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...]
Sri Lanka squad
January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Cricket world saw new India after its victory in 1983 world cup at Lords. Cricket world saw new Sri Lanka after its victory in 1996 world cup at Lahore. Kapil Dev played crucial role in the transformation of Indian cricket while Arjuna Ranatungs played similar role in the transformation of Indian cricket. 2011 Cricket world cup – Sri Lanka team analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 3 Coach: Captain: Kumar Sangakkara Crucial players: Just like India, there are 7-8 top class stars are in Sri Lanka ine-up Missing players: Suraj Randiv, Farveez Maharoof, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kandamby & Thilan Thushara Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada & Kenya Qualification: Directly qualified basing on ICC one day team ranking. World cup history: Sri Lanka won world cup in 1996 but lost to Australia in the finals of 2007 world cup. Sri Lanka team for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeRankState Batsmen: 1.Upul Tharanga 41 2.Tillakaratne Dilshan 7 3.Mahela Jayawardene 34 4.Thilan Samaraweera 74 5.Chamara Silva 76 6.Chamara Kapugedera 92 All-rounders: 1.Angelo Mathews 59 & 50 2.Thisara Perera & 75 Wicket-Keepers: 1.Kumar Sangakkara 13 Bowlers: 1. Nuwan Kulasekara 7 2.Lasith Malinga 23 3.Dilhara Fernando 59 4.Muttiah Muralitharan 28 5.Ajantha Mendis 17 6. Rangana Herath Schedule of Sri Lanka's world cup matches: 1. February 20: Vs Canada in Hambantota 2. Febraury 26: Vs Pakistan in Colombo - crucial match 3. March 1: Vs Kenya in Colombo 4. March 5: Vs Australia in Colombo - must watch game. 5. March 10: Vs Zimbabwe in Pallakelle 6. March 18: Vs New Zealand in Mumbai Strengths: Home conditions, world class spinners, best pace attack & solid batting line-up Weaknesses: Sri Lanka may need to play quarter-finals outside Sri Lanka. Our rating for Sri Lankan team: 9/10 Our prediction for Sri Lanka in 2011 World Cup: Sri Lanka is a dangerous team at home and is also one of the hot favourites to win 2011 cricket world cup. Sri Lanka has best bowling line-up and best wicketkeeper-Batsman. If their batsmen play consistently, Sri Lanka will play finals at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Please share your views on Indian cricket team. … [Read more...]
West Indies
January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
West Indies cricket was at all time high at the time of first world cup in 1975 and is now at all time low - that is the state of wonderful Windies in cricket. This team of small nations in Latin America produced legendary cricketers like Gary Sobers, Clyve Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Vivian Richards, Malcom Marshall, Joel Garner, Ambrose and Walsh....... 2011 Cricket world cup – West Indies team analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 8 Coach: Captain: Darren Sammy Crucial players: Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo & Kemar Roach Missing players: Jerome Taylor, Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best, Lionel Baker Group B: West Indies, India, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland & Natherlands Qualification: Directly qualified basing on ICC oneday team ranking World cup history: Won world cup in 1975 & 1979 but lost to India in 1983. Nothing to say after that. West Indies hosted world cup in 2007. West Indies team for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeRankCity/Nation Batsmen: 1.Chris Gayle 2.Devon Smith 3.Ramnaresh Sarwan Guyana 4.Shivnarine Chanderpaul 5.Adrian Barath All-rounders: 1.Kieron Pollard 2. 3. Andre Russell 4. Darren Sammy St Lucia Wicket-Keepers: 1.Carlton Baugh 2. Darren Bravo Bowlers: 1.Kemar Roach 2.Ravi Rampaul 3.Sulieman Benn 4.Nikita Miller 5. Devendra Bishoo Guyana Schedule of West Indies world cup matches: 1. February 24: Vs South Africa at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi 2. Febraury 28: Vs Netherlands at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi 3. March 4: Vs Bangladesh in Dhaka - most crucial match. 4. March 11: Vs Ireland at PCA stadium in Mohali 5. March 17: Vs England at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai 6. March 20: Vs India at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. Strengths: Chris Gayle & Kieron Pollard. They need to play special innings against top teams. Weaknesses: Inconsistent batting & bowling Our rating for West Indies team: 6.5/10 Our prediction for West Indies in 2011 World Cup: Tough fight with Bangladesh for fourth place. It may exit either from group stage or quarter-finals. But, players like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard can change the course of match in just 5-10 overs which may play crucial role in knock-out matches. They do not have enough fire power in bowling to trouble top teams. Please share your views on West Indies cricket team. … [Read more...]
England team
January 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
ICC T20 World cup champion England is one of the hot favourites to win 2011 Oneday cricket world cup in sub-continent. T20 World cup win boosted the morale of England's underachievers. 2011 Cricket world cup – England squad analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 5 Coach: Andy Flower Captain: Andrew Strauss Crucial players: Graeme Swann, Anderson, Kevin Pietersen & Eoin Morgan Missing players: Alastair Cook, Chris Tremlett, Owais Shah & Steven Davies Group A: England, India, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, Netherlands & Ireland Qualification: Directly qualified basing on ICC ranking. World cup history: England was the most consistent performer at world cups until 1992. It lost to West Indies, Australia and Pakistan in the finals of 1979, 1987 & 1992 world cups respectively. Indian cricket fans may never forget the wonderful final match at Eden Gardens between Mike Gatting's England and Allan Border's Australia in Reliance World cup. But, England struggled in 1999, 2003 and 2007 world cups. England team for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeICC RankState Batsmen: 1.Andrew Strauss 18 2.Jonathan Trott 43 3.Ian Bell 47 4.Kevin Pietersen 40 5.Eoin Morgan 17 All-rounders: 1.Tim Bresnan 26 & 46 Yorkshire 2.Paul Collingwood 19 & 66 3. Luke Wright 26 Sussex 4. Michael Yardy 30 Sussex Wicket-Keepers: 1.Matt Prior Bowlers: 1.James Anderson 9 2.Stuart Broad 6 3.Graeme Swann 3 4.James Tredwell 29 5.Ajmal Shahzad Schedule of England world cup matches: 1. February 22: Vs Netherlands at VCA stadium in Nagpur 2. Febraury 27: Vs India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata - most crucial game. 3. March 2: Vs Ireland at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore 4. March 6: Vs South Africa at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai 5. March 11: Vs Bangladesh in Chittagong 6. March 17: Vs West Indies in Chennai Strengths: Best pace attack, Best spinner & in-form batsmen Weaknesses: Young batsmen's inexperience of playing on the Indian pitches Our rating for England team: 8/10 Our prediction for England in 2011 World Cup: England is a serious contender to win world cup after a long time. England will reach semi-finals and any thing can happen at that stage. Over-confidence of Mike Gatting (can you forget that sweet shot?) costed them against Australia in the Reliance world cup final at Eden gardens in 1987. England may not repeat such mistakes. Please share your views on England cricket squad. … [Read more...]
Pakistan team
January 16, 2011 By 7 Comments
Most unpredictable team in cricket world fortunately escaped pressure from fans as match venues shifted to Sri Lanka due to security reasons. Only GOD knows why this team performs so poorly in spite of having tremendous talent at its disposal. 2011 Cricket world cup – Pakistan team analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 6 Coach: Captain: Shahid Afridi Crucial players: Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul & Saeed Ajmal. Missing players: Danish Kaneria, Shoaib Malik & Mohammad Yousuf Group A: Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Kenya & Canada Qualification: Direct qualification World cup history: Pakistan won the world cup in 1992 under the inspirational leadership of Imran Khan but lost to Australia in the finals of 1999 world cup at Lords. It lost in the semi-finals at home in 1987 Reliance world cup and failed to reach even semi-finals at home in 1996 world cup. Pakistan team for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeICC RankState/City Batsmen: 1.Ahmed Shehzad 19 - Lahore 2.Mohammad Hafeez 30 111 Punjab 3.Misbah-ul-Haq 36 53 Punjab 4.Younis Khan 33 45 Peshawar 5.Umar Akmal 20 39 Lahore 6.Asad Shafiq 25 132 Karachi All-rounders: 1.Shahid Afridi 31 33 & 15 Karachi 2.Abdul Razzaq 31 63 & 102 Lahore 3. Sohail Tanvir 26 - Rawalpindi Wicket-Keepers: 1.Kamran Akmal 29 48 Lahore Bowlers: 1.Shoaib Akhtar 35 37 Rawalpindi 2.Umar Gul 26 34 Peshawar 3.Abdur Rehman 30 124 Sialkot 4.Saeed Ajmal 33 13 Faisalabad 5.Wahab Riaz 25 - Lahore Schedule of Pakistan's world cup matches: 1. February 23: Vs Kenya at Hambantota in Sri Lanka 2. Febraury 26: Vs Sri Lanka in Colomb0 - must watch game 3. March 3: Vs Canada in Colombo 4. March 8: Vs New Zealand in Kandy 5. March 14: Vs Zimbabwe in Pallekalle in Sri Lanka 6. March 19: Vs Australia in Colombo - must watch match. Strengths: World class all-rounders and good bowling attack. Weaknesses: Match fixing, internal fights & lack of consistency. Batting is not reliable. Our rating for Pakistan team: 8/10 Our prediction for Pakistan in 2011 World Cup: It is foolish to predict this unpredictable squad. Result will depend on whether it was fixed already or not/whether they want to win or not/whether they like captain or not. If they are in the right frame of mind, no one can defeat them. They can change 310+ targets. When they are not, Pakistan will lose to even Canada. Due to this world cup format, Pakistan will easily reach quarter-finals. No one can defeat Pakistan in cricket expect Pakistan cricketers. When will Pakistan get players like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram who would like to die for their country? Pakistan Cricketers should do justice to their talents and hopes of fans. Please share your views on Pakistan cricket team. … [Read more...]
South Africa
January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
South Africa's tryst with Cricket world cup illustrates the importance of mental strength in competitive cricket. South Africa reached semi-finals in its first world cup appearance in 1991-92 but lost to England in the semi-finals (thanks to duckworth-Lewis method). But, South Africans lost to Australia in the semi-finals of 1999 world cup due to lack of mental strength. South Africa is a perennial favourite but rarely wins crucial matches in the major tournaments. They are working hard to claim the "Chokers" tag at every major cricket tournament. In football, Spain and Holland also used to buckle under pressure in crucial games at FIFA World cup. But, South Africans can take inspiration from Spaniards who overcame this weakness and won in 2010 Soccer world cup held in South Africa. If these "Chokers" play to their potential, they can win title in 2011 Cricket world cup. ICC Rankings Highlight: World's top 2 oneday batsmen are South Africans. Best wicket-keeper batsman is a South African. 2011 Cricket world cup – South African team analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 4 Coach: Corrie van Zyl Captain: Graeme Smith Crucial players: Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla & AB De Villiers Missing players: Mark Boucher, Herschelle Gibbs, Justin Kemp & David Miller Group B: South Africa, India, England, Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland & Netherlands. Qualification: Directly qualified basing on ICC Oneday team team rankings. World cup history: South Africa caught the attention of cricket world with a series of outstanding performances (who can forget Jhonty Rhodes fielding?) in its first world cup (1991-92) but failed to replicate those heroics. But, they played crucial role in raising the fielding standards in International cricket. South African squad for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeRankState/City Batsmen: 1.Graeme Smith 30 16 Johannesburg 2.Hashim Amla 27 1 Durban 3.JP Duminy 26 25 Cape Town 4.Faf du Plessis 26 Pretoria 5.Colin Ingram 25 155 Port Elizabeth All-rounders: 1.Jacques Kallis 35 9 & 53 Cape Town 2. Johan Botha 28 Johannesburg Wicket-Keepers: 1.AB de Villiers 27 2 Pretoria 2. Morne van Wyk Bowlers: 1.Dale Steyn 27 17 Phalaborwa 2.Morne Morkel 26 12 Transvaal 3.Lonwabo Tsotsobe 27 49 Port Elizabeth 4.Wayne Parnell 21 62 Port Elizabeth 5.Imran Tahir 31 - 6. Robin Petersen 31 Port Elizabeth Schedule of South Africa's world cup matches: 1. February 24: Vs West Indies at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi 2. March 3: Vs netherlands at PCA stadium in Mohali 3. March 6: Vs England at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai 4. March 12: Vs India at Vidarbha stadium in Nagpur - Must watch match. 5. March 15: Vs Ireland at Eden Gardens in Kolkata 6. March 19: Vs Bangladesh in Dhaka Strengths: Consistent batsmen, best wicket-keeper batsman & Dale Steyn Weaknesses: Poor spinners & lack of backup batsmen. Our rating for South African world cup squad: 8/10 Our prediction for South Africa in 2011 World Cup: South Africa has wonderful batsmen who can play even on dusty turning tracks. But, who will bowl out opposition on these tracks? South Africa will easily reach semi-finals and may reach finals if they play semi-final in Mohali. "Chokers" may try their best to remove that unwanted tag. Please share your views on South African cricket team. … [Read more...]
Australia squad
January 14, 2011 By 1 Comment
Australia is the most successful team in the history of ICC Cricket world cup. Australia won the world cup in 1987, 1999, 2003 & 2007 and lost in the finals in 1975 & 1996. It is famous for making stunning bounce back from the edge of elimination. Who will forget its "spectacular recovery" in 1999 & 2003 world cups? Who forget its "assassination of India" in the finals of 2003 world cup? Never underestimate these Australians irrespective of form. 2011 Cricket world cup – Australian team analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 1 Coach: Tim Nielsen Captain: Ricky Ponting Crucial players: Shane Watson, Michael Hussey & Doug Bollinger. Missing stars: Clint McKay, Shaun Marsh, Ryan Harris, Brad Hodge, Xavier Doherty & Peter Siddle Group A: Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya Qualification: Australia is a top ranked ODI team in the world and also defending Champion. World cup hisotry: Australia won the Cricket world cup in 1987, 1999, 2003 & 2007 by defeating England, Pakistan, India & Sri Lanka respectively. Australia lost to Arjuna Ranatunga's Sri Lankans in the finals of 1996 world cup at Lahore. No looking back since then. In sub-continent world cups, Australia won in 1987 (Reliance world cup) and lost in the finals in 1996 (Wills world cup). Australian squad for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeICC RankState Batsmen: 1.Ricky Ponting 36 11 Tasmania 2.Michael Hussey 35 3 Western Australia 3.Michael Clarke 29 15 New South Wales 4.David Hussey 33 - Western Australia 5. Michael Hussey All-rounders: 1.Shane Watson 29 21 & 26Queensland 2.Cameron White 27 23 & 194Victoria 3. John Hastings 25 339&237 Victoria/NSW 4. Steven Smith 21 176&158 New South Wales Wicket-Keepers: 1.Brad Haddin 33 45 New South Wales 2. Tim Paine 26 94 Tasmania Bowlers: 1.Shaun Tait 28 43 South Africa2.Brett Lee 34 37 New South Wales 3.Mitchell Johnson 29 21 Queensland 4.Nathan Hauritz 29 31 Queensland Schedule of Australia's world cup matches: 1. February 21: Vs Zimbabwe at Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad. 2. Febraury 25: Vs New Zealand at VCA stadium in Nagpur. 3. March 5: Vs Sri Lanka in Colombo - Must watch match. 4. March 13: Vs Kenya at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore. 5. March 16: Vs Canada at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore. 6. March 19: Vs Pakistan in Colombo - Must watch game. Strengths: All-rounders (especially Shane Watson) & good pace attack. Weaknesses: Inconsistent batting & Poor spinners. Our rating for Australian team: 9/10 Our prediction for Australia in 2011 World Cup: Australia may easily reach semi-finals but absence of quality spinners (who will forget Shane Warne's performance against West Indies in the semi-finals in 1996 world cup?) is its biggest problem along with inconsistent batsmen. Can all-rounders compensate these weaknesses? Forget about form - never underestimate these Australian fighters. Please share your views on Australian cricket team. … [Read more...]
Indian Team
January 13, 2011 By 2 Comments
After hosting Cricket world cup in 1987 (Reliance world cup) & 1996 (Wills world cup), India is once again hosting this prestigious event along with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. India lost in the semi-finals in both world cups. 2011 world cup is also the last one for Cricket GOD Sachin Tendulkar. 2011 Cricket world cup – India squad analysis: Current ICC one day Ranking: 2 Coach: Gary Kirsten (South Africa) Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Jharkhand) Crucial players: India is no longer one-man team. 6-7 match winners are there in the squad (only on sub-continent pitches). Missing stars: Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Irfan Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ishant Sharma & Pravin Kumar Group B: India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Netherlands & Ireland. 4 teams will qualify to quarter-finals. Qualification: Directly qualified being the host nation. World cup hisotry: Kapil Dev's India created sensation by defeating mighty West Indies at Lords in 1983. India reached finals in 2003 but was demolished by Australia in the crucial match. Forget about worst performance in 2007 world cup in West Indies. It lost in the semi-finals in 1987 and 1996 at home. Indian team for 2011 Cricket World Cup: S.NoCricketer NameAgeICC RankState/City Batsmen: 1. Virender Sehwag 32 11 Delhi 2. Sachin Tendulkar 37 14 Mumbai 3. Gautam Gambhir 29 10 Delhi 4. Virat Kohli 22 5 Delhi 5. Suresh Raina 24 28 Ghaziabad (UP) All-rounders: 1. Yuvraj Singh 29 22 & 56 Chandigarh 2. Yusuf Pathan 28 82 & 99 Vadodara 3. Harbhajan Singh 30 222 & 22Jalandhar (Punjab) Wicket-Keepers: 1. M.S. Dhoni 29 4 Ranchi (Jharkhand) Bowlers: 1. Zaheer Khan 32 27 Ahmadnagar 2. Munaf Patel 27 40 Gujarat 3. Piyush Chawla22 60 Aligarh (UP) 4. R. Ashwin 24 88 Chennai 5. Sreesanth 28 102 Kochi 6. Ashish Nehra 31 32 Delhi Schedule of India's world cup matches: 1. February 19: Vs Bangladesh, Dhaka 2. Febraury 27: Vs England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Most crucial match. 3. March 6: Vs Ireland at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru 4. March 9: Vs Netherlands at Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi 5. March 12: Vs South Africa at VCA stadium in Nagpur. Mouth watering contest. 6. March 20: Vs West Indies at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai Strengths: Best batting line-up & World class spinners. Weaknesses: Poor pace attack, injuries & Inconsistent all-rounders. Our rating for Indian team: 8/10 Our prediction for India in 2011 World Cup: India has the strongest batting line-up in the tournament and also one of the poor (injured) pace attacks. Any opposition will find it difficult to stop Indian batsmen on sub-continent pitches. But, what about pace attack? India will easily reach finals unless it faces a good team on the fast pitch in the knock-out stage. Lack of depth in the fast bowling department is its biggest problem. On the slow turning dusty pitches, India has lot of options in the form of Harbhajan, Ashwin, Ojha, Pathan/Jadeja, Yuvraj, Raina, Sachin and Sehwag...... Do you want more spinners/slow bowlers? Please share your views on Indian cricket team. … [Read more...]
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