Imran Nazir was blazing away when Pakistan decided to return a favour to the Lankans and lost two quick wickets to run-outs. Hadn't we seen this one time too many? This phenomenally talented team from the other side of the border self-destructing after a bright start. A cramped Nazir was done in by his 'runner' Afridi who took off for an impossible third and was caught woefully short by an accurate Jayasuria throw. Nazir departed for a quickfire 38 which included a viciously pulled six off a Malinga (who else?) no-ball. As usual the Lankans were alert and agile in the field and a fierce throw by Kapugedara found Butt in no man's land after a yes-no exchange with Mohd. Yousuf. Yousuf couldn't make amends as he was soon deceived by a seemingly innocuous leg-cutter by Maharoof. The ball appeared to be suspended in space and the batsmen merely watched it rattle onto the off-stump. The Pakistanis were now four down for 105 and a brilliant start had all been undone.
Somehow, this was familiar territory for Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka. The Lankans have been past masters at strangulating their opposition during chases, and the Pakis have been known to squander gift horses with reckless abandon. All this must have preyed on skipper Shoaib Malik's mind as he strode in and was joined by Kamran Akmal in the middle.
Pakistan needed 131 off the last 20 overs with Malik and Akmal desperate not to yield an inch. But then the unfortunate happened. Continuing the spate of mix-ups Malik was run out by a brilliant retrieval at the boundary by Tharanga. In walked Afridi, who was offered a few words of advice by his skipper as he was leaving the arena.
Times aplenty Shahid Afridi has flattered to deceive, but even he would have admitted that the situation was tailor made for his brand of cricket. Two good overs would have swung the pendulum the crescent's way. He took cautious singles off the first few balls. The asking rate of barely over five runs an over did not demand any batting calisthenics.
And then all hell broke loose. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries - Jayasuriya for consecutive fours, Bandara over cover and then straight back, but the best was yet to come. Afridi had something special planned for Bandara's last over – Two screeching fours followed by four stupendous sixes – one of which was barely four feet above the
ground in its flat journey to the advertisement hoarding. It was a 32 run over (4 4 6 6 6 6). Suddenly, a match which promised much more drama was turned into a no-contest by a man capable of ferocious hitting. This was what the world had waited for with bated breath during the World Cup. But then Afridi has a penchant for being unimaginably talented and infuriatingly callous. He also belongs to that rare breed of batters who try dispatching every ball to the boundary irrespective of the situation/ bowler/ pitch/ weather etc.
Needless to say, the Pakistanis raced to the target with 5 wickets to spare as Akmal smashed the winning boundary and reached 50 in the process. The Pathan ended with 73 off 34 balls (8 fours and 4 sixes.) Many thanks Shahid, for the unadulterated, unbridled power that you bring to the game in an age dominated by bare statistics.
Showing posts with label 2007 Cricket World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007 Cricket World Cup. Show all posts
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
An Aussie World Cup Winners’ XI
The culmination of any sporting event brings to focus the players that made a difference. This year’s Cricket World Cup ended on a hat trick of consecutive Cup wins for the Australia, and with the 1987 triumph the men from Down Under have won four World Cups out of the nine held so far.
Great players have donned national colours for this Australian one-day side, and before the current side left for this year’s World Cup in the West Indies, an All-time Aussie One Day International (ODI) XI was announced. In this analysis, we shall pick an Aussie XI as well, but an All-time Aussie World Cup Winners XI. The selection process is simple; we shall pick the best Australian players to have successfully represented their country at a World Cup.
Here’s the eleven that made the cut:
1. Adam Gilchrist
Ball in glove or not, ‘Gilly’ is perhaps the easiest choice to make in any all-time XI. In 31 World Cup matches, Gilchrist has scored 1085 runs, averaging 36.16, and scoring at marginally less than a run-a-ball. His blistering 149 in this year’s final at the Kensington Oval seemed to have been made on a different wicket to the rest, as he teed off on a scoring spree while the rest of the Aussie batsmen – in prime form too- struggled to force the pace.
2. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden’s batting exploits at the recently concluded World Cup bagged him the opener’s place alongside Gilchrist, ahead of the elegant Mark Waugh. Waugh’s career average of 39.95 at a strike rate of 76.90 is impressive, but pales in comparison to Hayden’s average of 43.99 at a strike rate of 78.53. Although Waugh’s World Cup batting average of 52.84 is better than Hayden’s 51.94, it has been scored at a slower pace, thanks to the Hayden’s powerful hitting – a result of his strong upper body.
3. Ricky Ponting
The skipper of this side will come in at No.3. Ponting and Clive Lloyd are the only two captains to have won two World Cups, but Ponting is one-up over Lloyd – he’s won three as a player. Ponting is the only Aussie batsman to have scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs, with 22 centuries. His 140 not out in the World Cup Final against India in 2003 is one innings to remember.
4. Dean Jones
Jones is the only player in this side from the 1987 Australian World Cup winning side. He averages over 44 in ODIs, a phenomenal record when compared to his contemporaries. Although his 6068 runs have come at a slow strike rate of 72.56, the gritty middle-order bat was still considered a better bet than Damien Martyn.
5. Michael Clarke
At the 2007 World Cup, ‘Pug’ – as Clarke is known – played with a touch of finesse and consistency, and with Hayden and Ponting formed a solid top-order that hardly left any work for the rest of the line-up. He averaged 87.20 in the 11 matches he played at the 2007 World Cup, nearly double his average of 45.60 in 112 ODIs. Along with the batting, Clarke is also a useful left-arm slow bowler, and he would be one of the better fielders in this excellent fielding side.
6. Michael Bevan
The ‘World’s best finisher’ tag still belongs to this southpaw. His penchant for never getting out is reflected in his average of 53.58, only to be perhaps outdone by a fellow southpaw and namesake Michael Hussey in recent years. His quick running between the wickets will come useful in the end-overs, and his cool head has guided the Aussies to a win from many a difficult situation. Bevan’s left-arm chinamans will also add variety to the bowling attack.
7. Andrew Symonds
A giant on the field, Andrew Symonds has an astounding batting average of 103 in World Cup matches, his 515 runs coming at a strike rate of 93.29. An uncertainty for the 2003 World Cup, the man was picked on captain Ricky Ponting’s behest. Symonds obliged his skipper by scoring an unbeaten 143 after Pakistan had the Aussies tottering at 86-4. Although an injury seemed to have dashed his World Cup hopes this year, Symonds made a remarkable recovery and played the tournament after missing the first two matches. Symonds can also bowl off-spin or medium pace and his strong arms and athletic prowess make him one of the best outfielders in the game.
8. Shane Warne
Although leg-spinner Shane Warne has not played an ODI after the infamous ‘Mommy gave me a pill’ episode that ruled him out of the 2003 World Cup, many felt he should have been part of the 2007 campaign. Warne retired from Test cricket following the Ashes, perhaps as the best spinner that the game has produced. Warne walks into this side ahead of the man who replaced him – left-arm chinaman bowler Brad Hogg. Hogg’s performances have ensured Australia did not miss Warne, picking up 34 wickets at an average of 19.23 in 21 World Cup games. Warne’s 32 wickets in 17 matches come at 19.50 apiece, at an economy rate of 3.83 runs conceded per over. However, the Man-of-the-Match four-fors in the semi-finals and finals of the 1999 World Cup clinched the specialist spinner’s spot for the ‘Wizard.’
9. Brett Lee
The ‘Express’ bowler in this side, Brett Lee averaged a wicket nearly every 23rd ball he bowled at the 2003 World Cup. Unfortunately, an injury ruled him out of this year’s World Cup, where the tearaway Shaun Tait replaced him with some success. Lee is no slouch with the bat either and both he and Warne could chip in with a few runs if needed.
10. Nathan Bracken
The golden locks and gentle run-up make him appear to be easy pickings, but left-arm medium-pacer Nathan Bracken has a few tricks up his sleeve. He swings the new ball with good effect and bowls incisive cutters with the older one. Also entrusted with the ball during the death overs in the last World Cup, Bracken picked up 16 wickets with an average of 16.12, conceding 3.6 runs every over. His overall ODI record is not bad either, giving away 21.36 runs for the 112 wickets he has taken.
11. Glenn McGrath
“Mr. Line and Length’ could not have scripted a better finish to his cricketing career. McGrath finished the 2007 World Cup as the most successful bowler in World Cup history, and as the ‘Player of the Tournament.’ Glenn McGrath hates giving away anything to the batsmen, and his career ODI economy rate is an outstanding 3.87. McGrath’s 71 victims in 39 matches at the World Cup have been done in by his nagging accuracy and persistence. The consistent performer has won the coveted Cup three times as a player along with compatriots Gilchrist and Ponting. He also has a reputation for targeting the key batsmen in the opposition, and with a good measure of success that is.
The Aussie World Cup Winners Squad:
The XI: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (wicket-keeper), Matthew Hayden, Dean Jones, Michael Clarke, Michael Bevan, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath.
Stand-bys: Mark Waugh, Jason Gillespie, Brad Hogg, Damien Martyn.
Coach: John Buchanan.
Great players have donned national colours for this Australian one-day side, and before the current side left for this year’s World Cup in the West Indies, an All-time Aussie One Day International (ODI) XI was announced. In this analysis, we shall pick an Aussie XI as well, but an All-time Aussie World Cup Winners XI. The selection process is simple; we shall pick the best Australian players to have successfully represented their country at a World Cup.
Here’s the eleven that made the cut:
1. Adam Gilchrist
Ball in glove or not, ‘Gilly’ is perhaps the easiest choice to make in any all-time XI. In 31 World Cup matches, Gilchrist has scored 1085 runs, averaging 36.16, and scoring at marginally less than a run-a-ball. His blistering 149 in this year’s final at the Kensington Oval seemed to have been made on a different wicket to the rest, as he teed off on a scoring spree while the rest of the Aussie batsmen – in prime form too- struggled to force the pace.
2. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden’s batting exploits at the recently concluded World Cup bagged him the opener’s place alongside Gilchrist, ahead of the elegant Mark Waugh. Waugh’s career average of 39.95 at a strike rate of 76.90 is impressive, but pales in comparison to Hayden’s average of 43.99 at a strike rate of 78.53. Although Waugh’s World Cup batting average of 52.84 is better than Hayden’s 51.94, it has been scored at a slower pace, thanks to the Hayden’s powerful hitting – a result of his strong upper body.
3. Ricky Ponting
The skipper of this side will come in at No.3. Ponting and Clive Lloyd are the only two captains to have won two World Cups, but Ponting is one-up over Lloyd – he’s won three as a player. Ponting is the only Aussie batsman to have scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs, with 22 centuries. His 140 not out in the World Cup Final against India in 2003 is one innings to remember.
4. Dean Jones
Jones is the only player in this side from the 1987 Australian World Cup winning side. He averages over 44 in ODIs, a phenomenal record when compared to his contemporaries. Although his 6068 runs have come at a slow strike rate of 72.56, the gritty middle-order bat was still considered a better bet than Damien Martyn.
5. Michael Clarke
At the 2007 World Cup, ‘Pug’ – as Clarke is known – played with a touch of finesse and consistency, and with Hayden and Ponting formed a solid top-order that hardly left any work for the rest of the line-up. He averaged 87.20 in the 11 matches he played at the 2007 World Cup, nearly double his average of 45.60 in 112 ODIs. Along with the batting, Clarke is also a useful left-arm slow bowler, and he would be one of the better fielders in this excellent fielding side.
6. Michael Bevan
The ‘World’s best finisher’ tag still belongs to this southpaw. His penchant for never getting out is reflected in his average of 53.58, only to be perhaps outdone by a fellow southpaw and namesake Michael Hussey in recent years. His quick running between the wickets will come useful in the end-overs, and his cool head has guided the Aussies to a win from many a difficult situation. Bevan’s left-arm chinamans will also add variety to the bowling attack.
7. Andrew Symonds
A giant on the field, Andrew Symonds has an astounding batting average of 103 in World Cup matches, his 515 runs coming at a strike rate of 93.29. An uncertainty for the 2003 World Cup, the man was picked on captain Ricky Ponting’s behest. Symonds obliged his skipper by scoring an unbeaten 143 after Pakistan had the Aussies tottering at 86-4. Although an injury seemed to have dashed his World Cup hopes this year, Symonds made a remarkable recovery and played the tournament after missing the first two matches. Symonds can also bowl off-spin or medium pace and his strong arms and athletic prowess make him one of the best outfielders in the game.
8. Shane Warne
Although leg-spinner Shane Warne has not played an ODI after the infamous ‘Mommy gave me a pill’ episode that ruled him out of the 2003 World Cup, many felt he should have been part of the 2007 campaign. Warne retired from Test cricket following the Ashes, perhaps as the best spinner that the game has produced. Warne walks into this side ahead of the man who replaced him – left-arm chinaman bowler Brad Hogg. Hogg’s performances have ensured Australia did not miss Warne, picking up 34 wickets at an average of 19.23 in 21 World Cup games. Warne’s 32 wickets in 17 matches come at 19.50 apiece, at an economy rate of 3.83 runs conceded per over. However, the Man-of-the-Match four-fors in the semi-finals and finals of the 1999 World Cup clinched the specialist spinner’s spot for the ‘Wizard.’
9. Brett Lee
The ‘Express’ bowler in this side, Brett Lee averaged a wicket nearly every 23rd ball he bowled at the 2003 World Cup. Unfortunately, an injury ruled him out of this year’s World Cup, where the tearaway Shaun Tait replaced him with some success. Lee is no slouch with the bat either and both he and Warne could chip in with a few runs if needed.
10. Nathan Bracken
The golden locks and gentle run-up make him appear to be easy pickings, but left-arm medium-pacer Nathan Bracken has a few tricks up his sleeve. He swings the new ball with good effect and bowls incisive cutters with the older one. Also entrusted with the ball during the death overs in the last World Cup, Bracken picked up 16 wickets with an average of 16.12, conceding 3.6 runs every over. His overall ODI record is not bad either, giving away 21.36 runs for the 112 wickets he has taken.
11. Glenn McGrath
“Mr. Line and Length’ could not have scripted a better finish to his cricketing career. McGrath finished the 2007 World Cup as the most successful bowler in World Cup history, and as the ‘Player of the Tournament.’ Glenn McGrath hates giving away anything to the batsmen, and his career ODI economy rate is an outstanding 3.87. McGrath’s 71 victims in 39 matches at the World Cup have been done in by his nagging accuracy and persistence. The consistent performer has won the coveted Cup three times as a player along with compatriots Gilchrist and Ponting. He also has a reputation for targeting the key batsmen in the opposition, and with a good measure of success that is.
The Aussie World Cup Winners Squad:
The XI: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (wicket-keeper), Matthew Hayden, Dean Jones, Michael Clarke, Michael Bevan, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath.
Stand-bys: Mark Waugh, Jason Gillespie, Brad Hogg, Damien Martyn.
Coach: John Buchanan.
Friday, April 27, 2007
SHOWDOWN - THE GRAND FINALE - WORLD CUP 2007
History beckons the team from Down Under. In 2003, they were the first team to win three World Cups. Tomorrow, they will have the opportunity to win their third consecutive title, an achievement that will drive home the point even to the greatest of their detractors that this is by-far the best team of all-time.
Dad' Army they were called before the tournament began. Maybe the cool and pristine surroundings in the Caribbean rejuvenated the lot. The statistics speak for themselves. Glenn Mcgrath and Matthew Hayden may be 37 and 35 respectively, but they seem to be enjoying the best form of their ODI career, topping the batting and bowling charts with ease.
If Australia achieves the feat, then skipper Ricky Ponting, vice-captain and 'keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist and McGrath will the first players to have won the tournament thrice (as players that is). But they face a tough nemesis in Sri Lanka, whose coach Tom Moody will also be looking forward to a third triumph. Moody was part of the Australian sides in 1987 and 1999; in the latter he played alongside Ponting, Gilchrist and McGrath.
Australia would have already accomplished the hat-trick of wins had the Lankans not beaten them in 1996. On the Lankan side, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Marvan Atapattu remain from that victorious squad. The Aussies may not have bitter memories though, since the only players in the team today are Ponting and McGrath - two players who have gone on to achieve many greater glories in international cricket.
Sri Lanka go into the finals with an equal chance of winning, as their bowling attack is on par if not more potent than Australia's. The way Lasith Malinga bowled on Tuesday was phenomenal, and it remains to be seen how he comes up against a formidable Aussie top-order, if he can repeat the perfromance that is. Muttiah Muralitharan is the key player. Last time when these teams met, Sri Lanka rested Malinga, Murali and Vaas. Sri Lanka failed to defend the score of 226 that they had put up. However, with the trio back, any score near that one would make for a compelling final. But the Lankans could be put on the back foot if Hayden attacks Vaas and Farveez Maharoof, who may get the nod ahead of the struggling Dilhara Fernando.
The Sri Lankan batting has looked shaky, but skipper Mahela Jayawardene will be the man that McGrath and Co. will be gunning for, apart from the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya. Last time around, the Aussies bowlers had Sri Lanka on the mat at 27-3, but Jayawardene and Chamara Silva led a fightback and the Lankans would have been disappointed not to have scored more than 250.
For the Lankans, middle-order bat Chamara Silva has played in this World Cup at the expense of the experienced Marvan Atapattu. Interestingly, Atapattu was also on the bench during Sri Lanka's 1996 winning campaign. A lucky charm? But then no other cricket team in the world has debunked charms, horoscopes and other myths as nonchalantly as this Australian side has.
Australia v/s Sri Lanka
Saturday, April 28
AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Dad' Army they were called before the tournament began. Maybe the cool and pristine surroundings in the Caribbean rejuvenated the lot. The statistics speak for themselves. Glenn Mcgrath and Matthew Hayden may be 37 and 35 respectively, but they seem to be enjoying the best form of their ODI career, topping the batting and bowling charts with ease.
If Australia achieves the feat, then skipper Ricky Ponting, vice-captain and 'keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist and McGrath will the first players to have won the tournament thrice (as players that is). But they face a tough nemesis in Sri Lanka, whose coach Tom Moody will also be looking forward to a third triumph. Moody was part of the Australian sides in 1987 and 1999; in the latter he played alongside Ponting, Gilchrist and McGrath.
Australia would have already accomplished the hat-trick of wins had the Lankans not beaten them in 1996. On the Lankan side, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Marvan Atapattu remain from that victorious squad. The Aussies may not have bitter memories though, since the only players in the team today are Ponting and McGrath - two players who have gone on to achieve many greater glories in international cricket.
Sri Lanka go into the finals with an equal chance of winning, as their bowling attack is on par if not more potent than Australia's. The way Lasith Malinga bowled on Tuesday was phenomenal, and it remains to be seen how he comes up against a formidable Aussie top-order, if he can repeat the perfromance that is. Muttiah Muralitharan is the key player. Last time when these teams met, Sri Lanka rested Malinga, Murali and Vaas. Sri Lanka failed to defend the score of 226 that they had put up. However, with the trio back, any score near that one would make for a compelling final. But the Lankans could be put on the back foot if Hayden attacks Vaas and Farveez Maharoof, who may get the nod ahead of the struggling Dilhara Fernando.
The Sri Lankan batting has looked shaky, but skipper Mahela Jayawardene will be the man that McGrath and Co. will be gunning for, apart from the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya. Last time around, the Aussies bowlers had Sri Lanka on the mat at 27-3, but Jayawardene and Chamara Silva led a fightback and the Lankans would have been disappointed not to have scored more than 250.
For the Lankans, middle-order bat Chamara Silva has played in this World Cup at the expense of the experienced Marvan Atapattu. Interestingly, Atapattu was also on the bench during Sri Lanka's 1996 winning campaign. A lucky charm? But then no other cricket team in the world has debunked charms, horoscopes and other myths as nonchalantly as this Australian side has.
Australia v/s Sri Lanka
Saturday, April 28
AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Thursday, April 19, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 24
The last match of the Super Eights will see the hosts playing England. Both teams would be disappointed with the fact that they would not be taking further part int he tournament, especially the Windies. It will a good stage for batsmen like Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss to leave a mark on this World Cup. This match will be the last international game for Brian Lara, though a few more may be on their way out.
England v/s West Indies
AKG: England
MJV: West Indies
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
England v/s West Indies
AKG: England
MJV: West Indies
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 23
Since there's no more competition for semi-final berths apart from the the final standings, we decided to do the showdowns for the rest of the Super Eight matches early (also yours truly needed a break). The Kangaroos take on the Kiwis today, and it is surely going to be a battle. New Zealand would be hoping that they can avoid playing the Sri Lankans in the semis, for which they need to win the match for starters. Australia, on the other hand, would also know that Muttiah Muralitharan can easily wreck their chances of a treble.
However, both teams would need to focus on this match first. Shane Bond has troubled Australia in the past and Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming will be hoping that the bowler rises to the occassion. Bond though has looked slightly off-pace though his swing and line have generally been on target. Perhaps being pitted against the tearaway bowler Shaun Tait would spur him to bowl that much quicker.
New Zealand have had successes in the recent past against the Aussies but no one has beaten this side in the World Cup for a good 26 matches. This one should be a thriller, especially if the Aussies are given a target to chase. It would be good preparation for them, though handling Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel well by no way means that the champions are ready to face Murali.
Australia v/s New Zealand
Our predictions:
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Australia
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
However, both teams would need to focus on this match first. Shane Bond has troubled Australia in the past and Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming will be hoping that the bowler rises to the occassion. Bond though has looked slightly off-pace though his swing and line have generally been on target. Perhaps being pitted against the tearaway bowler Shaun Tait would spur him to bowl that much quicker.
New Zealand have had successes in the recent past against the Aussies but no one has beaten this side in the World Cup for a good 26 matches. This one should be a thriller, especially if the Aussies are given a target to chase. It would be good preparation for them, though handling Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel well by no way means that the champions are ready to face Murali.
Australia v/s New Zealand
Our predictions:
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Australia
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 22
Ireland played their last match of the Cup yesterday and today's match will be the last for Bangladesh. They are up against the West Indies, a team that will be looking to salvage some pride after their disastrous run in the Super Eight stage. It will be interesting to see the line-up for the Windies, if skipper Brian Lara will play or not. Wish Lara steps up and lights up this World Cup with his brilliance, even though it will be a little too late.
Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s West Indies
AKG: West Indies
MJV: Bangladesh. If they bat first, a score of around 200 would be a fighting total to defend once their three left-armers come on to bowl. The shot selection of some of their batsmen, including the classy Mohammed Ashraful, is awful. Aftab Ahmed is a dozen runs and done kind of batsman at the moment.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s West Indies
AKG: West Indies
MJV: Bangladesh. If they bat first, a score of around 200 would be a fighting total to defend once their three left-armers come on to bowl. The shot selection of some of their batsmen, including the classy Mohammed Ashraful, is awful. Aftab Ahmed is a dozen runs and done kind of batsman at the moment.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 21
Today's match is only significant as Sri Lanka might just slip to fourth place if they lose to Ireland. Anyways, if Sri Lanka win today or lose by a narrow margin then they are set to most probably face the Kiwis in the semis at Jamaica's Sabina Park. But if the Kiwis complete a shock and convincing rout of the Aussies, then the Lankans are up against Ponting and Co. for the second time in three matches.
Ireland will feature in their last match of he tournament and most of these cricketers will return to their workplaces back home, very well knowing that this World Cup will always be the highpoint of their sporting careers. They bought a sense of joy to this World Cup, and the 'Chicken Dance' is just one of the few examples. Hope the world has one more cricketing nation to look up to.
Ireland v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Ireland will feature in their last match of he tournament and most of these cricketers will return to their workplaces back home, very well knowing that this World Cup will always be the highpoint of their sporting careers. They bought a sense of joy to this World Cup, and the 'Chicken Dance' is just one of the few examples. Hope the world has one more cricketing nation to look up to.
Ireland v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 20
Key players won't be rested today. That's because if either England or South Africa lose today's match, they are out of the tournament. Predictions -
England v/s South Africa
AKG: England
MJV: South Africa
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
England v/s South Africa
AKG: England
MJV: South Africa
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Monday, April 16, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 19
Yours truly is left alone to do the showdowns from now onwards, since Ashok has moved on to greater things (this shall be mentioned soon in the About Us page). However, I think I can predict for him considering the affection he has for the Australian side.
Australia's not lost a single match in the last three World Cups and one feels that the remaining two matches will be a good test for this team of 'Invincibles.' The Aussies take on Sri Lanka today and will play against the Black Caps later this week.
Sri Lanka have, as experts suggest, a bowling attack on par with Australia. Lasith Malinga (who may miss out today), Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando are maybe a bit behind in ability compared to Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken. However, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mutthiah Muralitharan and Tilekaratne Dilshan are much bigger match-winners with the ball than Brad Hogg, Andrew Symonds, and Michael Clarke.
Had the Lankans not beaten the Aussies to be World Champions in 1996, the Kangaroos would have already had their treble of World Cup trophies. Though a unfavourable result in this match can't stop the Aussies from having a go at the treble, it would surely end their winning streak and more importantly increase the confidence of the team that will face them in the semis. Our predictions :
Australia v/s Sri Lanka
MJV for AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Sri Lanka needs to bat first and score 260 if not more for a chance of winning. And Jayawardene should be quick on the go to bring Murali as soon as possible when Australia is chasing. Captains need to stop worrying too much about the powerplays. The more important task is picking up wickets, and if the Sri Lankan spinners can't do that in the 30 non-powerplay overs, there's no way I see them eke out a win. But the Aussies still remain favourites.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SAB TV and SET MAX.
Australia's not lost a single match in the last three World Cups and one feels that the remaining two matches will be a good test for this team of 'Invincibles.' The Aussies take on Sri Lanka today and will play against the Black Caps later this week.
Sri Lanka have, as experts suggest, a bowling attack on par with Australia. Lasith Malinga (who may miss out today), Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando are maybe a bit behind in ability compared to Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken. However, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mutthiah Muralitharan and Tilekaratne Dilshan are much bigger match-winners with the ball than Brad Hogg, Andrew Symonds, and Michael Clarke.
Had the Lankans not beaten the Aussies to be World Champions in 1996, the Kangaroos would have already had their treble of World Cup trophies. Though a unfavourable result in this match can't stop the Aussies from having a go at the treble, it would surely end their winning streak and more importantly increase the confidence of the team that will face them in the semis. Our predictions :
Australia v/s Sri Lanka
MJV for AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Sri Lanka needs to bat first and score 260 if not more for a chance of winning. And Jayawardene should be quick on the go to bring Murali as soon as possible when Australia is chasing. Captains need to stop worrying too much about the powerplays. The more important task is picking up wickets, and if the Sri Lankan spinners can't do that in the 30 non-powerplay overs, there's no way I see them eke out a win. But the Aussies still remain favourites.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SAB TV and SET MAX.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 18
The clash of the 'minnows' the scribes call it, also a watered-down version for those fans who were expecting a Indo-Pak clash. This match for sure won't be short on enthusiasm or the competitive spirit. Had the Bangladeshi batsmen put on more runs on the board against England, perhaps this match would have assumed even more significance. If they fail today and lose, it would be a disappointment since they are the higher-ranked team. Also, it would nullify the positives of defeating India and South Africa. On the other hand, Ireland could become the 12th team on the ICC's one-day rankings if they beat Bangladesh today. And their best chance to register their first win in this stage would be against Bangladesh.
Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Saturday, April 14, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 17
The Aussies are through to the semis, and the Kiwis can join them if they manage to hold off another nation from the Southern Hemisphere - South Africa. New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming should play both his spinners unless the wicket is one that overtly favours the quicker bowlers. After all, spin has been the Achilles Heel for the Proteas, both in terms of facing it as well as employing it to their advantage. But today Graeme Smith will be expecting his experienced batsmen in the middle-order to play sensibly against Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel. Maybe, he should be smart enough to use his better batsmen of spin -Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher - when the spin duo comes on to bowl and leave Gibbs and Kallis for the big hitting towards the end.
The Kiwis will be looking to Shane Bond to pick up the early wickets before they can bring on the slower bowlers to squeeze the South African batsmen into making mistakes. However, Fleming will still be worried about the form of his batsmen. Though the South African new-ball attack of Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini has not done much damage of late, they still have the potential to wreck the Kiwi batting. Our predictions follow:
New Zealand v/s South Africa
AKG: New Zealand. They have looked far better this tournament than the Graeme Smith's side.
MJV: South Africa. If not for their ability, than more for having a "showdown" with Ashok. However, they still do not seem good enough to be World champions.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
The Kiwis will be looking to Shane Bond to pick up the early wickets before they can bring on the slower bowlers to squeeze the South African batsmen into making mistakes. However, Fleming will still be worried about the form of his batsmen. Though the South African new-ball attack of Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini has not done much damage of late, they still have the potential to wreck the Kiwi batting. Our predictions follow:
New Zealand v/s South Africa
AKG: New Zealand. They have looked far better this tournament than the Graeme Smith's side.
MJV: South Africa. If not for their ability, than more for having a "showdown" with Ashok. However, they still do not seem good enough to be World champions.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Friday, April 13, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 16
It's Friday the 13th, and Ashok is looking forward to Ireland shocking Australia. Mathew realises it's the Aussies and feels that it's a good chance for Hussey and Symonds to make big scores.
Australia v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Australia
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Australia v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Australia
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Thursday, April 12, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 15
New Zealand v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT- MATCH DAY 14
Today's game should be an interesting one. Bangladesh take on England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Our quick predictions for today -
Bangladesh v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Bangladesh v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 13
Hosts West Indies take on the recently dethroned World No. 1 team South Africa in a crucial encounter today. The Windies desperately need a win to stay alive in the tournament, while another loss for South Africa after the defeat to Bangladesh will add to the excitement in the scramble for semi-final berths. However, South Africa face a stern test against the West Indies. When it comes to big tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, the Proteas have come a cropper against the men from the Caribbean. Lara and Co. will be hoping to once again squeeze out a win against the 'chokers.' Below are our predictions for today -
South Africa v/s West Indies
AKG: South Africa. They will definitely bounce back from the Bangladesh loss. The Windies better watch out.
MJV: West Indies. The time is ripe for the hosts to revive their chances of winning a World Cup. A victory would surely electrify the atmosphere in the islands.
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
South Africa v/s West Indies
AKG: South Africa. They will definitely bounce back from the Bangladesh loss. The Windies better watch out.
MJV: West Indies. The time is ripe for the hosts to revive their chances of winning a World Cup. A victory would surely electrify the atmosphere in the islands.
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Monday, April 9, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 12
Sorry, we are running a bit late the last couple of days but today's delay was thanks to Blogger throwing up tantrums. Anyways, let's get to the point. With Australia all but booking their place in the semi-finals, their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand will be hoping to do the same with a win over Ireland today. Here's our predictions for today.
Ireland v/s New Zealand
AKG: Ireland
MJV: New Zealand
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English), SAB TV (Hindi) and DD-1.
Ireland v/s New Zealand
AKG: Ireland
MJV: New Zealand
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English), SAB TV (Hindi) and DD-1.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 11
With South Africa's loss to Bangladesh, the competition for semi-final places has been thrown wide open. England's campaign will ge a big boost if they manage to beat the Aussies today.
Australia v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English), SAB TV (Hindi) and DD-1.
Australia v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English), SAB TV (Hindi) and DD-1.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 10
Here's our predictions for today.
Bangladesh v/s South Africa
AKG: South Africa
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.
Bangladesh v/s South Africa
AKG: South Africa
MJV: Bangladesh
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 9
Here's our predictions for today.
England v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: England
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.
England v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: England
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 8
The Irish will be hoping that they can do more than just scare South Africa today. Ireland had nearly upset the Proteas in the warm-ups and had them reeling after putting them in on a track that favoured the bowlers. However, South Africa managed to sail through in the end.
Ireland v/s South Africa
Predictions:
AKG: South Africa
MJV: South Africa, though I would want to see at least one upset in the Super Eights. At least, it will make for interesting cricket. Bangladesh showed promise yesterday, but were disappointing to say the least. Many fans would be cursing the fact that India is not playing.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX and SAB TV.
Ireland v/s South Africa
Predictions:
AKG: South Africa
MJV: South Africa, though I would want to see at least one upset in the Super Eights. At least, it will make for interesting cricket. Bangladesh showed promise yesterday, but were disappointing to say the least. Many fans would be cursing the fact that India is not playing.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX and SAB TV.
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