If you observe semi-final line-up of 2010 T20 world cup, one can easily find one interesting thing. Those countries whose players have not participated actively in the 2010 IPL have reached semi-finals in T20 Cricket world cup. T20 World cup semi-finalists: 1. Australia: They are not defeating teams but are decimating. Most of them decided to take rest and prepared well for T20 world cup. Others have participated in just few games. 2. Pakistan: No one played in IPL and luckily reached semi-finals. 3. England: Wonderful performance and performed well. Pietersen is an exception. 4. Sri Lanka: They are drained out but weak opponents in super 8 helped them to reach semi-finals. Worst performers: 1. India: They lacked hunger. They lacked fitness. They lacked seriousness. It is waste to discuss about these Indian cricketers. It is waste to talk about Dhoni’s captaincy in this tournament. 2. South Africa: These players are chokers at big tournaments but this year’s performance is pathetic. They drained out after playing extensively in 2010. 3. New Zealand: I failed to understand. They used to play well at big tournaments but.... 4. West Indies: Pollards are drained out. Others failed to adjust their game to T20 format. Final note: Except Australia, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, no team played with zeal. It is a world cup cricket tournament. But, I failed to find such seriousness among cricketers. These cricketers should be trained by patriotic players like Kapil Dev, Javed Miandad, Steve Waugh and Mohinder Amarnath. Yuvrajs and Gambhirs should learn from Clarkes and Johnsons. If they are not interested to die for country, just replace them with Robin Uthappas, Sourab Tiwarys and Ambati Rayudus. Cricket is a war. You are fighting for your country. You should prepare to die for your country on cricket field. Please share your opinion on T20 world cup. … [Read more...]
T20 World Cup preview: South Africa Vs India
South Africa will open their campaign against India at the Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Sunday and this could be a tough assignment first up for the Proteas. The Proteas will have the benefit of a couple of extra day’s preparation and the opportunity to watch their opponents in action the day before this game. Venue and conditions: Thunderstorms are forecasted so it could rain here at St Lucia. The two games played at Beausejour stadium, Gros Islet on Saturday the stats suggested another sluggish surface. The five scores in the previous five one-day internationals were: 186, 172, 257, 149 and 177. The lowest total in that grouping came from South Africa against Australia when they cracked under the pressure of a World Cup semi-final. India beat West Indies there by six wickets in 2009 with Ashish Nehra taking 3-21. Trivia: Saint Lucia was founded in 1886 by Sir Arthur Sidders when he set sail from the port of Bristol. Team News: South Africa: South Africa are able to field probably the most formidable front four in the tournament. Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers ensure that the quality keeps coming. Smith and Kallis have fine records in the Caribbean. Dale Steyn was rested in the warm-up victory against Sri Lanka but he is expected to return. Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt and Morne Morkel all hit superb touch against the Lankans. Only Albie Morkel, Kallis and Steyn were the only regular starters for their IPL franchises. Kallis and Steyn performed with great credit for the Royal Challengers as did Albie Morkel who was part of the victorious Chennai Super Kings team. Barring injury there are a few selection dilemmas, Gibbs or Bosman, Morne Morkel or Rusty Theron, but the whole squad are proven performers in this format. Does Kallis open the batting as he did so effectively for RCB in the IPL? India: India, who kicked off their campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday, give one the feeling that they don't really want to be there, moaning about niggles and heavy schedules. Still, the … [Read more...]
