India will play with Australia in the quarter-finals on March 24 at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa may easily reach semi-finals. Sri Lanka will play with England at home. 2011 World cup: Quarter-final schedule: DateTimeTeam Vs TeamVenue March 23 2:30 PM IST Pakistan Vs West Indies Dhaka March 24 2:30 PM IST India Vs Australia Ahmedabad March 25 2:30 PM IST South Africa Vs New Zealand Dhaka March 26 2:30 PM IST Sri Lanka Vs England Colombo Real World Cup starts now from Wednesday. But, I don't have any hopes on this Indian team unless at least one batsman play an exceptional innings in each of knock-out matches. … [Read more...]
World cup preview: India Vs Bangladesh
February 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The two sides will be once again facing each other in a couple of hours at the opening match to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Both sides would look to play their best. Bangladesh would look to entertain the local crowd with a win and India would look to take revenge for their defeat in the 2007 world cup. The Indian fans do not have sweet memories of their last encounter. When the two sides met at Port-of-Spain and Dravid chose to bat first, no one would have expected that a team that had some of the world’s best batsmen would collapse like a pack of cards. Bangladesh, who has always been a tough opponent for the men in blue, played some fearless cricket as they had nothing to lose. Indian batsmen appeared to be more reckless than being ruthless in their approach. Before the fans could settle inside the stadium, Sehwag, Uthappa, Tendulkar and Dravid were back to pavilion contributing 2, 9, 7 and 14 respectively at the score of 72 runs. It was followed by a partnership of 85 runs between Yuvraj Singh and Ganguly who tried to reconstruct the derailed Indian track. But after Yuvraj fell at the score of 157, the next four wickets fell within four runs. Thanks to the 32 runs partnership for the last wicket between Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel that India helped India to reach a score of 191 runs. Mortaza ended his spell picking 4/38. The alarm bells had already rung. There was still some hope that Indian seam bowlers would try and make a match out of it. But Tamim Iqbal began Bangladesh innings in a way that it was hard to believe that he was playing his 5th ODI. In spite of facing a blow earlier in his innings off a short ball from Zaheer, Tamim Iqbal was still high on confidence. It has been four years since the match was played, yet it is difficult to forget the shot he played charging down the wicket to Zaheer Khan pulling him over midwicket for a six. Such was his dominance that when he fell as the second Bangladesh wicket at the score of 69, he alone had scored 51 runs at a brisk pace. It was a half century that Indian cricket fans would remember for long, though for wrong reasons. It has been four years. There have been several changes in both the teams. India is now led by Dhoni who has led India to several major wins under his captaincy both in India and abroad. Bangladesh is led by Shakib Al Hasan, who has proved to be a prolific all-rounder in recent times. Bangladesh has a lot of depth in their batting line up but once again when you look on papers, Indians are once again the favourites. Both the sides have met for 22 times, of which India has won 20 matches. There will be a lot of support for Bangladesh at their home ground at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and India would be very well aware of it. In case if India entertain any chances of beginning their world cup campaign with a win, they will have to score nothing less than 300 runs if they bat first. India won’t repeat the mistake of being under the impression of taking the match lightly and for sure the opening encounter of cricket’s biggest festival could guarantee massive entertainment for all! Author: Suyash srivastava (Delhi) … [Read more...]
Shahid Afridi: Right choice by Pakistan cricket board
February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
PCB’s decision to hand over the responsibility to Shahid Afridi to lead his side in the World Cup has been receiving praises from all corners. Just a couple of days before Afridi scored 65 off just 25 balls that might have confirmed the decision in the minds of the selectors in advance. He is the right man for the job. An aggressive fielder, a tormentor with the bat and a very tricky medium pace bowler who wisely adjusts the pace of his deliveries - can prove to be very effective on sub-continental tracks. Along with all these USP’s he possesses a body language which apart from wooing his female fan following, connects the team very well. But the skipper has a very tough job ahead. The fans of Pakistan went through a major shock after ICC decided to ban Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif for ten, seven and five years respectively. Therefore Afridi and his teammates will have to perform at their best to gain back some respect for the country. And no doubt, they are capable of doing so. Every now and then, they have to deal with such a situation. They are a team, which is at the moment full of in-form players. The advantage which they have is presence of players like Hafeez, Afridi and Razzak who are established batsmen and can also bowl their quota of 10 over each, which clearly means they will have a lot of depth in their batting line up. Sohail Tanvir and Wahab Riaz are pace bowlers who have recently shown that they are clean hitters of the ball as well and considering them as tail-enders could prove to be a disaster for the opponents. The selectors might have excluded the experienced Mohammad Yousuf from the team, yet the way the team is playing at the moment, he hardly fits in. The youngsters Ahmed Shahzad and Asad Afiq have been in sublime form in the recent series against the Proteas and Umar Akmal is someone who is expected to play a major role in the team’s performance throughout the tournament. Not to forget, the team has a very strong foundation in form of experience of Younis Khan. The teammates and the fans would be expecting a lot from him being one of the most experienced players in the team. With such a balanced team, all Afridi needs to do, is a more responsible approach towards his own batting. He needs to adopt the kind of approach he did when Pakistan won the T20 finals against Sri Lanka where he played an unbeaten knock of 54 runs off 40 balls that also earned him the man of the match award. It was an innings where he adopted a cautious approach. Everybody including the Sri Lankans were amazed to see him giving priority to singles. Then too Pakistan was under trouble where cricket was attacked by terrorism and now too the fans wouldn't be that happy after ICC's decision. No doubt he has shown a lot of commitment as a skipper, but if only, he is a bit more responsible towards his batting approach, Pakistan can for sure repeat the honours after 1992. Pakistan will face Kenya in their first match to be played on February 23. Cricket writer: Suyash srivastava (New Delhi) … [Read more...]
Why Sreesanth deserves a world cup ticket?
February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To the delight of many, Sreesanth has finally replaced Praveen Kumar in the 15-man World Cup squad. It's not that Praveen Kumar is not a good enough player, but Sreesanth is someone who adds that extra spark towards his side. There are few people in the country who can embarrass Shahrukh Khan, especially when he is the host of a function. Sreesanth is one of those rare ones, who can boast of doing so. He did so when he was invited by Shahrukh to dance on stage, at an award function few years ago. The challenge was SRK would follow his moves and give up if he is unable to. Sree, who is a trained dancer, came up with moves which Shahrukh could not match up. He thus gave up the challenge. Such is the confidence of the bowler. Sree has been fined at numerous occasions for indiscipline on and off the field. Among all those incidents, he is mostly remembered for crying inconsolably after being slapped by his 'like an elder brother' Harbhajan Singh after an IPL match. In spite of all the penalties he has faced, he certainly deserved a place in the 15 man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The man has delivered whenever he has been given a chance to play for the country. In India's recent tour to South Africa, he had shown some of best bowling spells we have ever seen from him. One of such fiery spells was witnessed on 29th Dec'10. Fourth day of the second test match played between India and South Africa. It was a day when he bowled one of the best spells of swing bowling ever! He began his spell by bowling Ashwell Prince of a ball which is a dream for every fast bowler! It was soon followed by a ‘snorter’ bowled to Kaliis, which has become the most viewed delivery on the internet in recent times. It was followed by another out swinger to get rid of Boucher! His aggression has led to suspension and fine on several occasions, but not to forget it’s something that has got breakthroughs for India most of the times. Shaking of the hip, break dance might seem to be objectionable gestures, but so is sledging. When the Aussies are licensed to do so, why can't Sree? Is it because he is a player of the sub-continent, which has bowlers who are fined even if they stare at the batsman every now and then? After the slapstick incident with Harbhajan Singh, he has to an extent mellowed down. He is a much simpler player, only if you don't provoke him. If you do, you can be another victim like Andre Nel. Playing in the world cup is an opportunity that comes with a lot of responsibility and I am sure if he is a part of the playing 11, he would just focus on taking wickets without reacting to them. Now that he has replaced Praveen Kumar, I believe the cricket fans will see several of those snorters being bowled by him, in front of the electrifying home atmosphere. Rohit Sharma's exclusion was something that is justified keeping in mind his inability to capitalize on several opportunities. But the presence of Sree will be helpful in tit for tat situations, where one has to be aggressive for a better result. The man needs no one to boost his morale. Just like Kamran Akmal, he has the habit of talking to himself. As long as the ball is in his hands, the action doesn’t stop! The grin on his face after completing half his run up, aims for nothing more than dismantling the furniture behind the batsman. Cricket writer: Suyash srivastava (New Delhi) … [Read more...]
Must visit destinations in India
January 21, 2011 By 1 Comment
British Airways picked 5 must visit destinations for travellers who visit India to watch 2011 Cricket word cup matches. Foreign tourists should not miss holistic therapies in Kerala and hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. 5 Must visit travel destinations in India during World cup: 1. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): Prestigious Khajuraho festival will be held from February 25 to March 2. Temples: Chitragupta & Vishwanatha Khajuraho is a must visit place for couples. Closest world cup destinations: VCA Cricket stadium in Nagpur & Firoz Shah cricket stadium in New Delhi 2. Agra city (Uttar Pradesh): Taj Mahal is located on the bank of Yamuna river in Agra city – only Indian destination to find place in "seven wonders of world" list. Closest world cup destination: Firoz Shah cricket stadium in New Delhi 3. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir: Beautiful place and best location for spiritual lovers. Closest world cup destination: PCA Cricket stadium in Mohali 4. Rajasthan: Desert festival in Jai Salmer and Elephant festival in Jaipur will be held during World cup time. Closest world cup destinations: Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad & Firoz Shah cricket stadium in New Delhi. 5. Kerala: Ayurvedic therapies, boat races and good climate are the hallmarks of Kerala. Kerala has wonderful beaches, hill stations and good spas. Closest world cup destinations: Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore & Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. India has many beautiful locations close to world cup destinations. Mohali: Himachal Pradesh Chennai: Pondicherry & Ooty Bangalore: Mysore and Coorg Kolkata: Sikkhim … [Read more...]
ICC one-day dream team
January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
International Cricket Council (ICC) announced "all time great one-day team" on the occasion of completion of 40 years of one-day cricket. No player from England and New Zealand made it to the dream squad. Three Indians found place in this dream team. ICC one-day dream squad: 1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) 2. Virender Sehwag (India) 3. Brian Lara (West Indies) 4. Vivian Richards (West Indies) 5. Ricky Ponting (Australia) 6. Adam Gilchrist (Wicket-keeper, Australia) 7. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) 8. Kapil Dev (India) 9. Allan Donald (South Africa) 10. Glen McGrath (Australia) 11. Muttiah Muralidharan (Sri Lanka). 12th player: Michael Bevan Best match: Australia Vs England at Wanderers in Johannesburg in 2006. Note: If I were the selector, I pick Imran Khan in stead of Allan Donald and make him captain of this dream team. Imran Khan is my choice for his leadership skills and all-round capabilities. My stand-byes: Jonty Rhodes (helps in fielding when someone needs rest), Shane Warne & Martin Crowe. … [Read more...]
India announced 2011 cricket world cup probables
December 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Indian selectors today announced 30-member probables list for 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Irfan Pathan and Rahul Dravid were not picked while selectors picked 4 wicket-keepers. 30-member probable list will be pruned to 15-member squad by January, 19. Indian probables squad for 2011 cricket world cup: Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Top order: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteswar Pujara, Murali Vijay & Shikhar Dhawan Middle order: Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Varat Kohli, Saurab Tiwary, Rohit Sharma & Ajinkya Rahane Wicket-Keepers: Dhoni, Parthiv Patel, Dinesh Karthik & Saha All-rounders: Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh & Ravindra Jadeja Bowlers: Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Munaf patel, Ishant Kumar, Vinay Kumar, R. Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, Amit Mishra & Ravindra Jadeja … [Read more...]
ICC Annual Cricket Awards: Results
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The ICC's prestigious sixth annual awards are announced in South Africa. The award are given on the basic of the performance during the period between August 13, 2008 and August 24 2009, the ICC Awards 2009 take into account performances by players and officials in that period for the game. ICC Awards 2009, different categories and result. Cricketer of the Year: Nominations: • Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind) • Gautam Gambhir (Ind) • Mitchell Johnson (Aus) • Andrew Strauss (Eng)Winner: Mitchell Johnson became the sixth player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after being named as the 2009 ICC Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards ceremony in Johannesburg.During the voting period, Johnson played 17 Test matches, taking 80 wickets, which was easily the highest number by any Test bowler in the voting period. His best match bowling figures were 11-159 against South Africa in Perth in December of last year and Johnson's economy-rate over the whole period was a mere 3.12. His batting skills shouldn't be forgotten either for in the last year he has managed to score a total of 632 runs for Australia, including a century and three half-centuries, to register an average of 30.09. Johnson also played 16 ODI matches in this time taking 28 wickets at an average of 24.25 and an economy rate of 5.06, his best haul being 4-34 against South Africa in April of this year. He is currently ranked third in the ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers and is 11th in the ODI rankings. Johnson follows in the footsteps of India's Rahul Dravid (2004), Andrew Flintoff of England and South Africa's Jacques Kallis (joint winners in 2005), Ricky Ponting of Australia (2006 and 2007) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (2008) to take the top award. Test Player of the Year: Nominations: • Gautam Gambhir (Ind)• Mitchell Johnson (Aus) • Thilan Samaraweera (SL) • Andrew Strauss (Eng)Winner: India opener Gautam Gambhir has been named Test Player of the Year at the ICC awards ceremony in Johannesburg. Gambhir, who claimed his first ICC award of his career, was picked ahead of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, Sri Lanka's Thilan Samaraweera and England captain Andrew Strauss. During the 12-month voting period, Gambhir put in some remarkable performances with the bat, making 1269 runs at an impressive 84.60 in the eight Tests he played. He scored five centuries and four half-centuries during the period. ODI Player of the Year: Nominations: • Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI)• Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind) • Virender Sehwag (Ind)• Yuvraj Singh (Ind)Winner: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won the ODI Player of the Year award for the second year in a row at the ICC Awards in Johannesburg. During the voting period, Dhoni played 24 ODIs and scored 967 runs at an average of 60.43 and at a rate of 86.63 runs per 100 balls faced. In that time he hit nine half-centuries making sure he led his team from the front. Also in that time, Dhoni, as wicketkeeper, played a hand in 26 dismissals (18 catches and eight stumpings) and led his country to victory in 17 of the 24 matches in which he played. He is currently ranked number one in the ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen, comfortably ahead of the next best. Emerging Player: Nominations: • Ben Hilfenhaus (Aus)• Graham Onions (Eng) • Jesse Ryder (NZ) • Peter Siddle (Aus)Winner: Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle won award. The 24-year-old, who played in 12 Test matches in the voting period, took 49 wickets with an average of 28.93 and made an impact playing for Australia side with his charging run-up and powerful delivery. Siddle's best bowling figures in an innings during the voting period came against England when he took 5 for 21 in 9.5 overs in the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley. He had earlier taken another five-for, against South Africa in Sydney. Siddle was the top choice for the 25-member voting academy, coming in ahead of team-mate Ben Hilfenhaus, England fast bowler Graham Onions and New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder. Twenty20 International Performance of the Year: Nominations: • Shahid Afridi (Pak) for 51 runs and taking 2-16 against South Africa• Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) for scoring 96* against West Indies • Chris Gayle (WI) for scoring 88 against Australia • Umar Gul (Pak) for taking 5-6 against New ZealandWinner: Sri Lankan batsman Tilakaratne Dilshan won the award in recognition of his breezy 96 off 57 balls against West Indies in the semi-final of the 2009 World Twenty20 in England. Dilshan's performance at The Oval included two sixes and 12 fours and helped steer his side into the finals of the tournament. According to the ICC Awards 25-member voting academy Dilshan's effort was the most impressive in the voting period between August 13, 2008 to August 24, 2009. His performance beat competition from West Indies' Chris Gayle for his 88 off 50 balls against Australia, also during the 2009 World Twenty20 at the Oval; Umar Gul's 5 for 6 for Pakistan against New Zealand in the same tournament, as well as twin efforts from Shahid Afridi - a blitzkreig 51 off 34 balls and 2 for 16 against South Africa in the semi-final. Women's … [Read more...]
ICC Annual Award Nominations
September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
ICC Cricket Awards: The ICC's prestigious sixth annual awards appear to have run into a controversy with several high-profile figures from South Africa criticizing the final selection process for not including even a single South African player. The ICC Awards ceremony is now in its sixth year and this year it will be held in Johannesburg to coincide with the ICC Champions Trophy. Previous ceremonies were held in London (2004), Sydney (2005), Mumbai (2006), Johannesburg (2007) and Dubai (2008). Majola, the South Africa’s national cricket board chief executive questioned the credibility of the awards and said it appeared to him that the only way to get on the shortlist was to play the Ashes. One can raise various questions on the selection. How Graham Onions featured in the Emerging player of the year list? Before being short listed, he has played hardly 5 or 10 tests and do not have nothing great like Parnell or Duminy in him. Same applies for Ryder. They had done nothing outside their home conditions. It seems that the countries which do not play cricket in the latter part of the year will be totally forgotten. Selection Criteria: An ICC spokesperson said that the awards nomination "is a completely independent process in which the ICC has no says whatsoever". The long list of nominations for the individual awards was prepared by a five-member ICC panel headed by Clive Lloyd, the ICC's cricket committee chairman, and including Anil Kumble, Mudassar Nazar, Bob Taylor and Stephen Fleming. This list was then sent to the ICC's independent panel of 25 members (including two South Africans) for selection of four players for each category. Nomination is based on the period between August 13, 2008 and August 24 2009, the ICC Awards 2009 take into account performances by players and officials in that period for the game. That period includes such high-profile events as the ICC World Twenty20 in England, the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia and the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in South Africa, as well as several bilateral Test and ODI series. While the shortlist was announced, the category winners will be known only on awards night. The votes have already been collated by Ernst and Young, who acted as independent auditors. Highlights of ICC Awards: Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and opener Gautam Gambhir got twin nominations, while Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag were shortlisted for the ODI Player of the Year. Gambhir, Dhoni, Mitchell Johnson and Andrew Strauss have been short-listed for the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for Cricketer of the Year. In addition, Gambhir, Johnson and Strauss were also short-listed for the Test Player of the Year alongside Sri Lanka's Thilan Samaraweera. Dhoni is also in contention to retain the ODI Player of the Year award he won last year as he is short-listed in that category with team-mates Yuvraj and Sehwag as well as West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul. This year's awards include eight individual prizes and also feature the selection of the Test and ODI Teams of the Year and the award to the side that has adhered most to the Spirit of Cricket. The nominees for the Women's Cricketer of the Year are last year's winner England captain Charlotte Edwards along with team-mate Claire Taylor and Australia's Shelley Nitschke. The Emerging Player of the Year nominees short-list features two Australians, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle, as well as Jesse Ryder of New Zealand and England's Graham Onions. The Umpire of the Year award was voted on by the captains and the match referees based on the umpires' performance statistics. ICC Awards 2009 - short lists of nominees: 1. Cricketer of the Year: • Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind) • Gautam Gambhir (Ind) • Mitchell Johnson (Aus) • Andrew Strauss (Eng) 2. Test Player of the Year: • Gautam Gambhir (Ind) • Mitchell Johnson (Aus) • Thilan Samaraweera (SL) • Andrew Strauss (Eng) 3. ODI Player of the Year: • Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI) • Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind) • Virender Sehwag (Ind) • Yuvraj Singh (Ind) 4. Emerging Player: • Ben Hilfenhaus (Aus) • Graham Onions (Eng) • Jesse Ryder (NZ) • Peter Siddle (Aus) 5. Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year: • Rizwan Cheema (Can) • Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned) • William Porterfield (Ire) • Edgar Schiferli (Ned) 6. Twenty20 International Performance of the Year: • Shahid Afridi (Pak) for 51 runs and taking 2-16 against South Africa • Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) for scoring 96* against West Indies • Chris Gayle (WI) for scoring 88 against Australia • Umar Gul (Pak) for taking 5-6 against New Zealand7. Women's Cricketer of the Year: • Charlotte Edwards (Eng)• Shelley Nitschke (Aus) • Claire Taylor (Eng) 8. Umpire of the Year: • Aleem Dar• Tony Hill • Asad Rauf • Simon Taufel 9. Spirit of Cricket: • Australia• England • New Zealand • Sri Lanka Author: Mona Gupta, New Delhi. … [Read more...]
Australia won 2007 Cricket World Cup
April 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Hot favourites Australia won 2007 cricket world cup for 3rd consecutive time by defeating Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the final at Barbados. Sri Lanka won the hearts of cricket fans with their fighting spirit and never say die attitude. Worst world cup ended on the disastrous note. Rains spoiled the finals party and Sri Lanka hopes. Australian won the cup but Sri Lanka won the hearts. It is the third straight win for Sri Lanka after its success in 1999 and 2003 editions. Incidentally, Aussies defeated Sub continent teams in all the finals. Australia scored 281/4 batting first after electing toss. Sri Lanka was 215/8 at the ended of 36th over. Match was truncated to 38 overs due to delayed start. Sri Lanka lost the match due to Duckworth –Lewis system. Adam Gilchrist scored wonderful 72 ball century to lift the Australians to almost unachievable target. He scored fastest century in the finals of the cricket world cup. Despite mounting run rate, Sri Lanka is in the right direction till the end of 20th over due to positive start by Kumara Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya. Mounting run rate, fall of quick wickets and rain spoiled the hopes of fighting Lankans. Australians are worthy champions as they played exceptional cricket consistently. They are way ahead of other teams in all forms of cricket. Man of the series: Glen McGrath Man of the Final: Adam Gilchrist. … [Read more...]
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