India outplays Pakistan in a thrilling game

Wait! this wasn’t a final match of the series. But they way it was staged, I was actually waiting for Ravi Shastri to announce Man of the Series. Then I realized it was just another game of the series. Match between India and Pakistan are always more than a game of cricket. It’s game of pride, emotion and extreme importance. Football World Cup may have been successful in snatching away everyone’s attention, but it seems a series of mediocre  matches opened an opportunity and India Vs Pakistan match scored big time.

While the awe inspiring 268-run chase was set up by man of the match Gautam Gambhir (83) and MS Dhoni (56), it was a calm play from Suresh Raina (34 off 27 balls) and Harbhajan (15 off 10 balls) sealed the victory for India. (more…)

Having separate T20 and Test teams

There is not doubt on why Australia is world champion and why they are called most professional team of all. Keeping this tradition intact, Australian board has declared to have separate teams for frenzy version of the game i.e. T20 and traditional version i.e. Test. In a keynote speech at a major CA seminar on Tuesday, Sutherland said the day is not far when Australia will have specialist players for both Twenty20 and Test playing simultaneously on opposite sides of the world. (more…)

Englands grabs world title; beats Australia to win T20 Worldcup

After finals of 1979, 1987, 1992 and Champions Trophy Finals in 2004, England has finally tasted what they never got a chance of, despite devising the game of Cricket.  They beat World Champions Australia to win their first ever world title and a T20 world cup victory.Ten months ago England made a humiliating exit from the Twenty20 World Cup with a defeat to cricketing minnows Netherlands at Lord’s. Here in the Caribbean though, the team has cruised to victories and finally reached pinnacle today at Barbados. Everything was falling by their side. Captain made right moves, made intelligent bowling changes and their batsmen scored when it was required. With series of wins in Super-8m England can finally call themselves  World Champions. (more…)

India Deserves A Knock Out Punch

After a pathetic performance in all three super-8 games they deserve nothing but a return ticket. At moments they were outclassed by others but most of the times they underperformed. After a game against South Africa in group stage they were considered as one of the potential candidates for world title. But they could not repeat their performance in later stages.

After two consecutive losses they still had a chance to reach semis had they beaten Lanka by 20 runs but they could not. Forget about win by 20 runs team India could not win it by even 2 runs. When Lanka needed 3 of last ball Mr. Nehra – the spearhead of our bowling attack was hit for a six.

In my opinion they did not lost the game because they failed to defend the total, they lost it because they could not capitalize on a good start. In first 10 overs India scored 90 runs at a loss of one wicket and in next 10 overs they could manage only 73 runs. On the other hand Lanka in first 10 overs scored 58 runs and gathered 108 in last 10. (more…)

Updated T20 World Cup Points Table

12 teams are divided in 4 groups. Group A consists of defending champions Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh. Whereas Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe are part of Group B. Team India is in Group C along with Afghanistan and South Africa. Group D comprises of host West Indies, England and Ireland.  Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are two new teams.

In 1st round each team will play a game against other teams from their group. Top two teams from round 1 will qualify for 2nd round. In 2^nd round each team plays 3 games. Top four teams from round 2 will qualify for semifinal. As the tournament progresses net run rate (NRR) might be the vital factor considering the quality of teams.

T20 World Cup Super-8 Points Table as follows

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England Win Helps Pakistan to Qualify for Semis

After losing their first two super-8 games, Pakistan’s fate was dependent on two games. One they have to win against South Africa and England must beat New Zealand and net run rate be on their side. Despite these odds defending champions are still in the hunt and will continue to defend their title.

Against South Africa they had a bad start and lost 3 wickets quickly. Then a 51 runs partnership between Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal came to their rescue. Pakistan skipper Afradi joined Umar Akmal and helped Pakistan to post a competitive total of 148 runs on board. (more…)