India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling group match of first 20-20 cricket world cup at Durban. In a entertaining match between traditional rivals, match tied after 20 overs. Bowling shootout was first time used in this world cup. India won 3-0 in the shootout as first 3 Pakistan bowlers failed to hit the stumps while all the 3 Indian bowlers succeeded in hitting the stumps. Surprisingly, India never lost to Pakistan in a world cup match. Indians always played well in world cup matches whether Sachin show in 2003 or Jadeja brilliance in 1996 world cup. Dhoni team continues this tradition by keeping their nerves under control. Wonderful fielding and controlled bowling by Indians helped to tie the match despite low score. Sreesanth bowled brilliantly in the last over. Irfan Pathan comes back: You cannot keep a talented all-rounder outside the team for a long time. His performance reminded us of his early days in international cricketer. He performed remarkably well with both bat, ball and also in the field. He should be an automatic choice for an all-rounder slot in the next series against Australia. Why Md. Asif is my favourite bowler along with Shane Bond? I am tracking the progress of this genuine talent from his first series against India. It is difficult to forget his performance in that series. He is the new McGrath of international cricket. You can’t get loose balls in his overs and one should take risks to score against him. If he can keep his mind under control, he will take 400 wickets in international cricket. He rattled Indian top order with a wonderful spell. Robin Uthappa is new hope: Robin Uthappa is the new star of Indian cricket. He is consistently performing well in crucial games. He is playing superb shots against high quality attacks. He continued his form from NatWest series. His batting in crisis situations (both here and in England) is a lesson for every youngster. Misbah-Ul-Haq! You have played wonderful strokes despite hiccups in the last 2 balls. This is an unforgettable innings in a high voltage game. He singlehandedly resurrected Pakistan innings when big stars like … [Read more...]
First Twenty20 world cup without star cricketers
Much publicised first Twenty-20 Cricket World cup is gradually losing its sheen much before its curtain raiser. Many experienced stars will not be in action in the upcoming world cup either due to injuries or selection problems. Can young cricketers use this opportunity to rise to the occasion? Top cricketers we miss out in the 20-20 Cricket world cup: 1. Indian Star Trio: We miss Indian cricket stars – Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly – in action due to their voluntary withdrawal from this tournament. Can Dhoni- Sehwag- Yuvraj rise to the occasion? We may never see these Indian legends in action in 20-20 world cup. Robin Uthappa emerged as the hot cricketer after his performance in the Oval one day match against England.2. Andrew Flintoff: We are not to going to see the performance of world No.1 all-rounder in the first edition of 20-20 world cup due to ankle injury. He will face fitness test on Saturday ahead of Lord’s one day against India. ICC emerging cricketer nominee Ravi Bopara will miss due to injury. 3. Jacques Kallis: It is really pity. South Africa’s No.1 batsman was not selected for this premiere tournament which will be hosted by home country. Selectors are always jokers all over the world. South African team will miss all round capabilities and experience of this legend. 4. Shoaib Akthar: World fastest bowler will miss due to disciplinary action. Pakistan cricket is always a big enigma to outsiders. 5. Muttiah Muralidharan: World best spinner will miss this world cup due to strained biceps muscle. 6. Ricky Ponting: Australian Captain is doubtful for this world cup. He may stay with team despite injury. 7. Md. Yousuf: Best batsman of 2006 joined Indian Cricket League along with Injamam-Ul-Haq.8. Shakib Al hasan: ICC emerging player nominee from Bangladesh may miss 20-20 world cup due to injury. 9. Loots Bosman: Missed due to back injury.We are not going to see World best batsman (Sachin Tendulkar), World fastest bowler (Shoiab Akthar) and World best spinner (Muralidharan) in action in 20-20 cricket world cup. We may also … [Read more...]
