ravichandran Ashwin41152
Ishant Sharma40362
Suresh Raina30190

 
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Anonymous at June 23, 2013 0


England vs India - Match Information
Event:         ICC Champions Trophy
This Match:    11th Match ODI (Day)
Toss: 	       England won the toss and choose to Field
Country:       England
City: 	       Birmingham
Venue: 	       Edgbaston
Umpire 1:      Kumar Dharmasena
Umpire 2:      Rod Tucker
TV Umpire:     Bruce Oxenford
Referee:       Ranjan Madugalle

 

England Team: Alastair Cook (captain), Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler (wicket keeper), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, James Tredwell, James Anderson.

India Team: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (captain / wicket keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav
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Anonymous at June 23, 2013 0
"It’s just a game, it’s just a sport why taking it too serious and being so poignant." These were my words. And I was trying to pacify my friends who were being unable to control their emotions after recent Pakistan-India encounter.  The reply was, “You think about it and ask yourself ‘Do I actually mean what I am saying?’”. Challenge was accepted and I started thinking about it from the beginning and found they were right. Normally, a cricket match starts on the day when it is scheduled to be held but for me the match in question started months ago. The first task was to assign the duty of buying tickets to a friend as soon as the sale was open. That idea was a success and we managed to bag tickets for all the willing friends. And when I use the word ‘success’ I mean it, because all the tickets were sold out in nearly 27 minutes.

[caption id="attachment_1712" align="alignright" width="300"]The ticket to watch world war of cricket (Photo: Rai Azlan) The ticket to watch the world war of cricket (Photo: Rai Azlan)[/caption]

Taking a break from the busy life of London and travelling all the way back to Newport, near Cardiff in Wales, joining the group of friends there to hit Edgbaston next morning. It was second success. Although the travel to Wales last Friday took me twice as much as it normally does in terms of both time and money.

The third success was to reach Edgbaston in time on the morning of last Saturday. The journey to Edgbaston ended in 90 minutes but the place was too crowded and the atmosphere gave the idea as if whole Birmingham were heading to Edgbaston cricket ground. We spent a hefty 45 minutes in finding a parking space and a vacant space was waiting for us nearly three miles away from the stadium.

The walk to stadium was another charm. Many new and short-term acquaintances were made, many self-proclaimed cricket experts and analysts were busy in showering their knowledge and analyses. Temporary stalls were set to sell the Tiranga and green flags, horns, fancy hats, and whatnot.

Standing outside the stadium during the anthem, we were waiting for our friend who had the tickets. Anthem time was the biggest attraction for me that day but we missed it – fortune does not smile on you all the time.

The crowd was keyed up, electrified, buoyant and enthusiastic. Representatives of many TV channels were humming around to get some bite, a Pashto TV channel (Khyber TV) tried their hand on our group, questions were asked in Pashto and answers were in Urdu with a slight flavour of Punjabi. We were in the queue when Pakistan lost the first wicket; we were still in the queue when Hafeez was hitting one boundary after the other.

We were finally sitting on our designated seats. Just 25 feet away from us Shikhar Dhawan were fielding at the third man position. But before reaching the seats we had to go through the security checks which was tighter than the normal games, cell phones were jammed, our placards, cans of cold drinks, and horns were confiscated, however, the parathas and biryani boxes were allowed, maybe because of their delicious aroma.

The match was between 22 in the ground but the 22000 around the playing field were consistently involved in every fall of wicket and every shot was cheered and booed equally. The fielders of team India on the boundary were also engaging the spectators. The chants of "gujjer gujjer" and” hero hero" made Dhawan to start twisting his moustache, and when clouds started pouring rain, he started giving gestures as if he was trying to tear clouds apart to get the sun rays back on ground.

[caption id="attachment_1713" align="alignright" width="300"]Emotional sloganeering ended with “yeh dosti hum nahi chorhain gey” (We’ll never give up this friendship) (Photo: Rai Azlan) Emotional sloganeering ended with “yeh dosti hum nahi chorhain gey” (We’ll never give up this friendship) (Photo: Rai Azlan)[/caption]

The kind of game team Pakistan presented was as bad as even a blind could see. That is why one friend declared the as match as ‘India vs Rain’ rather than ‘India vs Pakistan’ because it was rain that was testing nerves of the Indian players and the Indian fans the most. Those who were chanting slogans and yelling against each other were seen sharing umbrellas during the rain. However, that was near the playing field. Under the roof at the entrance, many gathered to take shelter from rain. In addition, the presence of ultra charged crowd representing the arch-rival cricketing nations instigated the exchange of words and slogans. The fan verbal fight heated up with every passing moment, however, it ended up with both sides holding hands and singing "yeh dosti hum nahi chorhain gey" (We’ll never give up this friendship). Chants of “Jiju Jiju” filled the air when Shoaib Mailk was playing; while Pakistani spectators raised these chants Indian fans were silent and tried to coin an answer to it.

When rain stopped the game after Dhawan’s dismissal, our group decided to leave as rain did not seem to stop, and even if it stopped there would not be any charm left in the match. When we were on our way back to the car parking, I realised that we were not alone. A majority of Pakistani spectators were on their way back homes, dejected and heartbroken.

I always wonder that why people start leaving the stadium when their favourite team is losing. That day I got the answer, at least this hypothesis is valid for Pak-India game. The reason is possibility of harsh exchange of words and fan fights especially when emotions are running so high that cricket does not remain a game any more.

That was my journey and a lifetime experience at Edgbaston. We lost the match but the moments I lived there are matchless and priceless, and I do not know if I will ever get to see the mother of all cricket games again.

So here, I put the full stop to the series of Pakistan vs India in the Champions Trophy. Though India won this time around but the past is a reality and Pakistan’s victory in 2004 and 2009 cannot be forgotten or changed. One bad day and one bad performance should not disturb the morale because Viv Richards said, “One day is not a whole season.”
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Anonymous at June 21, 2013 0
The way India showed an all-round performance throughout the tournament despite reservations has certainly surprised many experts, but what is more surprising is the one-sidedness of the semi-finals. On the one hand, the hosts England trounced South Africa, and on the other, India gave Sri Lanka an eight-wicket drubbing in the second semi-final.

[caption id="attachment_1705" align="alignright" width="293"]The picture depicts Sri Lanka's innings -- totally disappointing (Photo: AFP) The picture depicts Sri Lanka's innings -- totally disappointing (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

The pre-tournament forecasts were suggesting that India could not perform in the 2013 Champions Trophy because of the spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But after a few matches, the situation has made a U-turn as people are now comparing India with Australia, who ruled the world of cricket for more than a decade. Be it the tournament’s favourite South Africa, arch-rivals Pakistan, West Indies or Sri Lanka, no team could erect barriers to stop India from reaching the tournament’s final. Now India have a golden chance to beat the hosts and clinched the Champions Trophy’s title, two years after they lifted the World Cup.

The match started late at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff because if rain. Winning the toss was of crucial importance to avoid the ‘negative’ effects of batting first. MS Dhoni was lucky to choose batting first after winning the toss. It seemed as if there were landmines in the Cardiff’s wicket because of which Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews forgot the names of players included in the team. The same batting side which gave a tough time to England seemed left to the mercy of Indian bowlers.

Kusal Perera, 4; Lahiru Thrimanne, 7; and Kumar Sangakkara, 17; were back to the pavilion on 41. In between, Tillakaratne Dilshan was also retired hurt, which means four of their players were back to the pavilion before 50. Mahela Jayawardene and Mathews supported the innings at the stage. They faced Indian bowlers for the next 20 over but could not overcome them. The duo added 78 runs in the fourth wicket until the batting powerplay started in which Ravindra Jadeja clean bowled Jayawardene (38 off 63), ending Sri Lanka’s chances of recovery. The pace of runs fell further with the dismissal. After scoring runs at a snail’s pace in the next 10 overs, Sri Lanka lost quick wickets when they tried to get their innings into gear. Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara and Jeevan Mendis lost their wickets in the space of just 13 runs. Dilshan came back to the crease when the score was 164 for 7 and remained not out until Sri Lankan innings ended with 181 runs on the scoreboard at the loss of eight wickets.

The position of Sri Lankan batting in the match can be gauged with the fact that even Dhoni tried his hand in bowling and bowled four overs. He could even have taken Jayawardene’s wicket had the third umpire not saved him on review.

All Indian bowlers shared their bit in making the Sri Lankan batting collapse. Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jadeja took one each.

[caption id="attachment_1706" align="alignright" width="208"]Another riveting innings by Shikhar Dhawan, but this time fortune was smiling on him (Photo: ICC) Another riveting innings by Shikhar Dhawan, but this time fortune was smiling on him (Photo: ICC)[/caption]

Looking at the performance of India’s top order, it can be safely said that a total of 300 had not bothered them, let alone a 182-run target as only Shikhar Dhawan was enough for that. Aided with Rohit Sharma, and fortune, Dhawan gave India a 77-run opening stand, stifling even the weakest glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka. In the last ball of the ninth over, Dhawan was dropped by Mathews in Kulasekara’s over. In the next over Sharma’s was by a few inches when the ball fell short of the first slip. Fate was not kind to Sri Lanka that day. Wicket-keeper Sangakkara missed another chanced to take Dhawan’s catch as he was standing very close to wicket to stop Dhawan. Three missed chances in three overs; what else one could expect after that?

During the innings’ break, a few overoptimistic fellows were hoping that he match would be a replica of the one between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, where the former took the match into a thrilling phase, defending just 130 runs. But people thinking this forgot that the batting line-up of India and the Black Caps are poles apart.

India lost their fist wicket in he form of Sharma, who paid the price because of quite a sloppy shot selection. Dhawan added another 65 runs with Virat Kohli before losing his wicket in the 32nd over. He remained the best batsman of the tournament, scoring yet another half-century. He returned to the pavilion after making 68 off 92. It took Kohli (58) and Suresh Raina (7) only three overs to end Sri Lanka’s campaign. Raina played the victory shot in the 35th over.

Ishant was declared the man of the match for his three wickets.

India will now face England on June 23 in the final. India are certainly the favourites for the grand match, given their performance throughout the tournament. The only the hosts can do to lift the title is to harness India’s batsmen. Otherwise “Ye cup kaheen naheen jaye ga”.

India vs Sri Lanka


Champions Trophy 2013, 2nd semi-final


June 20, 2013


Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff


Result; India won by 8 wickets


Man of the match: Ishant Sharma

















































































































سری لنکاRunsBalls4s6s
Kusal Pererac Raina b Kumar4810
Tillakaratne Dilshannot out182120
Kumar Sangakkarac Raina b I Sharma174410
Lahiru Thirimannec Raina b I Sharma73110
Mahela Jayawardeneb Jadeja386330
Angelo Mathewsc Kumar b Ashwin518911
Jeevan Mendisst Dhoni b Ashwin253510
Thisara Pererac Dhawan b I Sharma0400
Nuwan Kulasekarab Ashwin1300
Lasith Malinganot out7210
Extras(lb 2, w 11)13
Total(8 wickets; 50 overs)181

 






















































India (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar92181
Umesh Yadav82300
Ishant Sharma91333
Ravindra Jadeja101331
MS Dhoni40170
Ravichandran Ashwin101483

 






























































بھارتTarget: 182 runsRunsBalls4s6s
Rohit Sharmab Mathews335040
Shikhar Dhawanst Sangakkara b Mendis689261
Virat Kohlinot out586441
Suresh Rainanot out7410
Extras(b 1, lb 5, w 10)16
Total(2 wickets; 35 overs; 155 mins)182

 






















































Sri Lanka (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Nuwan Kulasekara100450
Lasith Malinga80540
Thisara Perera60250
Angelo Mathews40101
Rangana Herath40140
Jeevan Mendis30281
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Anonymous at June 20, 2013 0
India vs Sri Lanka - Match Information
Event:         ICC Champions Trophy
This Match:    Second Semi-final
Toss: 	       India won the toss and choose to Field
Venue: 	       Kennington, Oval, London

 

Sri Lanka Team: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kushal Janith Perera, Kumar Sangakkara (Wicket Keeper), Mahela Jayawardene, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews (Captain), Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga

India Team: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav


Part 1 (Sri Lanka Innings Highlights):












Part 2 (India Innings Highlights):








Read more »

Anonymous at June 16, 2013 2
Having given Pakistan an eight-wicket defeat, India have proved that they are the most-deserved team to lift the Champions Trophy title. On the other hand, the tournament has turned out to be a nightmare for Pakistan who could not win even a single competition, while India have won the all three.

[caption id="attachment_1643" align="alignright" width="300"]India not only bowled and batted brilliantly, their fielding also remained excellent as evident in this picture (Photo: AFP) India not only bowled and batted brilliantly, their fielding also remained excellent as evident in this picture (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Fans’ interest in the match had already faded away as it did not have any consequences for both teams. Moreover, rain added insult to injury. Frequent interruptions because of rain reduced Pakistan’s innings to 40 overs, while India’s target was revised several times to finally settle down at 102 in 22 overs which they chased down at the loss of two wickets like a piece of cake.

Pakistan’s innings was customary as their top-order failed, the middle-order produced just one reasonable partnership and afterwards the while team was reduced to a low score.

Nasir Jamshed and Kamran opened Pakistan’s innings after India put the green shirts into bat after winning the toss. Jamshed, who has a good record against India and has been in form in the earlier matches of the tournament, was declared lbw in the beginning. However he decided to use review option. The third umpire’s decision resuscitated Jamshed back to life. But he failed to utilise the chance and fell prey to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Jamshed’s dismissal put brakes on score until Mohammad Hafeez hit a few fours against Umesh Yadav. Pakistan completed 50 runs in 12 overs and rain started pouring down. It affected Pakistan batting badly because as soon as the game resumed, Hafeez was sent packing on the very first ball. In the next over, Kamran was walking back to the pavilion. Rain visited Birmingham again as Pakistan had lost their two settled batsmen. Hafeez scored 27 while Kamran made 21.

When the match resumed after almost three hours, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asaf Shafiq were looking to guide Pakistan for a good total. But Ravindra Jadeja turned the situation upside down. It wasn’t clear what Misbah was up to when he lost his wicket. First he pushed himself on the backfoot and then tried to stop the ball coming in front of it. As a result, the ball dodged Misbah’s bat and pad and went straight to hit the leg stump. Misbah’s innings ended on 22 and the match began to slip from Pakistan’s grasp. Moment later, MS Dhoni took a wonderful catch of Shafiq on Ishant Sharma’s delivery. The field umpire declared him not out initially, but review showed that the ball slightly touched his bat. Half of Pakistan’s team was out on just 131.

Among the incoming batsmen, Shoaib Malik was lbw as he tried to play hockey in cricket and Wahab Riaz was clean bowled by Ashwin. Umar Amin shared his bit by making an unbeaten 27 off 26, but wickets continued to fall from the other end and it was all over on 165 runs.

Pakistan’s batting remained consistently inconsistent in the tournament, while India showed their brilliance in both bowling and fielding departments.

Kumar, Sharma, Ashwin and Jadeja all took two wickets apiece.

In the beginning, India had 40 overs to play, but after continual interruptions due to the inclement weather, their target was finally revised down to 102 in 22 over which they chased on the first ball of the 20th over.

Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave India a befitting start of 58 runs. Saeed Ajmal took Sharma’s wicket when he was 18 off 31. Dhawan (48 off 41) lost his wicket at time when India were just 24 runs short of victory. Virat Kohli scored 22 and remained not out.

Ajmal and Riaz claimed each of the two wickets taken by Pakistan.

Kumar was given the man-of-the-match award.

That match that was being regarded as the “World War of Cricket” and “Maha Yudh” saw a one-sided end. India moved towards the title, leaving many questions for Pakistan. The biggest question was the failure of Pakistani batsmen despite the fact that a foreign coach was hired for the job in the tournament. Pakistan bowling, on the other hand, remained average as they gave tough time to West Indies against just 170 runs, restricted South Africa to 234 and did not let the Indian batsmen, especially, Shikhar Dhawan, ruled the match as they had done in the previous matches. But Pakistani batsmen did not support them throughout. Misbah and Jamshed did put some resistance but it is just called resistance, not good innings. Pakistan could not even reach 200-run mark in the three matches they played and every time whole of the team was out.

Now as India are set to play their semi-final on June 20 against the second number team of Group A, Pakistan will be returning home tomorrow (Sunday).

India vs Pakistan


Champions Trophy, Match 10


June 15, 2013


Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham


Result: India won by 8 wickets (D/L method)


Man of the match: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

























































































































پاکستانRunsBalls4s6s
Nasir Jamshedc Raina b Kumar2900
Kamran Akmalc Kohli b Ashwin213820
Mohammad Hafeezc Dhoni b Kumar273150
Asad Shafiqc Dhoni b I Sharma415730
Misbah-ul-Haqb Jadeja223310
Shoaib Maliklbw b Jadeja172320
Umar Aminnot out272630
Wahab Riazb Ashwin0200
Saeed Ajmalc RG Sharma b I Sharma51600
Junaid Khanrun out (Kohli)0100
Mohammad Irfanrun out (Yadav)0200
Extrasleg-bye 1, wides 2)3
Total(all out; 39.4 overs)165

 






















































India (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar82192
Umesh Yadav6.40290
Ishant Sharma70402
Ravichandran Ashwin80352
Virat Kohli20110
Ravindra Jadeja81302

 






























































بھارتTarget: 102 runs (22 overs)RunsBalls4s6s
Rohit Sharmac Misbah-ul-Haq b Saeed Ajmal183220
Shikhar Dhawanc Nasir Jamshed b Wahab Riaz484150
Virat Kohlinot out222730
Dinesh Karthiknot out111510
Extraswides 3)3
Total(2 wickets; 19.1 overs)102

 















































Pakistan (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Mohammad Irfan40240
Junaid Khan40210
Saeed Ajmal50291
Mohammad Hafeez2.1080
Wahab Riaz40201
Read more »
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Anonymous at June 15, 2013 0
Pakistan vs India - Match Information
Event:         ICC Champions Trophy
This Match:    10th Match ODI (Day)
Toss: 	       India won the toss and choose to Field
Country:       England
City: 	       Birmingham
Venue: 	       Edgbaston
Umpire 1:      Ian Gould
Umpire 2:      Richard Kettleborough
TV Umpire:     Kumar Dharmasena
Referee:       Chris Broad

 

India Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (Captain / Wicket Keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav

Pakistan Squad: Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal (Wicket Keeper), Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Umar Amin, Misbah-ul-Haq (Captain), Shoaib Malik, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Read more »

Anonymous at June 15, 2013 2
Cricket isn’t cricket without Indo-Pak contests. On June 15, the two Asian giants are set to lock horns with each other in the Champions Trophy group stage match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Fans of both countries are eagerly waiting for this match. Every cricket lover’s eye will be on their TV screen when the arch-rivals India and Pakistan confront with each other. Defeat for the fans of both countries is just unbearable. They just want their teams to win the match at any cost. During the contest between the two countries, every individual will be praying for their team’s success, forgetting all kinds of differences and yearning for their team’s victory.

If one goes by Champions Trophy’s history alone, the scale tied in the favour of Pakistan who have 2-0 lead over India. Pakistan are also leading in the total matches played between the two. Pakistan and India have played two matches in Champions Trophy and Pakistan have won both of them. Here, I’m discussing these two matches:

First ever Indo-Pak match at Champions Trophy
It was the fourth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy when Pakistan and India confronted each other for the first time in the event’s history. Pakistan won the low-scoring match by three wickets, thanks to Yousuf’s heroics. Indian top order collapsed horribly in front of Rana Naveed’s and Shoaib Akhtar’s catastrophic bowling. Half of the Indian team went back to the dressing room after 20 overs. India were 73 for 5. Then partnership of 82 runs between Dravid and Agarkar helped India to put exactly 200 on the board for all out.

Chasing a 201-run target, Pakistan’s top three batsmen were dismissed on 27. Then Inzamam and Yousuf batted responsibly and took the score to 102 for the loss of three wickets. Yousuf stayed at the crease till the end as Pakistan chased down the target in the last over. Yousuf remained unbeaten on 81.

Meanwhile, a scuffle between Shoaib Akhtar and Rahul Dravid made the fans more enthusiastic.

The Centurion Contest
That was the second confrontation between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat. At 65, Pakistan’s top three batsmen were back to the pavilion. Then Muhammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik took the charge and helped Pakistan recover their poise. The partnership between the duo was 206. Malik scored an unbeaten 128 while Yousuf scored 87. Pakistan put 302 runs on the board for the loss of nine wickets.

[caption id="attachment_1595" align="alignright" width="300"]Malik scored an unbeaten 128 in ICC Champions Trophy, 2009Malik scored an unbeaten 128 that help Pakistan to put 302 runs on the board in the Final of ICC Champions Trophy, 2009 (Picture © Getty Images)[/caption]

India received a big blow as they started their innings. Muhammad Aamir sent Sachin Tendulkar packing when the opponents’ total was just 23. However, Gautam Gambhir batted superbly after Sachin’s loss before he was run out by the direct hit of Younus Khan. That was the turning point of the match. India lost the match by 54 runs.

That was a little history of the Indo-Pak matches in the Champions Trophy. The matches between the two arch-rivals have always been spicy. Cricket usually doesn’t remain a gentleman sport when it comes to rivalry between the two. Nobody can forget the sledging between Afridi and Gambhir in an ODI. Similarly, nobody can forget Javed Miandad’s ‘frog-jump’ over the excessive appealing by Kiran More. And the row between Aamir Sohail and Venkatesh Prasad in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final match at Bangalore is also unforgettable.

Pakistan and India have played five ODIs in June. India have won three as compared to Pakistan’s two. Their upcoming match in the Champions Trophy also falls in June. Let’s have a look at the history of June ODIs between the neighbouring countries.

Indo-Pak confrontation during Kargil War
The Kargil conflict took place between May and July, 1999, making the relations between the two countries strained. It was against this backdrop of tension that India and Pakistan had to play a match at Old Trafford Manchester in the 1999 World Cup. It was match that required nerves of steel. India won the toss and opted to bat. India set a mediocre target of 227 runs. Dravid was the top-scorer from India with 61 runs. Wasim Akram and Azhar Mehmood were the most successful bowlers from Pakistan, taking two wickets apiece.

Half of the Pakistani team went back to the dressing room on just 78. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan provided Pakistan with a little strength. Moin Khan succumbed to Indian bowlers when he was on 34. Inzamam managed to lead Pakistan to 175 for seven before he was bowled out on 41. Pakistan lost by 47 runs as a result.

Asia Cup 2000
Pakistan and India were face-to-face in the fifth match of the Asia Cup. Pakistan were off to a flying start. Both openers gave Pakistan a good start of 74 runs. Pakistan lost three quick wickets for one run to become 75 for three. Responsible batting from Muhammad Yousuf and Moin Khan helped Pakistan to put a good total on the scoreboard. Yousuf remained unbeaten on 100, helping Pakistan set a target of 296 runs.

Pakistani bowlers bowled to the full, especially Razzaq who impressed the audience by his heroics. Ajay Jadeja was the only Indian batsman who could stand Pakistani bowling attack. Pakistan sealed a 44-run victory as India were all-out on 251.

Pakistan biggest defeat against India by most runs
It was the second match of the tri-nation series between Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. India had won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan. Indian openers started off well, making a first-wicket partnership of 155 runs. Virender Sehwag (89) was the top scorer from India followed by Gambhir (61) and Yuvraj (55). India set a smashing target of 331 runs for Pakistan.

As we all know Pakistan have never been good chasers. They failed to chase the huge target. Pakistan’s middle-order collapsed badly. Only Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal showed some courage against Indian bowlers. Pakistan lost that match by a big margin of 140 runs. That was also the Pakistan’s biggest ODI defeat against India in terms of runs.

The Final of Kitply Cup
Pakistani cricketers pose after winning

The Final of 2008 Kitply Cup was played on June 14 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. That was the second confrontation between Pakistan and India in this tournament. Having won the first match against Pakistan, India had an edge over their opponents. The toss was won by Pakistan who decided to bat. Salman Butt and Younis Khan scored centuries for Pakistan and made a 205-run partnership. Pakistan gave India a hefty 316-run target.

Indian came quite close to the target but failed to finish it off. They were all out on 290. MS Dhoni (64) and Yuvraj Singh (56) were the top-scorers for India. Umar Gul was the most successful bowler from Pakistan and took four wickets. Younis Khan was given the man-of-the-match award due to his brilliant performance in the crunch game.

Asia Cup 2008
In the 2008 Asia Cup, both sides came face-to-face in a group match played in Karachi. The greens shirts’ captain Shoaib Malik scored an unbeaten 125 runs, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 299-run total at the loss of four wickets.

India easily chased down the target in the 43rd over with the loss of only four wickets. Virender Sehwag smashed 119 off just 95, including 12 fours and five sixes, while Suresh Raina scored 84. Both scored 198 runs together.

The nail-biter in 2010 Asia Cup
It was a thrilling contest between the two sides. The match was decided on the second last ball. Pakistan came to bat after winning the toss. With the help of Salman Butt’s 74, Malik’s 39 and a quick-fire 51-run innings by Kamran Akmal, including two fours and three sixes, Pakistan managed to gather a total of 267. Parveen Kumar took three wickets for India.

[caption id="attachment_1587" align="alignright" width="300"]Clash of Kamran Akmal and Gautam Gambhir in 2010 Asia Cup The clash between Kamran and Gambhir made the match more energetic.[/caption]

India chased that target in the last over at the loss of seven wickets. Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni batted superbly. Suresh Raina paced the innings at the end and took India to a winning position. Three runs were needed on the last two balls. Harbhajan Singh hit a massive six on Mohammad Aamir’s delivery to register India’s win.

The clash between Kamran Akmal and Gautam Gambhir and then between Akhtar and Harbhajan made the match more energetic.

So that is the history of ODI matches between Pakistan and India played in June. Pakistan will have an edge over India in the upcoming Champions Trophy as they have never been beaten against the arch-rivals in the tournament. Also Pakistan had recently won an ODI series in India against India 2-1. The young players of both sides have to handle the pressure which will be a must in the highly charged game. No rivalry between ant two teams can be compared to that of between Pakistan and India. Fans on both sides of the border can bear defeat from any other team but not from each other.

In the past, fans have often gotten violent and there have been reports of burning effigies of cricketers and at times even attacking at their homes. I hope this will not be the case this time.
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Anonymous at June 12, 2013 0
India have reached the semi-finals and ended Pakistan’s already slim chances of proceeding to the next round, beating West Indies by eight wickets in their second match of Group B. This makes Pak-India match on June 15 an insipid one which will have no consequences for any team, except that Pakistan could pacify the irate fans, who are waiting to give their national team very very ‘warm’ reception, by beating India having been defeated in the first two matches.

[caption id="attachment_1490" align="alignright" width="213"]Shikhar Dhawan’s back-two to-back hundreds. Could he level the record three successive centuries n the match against Pakistan? (Photo: Getty Images) Shikhar Dhawan’s back-two to-back hundreds. Could he level the record three successive centuries n the match against Pakistan? (Photo: Getty Images)[/caption]

India reached England for the Champions Trophy amid the spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that rocked the game in the country. By now, many big guns have come under the spotlight. Even the wife of team’s captain, MS Dhoni, came under suspicion. Against this backdrop, nobody was expecting that India would make it to the last four. But Dhoni XI have proved after winning the first two matches that if any team is going to lift the title on performance, it is ‘Team India’.

Shikhar Dhawan with his bat and ‘Sir’ Ravindra Jadeja with his ball contained West Indies and helpe India seal victory. Dhawan scored second consecutive ODI century in the match.

West Indies came to bat and despite Chris Gayle’s early dismissal, runs continued to add up. Johnson Charles had been mercilessly beating Indian bowlers until he was out lbw by Jadeja. In the next over Jadeja dismissed Marlon Samuels and again in the preceding over he took the wicket of Ramnaresh Sarwan to collapse India’s batting line-up. The West Indies who had been 103 for one was now 109 for four. Darren Bravo, along with his brother Dwayne Bravo, tried to stop the fall of wickets, but only for a while and lost his wicket to Ravichandran Ashwin n the 34th over. Half of West Indies team was back to the benches on 140, with the batting powerplay still left.

Now Wet Indies were relying on Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, but the former was dismissed by Umesh Yadav in the powerplay. And who took his catch? Yes, ‘Sir’ Jadeja. Pollard too lost his wicket in the 43rd over, leaving former captain Darren Sammy with one end completely vulnerable. Sammy guided his team to 233 runs at a time when it seemed they would not even cross 200. He had replaced Denesh Ramdin in the match and justified his place in the side. Hitting two sixes and two fours in the 49th over and two fours and one six in the over, Sammy helped the Caribbean set a respectable target. He scored 56 off 35, hitting five fours and fours sixes.

[caption id="attachment_1491" align="alignright" width="222"]West Indies failed to set a defendable target despite Sammy’s belated fireworks (Photo: AFP) West Indies failed to set a defendable target despite Sammy’s belated fireworks (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Putting aside Sammy’s innings, West Indies middle order miserably failed against India as did against Pakistan, and after Charles, the next seven batsmen could only add 80 runs to the total.

Jadeja took his five-wicket haul in 10 overs, giving 36 runs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Ashwin took one wicket apiece.

India set the tone for the victory from the outset, posting a 101-run opening stand. Century partnerships by the Indian openers in the two consecutive matches in English conditions, which are infamous for batsmen, are enough for great bowlers to have butterflies. Dhawan, who was given the man-of-the-match award for his 114 against South Africa, seemed impregnable against West Indies, too. India’s only wickets that fell were of Rohit Sharma (52) and Virat Kohli (22).

After a brief pause because of rain, India sailed through to victory on the first ball of the 40th over. Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik remained not out on 102 and 51, respectively.

As India have become the first team to reach the semi-finals and Pakistan the first to buy tickets home, South Africa and West Indies will now face each other in a do-or-die match.

India vs West Indies


Champions Trophy 2013, Match 6


June 11, 2013


Venue: The Oval, London


Result: India won by 8 wickets


Man of the match: Ravindra Jadeja

























































































































ویسٹ انڈیزRunsBalls4s6s
Chris Gaylesc Ashwin b Kumar211840
Johnson Charleslbw b Jadeja605572
Darren Bravost †Dhoni b Ashwin358320
Marlon Samuelslbw b Jadeja1800
Ramnaresh Sarwanc †Dhoni b Jadeja1600
Dwayne Bravoc Jadeja b Yadav254030
Kieron Pollardc Kumar b I Sharma223202
Darren Sammynot out563554
Sunil Narinec Karthik b Jadeja2800
Ravi Rampaulb Jadeja2700
Kemar Roachnot out0800
Extras(byes 4, leg-byes 2, wides 2)8
Total(9 wickets; 50 overs)233

 






















































India (bowling)OversMaidenRunsWickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar80321
Umesh Yadav90541
Ishant Sharma101431
Ravichandran Ashwin92361
Virat Kohli40260
Ravindra Jadeja102365

 






























































بھارتTarget: 234 runsRunsBalls4s6s
Rohit Sharmac †Charles b Narine525670
Shikhar Dhawannot out102107101
Virat Kohlib Narine221840
Dinesh Karthiknot out515480
Extrasb 4, w 5)9
Total(2 wickets; 39.1 overs; 183 mins)236

 




































































West Indies (bowling)OversMaidenRunsWickets
Kemar Roach60470
Ravi Rampaul60280
Sunil Narine100492
Darren Sammy40230
Darren Bravo50360
Marlon Samuels40170
Chris Gayle10110
Kieron Pollard3.10210
Read more »
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Anonymous at June 11, 2013 0


Match Information
Event:         ICC Champions Trophy
This Match:    6th ODI Match (Day)
Toss: 	       India won the toss and choose to Field
Country:       England
City: 	       London
Venue: 	       Kennington Oval
Umpire 1:      Aleem Dar
Umpire 2:      Tony Hill
TV Umpire:     Steve Davis
Referee:       Chris Broad

 

India Team: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (Wicket Keeper/Captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav

West Indies Squad: Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles (Wicket), Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach, Ravi Rampaul
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Anonymous at June 09, 2013 0
India have a difficult task of acclimatising to new conditions, given the spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that has rocked the game in the country. However, they have performed well in the warm-up match against Australia and in the first match of the Champions Trophy against South Africa. It suggests that India captain MS Dhoni has proved to be quite successful in imbuing the players with his ‘calm’ nature. Moreover, it’s a good omen that India do not seem to have affected by the IPL scandal.

[caption id="attachment_1437" align="alignright" width="300"]In the absence of big names, Indian youngsters proved they worth their salt in their first match of the tournament (Photo: AP) In the absence of big names, Indian youngsters proved they worth their salt in their first match of the tournament (Photo: AP)[/caption]

India’s performance in the tournament heavily relies on their pacers, given the fast wickets of England. There is a general expectation among Indian fans that young Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has proved in a very short span of time that he worth his salt, will do wonders because of his ability to swing the ball in both directions, and English conditions are quite a help for him in this regard. He showed his talent in the series against Pakistan earlier this year, and hopes run high that he would earn a permanent place in the team after the ongoing tournament. But it is only possible if he succeeds in utilising the helpful conditions in England.

On the other hand, Indian quick Umesh Yadav, who joined the side after recovering from injury, has also got a chance to win a place in the team. Ishant Sharma having shown his heroics in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad is also flexing his muscles in the Champions Trophy. So the trio of Indian pacers is ready to make the opponents’ life miserable. Another thing of equal importance is the way Dhoni use Irfan Pathan in the tournament. Presence of quicks in the team may be affecting Pathan in some way or the other, but he has additional of batting at any position.

Ravindra Jadeja seems to be the only prominent player in the spin bowling department. Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra come after Jadeja because, like Pathan, he can be useful in the batting department, too. Jadeja and Irfan, in my opinion, can work miracles for India any time.

The absence of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag has raised questions on India batting line-up, which is considered to be one of the best in world. However, Shikhar Dhawan, who scored century in his maiden Test against Australia in a home series earlier this year, has come up as a strong contender to fill that yawning gap in the batting line-up. Moreover, his 114-run innings against South Africa in their first match of the tournament has sent shivers down the spines of many bowlers.

India can do wonders in the tournament if the IPL scandal would not haunt him anymore. Because a number of big guns have been coming in the spotlight since the start of the scandal and the Indians fans are fearful of the involvement of their beloved cricketers in the controversy. Anyway, the D-Day is nearing as India and Pakistan are scheduled to go head to head on June 15, and cricketer lovers on both sides of the border are desperately waiting for the contest. It is likely that the match will be decisive for both teams to reach the semi-finals. However, there is also a possibility that both teams would already earn a place in the semis before coming face-to-face. In this case, both teams can also lock horns in the final.
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