Constant changes have been made in the game of cricket to make it more interesting and more challenging. First it was the One-day International which was a direct contrast to slow and steady Test matches. Then the 20-20 arrived with a bang, attracting the attention as if it was only format left.
However, now there has been a hint on bringing a change to test cricket as well. You obviously have heard it right, a change in the Test cricket itself. From 5 days of cricket to 4 days. A huge change, but like always cricketers will adapt.
A change which might bring the boring test matches into lime light again but would they reduce the number test matches ending in dull draws. Only time will tell...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Vaughan retires!
Michael Vaughan has retired from all form of cricket, Yes the Ashes winning captain has finally called off the day. The english player who made a debut in 1999 had 18 test centuries to his name and his greatest moments in Ashes.
The first time was in the 2003-03 Ashes series, when he ammazed 633 runs which included 3 centuries. The second was in 2005 Ashes in which he captained the England side to Ashes victory after 16 years.
Micheal Vaughan was certainly a player of high class and we will remember him for the years to come.
The first time was in the 2003-03 Ashes series, when he ammazed 633 runs which included 3 centuries. The second was in 2005 Ashes in which he captained the England side to Ashes victory after 16 years.
Micheal Vaughan was certainly a player of high class and we will remember him for the years to come.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Watson first test dilemma and Flintoff Return.. All and more
It may not come as surprise as the injury prone Shane Watson is once again set to miss a test match due to an injury. This time, its an injury in his Thigh. A huge loss for the Australians as the allrounder provides a huge impetus to the Australian Team.
On the other hand, Andrew Flintoff is getting ready to make a comeback after his injury which he caught up in the IPL. He has already started playing the county cricket (representing Lancashire) and to every ones expectation has performed well enough. A couple of wickets and 93 of 41 balls is not at all a bad start.
http://www.cricinfo.com/countycricket2009/engine/current/match/383196.html
Now lets keep our fingers crossed because if England is to make any impression on the Australians, The big man will have to perform!
On the other hand, Andrew Flintoff is getting ready to make a comeback after his injury which he caught up in the IPL. He has already started playing the county cricket (representing Lancashire) and to every ones expectation has performed well enough. A couple of wickets and 93 of 41 balls is not at all a bad start.
http://www.cricinfo.com/countycricket2009/engine/current/match/383196.html
Now lets keep our fingers crossed because if England is to make any impression on the Australians, The big man will have to perform!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Boom Boom Afridi on a Hunting spree
Well most of us must have seen Afridi with either the bat or the ball in his hand, lets just witness some of the amzing pictures that have been on circulation.
Boom Boom Afridi is on a hunting spree
Boom Boom Afridi is on a hunting spree
Friday, June 26, 2009
England to host Pakistan Vs Australia series!
Is Pakistan safe enough to host international matches? The shortest answer would be PCB thinks yes, the whole world thinks other wise. And since majority wins, Pakistan has to look for international venues to play their home series.
Pakistan is now all set to play the Australians on the English soil which will be a home series for Pakistan, going by the number of Pakistanis present in England, the support will be plentiful for team Pakistan.
The series will consists of two Tests and two Twenty20 internationals which will be played in July 2010.
Pakistan is now all set to play the Australians on the English soil which will be a home series for Pakistan, going by the number of Pakistanis present in England, the support will be plentiful for team Pakistan.
The series will consists of two Tests and two Twenty20 internationals which will be played in July 2010.
India VS West Indies 1st One day.
India has started off their West Indies tour with a bang and that too with a big one. After an early exit from the World T-20, Indian team must have regrouped and it showed in their performance with the bad.
India has piled on 339 in the their 50 overs quota, with the help of an unbeaten century by Yuvraj Singh.
It remains to be seen how West Indies go about the chance but it is highly unlikely that West Indies will be able to trouble the final scorers.
The second innings is due to start in a few mins time.
India has piled on 339 in the their 50 overs quota, with the help of an unbeaten century by Yuvraj Singh.
It remains to be seen how West Indies go about the chance but it is highly unlikely that West Indies will be able to trouble the final scorers.
The second innings is due to start in a few mins time.
King of Pop-Michael Jackson-R.I.P
If you have not heard the name of MJ, then you probably have been on planet Jupiter because people living on Mars know him very well. Yes, indeed it has nothing to do with Cricket but the loss of Michael Jackson is bigger than the game of cricket itself.
They say that legends never die and so be it! Michael Jackson would live for the years to come in our memories. The person who changed the face of music has died of a heart attack which is a huge loss to this world and to the music industry to say the least.
I take this opportunity to salute Michael Jackson for his incredible contribution towards music. Hats off to you sir, you certainly have achieved more in the short span of live than millions of others.
May his soul rest in peace.
They say that legends never die and so be it! Michael Jackson would live for the years to come in our memories. The person who changed the face of music has died of a heart attack which is a huge loss to this world and to the music industry to say the least.
I take this opportunity to salute Michael Jackson for his incredible contribution towards music. Hats off to you sir, you certainly have achieved more in the short span of live than millions of others.
May his soul rest in peace.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Aamer needs to gain weight says Akram
Wasim Akram, the great left armer has hinted Mohammad Aamer to gain weight inorder to get more power. Aamer, the 17 year old teenager has started his career sucessfully in the T-20 World Cup tournament.
Akram also predicted a great future for the left hand bowler since he believes that Aamer will be more effective with the Kookaburra ball.
Akram also predicted a great future for the left hand bowler since he believes that Aamer will be more effective with the Kookaburra ball.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
WestIndies Vs India
Two days from now, India will have to face the challenge of overpowering Westindies who by all means can not be written off in their home ground. With their captain in superb form, West Indian captain will require the support of a few other players, if they are at all to make a difference to the series results.
Squad for the Indian team is as follows:
MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh,Subramaniam Badrinath,Gautam Gambhir,Harbhajan Singh,Ravindra Jadeja,Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra,Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Pathan,Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma,RP Singh and Murali Vijay.
Squad for the West Indies team is as follows:
Chris Gayle, Lionel Baker,Sulieman Benn, David Bernard,Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine ,Runako Morton, Denesh Ramdin (wk)
Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Jerome Taylor
Squad for the Indian team is as follows:
MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh,Subramaniam Badrinath,Gautam Gambhir,Harbhajan Singh,Ravindra Jadeja,Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra,Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Pathan,Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma,RP Singh and Murali Vijay.
Squad for the West Indies team is as follows:
Chris Gayle, Lionel Baker,Sulieman Benn, David Bernard,Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine ,Runako Morton, Denesh Ramdin (wk)
Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Jerome Taylor
Pakistan tour of Srilanka...
And the games begin yet again, Pakistan is due to make their way to srilanka to play a series against them. The squad has been annonced and to no ones surprise Abdul Razzak, Mohammad Yousuf along with Danesh Kaneria have made their way back.
Squad for the test series is as follows:
Younis Khan (c) Abdul Razzaq,Abdur Rauf,Danish Kaneria,Faisal Iqbal,Fawad Alam,Kamran Akmal (wk),Khurram Manzoor,Misbah-ul-Haq Mohammad Aamer,Mohammad Yousuf Saeed Ajmal,Salman Butt,Shoaib Malik and Umar Gul
Srilankan squad will be posted once its announced...
Squad for the test series is as follows:
Younis Khan (c) Abdul Razzaq,Abdur Rauf,Danish Kaneria,Faisal Iqbal,Fawad Alam,Kamran Akmal (wk),Khurram Manzoor,Misbah-ul-Haq Mohammad Aamer,Mohammad Yousuf Saeed Ajmal,Salman Butt,Shoaib Malik and Umar Gul
Srilankan squad will be posted once its announced...
Hats off to the Srilankan team!
They might have lost to Team Pakistan in the world T-20 finals even though they might have been the worthy winners. They still have managed to come out as winners! How? well if you have forgotton, then let me remind you, just a few months back, this same team was battling for its life when the Srilankan team bus was attacked by the terrorists at Lahore, while they were on their way to the ground.
What has happened is history, but the courage and mental strength they have shown in coming back to cricket and then qualifying to the World Cup final without loosing a single game shows for the character the whole team posses.
This is Hatts off from the whole of cricketing world. Cheers!!!
What has happened is history, but the courage and mental strength they have shown in coming back to cricket and then qualifying to the World Cup final without loosing a single game shows for the character the whole team posses.
This is Hatts off from the whole of cricketing world. Cheers!!!
The Ashes!
Are you over with the T-20 europhoria? if not, then you better get it off because Ashes is going to start from the 8th of July, which is obviously not too far away.
English team has been announced and to every ones surprise Mr. Vaughan will not featuring in this Ashes series, a huge blow for the batsman since this might be the end of his career.
The team selected for the Ashes is as follows:
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann
English team has been announced and to every ones surprise Mr. Vaughan will not featuring in this Ashes series, a huge blow for the batsman since this might be the end of his career.
The team selected for the Ashes is as follows:
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann
Why did the Pakistani team arrive back in pieces?
It may sound a bit wierd, but yes it has happened. The Pakistan team arrived back to their country in bits and pieces. While some of the player made their way to Karachi directly, some made their way Lahore. And yet some decided to stay back in London.
Well, the reason so far that has been given is security. Whether it was really the case is yet to be seen. If mismanagement is any thing to go then you better should not be surprised. Because in Pakistan, any thing can happen.
Well, the reason so far that has been given is security. Whether it was really the case is yet to be seen. If mismanagement is any thing to go then you better should not be surprised. Because in Pakistan, any thing can happen.
Pakistan wins the World Cup!
Pakistan has indeed won the World T-20 tournament, a team which at the start of the tournament was in a disarray having lost both of its Practise matches. It was an amazing feat to come back from such a low morale to be winning the world cup.
Beating South Africa and Srilanka, both of whom had been unbeaten through out the tournament was enough of a proove that the win was not just by luck.
Now that Pakistan has won, it will need to look ahead for the coming series against the Srilankans and prove to the world that the World T-20 was not a fluke.
Beating South Africa and Srilanka, both of whom had been unbeaten through out the tournament was enough of a proove that the win was not just by luck.
Now that Pakistan has won, it will need to look ahead for the coming series against the Srilankans and prove to the world that the World T-20 was not a fluke.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Schedule for the Remaining Matches
Mon Jun 15
12:30 GMT Ireland v Pakistan
16:30 GMT England v West Indies
Tue Jun 16
12:30 GMT New Zealand v Sri Lanka
16:30 GMT India v South Africa
1st Semi-Final
Thu Jun 18
16:30 GMT TBC v TBC (E1 v F2)
2nd Semi-Final
Fri Jun 19
16:30 GMT TBC v TBC (F1 v E2)
Final
Sun Jun 21
14:00 GMT Final - TBC v TBC
12:30 GMT Ireland v Pakistan
16:30 GMT England v West Indies
Tue Jun 16
12:30 GMT New Zealand v Sri Lanka
16:30 GMT India v South Africa
1st Semi-Final
Thu Jun 18
16:30 GMT TBC v TBC (E1 v F2)
2nd Semi-Final
Fri Jun 19
16:30 GMT TBC v TBC (F1 v E2)
Final
Sun Jun 21
14:00 GMT Final - TBC v TBC
England Sends India back home
With India sent back home, there will be no chanting of "Sing is King" or those filthy dances by Yuvraj or many of those Lionic roars. Bad for Cricket, bad for spectators and bad for cricketers.
But what ever the effects may be, India will have to go back. The star studded team couldn't click. With all those expectations, the defending world champions have only been able to beat the Bangladeshis and the Ireland in the whole tournament so far.
They will have a match against the South Africans and win against them could act as a consolidation, however would not effect the results at all.
But what ever the effects may be, India will have to go back. The star studded team couldn't click. With all those expectations, the defending world champions have only been able to beat the Bangladeshis and the Ireland in the whole tournament so far.
They will have a match against the South Africans and win against them could act as a consolidation, however would not effect the results at all.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Razzaaaaaaaaaaaaaakkkkk
Would you believe it? Can you believe it? Well they say its always blessing in disguise. Yaser Arafat's exclusion due to injury has revived Abdul Razzak career once again.
Abdul Razzak would be joining the team on Friday, would he able to take part in the match on Friday against the Srilanka is still uncertain.
But for now, Pakistan can hope more confident as one of the dangerous players in world cricket is just going to be making his way back into World Cricket.
Its all in your hand Razzzzzzakkkkkkkkkkkkk......We can wish him the best of luck..
Abdul Razzak would be joining the team on Friday, would he able to take part in the match on Friday against the Srilanka is still uncertain.
But for now, Pakistan can hope more confident as one of the dangerous players in world cricket is just going to be making his way back into World Cricket.
Its all in your hand Razzzzzzakkkkkkkkkkkkk......We can wish him the best of luck..
Monday, June 8, 2009
Pakistan Vs Netherlands-Preview
Pakistan will have to win the match against the Netherlands in order to qualify for the next round. It is not as simple as that. Calculations show that Pakistan would have to win by atleast a margin of 25 runs if they bat first.
If Pakistan is able to do that, they would be able to get their net run rate just high enough over the Netherlands to qualify for the next round.
For all Pakistan supporters, keep your fingers crossed, because its not going to be an easy win.
If Pakistan is able to do that, they would be able to get their net run rate just high enough over the Netherlands to qualify for the next round.
For all Pakistan supporters, keep your fingers crossed, because its not going to be an easy win.
Abdul Qadir quits as Pakistan's Chief Selector.
Abdul Qadir has resigned from his position as Pakistan's Chief Selector. If at all this was the solution. If at all, it would help Pakistan in their conquest against the Netherlands.
A huge question mark now remains over Pakistan's cricket future...
A huge question mark now remains over Pakistan's cricket future...
Chris Gayle Special
When Australia meets Srilanka today, they would be thinking times and again what on earth happened to their bowlers the other day. Yes, when Chris Gayle went mad and took the match away from them.
WestIndies won by 7 wickets with 7 overs remaining. 88 runs off 50 balls was what it took West Indies to put the mighty Australians under a huge amount of pressure when they take on Srilanka.
Chris Gayle was the star of the match with his 6 sixes and 6 fours. He was just remarkably out of the world. He thrashed the bowl around so ferociously that one of them was fetched from out of the ground.
A great innings by the master Chris Gayle.. A few more innings from him could easily mean that West Indies would be in contention for the World Cup final.
WestIndies won by 7 wickets with 7 overs remaining. 88 runs off 50 balls was what it took West Indies to put the mighty Australians under a huge amount of pressure when they take on Srilanka.
Chris Gayle was the star of the match with his 6 sixes and 6 fours. He was just remarkably out of the world. He thrashed the bowl around so ferociously that one of them was fetched from out of the ground.
A great innings by the master Chris Gayle.. A few more innings from him could easily mean that West Indies would be in contention for the World Cup final.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Netherlands Beats England-What an upset
Can you believe it? England has been beaten by Netherlands.... and that too because of an over throw..
I am lost for words... A faboulous match right from the start... but which ends with Netherland beating england and foiling englands party.
Now its time for every team to get their heads rite. Because upsets could be on the cards for any team... Especially for Pakistan... who will be next to face the mighty Netherlanders...
Cheers..
I am lost for words... A faboulous match right from the start... but which ends with Netherland beating england and foiling englands party.
Now its time for every team to get their heads rite. Because upsets could be on the cards for any team... Especially for Pakistan... who will be next to face the mighty Netherlanders...
Cheers..
England Vs Netherlands. 2 Runs from 1 ball
Decisions, decisions, field settings, planning, all for just 1 delivery. Because if Netherland takes a single then it would be a bowl out. If they get 2, they will win..
Its tense...
guys..
Its tense...
guys..
The First Match-T-20 World Cup--couldnt have been better.
If you missed the first match of T-20 then you probably have missed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament already.
There are still 4 balls remaining in the match while I write this, Stuart Broad has already lost 3 chances of getting a wicket and by the time I post this, the match would have been finished.
But who cares, let me post it.. Hold on a minute.. Its 3 runs from 2 balls.
Its tense fellas.
There are still 4 balls remaining in the match while I write this, Stuart Broad has already lost 3 chances of getting a wicket and by the time I post this, the match would have been finished.
But who cares, let me post it.. Hold on a minute.. Its 3 runs from 2 balls.
Its tense fellas.
How can Mustaq Ahmed make Pakistan's Problems worse?
Pakistan cricket is going through a tough period, the two matches that have been played as warm up matches have been terrible for the team. That may just be the start because the problems could get worse.
The legendary spinner, Mushtaq Ahmed who was once the back bone of Pakistan spin attack has now been hired by the England team as a bowling coach. He has been hired specially for the purpose of T-20 World Cup followed by the Ashes. Sussex county, which Mushtaq represents has also released him for this purpose.
The problem that Pakistan now faces is if and when Mushtaq decides to help England team with not only their spin bowling but also help their batsman to play spin bowling. As a matter of fact, Mushtaq knows Pakistan cricket from in and out and if he does help them play Shahid Afridi and company. It could very well mean that Pakistan looses its competitive advantage.
If at all, the existing problems were not enough. A new problem has just arisen which could very well threaten Pakistan chances in the World T-20.
The legendary spinner, Mushtaq Ahmed who was once the back bone of Pakistan spin attack has now been hired by the England team as a bowling coach. He has been hired specially for the purpose of T-20 World Cup followed by the Ashes. Sussex county, which Mushtaq represents has also released him for this purpose.
The problem that Pakistan now faces is if and when Mushtaq decides to help England team with not only their spin bowling but also help their batsman to play spin bowling. As a matter of fact, Mushtaq knows Pakistan cricket from in and out and if he does help them play Shahid Afridi and company. It could very well mean that Pakistan looses its competitive advantage.
If at all, the existing problems were not enough. A new problem has just arisen which could very well threaten Pakistan chances in the World T-20.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Schedule for T-20 World Cup
Fri Jun 5
England v Netherlands (16:30 GMT)
Sat Jun 6
New Zealand v Scotland (09:00 GMT)
Australia v West Indies (13:00 GMT)
Bangladesh v India(17:00 GMT)
Sun Jun 7
Scotland v South Africa (12:30 GMT)
England v Pakistan (16:30 GMT)
Mon Jun 8
Bangladesh v Ireland (12:30 GMT )
Australia v Sri Lanka (16:30 GMT)
Tue Jun 9
Netherlands v Pakistan (12:30 GMT)
New Zealand v South Africa (16:30 GMT)
Wed Jun 10
Sri Lanka v West Indies (12:30 GMT)
India v Ireland (16:30 GMT)
Thu Jun 11
TBC v TBC (D1 v A2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (B2 v D2)(16:30 GMT)
Fri Jun 12
TBC v TBC (B1 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (A1 v C1)(16:30 GMT)
Sat Jun 13
TBC v TBC (C1 v D2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (D1 v B1)(16:30 GMT)
Sun Jun 14
TBC v TBC (A2 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (A1 v B2)(16:30 GMT)
Mon Jun 15
TBC v TBC (B2 v C1)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (B1 v A2)(16:30 GMT)
Tue Jun 16
TBC v TBC (D1 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (D2 v A1) (16:30 GMT)
Thu Jun 18
1st Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (16:30 GMT)
Fri Jun 19
2nd Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (16:30 GMT)
Sun Jun 21
Final - TBC v TBC (14:00 GMT)
England v Netherlands (16:30 GMT)
Sat Jun 6
New Zealand v Scotland (09:00 GMT)
Australia v West Indies (13:00 GMT)
Bangladesh v India(17:00 GMT)
Sun Jun 7
Scotland v South Africa (12:30 GMT)
England v Pakistan (16:30 GMT)
Mon Jun 8
Bangladesh v Ireland (12:30 GMT )
Australia v Sri Lanka (16:30 GMT)
Tue Jun 9
Netherlands v Pakistan (12:30 GMT)
New Zealand v South Africa (16:30 GMT)
Wed Jun 10
Sri Lanka v West Indies (12:30 GMT)
India v Ireland (16:30 GMT)
Thu Jun 11
TBC v TBC (D1 v A2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (B2 v D2)(16:30 GMT)
Fri Jun 12
TBC v TBC (B1 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (A1 v C1)(16:30 GMT)
Sat Jun 13
TBC v TBC (C1 v D2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (D1 v B1)(16:30 GMT)
Sun Jun 14
TBC v TBC (A2 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (A1 v B2)(16:30 GMT)
Mon Jun 15
TBC v TBC (B2 v C1)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (B1 v A2)(16:30 GMT)
Tue Jun 16
TBC v TBC (D1 v C2)(12:30 GMT)
TBC v TBC (D2 v A1) (16:30 GMT)
Thu Jun 18
1st Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (16:30 GMT)
Fri Jun 19
2nd Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (16:30 GMT)
Sun Jun 21
Final - TBC v TBC (14:00 GMT)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Problems for Pakistan...
It may just have been warm up matches, but the way Pakistan lost in both their encounters it is nothing but worrying. With all due respect to the captain of the team and the management, there was hardly any plan to be seen or may be it was the lack of implementation. What ever the case may be, the situation is bleak, Pakistan stands at the same position where it was on before the start of the warm up matches-Confused.
The match with India on June 3rd, was a perfect example of how to make simple things messy. Lets start with the openers first, after 2 warm up matches, Pakistan is still unsure about their openers. Brining on new comers for as important a tournament as World Cup has been an old history with Pakistan, whether it would work this time around could only be answered at the end of the tournament. If Pakistan needs a stable opener, they can try the option of Shoib Malik, he has the experience, the brain, talent and ofcourse the ability to defend, cut loose or work the bowl around. He could be a perfect opener for this T-20 World Cup who would be able to provide stability upfront.
He could be accompanied by either Salman Butt or Ahmed Shehzad because both have the same capabilities. Yes, they both cant work move the strike! The batsman would have to pile up runs on these batting pitches in order to give a chance to their bowlers to defend.
Secondly, it was beyond comprehension why Sohail Tanvir was brought in so late to bowl. Sohail Tanvir is a match winner and he should be used where he performs the best, at the start of bowling line up.
Rest of the bowling changes also hinted on the captain's inability to control the game. These problems will have to be sorted out sooner than later or else it could mean an early exit from the World Cup.
The match with India on June 3rd, was a perfect example of how to make simple things messy. Lets start with the openers first, after 2 warm up matches, Pakistan is still unsure about their openers. Brining on new comers for as important a tournament as World Cup has been an old history with Pakistan, whether it would work this time around could only be answered at the end of the tournament. If Pakistan needs a stable opener, they can try the option of Shoib Malik, he has the experience, the brain, talent and ofcourse the ability to defend, cut loose or work the bowl around. He could be a perfect opener for this T-20 World Cup who would be able to provide stability upfront.
He could be accompanied by either Salman Butt or Ahmed Shehzad because both have the same capabilities. Yes, they both cant work move the strike! The batsman would have to pile up runs on these batting pitches in order to give a chance to their bowlers to defend.
Secondly, it was beyond comprehension why Sohail Tanvir was brought in so late to bowl. Sohail Tanvir is a match winner and he should be used where he performs the best, at the start of bowling line up.
Rest of the bowling changes also hinted on the captain's inability to control the game. These problems will have to be sorted out sooner than later or else it could mean an early exit from the World Cup.
And the results are ...
03 Jun,2009 England Vs West Indies England won by 9 wickets
03 Jun,2009 India Vs Pakistan India won by 9 wickets
03 Jun,2009 Netherlands Vs Scotland Netherlands won by 7 wickets
03 Jun,2009 South Africa vs Srilanka South Africa won by 6 wickets
03 Jun,2009 India Vs Pakistan India won by 9 wickets
03 Jun,2009 Netherlands Vs Scotland Netherlands won by 7 wickets
03 Jun,2009 South Africa vs Srilanka South Africa won by 6 wickets
Preview:Pakistan vs India- Warm up Match June 3, 2009
It may just be a warm up match, but the hype has already been created. If some thing goes really wrong, then this may be the only encounter between the two arch rivals. India as I said before are the favourites to the tournament.
Having won the last World Cup and coming directly from the IPL, they are in the same mode (20-20) with the best players. Pakistan on the other hand will be entering the match with a huge loss on their back against the South Africans.
It would be a great for both the teams to get some serious action before the actual tournament starts from the 5th of June. As far as Pakistan is concerned, they will have to get the rid of the rust they have accumulated due to the lack of match practise.
For India, it would be a great time to get the team combination rite. They have the best players in the tournament but without the perfect combination, their fate could be similar to what Australia did to the World XI a few years back.
The proceeds of the match have already been donated to the families of the persons effected in the Lahore attack. A good gesture!
Having won the last World Cup and coming directly from the IPL, they are in the same mode (20-20) with the best players. Pakistan on the other hand will be entering the match with a huge loss on their back against the South Africans.
It would be a great for both the teams to get some serious action before the actual tournament starts from the 5th of June. As far as Pakistan is concerned, they will have to get the rid of the rust they have accumulated due to the lack of match practise.
For India, it would be a great time to get the team combination rite. They have the best players in the tournament but without the perfect combination, their fate could be similar to what Australia did to the World XI a few years back.
The proceeds of the match have already been donated to the families of the persons effected in the Lahore attack. A good gesture!
And the results so far...
The two days that have passed till now in the World Cup T-20, there have been eight matches altogether. The results have been summarized for your ease:
01 Jun,2009 IRE vs NED Ireland won by 4 runs
01 Jun,2009 AUS vs BAN Australia won by 38 runs
01 Jun,2009 PAK vs SA South Africa won by 59 runs
01 Jun,2009 IND vs NZ New Zealand won by 9 runs
02 Jun,2009 BAN vs SL Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
02 Jun,2009 IRE vs WI West Indies won by 9 wickets
02 Jun,2009 ENG vs SCO England won by 6 wickets
02 Jun,2009 AUS vs NZ Australia won by 7 wickets
01 Jun,2009 IRE vs NED Ireland won by 4 runs
01 Jun,2009 AUS vs BAN Australia won by 38 runs
01 Jun,2009 PAK vs SA South Africa won by 59 runs
01 Jun,2009 IND vs NZ New Zealand won by 9 runs
02 Jun,2009 BAN vs SL Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
02 Jun,2009 IRE vs WI West Indies won by 9 wickets
02 Jun,2009 ENG vs SCO England won by 6 wickets
02 Jun,2009 AUS vs NZ Australia won by 7 wickets
T-20 Warm up matches
The complete schedule for the warm matches has been laid down below: (Note that all the timings have been given in GMT time)
Monday June 1
Ireland v Holland (12.30-3.30pm), Lord's
Australia v Bangladesh (12.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
New Zealand v India (4.30-7.30pm), Lord's
Pakistan v South (4.30-7.30pm), Trent Bridge
Tuesday June 2
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (12.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
Ireland v West Indies (12.30-3.30pm), Oval
England v Scotland (4.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
Australia v New Zealand (4.30-7.30pm), Oval
Wednesday June 3
Sri Lanka v South Africa (12.30-3.30pm), Lord's
Holland v Scotland (12.30-3.30pm), Oval
England v West Indies (4.30-3.30pm), Lord's
India v Pakistan (4.30-3.30pm), Oval
Monday June 1
Ireland v Holland (12.30-3.30pm), Lord's
Australia v Bangladesh (12.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
New Zealand v India (4.30-7.30pm), Lord's
Pakistan v South (4.30-7.30pm), Trent Bridge
Tuesday June 2
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (12.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
Ireland v West Indies (12.30-3.30pm), Oval
England v Scotland (4.30-3.30pm), Trent Bridge
Australia v New Zealand (4.30-7.30pm), Oval
Wednesday June 3
Sri Lanka v South Africa (12.30-3.30pm), Lord's
Holland v Scotland (12.30-3.30pm), Oval
England v West Indies (4.30-3.30pm), Lord's
India v Pakistan (4.30-3.30pm), Oval
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Who will be missed in World T-20?
It has only been two years since the inaugural T-20 World Cup was held but a lot has changed. A lot of new names have come up replacing the old names. This blog post is in memory of those great players who will be missed.
Lets start with Australia, the opening duo of Adam Ghilchrist and Mathew Hayden will not be missed by the cricket fans but also by the Australians who have relied upon them in every form of cricket. The dashing openers did have some thing to offer in the recently concluded IPL. And we can only wish to see more of Ghilchrist's thrilling innings and more of Hayden's energy, but as much as wish we may not be able to see either of them. Hats off to both the masters. They will be greatly missed.
Then comes in another great, Shaun Pollock is a house hold name when it comes to cricket in South Africa, his ancestors have played cricket for South Africa and it is no surprise that cricket was infused into his blood ever since. His nippy bowling on the off stump was more than one could ask for. If the word "consistent" ever got tired to stay still in the dictionary, then it could very well be replaced by the word "Shaun Pollock" and mind you it would mean the same. One of the greatest players South Africa has produced who will missed every minute of this T-20 world cup.
New-Zealand will be going in to this world cup without the services of Shane Bond. No, he is not a distant friend of James Bond! Jokes Apart, Shane Bond is a bowler with a class. His speed and accuracy has won New-Zealand many matches. And it would be interesting to see if New-Zealand is able to cope up with this loss in the coming world cup.
Apart from these greats, likes of Imran Nazir, the dashing opener will be missed for his eye stopping shots including the blazing cuts. The opener was left out due to his involvement in ICL. India's angry young man may be Amitabh Bachan, but on cricketing field its none other than Sreesanth, who will not be featuring in this years world cup. A player who has the ability to register some really good shows.
Last but not least, India has also left out Mr. Joginder Sharma, Yes, the same person who literally got India the world cup. His performance in the final match against Pakistan was in the winning cause, particularly his last over against Misbah-Ul-Haq was some thing to talk about.
So have I missed any one, any one at all. I may have, Indeed I have, Shoib Aktar and Mohammad Asif (though both of these players did not feature in the last world cup due to last minute exclusion). Both missed the last world cup due to reasons not related to cricket and its not different this time around. Asif is serving his ban from cricket, while Shoib Aktar has been left out due to an injury.
Lets start with Australia, the opening duo of Adam Ghilchrist and Mathew Hayden will not be missed by the cricket fans but also by the Australians who have relied upon them in every form of cricket. The dashing openers did have some thing to offer in the recently concluded IPL. And we can only wish to see more of Ghilchrist's thrilling innings and more of Hayden's energy, but as much as wish we may not be able to see either of them. Hats off to both the masters. They will be greatly missed.
Then comes in another great, Shaun Pollock is a house hold name when it comes to cricket in South Africa, his ancestors have played cricket for South Africa and it is no surprise that cricket was infused into his blood ever since. His nippy bowling on the off stump was more than one could ask for. If the word "consistent" ever got tired to stay still in the dictionary, then it could very well be replaced by the word "Shaun Pollock" and mind you it would mean the same. One of the greatest players South Africa has produced who will missed every minute of this T-20 world cup.
New-Zealand will be going in to this world cup without the services of Shane Bond. No, he is not a distant friend of James Bond! Jokes Apart, Shane Bond is a bowler with a class. His speed and accuracy has won New-Zealand many matches. And it would be interesting to see if New-Zealand is able to cope up with this loss in the coming world cup.
Apart from these greats, likes of Imran Nazir, the dashing opener will be missed for his eye stopping shots including the blazing cuts. The opener was left out due to his involvement in ICL. India's angry young man may be Amitabh Bachan, but on cricketing field its none other than Sreesanth, who will not be featuring in this years world cup. A player who has the ability to register some really good shows.
Last but not least, India has also left out Mr. Joginder Sharma, Yes, the same person who literally got India the world cup. His performance in the final match against Pakistan was in the winning cause, particularly his last over against Misbah-Ul-Haq was some thing to talk about.
So have I missed any one, any one at all. I may have, Indeed I have, Shoib Aktar and Mohammad Asif (though both of these players did not feature in the last world cup due to last minute exclusion). Both missed the last world cup due to reasons not related to cricket and its not different this time around. Asif is serving his ban from cricket, while Shoib Aktar has been left out due to an injury.
ho b da Favrates?
The last world T-20 was won by India in a heart breaking match with arch rivals Pakistan. Who on earth would win this time around is a million dollar question. In a 20-20 match, you can hardly predict the fate because one bad over in the field could cost you the match.
Having said that, India is deemed to be the favourites, with IPL just concluded, India has on hands the fittest players. You must be thinking, if fitness is the only measure then South Africa or Australia should win the tournament by a large margin. Hang on a minute, this is not the case. Apart from the fitness, its the appetite to absorb the tension and play in nerve racking situations that leads to success in a T-20 match. And by all means, each and every Indian player, has gone through those situations not once but more than a couple of times.
Does this mean, other teams should pack their bags and head home. No way, 20-20 is unpredictable. With the likes of Pakistan, Srilanka, South Africa, West Indies, Australia and England present in the tournament, and the talent they posses, it is hard to predict because at the end of the day there is indeed no match to talent.
Who can stop a berserk Chris Gayle or the Boom Boom Afridi or the spin duo of Murlitharan and Mendis or for that matter playing the toe crushing yorkers of Umar Gul or holding back Peterson for more than an over.
A final word: India are the favorites for the tournament but watch out for teams like Pakistan and Srilanka. They may just have enough to hold back the Indians from taking the World Cup, the second time around.
Having said that, India is deemed to be the favourites, with IPL just concluded, India has on hands the fittest players. You must be thinking, if fitness is the only measure then South Africa or Australia should win the tournament by a large margin. Hang on a minute, this is not the case. Apart from the fitness, its the appetite to absorb the tension and play in nerve racking situations that leads to success in a T-20 match. And by all means, each and every Indian player, has gone through those situations not once but more than a couple of times.
Does this mean, other teams should pack their bags and head home. No way, 20-20 is unpredictable. With the likes of Pakistan, Srilanka, South Africa, West Indies, Australia and England present in the tournament, and the talent they posses, it is hard to predict because at the end of the day there is indeed no match to talent.
Who can stop a berserk Chris Gayle or the Boom Boom Afridi or the spin duo of Murlitharan and Mendis or for that matter playing the toe crushing yorkers of Umar Gul or holding back Peterson for more than an over.
A final word: India are the favorites for the tournament but watch out for teams like Pakistan and Srilanka. They may just have enough to hold back the Indians from taking the World Cup, the second time around.
'm back! and that too with a bang..
Can't believe your eyes, cant believe what you are reading, then pinch your self a thousand times, because this is really happining. I am really coming back and this time I will cover the whole of T-20 World Cup.
Things you want to know, things you do not want to know and then those things you do not expect to know. Every piece of iNtErEsTiNg information related to the T-20 will surely be published on this very page. So stay tuned... because you never know what you are going to miss.
Cheers.
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