After two convincing wins for rookie Lewis Hamilton, it was now the turn of Ferrari and surprisingly Kimi Raikonnen to register back-to-back wins.
Surprising because Raikonnen had been outdone till then by the three other top contenders - team-mate Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton - for the Drivers’ Championship. And the way Hamilton was shaping up, one would dare still consider him as just another rookie who’s had a great start to his career.
Raikonnen has now perhaps rightfully claimed his place as Ferrari’s contender for the Drivers’ title. Massa may just be a point behind, but he’s now suffering from luck deserting him at the crucial junctures, something maybe he shouldn’t have picked up from his more illustrious colleague.
For those who may have forgotten, this season has already witnessed three drivers having consecutive wins. Massa did it in Bahrain and Spain, Hamilton in the couple of GPs in North America, and now Raikonnen in the European countries separated by the English Channel.
It may also have to do a bit with the team momentum, which is crucial in the case of races on successive weekends. This season has 10 races packed in five fortnights over the season. McLaren did well at Montreal and Indy and Ferrari bounced back with Raikonnen’s wins at Magny-Cours and Silverstone. The latter dampened the homecoming party for local lad Hamilton, who still managed to maintain a place on the podium.
Raikonnen has won the most races this season, but would need to be far more consistent to push Hamilton for the title. We are halfway into the season and Hamilton still has a 12-point lead over Alonso and a 18-point advantage on Raikonnen. Now, assuming, Hamilton continues to be at least third on the podium for the rest of the season, he going to end up with a minimum of 118 points.
That means Alonso would need more than 60 points in nine races while Raikonnen would need 66. That’s an average of approximately 7 points per race. It’s not impossible though, since the 7 points is only needed if Hamilton continues this remarkable run. And if Hamilton doubles his points to 140 at the end of the season, it would in all probability be an exceptional second-half of the season for both Alonso and Raikonnen to pip him to the post.
If Ferrari focus on Raikonnen as their No.1, then he could benefit from the internal squabble between a champion wanting to retain his crown and a potential great who is aiming to fulfil something he’s been working towards and trained on for years. For those who say that the problems have been fixed, just clear out those corneas and watch the replays of the podium celebrations at Silverstone.
It’s definitely a fight to the finish.
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Alonso leading by 4? - II
Apropos the earlier post (I know the stats-shy may have stopped reading by now), I came across some new information on the same at http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/statistics/. The most shocking of all was that Eddie Irvine would have been the champion in 1999 had the new points system been in effect. Actually, it should not be that surprising, considering Mika Hakkinen had won it over Irvine by a mere 2 points. Under the news points system, Irvine would have won by a 6-point margin.
Michael Schumacher may have won in 1997 with the new points system, but he also would have lost the 1994 title to Damon Hill. Under the old points, Schumacher piped Hill by a solitary point; the new one would have seen Hill being World Champion by a good 8 points.
Other statistical highlights courtesy http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/statistics/
1992- Michael Schumacher's first season was so impressive that, had the 2003-specification points system been used that year, he would have tied for second with Riccardo Patrese.
1995 - Had the 2003 points system been used in 1995, Johnny Herbert would have been third overall, instead of David Coulthard.
1996 - To highlight how the post-2003 points system rewards consistent finishing in the lower places more than occasional finishes in the higher places, compare Jean Alesi and Michael Schumacher. Alesi (no wins) trailled Schumacher (three wins) by 12 points in real life, but under post-2003 points he would have been just two points behind.
KONIG F1 - A FANTASY GAME.
Michael Schumacher may have won in 1997 with the new points system, but he also would have lost the 1994 title to Damon Hill. Under the old points, Schumacher piped Hill by a solitary point; the new one would have seen Hill being World Champion by a good 8 points.
Other statistical highlights courtesy http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/statistics/
1992- Michael Schumacher's first season was so impressive that, had the 2003-specification points system been used that year, he would have tied for second with Riccardo Patrese.
1995 - Had the 2003 points system been used in 1995, Johnny Herbert would have been third overall, instead of David Coulthard.
1996 - To highlight how the post-2003 points system rewards consistent finishing in the lower places more than occasional finishes in the higher places, compare Jean Alesi and Michael Schumacher. Alesi (no wins) trailled Schumacher (three wins) by 12 points in real life, but under post-2003 points he would have been just two points behind.
KONIG F1 - A FANTASY GAME.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Alonso leading by 4?
Five races down, and Lewis Hamilton still drives a fairytale of a first Formula-1 season. A race win has eluded him, but he's not been far from it. Four consecutive second place finishes have helped him to the top of the points table alongside defending champion and team-mate Fernando Alonso. However, the rookie from the United Kingdom is currently placed behind the Spaniard, thanks to Alonso's two race wins.
This brings us to an interesting debate, on whether Hamilton would have been on par with Alonso on points had he been competing under the old points scoring system. The new points system came into effect in 2003, in order to spur greater competition and rewarded eight drivers with points instead of the earlier system of six finishing in the points. Also, the points for the second and third placed drivers on the podium were changed, which cut down the 4-point cushion for a race winner over the second-placed opponent to a mere 2 points. The old system was as follows: the drivers finishing in the top six were awarded 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points respectively for that particular Grand Prix. The new system: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for the drivers placing 1-8.
Going by the old points system, Alonso would be on 32 points for the races held so far, 6 points less than the tally with the current points system. Lewis Hamilton would be worse hit, his points this season would drop from 38 to 28 if the old system was still in existence. Hence, if we were still in 2002, Alonso would have been going to Montreal with a 4-point lead over his team-mate.
One can go on about the merits of the old and the new system. The major difference being that earlier a race win was given more importance, since the driver placed in second scored 4 points less than the winner, who got 10. Nevertheless the current system has been well-accepted by all and perhaps is a better one.
Last season, there was a close contest between Alonso and the now-retired Michael Schumacher. I think you get what I intend to do: Check if Schumi could have won that title in the farewell season had the points system been different. Schumacher was second-best by a good 13 points in the end, but the title race was much closer before the tragic engine blowout at the penultimate race in Japan.
Current points system: Alonso 134, Schumi 121.
Old points system: Alonso 116, Schumi 104.
So, it wouldn't have really made a difference. The duo were equal on points before the race in Japan, which Alonso won and Schumacher didn't score a point in. Interestingly, had it been the old system, Schumacher would have led Alonso by a point heading into Japan. So, could that 1 point have crumbled Alonso's march to the title. Perhaps not.
Those still interested read on. We shall look at another title-race involving Schumacher, though this time around it is back in 1997, when the old points system was in place. 1997 saw the infamous incident where Schumacher tried to take out championship winner Jacques Villeneuve in the final race of the season - the European Grand Prix. Schumacher was penalised; the authorities disqualified him from the final championship standings.
What follows is to check whether Schumacher would have benefited had the new points system been followed.
Old points system (Actual standings): Villeneuve 81 Schumacher 78.
New points system : Villeneuve 89 Schumacher 94.
Interesting? And the standings before the European Grand Prix is given below:
Old system: Villeneuve 77 Schumacher 78.
New system: Villeneuve 83 Schumacher 94.
Villeneuve did not even have a shot at winning the title. Schumacher could have well gone on driving his way to the championship. Although, in hindsight, that would have made for a rather blunt conclusion to the season. And the connoisseurs of sport would have been denied the opportunity the decry that instance of sporting impropriety.
The title race is in all probability likely to be tight this season. But at the back of our minds would be the fact that perhaps a different points scoring system could have made a world of difference.
Play fantasy F-1 game
This brings us to an interesting debate, on whether Hamilton would have been on par with Alonso on points had he been competing under the old points scoring system. The new points system came into effect in 2003, in order to spur greater competition and rewarded eight drivers with points instead of the earlier system of six finishing in the points. Also, the points for the second and third placed drivers on the podium were changed, which cut down the 4-point cushion for a race winner over the second-placed opponent to a mere 2 points. The old system was as follows: the drivers finishing in the top six were awarded 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points respectively for that particular Grand Prix. The new system: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for the drivers placing 1-8.
Going by the old points system, Alonso would be on 32 points for the races held so far, 6 points less than the tally with the current points system. Lewis Hamilton would be worse hit, his points this season would drop from 38 to 28 if the old system was still in existence. Hence, if we were still in 2002, Alonso would have been going to Montreal with a 4-point lead over his team-mate.
One can go on about the merits of the old and the new system. The major difference being that earlier a race win was given more importance, since the driver placed in second scored 4 points less than the winner, who got 10. Nevertheless the current system has been well-accepted by all and perhaps is a better one.
Last season, there was a close contest between Alonso and the now-retired Michael Schumacher. I think you get what I intend to do: Check if Schumi could have won that title in the farewell season had the points system been different. Schumacher was second-best by a good 13 points in the end, but the title race was much closer before the tragic engine blowout at the penultimate race in Japan.
Current points system: Alonso 134, Schumi 121.
Old points system: Alonso 116, Schumi 104.
So, it wouldn't have really made a difference. The duo were equal on points before the race in Japan, which Alonso won and Schumacher didn't score a point in. Interestingly, had it been the old system, Schumacher would have led Alonso by a point heading into Japan. So, could that 1 point have crumbled Alonso's march to the title. Perhaps not.
Those still interested read on. We shall look at another title-race involving Schumacher, though this time around it is back in 1997, when the old points system was in place. 1997 saw the infamous incident where Schumacher tried to take out championship winner Jacques Villeneuve in the final race of the season - the European Grand Prix. Schumacher was penalised; the authorities disqualified him from the final championship standings.
What follows is to check whether Schumacher would have benefited had the new points system been followed.
Old points system (Actual standings): Villeneuve 81 Schumacher 78.
New points system : Villeneuve 89 Schumacher 94.
Interesting? And the standings before the European Grand Prix is given below:
Old system: Villeneuve 77 Schumacher 78.
New system: Villeneuve 83 Schumacher 94.
Villeneuve did not even have a shot at winning the title. Schumacher could have well gone on driving his way to the championship. Although, in hindsight, that would have made for a rather blunt conclusion to the season. And the connoisseurs of sport would have been denied the opportunity the decry that instance of sporting impropriety.
The title race is in all probability likely to be tight this season. But at the back of our minds would be the fact that perhaps a different points scoring system could have made a world of difference.
Play fantasy F-1 game
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Roger Cracks Rafa Riddle
Kunal Diwan
It’s official. Strap your wiggly butts to your lazyboys and prepare for launch. Roger has started liking the dirt. It doesn’t choke his nares as before. His air-maxes have attained firm footing. And a certain someone in three-fourths is certainly frowning in displeasure.
If Federer’s pummeling of Nadal in the final of the Hamburg Masters is anything to go by, we have a French Open of epic proportions awaiting us.
It was not the eventual victory that mattered. It was the timing and manner of it - a handful of days before the French, all knives out against a ‘suspect’ Federer on clay, and this ripped teenager in highly un-recommended tennis attire having his own disdainful way with the champion. Here was a man who had just parted ways with his coach because he did not want any “interference” from any quarter in his preparation for the French. Was this the supercilious decline of a haughty champion? This was surely it. Or so we thought.
Federer’s scowl in the first set was representative of the 2-6 scoreline. His forehand lacked punch. His first serve was off by a mile and did nothing to extricate him from the hypnotic domination that his Majorcan opponent exercised over him each time they met across the net. It was been downright embarrassing, the way this teenager had made the magician appear to be a semi-professional drifter in their earlier encounters.
The first set followed an expected course. Nadal powered his way through whatever Federer hurled his way. Federer scowled, flicked his hair in that arrogant manner of his and (to the best of this writer’s tennis acumen) resigned himself to the ignominy of yet another defeat. Nadal even had a better percentage of points won at the net.
Then suddenly the first serve started hitting the sweet spot. The forays to the net seemed increasingly sure-footed. And before anyone could breathe a familiar gasp of awe, the Federer we knew was back at his dismissive best. He out-ran, out-hit, out-rallied, and out-played Nadal in every possible aspect of the game - in the second set Nadal was out-Nadal-ed by Federer. Second set in his pocket, we waited like scared cats for Rafa to step up a gear in his well-oiled musculature. He did. But Federer out-geared him there as well. I guess all the propitiating on my part had worked wonders. Not that this man needs the help of any Gods that require pleasing.
The decider was vintage (pardon the usage) Federer. He did not play as much as he rammed his brilliance into his opponent’s face. Nadal was blasted off court and ended his 81 match-winning streak on clay with an embarrassing 0-6 drubbing. But then there is no shame in losing to someone who would beat you with equal ease with a toothpick. Spectatorship was elevated to such euphoric levels that Custom Officials may well accost Federer for carrying contraband.
Midway through the third set, (with the end a good ten minutes and three games away) a commentator chimed – “It is going to be a deserved win for Federer. Nothing that Nadal can do about it now”. When someone is playing at this humanly unattainable level, precognition may well be excused.
For the record, Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal 2-6 6-2 6-0.
It’s official. Strap your wiggly butts to your lazyboys and prepare for launch. Roger has started liking the dirt. It doesn’t choke his nares as before. His air-maxes have attained firm footing. And a certain someone in three-fourths is certainly frowning in displeasure.
If Federer’s pummeling of Nadal in the final of the Hamburg Masters is anything to go by, we have a French Open of epic proportions awaiting us.
It was not the eventual victory that mattered. It was the timing and manner of it - a handful of days before the French, all knives out against a ‘suspect’ Federer on clay, and this ripped teenager in highly un-recommended tennis attire having his own disdainful way with the champion. Here was a man who had just parted ways with his coach because he did not want any “interference” from any quarter in his preparation for the French. Was this the supercilious decline of a haughty champion? This was surely it. Or so we thought.
Federer’s scowl in the first set was representative of the 2-6 scoreline. His forehand lacked punch. His first serve was off by a mile and did nothing to extricate him from the hypnotic domination that his Majorcan opponent exercised over him each time they met across the net. It was been downright embarrassing, the way this teenager had made the magician appear to be a semi-professional drifter in their earlier encounters.
The first set followed an expected course. Nadal powered his way through whatever Federer hurled his way. Federer scowled, flicked his hair in that arrogant manner of his and (to the best of this writer’s tennis acumen) resigned himself to the ignominy of yet another defeat. Nadal even had a better percentage of points won at the net.
Then suddenly the first serve started hitting the sweet spot. The forays to the net seemed increasingly sure-footed. And before anyone could breathe a familiar gasp of awe, the Federer we knew was back at his dismissive best. He out-ran, out-hit, out-rallied, and out-played Nadal in every possible aspect of the game - in the second set Nadal was out-Nadal-ed by Federer. Second set in his pocket, we waited like scared cats for Rafa to step up a gear in his well-oiled musculature. He did. But Federer out-geared him there as well. I guess all the propitiating on my part had worked wonders. Not that this man needs the help of any Gods that require pleasing.
The decider was vintage (pardon the usage) Federer. He did not play as much as he rammed his brilliance into his opponent’s face. Nadal was blasted off court and ended his 81 match-winning streak on clay with an embarrassing 0-6 drubbing. But then there is no shame in losing to someone who would beat you with equal ease with a toothpick. Spectatorship was elevated to such euphoric levels that Custom Officials may well accost Federer for carrying contraband.
Midway through the third set, (with the end a good ten minutes and three games away) a commentator chimed – “It is going to be a deserved win for Federer. Nothing that Nadal can do about it now”. When someone is playing at this humanly unattainable level, precognition may well be excused.
For the record, Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal 2-6 6-2 6-0.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Musings (contd...)
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.
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.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Musings on the Cricket in the Middle-East
Kunal Diwan
Maybe I am anti-patriotic to the extent of being vitriolic, but you will have to accept that cricket matches not involving 'Team India' are markedly refreshing. The kind of zeal that lanky youngsters from Sri Lanka and Pakistan bring to the game is sorely lacking in the overweight, over-hyped paper tigers from India. Anyways, there must be something in the air of these Middle Eastern countries (Sharjah, Morocco, Abu Dhabi...) that unfailingly produces dramatic, edge-of-the-seat contests.
Searching unity under a young captain after the World Cup and Woolmer debacle, Pakistan matched skills with Sri Lanka who were looking to reassert their status as Cup Finalists.
Batting first Sri Lanka stuttered, pottered and finally sprinted to 235, a total which hinged on a brisk 69 by Maharoof. Shrugging off three untimely run-outs and some accurate fast bowling by Sami and Gul, SL was helped on by a solid knock 47 by Chamara Silva.
With his team far from safety at 194-7 in the 44th over, Maharoof was seen striding down the pitch to converse with his partner Bandara. He thumped his chest as if to say – "I am in charge here, just don't do anything silly." In fact, Maharoof countered wasteful batting by both Bandara and the very irritating Lasith Malinga by some lusty hitting at the end.
Both Sami and Asif bowled fast and straight; Umar Gul picked up three wickets but was carted for 61 off his ten. Maharoof managed a smile when he was outwitted by a wily slower one
from Gul, and yet another smile when he hoisted the next delivery over long-off for a six. It was an apt representation of Kipling's lines – "If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat these impostors just the same." These are the young and fearless of modern international cricket, unblemished by nauseatingly burgeoning bank accounts and channelling their gully-cricket instincts into the international arena. Australia had better watch out. But then, the
Aussies ain't scared of anything either.
Pakistan began in trademark fashion, Imran Nazir whacking the wayward Malinga and Maharoof for boundaries in the first few overs. It is one of crickets great mysteries how a bowler with an action as ungainly and discordant as Malinga can be so successful at this level. I guess the batsmen are distracted to the extent of losing their wicket, for at the time of release, Malinga's arm, forget about being parallel to his torso, is nearly perpendicular to his body. Nevertheless, I shall keep my trap shut in light of the freak's great success in the games' premier event.
Razzaq looks like a roadside romeo in his new hair-do. Even though they're essentially of the same genetic stock, I can somehow identify a Pakistani miles away. Maybe it's their prognathic upper teeth or the general 'cheapness' that surrounds them. This is not to say that the VHP inspired miscreants in UP and Bihar are not cheap – they're even cheaper - but still the Paki brand of crassness is singularly unique. I would have to attribute my skill to endlessly watching Pak mutilate India on the cricket field in my formative years, where I painstakingly studied each and every mannerism of these brash victors for the secret of their success. "Killer Instinct" is what Henry Blofeld and co. called it in those days. Where is Mr. Blofeld these days? He's probably too old now to even admire earrings, but you never know. You can take a man out of voyeurism, but you can't take voyeurism out of a man.
Maybe I am anti-patriotic to the extent of being vitriolic, but you will have to accept that cricket matches not involving 'Team India' are markedly refreshing. The kind of zeal that lanky youngsters from Sri Lanka and Pakistan bring to the game is sorely lacking in the overweight, over-hyped paper tigers from India. Anyways, there must be something in the air of these Middle Eastern countries (Sharjah, Morocco, Abu Dhabi...) that unfailingly produces dramatic, edge-of-the-seat contests.
Searching unity under a young captain after the World Cup and Woolmer debacle, Pakistan matched skills with Sri Lanka who were looking to reassert their status as Cup Finalists.
Batting first Sri Lanka stuttered, pottered and finally sprinted to 235, a total which hinged on a brisk 69 by Maharoof. Shrugging off three untimely run-outs and some accurate fast bowling by Sami and Gul, SL was helped on by a solid knock 47 by Chamara Silva.
With his team far from safety at 194-7 in the 44th over, Maharoof was seen striding down the pitch to converse with his partner Bandara. He thumped his chest as if to say – "I am in charge here, just don't do anything silly." In fact, Maharoof countered wasteful batting by both Bandara and the very irritating Lasith Malinga by some lusty hitting at the end.
Both Sami and Asif bowled fast and straight; Umar Gul picked up three wickets but was carted for 61 off his ten. Maharoof managed a smile when he was outwitted by a wily slower one
from Gul, and yet another smile when he hoisted the next delivery over long-off for a six. It was an apt representation of Kipling's lines – "If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat these impostors just the same." These are the young and fearless of modern international cricket, unblemished by nauseatingly burgeoning bank accounts and channelling their gully-cricket instincts into the international arena. Australia had better watch out. But then, the
Aussies ain't scared of anything either.
Pakistan began in trademark fashion, Imran Nazir whacking the wayward Malinga and Maharoof for boundaries in the first few overs. It is one of crickets great mysteries how a bowler with an action as ungainly and discordant as Malinga can be so successful at this level. I guess the batsmen are distracted to the extent of losing their wicket, for at the time of release, Malinga's arm, forget about being parallel to his torso, is nearly perpendicular to his body. Nevertheless, I shall keep my trap shut in light of the freak's great success in the games' premier event.
Razzaq looks like a roadside romeo in his new hair-do. Even though they're essentially of the same genetic stock, I can somehow identify a Pakistani miles away. Maybe it's their prognathic upper teeth or the general 'cheapness' that surrounds them. This is not to say that the VHP inspired miscreants in UP and Bihar are not cheap – they're even cheaper - but still the Paki brand of crassness is singularly unique. I would have to attribute my skill to endlessly watching Pak mutilate India on the cricket field in my formative years, where I painstakingly studied each and every mannerism of these brash victors for the secret of their success. "Killer Instinct" is what Henry Blofeld and co. called it in those days. Where is Mr. Blofeld these days? He's probably too old now to even admire earrings, but you never know. You can take a man out of voyeurism, but you can't take voyeurism out of a man.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Of Raikonnen and unreliable cars
The jury's out once again on Kimi Raikonnen following his retirement on lap nine in the Spanish GP with an alternator failure. What irked the critics even more was the fact that Raikonnen was perhaps already checking in at the airport while Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa crossed the finish line in first place. Former driver and team boss Jackie Stewart has already questioned the Finn’s commitment.
If you have been following Formula 1, you still must be wondering how Kimi is to blame for a technical snag. Yes, Ferrari has had reliability issues this season and Massa suffered in the first race of the season. However, Raikonnen is no stranger to unreliable cars. Non-finishes plagued his stint at McLaren, especially in the last two seasons. Moreover, if this trend continues at Ferrari, Kimi will be facing the heat.
After four races, the tables have surely turned this season. What started out as a Fernando Alonso v/s Kimi Raikonnen battle is now a four-way affair, with both Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton leading their more illustrious counterparts at Ferrari and McLaren respectively. Rookie Hamilton is at the head of the pack, with 30 points, followed by Alonso on 28, Massa on 27 and Raikonnen on 22. McLaren with 58 points lead next-best Ferrari by nine points.
While the talk about Hamilton is on, the Brazilian Massa has churned out two consecutive race wins in his Ferrari. If he wins the upcoming Monaco GP, will this mean that Ferrari will consider him as their top driver for the Drivers’ Championship? In addition, if that does happen over the next few races, will Raikonnen feel comfortable at Ferrari? After all, Raikonnen’s move from McLaren to Ferrari was in quest of that elusive World Championship.
Monaco Preview
The next race at Monaco would be a challenging one. Overtaking is next to impossible on the streets of Monte-Carlo, and we have seen how Alonso lost track position following the ‘racing incident’ with Massa at his home GP in Catalunya. Interestingly, in the last three seasons the drivers on pole have gone on to win the Monaco GP – Alonso in 2006, Raikonnen in 2005, and Italian Jarno Trulli in 2004.
A collision at the start could create havoc, and with the four frontrunners vying for the top slot, we could just witness one. If this indeed does happen, we could well see constructors other than Ferrari or McLaren make their presence felt on the podium. Team BMW has been closest to the podium, with four fourth place finishes in the four races held so far.
After the impressive fifth-place finish at Catalunya, Red Bull’s David Coulthard will be looking forward to Monaco. Incidentally, ‘DC’ - who had won at Monaco with McLaren in 2002 – finished third in the Red Bull last year. Many would be hoping that the 36-year old Scot repeats the performance this year and end the stranglehold that Ferrari and McLaren have had on the podium in 2007.
F1 fans, log on to KONIG F1.
If you have been following Formula 1, you still must be wondering how Kimi is to blame for a technical snag. Yes, Ferrari has had reliability issues this season and Massa suffered in the first race of the season. However, Raikonnen is no stranger to unreliable cars. Non-finishes plagued his stint at McLaren, especially in the last two seasons. Moreover, if this trend continues at Ferrari, Kimi will be facing the heat.
After four races, the tables have surely turned this season. What started out as a Fernando Alonso v/s Kimi Raikonnen battle is now a four-way affair, with both Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton leading their more illustrious counterparts at Ferrari and McLaren respectively. Rookie Hamilton is at the head of the pack, with 30 points, followed by Alonso on 28, Massa on 27 and Raikonnen on 22. McLaren with 58 points lead next-best Ferrari by nine points.
While the talk about Hamilton is on, the Brazilian Massa has churned out two consecutive race wins in his Ferrari. If he wins the upcoming Monaco GP, will this mean that Ferrari will consider him as their top driver for the Drivers’ Championship? In addition, if that does happen over the next few races, will Raikonnen feel comfortable at Ferrari? After all, Raikonnen’s move from McLaren to Ferrari was in quest of that elusive World Championship.
Monaco Preview
The next race at Monaco would be a challenging one. Overtaking is next to impossible on the streets of Monte-Carlo, and we have seen how Alonso lost track position following the ‘racing incident’ with Massa at his home GP in Catalunya. Interestingly, in the last three seasons the drivers on pole have gone on to win the Monaco GP – Alonso in 2006, Raikonnen in 2005, and Italian Jarno Trulli in 2004.
A collision at the start could create havoc, and with the four frontrunners vying for the top slot, we could just witness one. If this indeed does happen, we could well see constructors other than Ferrari or McLaren make their presence felt on the podium. Team BMW has been closest to the podium, with four fourth place finishes in the four races held so far.
After the impressive fifth-place finish at Catalunya, Red Bull’s David Coulthard will be looking forward to Monaco. Incidentally, ‘DC’ - who had won at Monaco with McLaren in 2002 – finished third in the Red Bull last year. Many would be hoping that the 36-year old Scot repeats the performance this year and end the stranglehold that Ferrari and McLaren have had on the podium in 2007.
F1 fans, log on to KONIG F1.
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).
Monday, April 23, 2007
SHOWDOWN - SEMI-FINALS
Finally, we get to the knockout stage of this World Cup. And a brief one too, with the finals scheduled for the 28th. The permutations and combinations have begun. Australia and Sri Lanka are the hot favourites to reach the finals, but no one can rule out the chances of the Black Caps or the Proteas. Both New Zealand and South Africa have lost by big margins to their semi-final opponents earlier in the tournament. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the past won't count, as the better team on the day will prevail.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka square it off at Sabina Park on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's bowling attack has performed well so far in the tournament and it remains to be seen if Lasith Malinga will play the crucial match after missing out in the last few games. Both teams received a drubbing at the hands of the Aussies in the Super Eight, and will be hoping to avenge the same by beating the Australians in the finals.
For New Zealand, Shane Bond will be the key. Bond has looked a bit jaded and missed out on the game against Australia. However, one doesn't know whether he was unfit or skipper Fleming was pulling a fast one in order to give some rest to his bowler apart from not wanting to play him against Australia. Sri Lanka would know, they too 'rested' Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan against the Aussies. Malinga didn't play that match as well. So, one things for sure, both these teams know who they facing in the finals.
It will be interesting to see how the Sri Lankans play the Kiwi spinners. Fleming must play his best bowlers and Bond, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel and Daniel Vettori fit in automatically. Scott Styris and Craig Mcmillan will also bowl, and so the toss-up will be between James Franklin and Mark Gillespie if the Kiwis play one more bowler. Franklin would bring a bit of variety into the attack, if he is consistent with his line that is.
The difference between winning and losing in this match could boil down to how the Kiwis handle Murali. Scott Styris needs to take charge in the middle and keep the Sri Lankan spinners at bay. This will be in all probability the more exciting of the two semi-finals.
Talking about exciting matches, the semi at St Lucia will be if the South Africans are up to the task. The Australian top-order has the likes of Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting, and it will take some effort to dislodge them from the crease. Even if they are, the Aussies have the Michaels - Clarke and Hussey, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson to rely on.
South Africa will need Pollock to fire early on and perhaps should give Andre Nel the new ball. The South African middle-order will need to support their openers, and Justin Kemp has been a mere observer in the games he has played in. Perhaps the South Africans could ask him to do some pinch-hitting or play Loots Bosman. Maybe they could also bring in Makhaya Ntini which will give Smith an additional bowling option which may be needed if the Aussies get a good start as they have been accustomed to.
Predictions:
New Zealand v/s Sri Lanka
Tuesday, April 24
AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: New Zealand
Match starts at 2000 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Australia v/s South Africa
Wednesday, April 25
AKG: South Africa
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
New Zealand and Sri Lanka square it off at Sabina Park on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's bowling attack has performed well so far in the tournament and it remains to be seen if Lasith Malinga will play the crucial match after missing out in the last few games. Both teams received a drubbing at the hands of the Aussies in the Super Eight, and will be hoping to avenge the same by beating the Australians in the finals.
For New Zealand, Shane Bond will be the key. Bond has looked a bit jaded and missed out on the game against Australia. However, one doesn't know whether he was unfit or skipper Fleming was pulling a fast one in order to give some rest to his bowler apart from not wanting to play him against Australia. Sri Lanka would know, they too 'rested' Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan against the Aussies. Malinga didn't play that match as well. So, one things for sure, both these teams know who they facing in the finals.
It will be interesting to see how the Sri Lankans play the Kiwi spinners. Fleming must play his best bowlers and Bond, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel and Daniel Vettori fit in automatically. Scott Styris and Craig Mcmillan will also bowl, and so the toss-up will be between James Franklin and Mark Gillespie if the Kiwis play one more bowler. Franklin would bring a bit of variety into the attack, if he is consistent with his line that is.
The difference between winning and losing in this match could boil down to how the Kiwis handle Murali. Scott Styris needs to take charge in the middle and keep the Sri Lankan spinners at bay. This will be in all probability the more exciting of the two semi-finals.
Talking about exciting matches, the semi at St Lucia will be if the South Africans are up to the task. The Australian top-order has the likes of Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting, and it will take some effort to dislodge them from the crease. Even if they are, the Aussies have the Michaels - Clarke and Hussey, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson to rely on.
South Africa will need Pollock to fire early on and perhaps should give Andre Nel the new ball. The South African middle-order will need to support their openers, and Justin Kemp has been a mere observer in the games he has played in. Perhaps the South Africans could ask him to do some pinch-hitting or play Loots Bosman. Maybe they could also bring in Makhaya Ntini which will give Smith an additional bowling option which may be needed if the Aussies get a good start as they have been accustomed to.
Predictions:
New Zealand v/s Sri Lanka
Tuesday, April 24
AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: New Zealand
Match starts at 2000 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).
Australia v/s South Africa
Wednesday, April 25
AKG: South Africa
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
F1 Season 2007: Catch-22
A friend of mine and an F1 fan at it put it perfectly after yesterday’s race:
CATCH-22 SITUATION OF THE F1 SEASON 2007:
F Alonso 22 points
K Räikkönen 22 points
L Hamilton 22 points.
That’s how the standings look like at the end of the first three races. And yesterday’s winner - Ferrari’s Felipe Massa - is right behind the trio with 17 points in the bag. Interestingly, Massa is the only one out of the above mentioned drivers who raced with the same team last season. Hamilton obviously doesn’t count; he may have raced in McLarens before, but creating history in F1 is an altogether different ballgame.
Some may crib about the two-team tussle at the top, but I am surely not complaining. Other teams may catch up before the season moves to Europe in a month’s time - beginning with Catalunya. However, so far this has been perhaps one of the most exciting starts to a season, with two teams and both their drivers in contention for the top honours. Agreed, one may get a bit bored if the duopoly over podium places continues.
While the TV cameras catch the nail-biting action at the top of the grid, one cannot overlook the fact that the rest of the teams - especially the middle-rung ones - are struggling. BMW is the only exception, with Nick Heidfeld being the only driver outside the top two constructors to have have moved ahead of single digits in the points tally. His teammate Robert Kubica is catching up, scoring his first points of the season at Sakhir.
Similarly, last year’s champions Renault too are off the pace and their rookie Heikki Kovalainen has by no means had the same start to the season as Lewis Hamilton. The Williams and the Toyotas have not done anything special so far. And the less said about the Hondas, the better.
There’s a long wait for fans before the European leg of the season starts. But one thing’s for sure - it will take some catching up for the likes of Heikki Kovalainen and Jenson Button to share the podium with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikonnen.
CATCH-22 SITUATION OF THE F1 SEASON 2007:
F Alonso 22 points
K Räikkönen 22 points
L Hamilton 22 points.
That’s how the standings look like at the end of the first three races. And yesterday’s winner - Ferrari’s Felipe Massa - is right behind the trio with 17 points in the bag. Interestingly, Massa is the only one out of the above mentioned drivers who raced with the same team last season. Hamilton obviously doesn’t count; he may have raced in McLarens before, but creating history in F1 is an altogether different ballgame.
Some may crib about the two-team tussle at the top, but I am surely not complaining. Other teams may catch up before the season moves to Europe in a month’s time - beginning with Catalunya. However, so far this has been perhaps one of the most exciting starts to a season, with two teams and both their drivers in contention for the top honours. Agreed, one may get a bit bored if the duopoly over podium places continues.
While the TV cameras catch the nail-biting action at the top of the grid, one cannot overlook the fact that the rest of the teams - especially the middle-rung ones - are struggling. BMW is the only exception, with Nick Heidfeld being the only driver outside the top two constructors to have have moved ahead of single digits in the points tally. His teammate Robert Kubica is catching up, scoring his first points of the season at Sakhir.
Similarly, last year’s champions Renault too are off the pace and their rookie Heikki Kovalainen has by no means had the same start to the season as Lewis Hamilton. The Williams and the Toyotas have not done anything special so far. And the less said about the Hondas, the better.
There’s a long wait for fans before the European leg of the season starts. But one thing’s for sure - it will take some catching up for the likes of Heikki Kovalainen and Jenson Button to share the podium with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikonnen.
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).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)