World Cup (ICC) — QUARTERFINALS [SL v Eng, SL restrict Eng to modest total, then openers hit unbeaten centuries and humilate Eng; semifinal set up with NZ]]
This entry was posted on March 25, 2011 at 9:54 PM and is filed under the bad . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed
Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
165 Responses to “World Cup (ICC) — QUARTERFINALS [SL v Eng, SL restrict Eng to modest total, then openers hit unbeaten centuries and humilate Eng; semifinal set up with NZ]]”
At a run rate of 2 WI should manage to get to 100 in 50 overs. Looks like thats what they are aiming for. They seem to think they will have a chance since it was here that they shot out Bangla for 59….hehehe
This WI team is pathetic; at the halfway stage they are only 60 for the loss of 4 wickets. must be some sort of record for slow scoring. such inept batting. WI now must be confined to the minnows and some other team (maybe Ireland) should take its place.
Ra.One first look to be unveiled today during World Cup telecast
By Joginder Tuteja, March 23, 2011 – 09:00 IST
Ra.One Get set to witness the event of the year. For all waiting with bated breath to catch the First Look of 2011′s most anticipated film Ra.One, they are in for a treat. Shah Rukh Khan and Anubhav Sinha would be giving a glimpse of what the film is all about in a 10 seconds teaser during the First Quarter Finals of World Cup Cricket. As Pakistan take on West Indies today, the First Look would be beamed multiple times on the sports channels.
This is not all as starting tomorrow (with India v/s Australia Quarter Finals) and then for every subsequent match till the Finals, an exclusive 30 seconds teaser would be unleashed as well. Frequency of these teasers would be at least once every hour hence ensuring that no one misses having a glimpse of what lies ahead this Diwali.
Confirms Anubhav Sinha, the film’s director, “Yes, the first look would be out during World Cup. Needless to say, this is a huge platform and for a film of this scale, there couldn’t have been a better start.”
Typically even for the biggest of the films, a first look is unveiled not more than 100 days in advance. Why are the makers looking at this promotional kick start more than 6 months in advance?
“Well, there have been so many myths about the film that started from the day Ra.One was first spoken about”, says the soft spoken director, “It was very important for us to introduce to the audience what the film really is.”
Elaborating, he continues, “Ra.One is not a Bollywood film that they have seen before. The kind of size and magnitude that the film has requires it to be slowly introduced to the audience and that’s the very purpose why we are starting the whole communication so early.”
And will Shah Rukh feature prominently in this teaser or would it be all about VFX and technical wizardry?
“To begin with the impression that you would get from the teaser is that Ra.One is one big action film. It would be only later in the subsequent promos that story angles would be introduced. And yes, as of now you would definitely get to see a glimpse of Shah Rukh’s look. Also, all the doubts around whether Shah Rukh udta hai, kood-ta hai ya phir kuch stunts karta hai would be addressed as well”, laughs Anubhav before signing off.
Also starring Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, Ra.One is a Diwali release and arrives all over on 26th October.
Bad strategy…If they are showing at the beginning of the match then it’s ok…Ppl might be tensed about the Match….Don’t think they will be in a mood to enjoy the trailer…
Pakistan all set to Semi final now, will clash with winner of Ind-Aus tie..
Pakistan with every passing day is getting dangerous particularly thier bowling attack, there batting may give in to better attack
“Ra.One is not a Bollywood film that they have seen before. The kind of size and magnitude that the film has requires it to be slowly introduced to the audience and that’s the very purpose why we are starting the whole communication so early.”
Slowly introduced lol…otherwise, what will happen? Indian audience won’t be able to handle the magnificent imagination of Shah Rukh and Anubhav Sinha.
West Indies don’t have the desire to win anymore. They are a shame. What happened to the great cricketing culture in the caribbean? Is it the selectors, or the the youngsters thare lost interest in the sport?
sad demise for windies as now after today they are ranked below bangladesh now and chances are they may not even qualify for next world cup(thanks to ireland)
big match tommorrow as india has to win to get revenge for 2003 wc final
could be either the last match of sachin or ricky ponting
my prediction :
since pakistan has shown his strength is spin bowling if there is aus vs pak semis( pak has a strong chance)
or
if there is india vs pak semis( i expect india to go though)
It is not Pakistan’s victory. It is suicide by WI abetted by sympathetic Pakistani team.
The way things look now, Pakistan has every chance to lift the cup.
Tomorrow one of the contenders will bite the dust.
To giv credit where it is due——dominating clinical performance by pakistan. Missed the match de to work–may catch the highlights—but again proves that this is the most unpredictable team in world cricket.
Tomorrow will be the effective final which will decide the eventual winners in all probability—Pity that it is happening at the QF stage and that too on a working day!!!
wtf—is seheag doubtful for tomorrow.
Didnt think this stage would come—But time india takes a leaf out of pakistans showing and play their heart out.
if Sehwag has suddenly got injured, his injury should be compounded!!!
Im getting impatient—someone stop me–hahahaha!!
Watching some hightlights from the WI-Pak match.
Seems that Afridi is on a mix of viagra, corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen—NOT to discredit him though….lol
Hope he doesnt have withdrawal side effects…
ANyhow the pak team do have a momentum going at the right time for them and winning two more matches against ANYONE is not beyond them rite now!
Incidentally ponting who appeared to be threatening sachins record and centuries, has not hit a century in any form of the game sine early 2010, if im not mistaken!!
Pity, that one will see the last of sachin or ponting in WCs tomorrow!!
INdias impact players tomorrow should be sehwag and yuvraj.
I single the out sinc they can be matchwinners in the real sense of the word esp the former.
When in flow, sehwag fcuks the oppositions confidence and esteem like nobody else.
IF Sehwag becums unavailable tomorrow, he should be given some “special treatment”!!
would be interesting to see who is the 4th/5th bowler for india—depending on the pitch—will have a lot of bearing on the match result!!
Incidentally Pak have just steamrolled wi—even the scorecard is polite for WI…
Tomorrwo should be a show stealer match. Its a given that sachin will be crucial.
He will be needed more in his “grafting” role as an “anchor” to prevent a collapse. Not sure y sachin and sehwag have stopped bowling—they can sometimes be quite handy on these pitches
Also, Dhoni needs to get back his batting confidence!
Feel that the current aussie bowling is def weaker than SA-and we remember what the sachin sehwag did to SA….
Anyhow, Pak seems to be the hottest team (of the moment)…
Sehwag has a shoulder problem since a while and thats the reason why he has not been able to bowl. Ganguly has gone on record to say that Sehwag is the best spinner in the Indian side bar Bhajji. On a seperate note this Pakistan team has it in them to put it past the next two teams if they keep it together. They look very dangerous. If India meets them in the semi’s that should be a turbo charged match.
actually i want pak to play against india BECAUSE the match is in india and it is the world cup…the fact that we haven’t beaten india in a WC match…and well they are one of the best teams coming into the WC. and the hype will be unbelievable. they need to beat aussie, im rooting for india tonight.
I don’t care who we play. If we keep playing the way we are no 1 will stop Pak inshallah.
I just want Wahab Riaz replaced with Shoaib and I’m hoping Ajmal is retained coz he is ‘world class’. My 2 teams are Eng and Pak and that’s the final I want.
But my word if India do make it to the semis what a match/treat in store for all of us. WOW
Think the score will be challenging on this pitch but to be honest I am satisfied all things considered. You really can’t ask more from this bowling with Aus at the other end. They’ve done their job. Zaheer and Ashwin especially have delivered. But yeah they have to be careful in this final over.
they’ve finished off at 260..
would be challenging for India, as the ball may play tricks on the batsmen in second innings..
All hopes on Sachin, Sehwag and Yuvi.. the rest dont deserve to be mentioned
agreed, also India have a poor record at Ahmedabad the last 4-5 outings so they’ll have to change some history here. And yes the pitch will probably get slower, don’t think it will be an easy scoring one. So India will need one big inning with a couple of solid supporting parts.
thats right.. Btw satyam, I dont think indians need to be applauded for ‘restricting australians to 260′.. Thats what Ireland and Netherlands should feel proud of, not India. Incidentally, in the very last match on a solid batting pitch, Pakistan had bowled them out for a mere 178..
Indian bowling was better compared to their past performances but thats not what one should be proud of. Harbhajan bowled a disastrous delivery in the very first ball of the final over. Thats what would ultimately matter if this one ends up being a close match
I meant given Indian bowling up till this point. This is the team that allowed SA to get to 296 and Eng to get to 338! And as for Aus against Pak that sort of thing doesn’t happen every day. Pak played well but most major teams are not restricted to 176 most days.
WTF — I’m missing such an IMp match — y do we have to work?
Haha
Ponying performed in this crunch match– will sachin /’sehwag fire??
Tait throws intermittently
This wicket gets slower– not an easy target– need one of te openers to fire bigtime—ol d best
The odd bowler has already started playing low and slow.
Plus the Aussies are fielding excellently.
The EFFECTIVE target is 300-310 taking these factors into account.
Watson is a dangerous bowler– looks innocuous but has subtle variations.
Will not be an easy chase
and really one of those incredible pressure moments Sachin has been through countless times. When the opposition knows that if they get him they most probably have the match.
That’s the difference betweenthe sachins pontings gilchrists— these are big match players.
I was mentionin yesterday bag ponging hasn’t scored a century for more than a year. Wt an occasion to do that!
But ponging is an ass for referring that “catch” of gambhir
Two fours from sachin to Johnson– seems that I shall have to get my secretary into action and have to watch the match now — lol
Gambhir is quite tentative but should stick around. He will be handy once the slow bowlers/ spinners come. He is the best player of spin(after sachin).
Gambhir hasn’t done anything till now /- he is due for something now
Did Sachin walk again—- if he did, he proves me wrong by being consistent.
Although I’m not personally in favour of walking in such crunch games– it’s ok if munaf Patel walks but by walking the chances of an aussie win have gone up suddenly to 65% IMO.
Even in review, smocks sometimes stay inconclusive and then he batsman gets the benefit of doubt — but if u walk….
Anyhow sachin was in excellent nick— for his sake, hope this is not indias last match this wc.
How kretja is handled will be cruchial
[Tait to Tendulkar, OUT, Sachin is gone, or is he, is that a back foot no-ball, it was a length ball outside off stump, and he nibbled it on its way to Haddin, it was very close to being a no-ball, but Tait got away with it, he hadn't grounded the back heel on the line, Sachin has to walk back ]
Ya kniw that biutte no ball— taits backfoot has been doing that for some time—But sachin started walking before that. What I saw that he was called back bcos the no ball was being reviewed.
BUT he started walking b4 that!!
And there was nonobviois deviation on the replay.
Soemtimes batsman gets the benefit of doubt if the snick is not conclusive….
Hope sachins honest is not the turnin point.
But will add that sachin was in sublime form and perfect frame of mind for a big one— NOT a supporter of his walking at this stage!!!
Kohli wAs playing well but goes for a stupid rush of blood. Someone needs to just hold anchor now and aim for just singles and twos. Y can’t these buggers understand this bAsic thing?!
indeed. either its fixed on gambhir’s part or trust Indian batsmen to come up with such extreme foolishness.. I missed it – was there indeed a run there?
Forget about A RUN!
It was the third attempt at getting run iu by gambhir in two overs. Gambhir did not succeed tiger out in the first two. But the third attempt, he managed. To get run out !!!! Truly retarded behaviour (if it is not spot fixing!!!)
This match has gown down to the wire. First time I glued myself to a match in this series of the world cup – and india it seems have thrown in the towel. The runs could have come in singles, but guess we are just not good enough in getting singles – Australia yet again proves why it is a world class fielding side. Some stupid mistakes by gambhir and Virat Kohli.
well things seem to have stabilized once again but this is really the last partnership.. they should never have been in this situation. Gambhir committed suicide preceded by Kohli but Gambhir’s was particularly inexcusable. In one sense it is healthier to have a number of batsmen chipping in with half centuries and for the team to be able to pull itself out of several sticky situations. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of throwing one’s wicket. Also think they might not have got this far without Sachin’s half century. Finally the bowling probably did better overall today relative to its merit to restrict Aus. But yes if India win here it will have an overall team performance one way or the other though this should not excuse those batting lapses.
Meanwhile Sehwag’s due. Hopefully he’ll come through if there’s a next time. But what in the world has happened to Dhoni?! The man just doesn’t bat these days.
will say Yuvraj has come through twice in crucial situations in this WC. He’s been the most valuable batsman other than Sachin.
and one has to really appreciate Raina today. His support was definitely needed. But also this pair has batted maturely throughout. Which isn’t too much to ask from Gambhir. They just had to chug along!
i am seeing my first indian cricket game after that faithful day of world cup final in 2003 and i still remember it was a day before my ssc exams and it was most disappointng moment, i guess today it completes a cycle.
than i believed in the game somewhere thereon after words i lost faith..
one is a tad surprised too by the lack of punch in the australian bowling. the bowlers have never been on top of the game today except for Indian batsmen gifting their wickets like lollipops
There are international players who are all above ascertain standard and do contribute.
But then every team has a few impact power game changers.
I said yesterday that india has three- sachin , sehwag and yuvraj.
India has won today since two if these clicked.
But all credit to the guy whose place was being questioned forthe last year.
The ONE guy responsible for india reaching the SF and now possibly the cup is Yuvraaj Singh.
the one thing here is that Pak have been dangerous in this tournament. Their bowlers have come through against every side and with multiple spinners this might be a pitch to their liking. History is certainly on India’s side but this is an unpredictable Pak team.
The burning question. Is India good or Australia bad on this particular day? Hope India remains more than this on coming days also. The total 261 is barely inspiring. And fortunately, India did not choke.
I think this is more of an Indian win than an Aussie loss. India handled things very well in the end. The Aussies tried with bat and ball and in the field but India overcame. That is the simple truth and India’s batting, its strenght helped India in the end.
Australian batting is much weaker than the Indian one and that made the difference. I dian definitely earned this victory. Australia did not give it away.
Motera is not a small ground compared to some other venues. So 261 is not a bad score at all and the pitch wasnt exactly easing. We have seen 300 plus scores on small grounds with easy playing pitches which makes 261 seem like an easy target. But, it is not.
Well, history is definitely on India’s side in the semis but the Law of averages cannot be ignored in these circumstances..
after 4 wins from India, who knows.. maybe Pakistan will pull this one off
There are “normal” players who all shine once in a while esp when in form (and thats how they retain their place in the international side!!)
For someone who has played in minor counties (only as an amateur basis–since i only play as a hobby), i know how much it takes to retain ones place in a test playing nations team in any form of the game.
BUt then there are those few mercurial players who can change the course of the game just on their own steam…
The KEY in todays match (the second half of which i caught while at work) was when dhoni was out.
U dont need a regulation player—-u need a matchwinner to reverse the entire course on his own. Ponting smelt blood when dhoni was gone and went for the jugular. he brought in his bes weapon —pace ie lee and tait.
But those very two overs which should have got aussies wickets costed them 25 odd runs.
That was yuvraj and to an extent raina.
Aussies have not been able to replace those epic gamechangers who all went away together with no transition
There is a need to identify those “special ones” and nurture them—-In indias case—Sachin, sehwag, yuvraaj, and to an extent(if we include his captaincy) dhoni fit the bill.
These guys need to be nurtured differently.
“the coming of Age”
U can succeed by hard work and determination as in the case of a dravid, gambhir, kohli.
BUt u cannot create a sehwag, sachin and yuvraj by hard work!!!
a)”the coming of age” moment today when Yuvraaj got to his half century but did NOT riase his bat.
His celebration at Indias winning was much MORE pronounced.
b) when raina got involved in some altercations, yuvraj calmed him down on many occasions
c)in the postmatch interview, one did not see the “boisterous flamboyant superstar” but a responsible grounded response.
One cannot forget Sehwags knock in multan.
Think sehwag is due a big one (lets see what happens in the SF)
Hope England (my other team) can somehow outdo themselves against the team of the chuckers and slingers!!!
I think it is highly unjust to place Dravid in the company of Gambhir and Kohli! This is one of the greatest batsmen in Indian history! Sachin is in a different category altogether but I’d easily take Dravid over both Sehwag and Yuvraj. The latter two might be more gifted in certain ways but Yuvraj will frankly never have a career half of Dravid’s. Even Sehwag cannot be put in Dravid’s category as far as I’m concerned. Yes Sehwag is a very destructive batsman and has in the words of Viv Richards some of the greatest reflexes he’s ever seen but Dravid is a batsman for all seasons and all ages although one not necessarily best suited for the one day format. On that note I wouldn’t put Sehwag and Yuvraj in Laxman’s category either.
this is NOT to belittle Dravids obvious standing. He was not called “the wall” for nothing and he was literally the backbone of indian team for more than a decade!
Dont remember off-hand but he is perhaps highest sscorer cumulative after sachin.
The point here is slightly different.
it is not also about “greatness” or “who is greater”
There are certain thingz which can be prctised and grafted.
And there are certain things you are born with…
To be sachin, sehwag and even yuvraj, u need to be BORN with certain additional abilities.
The same cannot be said about any of the rest!!
And this clubbing sehwag and yuvraj with sachin does not mean they eare equivalent to sachin.
btw—their names have been mentioned here only on the basis of a handful of innings (unlike sachin who has a book of such innings)
But sometimes, one or a few innings is enuf to show u that someone has a certain x factor!!
“Form”, “hardwork”, “dedication” takes u very far.
But then u need that bit extra which is inborn!
To give other examples, viv richards, kapil dev, Sobers, Warne fit this bill (onthe top of my head) but nnot all of these are people who have the max runs or wickets.
I do understand the line you’re trying to draw between innate gifts and application. I just wonder if your division doesn’t end up being unkind to Dravid. Because it seems to me that somewhat more defensive batsmen are often underrated in this sense.
I got the first quarter final wrong but am so happy I got this one right. At times I felt like ripping Dhoni, Gambhir and Kohli’s hair out but thank god for Yuvraj. And more importantly, a very polished fielding performance.
If this India turns up against Pakistan, they will beat them for sure. This is really the match everyone is waiting for and its a sporting event like any. Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj and Raina are matchwinners and to be honest Dhoni is due one. Ashwin is good bowling wise, Khan/Harbhajan reliable and Yuvraj has proved to be very good most of the time. India have 4 bowlers they can rely on. The fifth honestly I don’t give a damn…cos the batting line up is more than capable of making up this deficiency.
well this is going to be one helluva match up. i wanted this match and you can’t help but get jacked up for this. i have already taken the day off at work…told em i need a personal day! lol. yes i want pakistan to win but i want a good match. India v austrailia was a good match. india is clearly the better team and they have owned us in the WC. if our bowling stays hot and fielding is tight then we have a chance!! i say play shoaib akhtar, wahab riaz, umar and seead ajmal for the bowlers. india’s batting is better against the spinners. and who doesn’t want to see akhtar v tendukar for the last time! i’m not going to make any predictions but i’m rooting for pakistan…we need this more than india does right now!! oh btw pakistan has played 6 matches at mohali with a miserable record of 2-4 BUT the two victories are against india without a loss against them. so pakistan has never beaten india in the WC..and india have never beaten pakistan at mohali in ODI format.
It would be a disservice to put down Dravid’s achievemenst to grafting and ‘application’. He had loads of ‘inborn,natural’ talent. What Alex is trying to convey ( rather unsuccessfully and in a muddled fashion ) is that Dravid probably cannot play the kind of ‘explosive’ innings that Sehwag and Yuvraj sometimes do. Which is fair. Dravid was dour but stylish and his batting style was easy on the eyes. Yuvrah has ways to go before he can earn any kind of comparision with Dravid. Yuvraj does seem to be having a pretty good World Cup tho and is invaluable at the moment.
Don’t think Eng are easy by any means though I do expect SL to win. But yeay they’ll enjoy the semifinal. Having said that you never want to face too much of an underdog either that has nothing to lose (except the match!).
Do feel sorry for SA cricket fans. Among the harder things to do as sports fans is to support SA in the WC. Special commiserations to Aby2000 here. The solace I can offer is that having been an Abhishek fan since Guru I know the feeling! But this is harder since the WC only comes around once every four years.
And they choked again…. history repeats itself in every wc for us! Gosh it’s such a heart sore feeling….we go through this feeling every world cup……it just happens again, and again and again…!!! Now I can only hope the Rugby guys do us proud….
So the SMS doing the rounds….
The funeral of Late SOUTH AFRICA, will leave India on Sunday, the 27 March 2011. Funeral will take place at O.R Tambo International ..
Cause of death- CHOKED on KIWI FRUIT…!!!
Don’t see how SL don’t make it to the Finals now. There is no way in hell they are losing to ENG and NZ at home. After AUS, SL is arguably the best home team in the world.
true but Eng have themselves been dangerous in this tournament. Also it might depend on who bats first. Would still give SL the edge but not a very big one.
SL is better for India in finals if India overcome Pakistan.
Am sad for SA fans but I think for India, SA would have been the most dangerous in final. That is assuming India gets past Pakistan.
SL is very dangerous in the sub-continent because they have chucker Murali who is licensed to throw the ball at will. He turned around the semifinal in 96 by getting Sachin out.
Now want England to get rid of the checkers and slingers. The team with institutionaliser chucking where the official machinery has been used to protect and lobby for a chucker.
Hoping for an india England final. Will be a win win situation for me!!!
MOHALI: Sachin Tendulkar might be the “special one” referred to by Yuvraj Singh in his post-match media interaction on Thursday, Yuvraj’s father Yograj told TOI on Friday.
Yograj also insisted a “new-found”, “spiritual” outlook had helped boost the left-hander’s game. Yuvraj sent the media into a tizzy by suggesting his four consecutive man-of-the-match awards and unprecedented recent success following a prolonged lean spell were dedicated to a “special person”, setting off intense speculation.
Yograj, who spent long hours with Yuvraj at the nets just before the World Cup, said: “I won’t be surprised if it’s Sachin. Tendulkar has played a big hand in the turnaround in Yuvraj’s career. He has been there for him throughout and has had long discussions with him on the mental and technical aspects of the game. The born-again Yuvarj you see today owes a lot to Tendulkar. I think if India make the final he will dedicate it all his mother and Sachin.”
Yograj also said Yuvraj had matured as a person after finding “spirituality” and “connecting with his inner self”, but refused to divulge details of the much-talked-about spiritual guru the duo had been visiting before the World Cup. “Some things are best kept private,” said Yograj, “but you can see this is not the impatient Yuvraj of old. He seems more grounded. You have noticed the new ‘Om’ bracelet. A lot of things are different about Yuvraj now, and I hope it’s for the best.”
Yograj suggested the changes were reflecting in his batting too.
“He realizes he doesn’t need to go for broke all the time. He is playing along the ground more, playing a lot straighter too. He is not looking to hit sixes all the time. You will see soon how much better he has become at building an innings.”
Yograj said a few tweaks in his action had also made Yuvraj’s bowling more penetrative.
“He is a lot more side-on, and that has helped him get more purchase and drift. But these are the small things. The major influence has been Tendulkar.
Where is Jay Shah. He had correctly called that SA will get in some sort of trouble like they have in the past and inevitably choke and thats exactly what happened.
LOL I did call it, but expected it to happen in the semis. Oh well, I am happy for India. All indicators point to an Indian win here to me. Best batting line up. Forget this best bowling line up bullshit theory some have come up with. SA and Aussies are gone and the former had a fine bowling attack. On pitches like this, fast bowling is useless. Its about canny bowling like Zaheer or Umar Gul. India will win. If they won’t I will pay money to watch Ra.One in the theatre!
SL should win, and also beat NZ. India will beat Pakistan. Batting against bowling, I will take India anyday. Even WC 2003, India had a great batting lineup and Pakistan much better bowling attack. They will beat them. Sachin and co will be too strong.
India will beat SL in final. Sachin will score his 101st century. His 100th will come in the semi.
I am writing the perfect bollywood script.
Oh yes, Alex I see you said the same thing. I am taking a day off for the India/Pak match so will be pissed if we lose. But in all frankness I think this Pakistan team is very strong and I am a believer in reversion to the mean so Pakistan having never beaten India in a WC have a chance now. Of course on paper we are superior with even our bowling having improved now with Ashwin included and Yuvraj having lifted his game. Between Bhajji, Zahir, Ashwin and Yuvraj we have 40 overs accounted for.
Pranav–thanx for that!
BUt i dont believe in the “favorite” bit from this stage on,
The only match in which one can pick favorites is the one btw Eng -SL and even there the gap is 40-60..
Its all upto who pisses out on the day…
Wont be lucky to manage a day off for wednesday—but will catch thingz on the go….what are secretaries for (apart from the obvious…lol)
i dont….Want SL out as soon as possible.
Dont like chuckers, slingers….
Also something inexplicable but dont like sangakaara and his accent….lol
An India—england final will be ideal for me—although know that one shouldnt cum prematurely in these thingz…
If unexpected and surprise upsets are going to be the rule most of the time as proved earlier,
India will win the Mohali one dayer.
England may.
Rejuvenated NZ has a chance.
The finalists. Some more guess work.
Something fishy.
the commentators from england are calling this a ‘par’ score. England needed at least 260-270 to put some scare in SL. As I said before, SL will just stroll in the Finals from now.
on SL pitches 240-250 is usually a challenge for the team batting second.. so I do believe that claim.. but yeah SL will probably humiliate Eng if they keep up what’s happening currently!
England are pathetic. Their batsmen lack strokeplay. They laboured their way to 229 and now SL are making it look easy. England played from the crease to the spinners as ooposed to using their feet.
A truly lacklustre performance from England bordering on pathetic..
Know they are weak with spin but they have played much below potential. They turn it on only in ashes and there too not always.
The deeper malaise is that cricket no longer figures in the top ten games in he English consciousness currently in terms of popularity. Barring some odd pockets, there is minimal interest here. Plus there is this “gentlemanly” lack of aggression / killer instinct. For eg today there is much much more interest in the England Wales football — even in pubs all u see is football or rugby. Nothing right or wrong– just the changing times! I suspect that the same is happening on a lesser extent in Australia — the High quality Sheffield shield is no longer the same standard– nonwonder the Aussies are not finding decent replacement for the warnes gilchrists mcgraths….. They never will– Mark my word!!
The takeover of cricket by the subcontinent is official and complete…..times change…………….quite an introspective post—-lol
SL have never lost to England in a knock out stage in a world cup and aint happening today; SA have never won in a knock out stage in a world cup including this time; Pakistan have never won against India in a world cup….even this streak continues????
Now that the semifinal lineup is complete—
Must say that SL Seems to be standing out NOT interms of ability but due to the mental discipline.
The “Buddhist” ethos does show in their dealings. Plus they have the “slingers and chuckers”.
And unlike the Indians and even Pak, SL seems to be least affected by the “superstar” syndrome except maybe dilshan, malinga– also SL have one of the better (but a bit irritating for me) captain in the WC.
Even NZ cannot be totally counted out, but as for the other three subcontinental teams, will be a case of mental toughness and destiny…..
Noticed how the “dilscoop” did not work in one occasion. Noticed how the bowler and keeper smilingly joined dlishan in enjoying this “interesting snippet” rather than lamenting the missed catch that he had offered. Good for the “spirit of the game” but entirely illustrative of English cricket and even the laid-back approach on proceedings!!!
Exactly pranav: this makes a difference in sports.
One does need the “hunger” and extreme desire to win at any cost.
Also shows the background and upbringing. One always like the refined genteel strauss and gowers for company but that doesnt win u matches.As for Aussies, it is obviously a substantiated documented explanation in terms of convicts and ancestry–lol
Anyhow, England getting the better of wales (leading 2-0: Brent, Lampard) in in an incestuous consanguinous football game—lol.
Atleast something to cheer about in the pub!!!
Agree Naveed.
But the English football team and the english league is still much better than the cricket one by more than a mile!!
The common problems are the lack of aggression, killer instinct and the doggedness one needs to succeed.
And Capello is over rated (amongst many others). Dont want to start now!!
Rooney had an iffy game – a couple of great passes, one miss, one bad foul. He looked disgruntled to be replaced, but then Rooney is always pretty disgruntled.
Tough task ahead for India.
Sri Lanka has just blasted away England with a major comprehensive win.
If India doesn’t win this, I would want New Zealand to take home the cup. They have performed very well in the WC
What a show. Unlike Indians and others, Sri Lankans have only cricket to prove themselves. No distractions. Indians have entered other sports and are proving themselves. Cricket has become only one of the sports for us. And our cricketers are also quite unpredictable. This is the psychological edge for SL team over other teams of a single focus point. And Pakistan is a driven team but full of attitude. But SL scores most of the time due to their dedication, zero show off and love for cricket. I will be delighted to see them lifting the world cup in case India fails.
March 23, 2011 at 1:02 AM
Come on Pakistan
March 23, 2011 at 2:51 AM
true that!! we need to take care of business.
March 23, 2011 at 3:04 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/news/story?id=6210816
nice story. i don’t think cricket will ever be a craze in the US but this is a great sport and my third fave after basketball and football(american).
March 23, 2011 at 5:06 AM
WI crumbling at 16 for 3.
March 23, 2011 at 5:24 AM
At a run rate of 2 WI should manage to get to 100 in 50 overs. Looks like thats what they are aiming for. They seem to think they will have a chance since it was here that they shot out Bangla for 59….hehehe
March 23, 2011 at 6:21 AM
This WI team is pathetic; at the halfway stage they are only 60 for the loss of 4 wickets. must be some sort of record for slow scoring. such inept batting. WI now must be confined to the minnows and some other team (maybe Ireland) should take its place.
March 23, 2011 at 6:27 AM
Ra.One first look to be unveiled today during World Cup telecast
By Joginder Tuteja, March 23, 2011 – 09:00 IST
Ra.One Get set to witness the event of the year. For all waiting with bated breath to catch the First Look of 2011′s most anticipated film Ra.One, they are in for a treat. Shah Rukh Khan and Anubhav Sinha would be giving a glimpse of what the film is all about in a 10 seconds teaser during the First Quarter Finals of World Cup Cricket. As Pakistan take on West Indies today, the First Look would be beamed multiple times on the sports channels.
This is not all as starting tomorrow (with India v/s Australia Quarter Finals) and then for every subsequent match till the Finals, an exclusive 30 seconds teaser would be unleashed as well. Frequency of these teasers would be at least once every hour hence ensuring that no one misses having a glimpse of what lies ahead this Diwali.
Confirms Anubhav Sinha, the film’s director, “Yes, the first look would be out during World Cup. Needless to say, this is a huge platform and for a film of this scale, there couldn’t have been a better start.”
Typically even for the biggest of the films, a first look is unveiled not more than 100 days in advance. Why are the makers looking at this promotional kick start more than 6 months in advance?
“Well, there have been so many myths about the film that started from the day Ra.One was first spoken about”, says the soft spoken director, “It was very important for us to introduce to the audience what the film really is.”
Elaborating, he continues, “Ra.One is not a Bollywood film that they have seen before. The kind of size and magnitude that the film has requires it to be slowly introduced to the audience and that’s the very purpose why we are starting the whole communication so early.”
And will Shah Rukh feature prominently in this teaser or would it be all about VFX and technical wizardry?
“To begin with the impression that you would get from the teaser is that Ra.One is one big action film. It would be only later in the subsequent promos that story angles would be introduced. And yes, as of now you would definitely get to see a glimpse of Shah Rukh’s look. Also, all the doubts around whether Shah Rukh udta hai, kood-ta hai ya phir kuch stunts karta hai would be addressed as well”, laughs Anubhav before signing off.
Also starring Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, Ra.One is a Diwali release and arrives all over on 26th October.
March 23, 2011 at 6:56 AM
Bad strategy…If they are showing at the beginning of the match then it’s ok…Ppl might be tensed about the Match….Don’t think they will be in a mood to enjoy the trailer…
March 23, 2011 at 7:10 AM
these things are usually shown between the innings. I think it’s a great platform for advertising.
March 23, 2011 at 6:35 AM
complete capitulation at 71 for 8.
March 23, 2011 at 7:01 AM
this WI team is an incredible disgrace..
March 24, 2011 at 2:48 AM
It could happen to any team…I mean, maybe they just choked…who knows? WI did reach quarter finals…maybe that’s saying something!
March 23, 2011 at 7:38 AM
Pakistan all set to Semi final now, will clash with winner of Ind-Aus tie..
Pakistan with every passing day is getting dangerous particularly thier bowling attack, there batting may give in to better attack
March 23, 2011 at 9:52 AM
A clinical thrashing by Pakistan. Both India and Australia have been sent a loud warning!!
March 23, 2011 at 10:07 AM
an extremely efficient performance from Pak all round.. nothing can be taken away from it..
March 23, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Evergreen Tendulkar inspires Ponting
March 23, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Still not clear whether sehwag will play tomorrow..
March 23, 2011 at 10:12 AM
He must be hurtting really bad for this to even be a news. India can still make around 270 – 280 without him but with him, 320 is always on the cards.
March 23, 2011 at 10:56 AM
“Ra.One is not a Bollywood film that they have seen before. The kind of size and magnitude that the film has requires it to be slowly introduced to the audience and that’s the very purpose why we are starting the whole communication so early.”
Slowly introduced lol…otherwise, what will happen? Indian audience won’t be able to handle the magnificent imagination of Shah Rukh and Anubhav Sinha.
March 23, 2011 at 11:09 AM
WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!
Now just hoping Eng get through.
March 23, 2011 at 11:20 AM
West Indies don’t have the desire to win anymore. They are a shame. What happened to the great cricketing culture in the caribbean? Is it the selectors, or the the youngsters thare lost interest in the sport?
March 23, 2011 at 11:54 AM
March 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM
sad demise for windies as now after today they are ranked below bangladesh now and chances are they may not even qualify for next world cup(thanks to ireland)
big match tommorrow as india has to win to get revenge for 2003 wc final
could be either the last match of sachin or ricky ponting
my prediction :
since pakistan has shown his strength is spin bowling if there is aus vs pak semis( pak has a strong chance)
or
if there is india vs pak semis( i expect india to go though)
england or south africa will be another finalist
March 23, 2011 at 2:51 PM
It is not Pakistan’s victory. It is suicide by WI abetted by sympathetic Pakistani team.
The way things look now, Pakistan has every chance to lift the cup.
Tomorrow one of the contenders will bite the dust.
March 23, 2011 at 4:05 PM
To giv credit where it is due——dominating clinical performance by pakistan. Missed the match de to work–may catch the highlights—but again proves that this is the most unpredictable team in world cricket.
Tomorrow will be the effective final which will decide the eventual winners in all probability—Pity that it is happening at the QF stage and that too on a working day!!!
March 23, 2011 at 4:07 PM
wtf—is seheag doubtful for tomorrow.
Didnt think this stage would come—But time india takes a leaf out of pakistans showing and play their heart out.
if Sehwag has suddenly got injured, his injury should be compounded!!!
Im getting impatient—someone stop me–hahahaha!!
March 23, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Watching some hightlights from the WI-Pak match.
Seems that Afridi is on a mix of viagra, corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen—NOT to discredit him though….lol
Hope he doesnt have withdrawal side effects…
ANyhow the pak team do have a momentum going at the right time for them and winning two more matches against ANYONE is not beyond them rite now!
March 23, 2011 at 4:56 PM
Incidentally ponting who appeared to be threatening sachins record and centuries, has not hit a century in any form of the game sine early 2010, if im not mistaken!!
Pity, that one will see the last of sachin or ponting in WCs tomorrow!!
INdias impact players tomorrow should be sehwag and yuvraj.
I single the out sinc they can be matchwinners in the real sense of the word esp the former.
When in flow, sehwag fcuks the oppositions confidence and esteem like nobody else.
IF Sehwag becums unavailable tomorrow, he should be given some “special treatment”!!
would be interesting to see who is the 4th/5th bowler for india—depending on the pitch—will have a lot of bearing on the match result!!
Incidentally Pak have just steamrolled wi—even the scorecard is polite for WI…
March 23, 2011 at 4:59 PM
I’d say this.. India cannot win this WC without Sachin being man of the series.
March 23, 2011 at 5:13 PM
Tomorrwo should be a show stealer match. Its a given that sachin will be crucial.
He will be needed more in his “grafting” role as an “anchor” to prevent a collapse. Not sure y sachin and sehwag have stopped bowling—they can sometimes be quite handy on these pitches
Also, Dhoni needs to get back his batting confidence!
Feel that the current aussie bowling is def weaker than SA-and we remember what the sachin sehwag did to SA….
Anyhow, Pak seems to be the hottest team (of the moment)…
March 23, 2011 at 7:18 PM
Sehwag has a shoulder problem since a while and thats the reason why he has not been able to bowl. Ganguly has gone on record to say that Sehwag is the best spinner in the Indian side bar Bhajji. On a seperate note this Pakistan team has it in them to put it past the next two teams if they keep it together. They look very dangerous. If India meets them in the semi’s that should be a turbo charged match.
March 23, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Imran Khan wants Pakistan to play against India and i totally agree with why we need to and should play against India.
March 23, 2011 at 10:59 PM
actually i want pak to play against india BECAUSE the match is in india and it is the world cup…the fact that we haven’t beaten india in a WC match…and well they are one of the best teams coming into the WC. and the hype will be unbelievable. they need to beat aussie, im rooting for india tonight.
March 23, 2011 at 11:03 PM
I don’t care who we play. If we keep playing the way we are no 1 will stop Pak inshallah.
I just want Wahab Riaz replaced with Shoaib and I’m hoping Ajmal is retained coz he is ‘world class’. My 2 teams are Eng and Pak and that’s the final I want.
But my word if India do make it to the semis what a match/treat in store for all of us. WOW
March 24, 2011 at 4:27 AM
Sehwag ruled out, Advantage Aus.
March 24, 2011 at 6:46 AM
Sehwag is playing..
March 24, 2011 at 7:20 AM
yes, news channels reported the same
March 24, 2011 at 7:21 AM
hussey gone but punter still there
March 24, 2011 at 7:25 AM
this match is tantalising…Aus 150/4…we need to restrict them around 230
March 24, 2011 at 8:27 AM
India all set tolose.. Australia are going to cross the 250 mark.
March 24, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Think the score will be challenging on this pitch but to be honest I am satisfied all things considered. You really can’t ask more from this bowling with Aus at the other end. They’ve done their job. Zaheer and Ashwin especially have delivered. But yeah they have to be careful in this final over.
March 24, 2011 at 8:43 AM
they’ve finished off at 260..
would be challenging for India, as the ball may play tricks on the batsmen in second innings..
All hopes on Sachin, Sehwag and Yuvi.. the rest dont deserve to be mentioned
March 24, 2011 at 8:44 AM
agreed, also India have a poor record at Ahmedabad the last 4-5 outings so they’ll have to change some history here. And yes the pitch will probably get slower, don’t think it will be an easy scoring one. So India will need one big inning with a couple of solid supporting parts.
March 24, 2011 at 8:50 AM
thats right.. Btw satyam, I dont think indians need to be applauded for ‘restricting australians to 260′.. Thats what Ireland and Netherlands should feel proud of, not India. Incidentally, in the very last match on a solid batting pitch, Pakistan had bowled them out for a mere 178..
Indian bowling was better compared to their past performances but thats not what one should be proud of. Harbhajan bowled a disastrous delivery in the very first ball of the final over. Thats what would ultimately matter if this one ends up being a close match
March 24, 2011 at 8:56 AM
I meant given Indian bowling up till this point. This is the team that allowed SA to get to 296 and Eng to get to 338! And as for Aus against Pak that sort of thing doesn’t happen every day. Pak played well but most major teams are not restricted to 176 most days.
March 24, 2011 at 8:56 AM
come on pakistan shoaib akthar vs dangerous virendersehwag and the little master sachin tendulkar it will be interesting one in the semi finals
March 24, 2011 at 8:58 AM
India has very good chance to win this match. Bowlers performed. Especially Zaheer. Dhoni is cool. Dhoni, best of luck.
March 24, 2011 at 9:32 AM
good start for india so far..
March 24, 2011 at 9:39 AM
WTF — I’m missing such an IMp match — y do we have to work?
Haha
Ponying performed in this crunch match– will sachin /’sehwag fire??
Tait throws intermittently
This wicket gets slower– not an easy target– need one of te openers to fire bigtime—ol d best
March 24, 2011 at 10:15 AM
The odd bowler has already started playing low and slow.
Plus the Aussies are fielding excellently.
The EFFECTIVE target is 300-310 taking these factors into account.
Watson is a dangerous bowler– looks innocuous but has subtle variations.
Will not be an easy chase
March 24, 2011 at 10:29 AM
absolutely, Sachin has to be very careful here..
March 24, 2011 at 10:36 AM
and really one of those incredible pressure moments Sachin has been through countless times. When the opposition knows that if they get him they most probably have the match.
March 24, 2011 at 10:20 AM
That’s the difference betweenthe sachins pontings gilchrists— these are big match players.
I was mentionin yesterday bag ponging hasn’t scored a century for more than a year. Wt an occasion to do that!
But ponging is an ass for referring that “catch” of gambhir
Two fours from sachin to Johnson– seems that I shall have to get my secretary into action and have to watch the match now — lol
March 24, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Gambhir is quite tentative but should stick around. He will be handy once the slow bowlers/ spinners come. He is the best player of spin(after sachin).
Gambhir hasn’t done anything till now /- he is due for something now
March 24, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Did Sachin walk again—- if he did, he proves me wrong by being consistent.
Although I’m not personally in favour of walking in such crunch games– it’s ok if munaf Patel walks but by walking the chances of an aussie win have gone up suddenly to 65% IMO.
Even in review, smocks sometimes stay inconclusive and then he batsman gets the benefit of doubt — but if u walk….
Anyhow sachin was in excellent nick— for his sake, hope this is not indias last match this wc.
How kretja is handled will be cruchial
March 24, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Cricinfo…
[Tait to Tendulkar, OUT, Sachin is gone, or is he, is that a back foot no-ball, it was a length ball outside off stump, and he nibbled it on its way to Haddin, it was very close to being a no-ball, but Tait got away with it, he hadn't grounded the back heel on the line, Sachin has to walk back ]
March 24, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Ya kniw that biutte no ball— taits backfoot has been doing that for some time—But sachin started walking before that. What I saw that he was called back bcos the no ball was being reviewed.
BUT he started walking b4 that!!
And there was nonobviois deviation on the replay.
Soemtimes batsman gets the benefit of doubt if the snick is not conclusive….
Hope sachins honest is not the turnin point.
But will add that sachin was in sublime form and perfect frame of mind for a big one— NOT a supporter of his walking at this stage!!!
March 24, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Kohli wAs playing well but goes for a stupid rush of blood. Someone needs to just hold anchor now and aim for just singles and twos. Y can’t these buggers understand this bAsic thing?!
March 24, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Trouble for India continues.. they need a major partnership.
March 24, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Gambhir finally succeeded in getting run out inthe third attempt!!
Smell spot fixing here…..
March 24, 2011 at 12:02 PM
indeed. either its fixed on gambhir’s part or trust Indian batsmen to come up with such extreme foolishness.. I missed it – was there indeed a run there?
March 24, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Btw who all said here that playing Sehwag would work in India’s favour today.. When was the last time he played a major innings in a crucial match?
March 24, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Forget about A RUN!
It was the third attempt at getting run iu by gambhir in two overs. Gambhir did not succeed tiger out in the first two. But the third attempt, he managed. To get run out !!!! Truly retarded behaviour (if it is not spot fixing!!!)
March 24, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Gambhir is an idiot.
March 24, 2011 at 12:20 PM
there goes Dhoni, this might be it barring something good from this last partnership more or less.
March 24, 2011 at 12:21 PM
This match has gown down to the wire. First time I glued myself to a match in this series of the world cup – and india it seems have thrown in the towel. The runs could have come in singles, but guess we are just not good enough in getting singles – Australia yet again proves why it is a world class fielding side. Some stupid mistakes by gambhir and Virat Kohli.
March 24, 2011 at 12:27 PM
should be interesting to see where this goes now..
March 24, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Yuvi needs to play a big innings today for india to enter the semis..
Dhoni should be sacked as player
March 24, 2011 at 12:29 PM
India will win……
March 24, 2011 at 12:44 PM
well things seem to have stabilized once again but this is really the last partnership.. they should never have been in this situation. Gambhir committed suicide preceded by Kohli but Gambhir’s was particularly inexcusable. In one sense it is healthier to have a number of batsmen chipping in with half centuries and for the team to be able to pull itself out of several sticky situations. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of throwing one’s wicket. Also think they might not have got this far without Sachin’s half century. Finally the bowling probably did better overall today relative to its merit to restrict Aus. But yes if India win here it will have an overall team performance one way or the other though this should not excuse those batting lapses.
Meanwhile Sehwag’s due. Hopefully he’ll come through if there’s a next time. But what in the world has happened to Dhoni?! The man just doesn’t bat these days.
will say Yuvraj has come through twice in crucial situations in this WC. He’s been the most valuable batsman other than Sachin.
March 24, 2011 at 12:56 PM
and one has to really appreciate Raina today. His support was definitely needed. But also this pair has batted maturely throughout. Which isn’t too much to ask from Gambhir. They just had to chug along!
March 24, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Lets see.. would have been more sure about India winning if there were more wickets in hand at the moment.. let them make about 10-15 runs more.
March 24, 2011 at 12:51 PM
i am seeing my first indian cricket game after that faithful day of world cup final in 2003 and i still remember it was a day before my ssc exams and it was most disappointng moment, i guess today it completes a cycle.
than i believed in the game somewhere thereon after words i lost faith..
March 24, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Brett Lee hit off for a six.. I am very positive about India winning now
March 24, 2011 at 12:56 PM
yuvraj has chenged the complexion of the game. Truly deserves the man of the match.
India – Pakistan match is almost like a final and if India don’t make stupid mistakes would be my clear favorites in that duel.
March 24, 2011 at 12:58 PM
one status of my friend on fb said,
Indian Team, you have two options…Either lose today..or win in both quaters and semis..losing in semis is not even an option…mind it..
March 24, 2011 at 1:07 PM
Lee is still giving it everything he’s got and meanwhile Yuvraj is showing remarkable patience even so close to the total..
March 24, 2011 at 12:59 PM
11 more to win..
March 24, 2011 at 1:01 PM
one is a tad surprised too by the lack of punch in the australian bowling. the bowlers have never been on top of the game today except for Indian batsmen gifting their wickets like lollipops
March 24, 2011 at 1:08 PM
Its over finally
March 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM
Pakistan – India….HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM
There are international players who are all above ascertain standard and do contribute.
But then every team has a few impact power game changers.
I said yesterday that india has three- sachin , sehwag and yuvraj.
India has won today since two if these clicked.
But all credit to the guy whose place was being questioned forthe last year.
The ONE guy responsible for india reaching the SF and now possibly the cup is Yuvraaj Singh.
March 24, 2011 at 1:10 PM
Yuvraj reminds me of Bevan
March 24, 2011 at 1:06 PM
THE GRAND MOTHER OF ALL SEMI FINAL…..CAN’T WAIT.
March 24, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Congrats guys.. fine fine inning from Yuvraaj..
a truly historic semi-final coming up.. India never having lost to Pak in the WC..
March 24, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Yesssss!!!!!
Yuvraj simply rocks!!!
March 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM
Congrats India! Sachin’s 53 and Yuvi’s 57, and Gambhi’r 50 each contributed – but Yuvis’ was clealry the match winning one.
It is Sehwag’s turn to deliver. I do believe that India is a bigger favorite in the rally with Pakistan. The batting line up is just much better.
March 24, 2011 at 2:00 PM
the one thing here is that Pak have been dangerous in this tournament. Their bowlers have come through against every side and with multiple spinners this might be a pitch to their liking. History is certainly on India’s side but this is an unpredictable Pak team.
March 24, 2011 at 1:16 PM
We did it!!!!!!!!!!!
Well done team India. Sachin,Yuvraj,Kohli,Gambhir,Raina – all did their bit with the bat.
March 24, 2011 at 1:25 PM
btw i didnt like the world cup song.. heard it first time..!
March 24, 2011 at 1:55 PM
great writeup here including on Sachin’s inning:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/507755.html
March 24, 2011 at 2:00 PM
The burning question. Is India good or Australia bad on this particular day? Hope India remains more than this on coming days also. The total 261 is barely inspiring. And fortunately, India did not choke.
March 24, 2011 at 2:08 PM
I think this is more of an Indian win than an Aussie loss. India handled things very well in the end. The Aussies tried with bat and ball and in the field but India overcame. That is the simple truth and India’s batting, its strenght helped India in the end.
March 24, 2011 at 2:22 PM
true.. India definitely ‘won’ here.
March 24, 2011 at 2:44 PM
Australian batting is much weaker than the Indian one and that made the difference. I dian definitely earned this victory. Australia did not give it away.
March 24, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Motera is not a small ground compared to some other venues. So 261 is not a bad score at all and the pitch wasnt exactly easing. We have seen 300 plus scores on small grounds with easy playing pitches which makes 261 seem like an easy target. But, it is not.
March 24, 2011 at 2:27 PM
March 24, 2011 at 2:35 PM
I bite my all nails but still i m not feeling pain coz we r on course… floating hope it will prolong
March 24, 2011 at 4:25 PM
Well, history is definitely on India’s side in the semis but the Law of averages cannot be ignored in these circumstances..
after 4 wins from India, who knows.. maybe Pakistan will pull this one off
March 24, 2011 at 4:28 PM
There are “normal” players who all shine once in a while esp when in form (and thats how they retain their place in the international side!!)
For someone who has played in minor counties (only as an amateur basis–since i only play as a hobby), i know how much it takes to retain ones place in a test playing nations team in any form of the game.
BUt then there are those few mercurial players who can change the course of the game just on their own steam…
The KEY in todays match (the second half of which i caught while at work) was when dhoni was out.
U dont need a regulation player—-u need a matchwinner to reverse the entire course on his own. Ponting smelt blood when dhoni was gone and went for the jugular. he brought in his bes weapon —pace ie lee and tait.
But those very two overs which should have got aussies wickets costed them 25 odd runs.
That was yuvraj and to an extent raina.
Aussies have not been able to replace those epic gamechangers who all went away together with no transition
There is a need to identify those “special ones” and nurture them—-In indias case—Sachin, sehwag, yuvraaj, and to an extent(if we include his captaincy) dhoni fit the bill.
These guys need to be nurtured differently.
March 24, 2011 at 4:37 PM
“the coming of Age”
U can succeed by hard work and determination as in the case of a dravid, gambhir, kohli.
BUt u cannot create a sehwag, sachin and yuvraj by hard work!!!
a)”the coming of age” moment today when Yuvraaj got to his half century but did NOT riase his bat.
His celebration at Indias winning was much MORE pronounced.
b) when raina got involved in some altercations, yuvraj calmed him down on many occasions
c)in the postmatch interview, one did not see the “boisterous flamboyant superstar” but a responsible grounded response.
One cannot forget Sehwags knock in multan.
Think sehwag is due a big one (lets see what happens in the SF)
Hope England (my other team) can somehow outdo themselves against the team of the chuckers and slingers!!!
March 24, 2011 at 4:41 PM
I think it is highly unjust to place Dravid in the company of Gambhir and Kohli! This is one of the greatest batsmen in Indian history! Sachin is in a different category altogether but I’d easily take Dravid over both Sehwag and Yuvraj. The latter two might be more gifted in certain ways but Yuvraj will frankly never have a career half of Dravid’s. Even Sehwag cannot be put in Dravid’s category as far as I’m concerned. Yes Sehwag is a very destructive batsman and has in the words of Viv Richards some of the greatest reflexes he’s ever seen but Dravid is a batsman for all seasons and all ages although one not necessarily best suited for the one day format. On that note I wouldn’t put Sehwag and Yuvraj in Laxman’s category either.
March 24, 2011 at 4:54 PM
this is NOT to belittle Dravids obvious standing. He was not called “the wall” for nothing and he was literally the backbone of indian team for more than a decade!
Dont remember off-hand but he is perhaps highest sscorer cumulative after sachin.
The point here is slightly different.
it is not also about “greatness” or “who is greater”
There are certain thingz which can be prctised and grafted.
And there are certain things you are born with…
To be sachin, sehwag and even yuvraj, u need to be BORN with certain additional abilities.
The same cannot be said about any of the rest!!
March 24, 2011 at 5:07 PM
And this clubbing sehwag and yuvraj with sachin does not mean they eare equivalent to sachin.
btw—their names have been mentioned here only on the basis of a handful of innings (unlike sachin who has a book of such innings)
But sometimes, one or a few innings is enuf to show u that someone has a certain x factor!!
“Form”, “hardwork”, “dedication” takes u very far.
But then u need that bit extra which is inborn!
To give other examples, viv richards, kapil dev, Sobers, Warne fit this bill (onthe top of my head) but nnot all of these are people who have the max runs or wickets.
March 24, 2011 at 5:34 PM
I do understand the line you’re trying to draw between innate gifts and application. I just wonder if your division doesn’t end up being unkind to Dravid. Because it seems to me that somewhat more defensive batsmen are often underrated in this sense.
March 24, 2011 at 6:21 PM
I got the first quarter final wrong but am so happy I got this one right. At times I felt like ripping Dhoni, Gambhir and Kohli’s hair out but thank god for Yuvraj. And more importantly, a very polished fielding performance.
If this India turns up against Pakistan, they will beat them for sure. This is really the match everyone is waiting for and its a sporting event like any. Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj and Raina are matchwinners and to be honest Dhoni is due one. Ashwin is good bowling wise, Khan/Harbhajan reliable and Yuvraj has proved to be very good most of the time. India have 4 bowlers they can rely on. The fifth honestly I don’t give a damn…cos the batting line up is more than capable of making up this deficiency.
March 24, 2011 at 10:28 PM
your optimism has certainly paid off! Some of us were more pessimistic after the SA loss.
March 24, 2011 at 9:27 PM
well this is going to be one helluva match up. i wanted this match and you can’t help but get jacked up for this. i have already taken the day off at work…told em i need a personal day! lol. yes i want pakistan to win but i want a good match. India v austrailia was a good match. india is clearly the better team and they have owned us in the WC. if our bowling stays hot and fielding is tight then we have a chance!! i say play shoaib akhtar, wahab riaz, umar and seead ajmal for the bowlers. india’s batting is better against the spinners. and who doesn’t want to see akhtar v tendukar for the last time! i’m not going to make any predictions but i’m rooting for pakistan…we need this more than india does right now!! oh btw pakistan has played 6 matches at mohali with a miserable record of 2-4 BUT the two victories are against india without a loss against them. so pakistan has never beaten india in the WC..and india have never beaten pakistan at mohali in ODI format.
March 24, 2011 at 9:35 PM
It would be a disservice to put down Dravid’s achievemenst to grafting and ‘application’. He had loads of ‘inborn,natural’ talent. What Alex is trying to convey ( rather unsuccessfully and in a muddled fashion ) is that Dravid probably cannot play the kind of ‘explosive’ innings that Sehwag and Yuvraj sometimes do. Which is fair. Dravid was dour but stylish and his batting style was easy on the eyes. Yuvrah has ways to go before he can earn any kind of comparision with Dravid. Yuvraj does seem to be having a pretty good World Cup tho and is invaluable at the moment.
March 25, 2011 at 4:51 AM
“I think it is highly unjust to place Dravid in the company of Gambhir and Kohli! This is one of the greatest batsmen in Indian history!”
ya first let ganbhir and kohli acheived even half of what dravid did(10,000 runs in both format of the game ) and that alone shows the status of man
March 25, 2011 at 5:07 AM
frienly banter on social networking sites:
pakistanis: we will soon win in mumbai very soon
indians: border is closer(from mohali) they can take rickshaw back home.
March 25, 2011 at 6:19 AM
Nice piece on the most famous visible fan of SRT : Sudhir
http://openthemagazine.com/article/sports/the-curious-case-of-sudhir-gautam
March 25, 2011 at 10:52 AM
SA looking at a meltdown here..
March 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I predicted it…didn’t It
The choker tag bites again.
March 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/world-cup-icc-fixtures/#comment-85196
March 25, 2011 at 11:57 AM
All over…..the chokers choke yet again.
March 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Now Srilanka has easy opponents in both the quarters and the semis. This is so stupid.
March 25, 2011 at 12:03 PM
No match at this stage for anyone is EASY
March 25, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Don’t think Eng are easy by any means though I do expect SL to win. But yeay they’ll enjoy the semifinal. Having said that you never want to face too much of an underdog either that has nothing to lose (except the match!).
March 25, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Do feel sorry for SA cricket fans. Among the harder things to do as sports fans is to support SA in the WC. Special commiserations to Aby2000 here. The solace I can offer is that having been an Abhishek fan since Guru I know the feeling! But this is harder since the WC only comes around once every four years.
March 25, 2011 at 1:13 PM
And they choked again…. history repeats itself in every wc for us! Gosh it’s such a heart sore feeling….we go through this feeling every world cup……it just happens again, and again and again…!!! Now I can only hope the Rugby guys do us proud….
So the SMS doing the rounds….
The funeral of Late SOUTH AFRICA, will leave India on Sunday, the 27 March 2011. Funeral will take place at O.R Tambo International ..
Cause of death- CHOKED on KIWI FRUIT…!!!
March 25, 2011 at 1:22 PM
LOL, on the last bit! Though I know it’s no laughing matter for you.
March 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
So SA have yet to win a knockout match in a world cup….EVER!!!
March 25, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Don’t see how SL don’t make it to the Finals now. There is no way in hell they are losing to ENG and NZ at home. After AUS, SL is arguably the best home team in the world.
March 25, 2011 at 1:24 PM
true but Eng have themselves been dangerous in this tournament. Also it might depend on who bats first. Would still give SL the edge but not a very big one.
March 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM
SL is better for India in finals if India overcome Pakistan.
Am sad for SA fans but I think for India, SA would have been the most dangerous in final. That is assuming India gets past Pakistan.
March 25, 2011 at 12:40 PM
SL is very dangerous in the sub-continent because they have chucker Murali who is licensed to throw the ball at will. He turned around the semifinal in 96 by getting Sachin out.
March 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM
Hahahahahahahaha— just checked— was busy— is SA out?
Where is saket!!!
March 25, 2011 at 3:25 PM
Now want England to get rid of the checkers and slingers. The team with institutionaliser chucking where the official machinery has been used to protect and lobby for a chucker.
Hoping for an india England final. Will be a win win situation for me!!!
March 25, 2011 at 3:36 PM
SA have the dubious distinction of not winning. Single wc knockout game. Missing saket rite now hahahaha
March 25, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Is Tendulkar Yuvraj’s secret special one?
MOHALI: Sachin Tendulkar might be the “special one” referred to by Yuvraj Singh in his post-match media interaction on Thursday, Yuvraj’s father Yograj told TOI on Friday.
Yograj also insisted a “new-found”, “spiritual” outlook had helped boost the left-hander’s game. Yuvraj sent the media into a tizzy by suggesting his four consecutive man-of-the-match awards and unprecedented recent success following a prolonged lean spell were dedicated to a “special person”, setting off intense speculation.
Yograj, who spent long hours with Yuvraj at the nets just before the World Cup, said: “I won’t be surprised if it’s Sachin. Tendulkar has played a big hand in the turnaround in Yuvraj’s career. He has been there for him throughout and has had long discussions with him on the mental and technical aspects of the game. The born-again Yuvarj you see today owes a lot to Tendulkar. I think if India make the final he will dedicate it all his mother and Sachin.”
Yograj also said Yuvraj had matured as a person after finding “spirituality” and “connecting with his inner self”, but refused to divulge details of the much-talked-about spiritual guru the duo had been visiting before the World Cup. “Some things are best kept private,” said Yograj, “but you can see this is not the impatient Yuvraj of old. He seems more grounded. You have noticed the new ‘Om’ bracelet. A lot of things are different about Yuvraj now, and I hope it’s for the best.”
Yograj suggested the changes were reflecting in his batting too.
“He realizes he doesn’t need to go for broke all the time. He is playing along the ground more, playing a lot straighter too. He is not looking to hit sixes all the time. You will see soon how much better he has become at building an innings.”
Yograj said a few tweaks in his action had also made Yuvraj’s bowling more penetrative.
“He is a lot more side-on, and that has helped him get more purchase and drift. But these are the small things. The major influence has been Tendulkar.
March 25, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Where is Jay Shah. He had correctly called that SA will get in some sort of trouble like they have in the past and inevitably choke and thats exactly what happened.
March 25, 2011 at 6:24 PM
LOL I did call it, but expected it to happen in the semis. Oh well, I am happy for India. All indicators point to an Indian win here to me. Best batting line up. Forget this best bowling line up bullshit theory some have come up with. SA and Aussies are gone and the former had a fine bowling attack. On pitches like this, fast bowling is useless. Its about canny bowling like Zaheer or Umar Gul. India will win. If they won’t I will pay money to watch Ra.One in the theatre!
March 25, 2011 at 6:28 PM
SL should win, and also beat NZ. India will beat Pakistan. Batting against bowling, I will take India anyday. Even WC 2003, India had a great batting lineup and Pakistan much better bowling attack. They will beat them. Sachin and co will be too strong.
India will beat SL in final. Sachin will score his 101st century. His 100th will come in the semi.
I am writing the perfect bollywood script.
March 25, 2011 at 6:30 PM
jayshah u running ahead of yourselves m8—calm down…lol
March 26, 2011 at 4:38 PM
Or Rajen will ship you DVD set of KJo movies
March 25, 2011 at 6:28 PM
Pranav—cmon man—i had also said the same about SA—lol
and saket had rejected the (well deserved) “choker” tag for SA!
As for the who should be better in the finals—-A team should never do the cardinal sin of looking beyond the immediate knockout match. See SA.
As i pointed out, anyone can fcuk anyone in the knockout, The difference in the teams can easily get blurred if only one match is the yardstick!!
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Sachin-will-have-to-wait-for-100-international-tons-Afridi/articleshow/7788828.cms
March 25, 2011 at 6:35 PM
http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports%20news/manmohan-gilani-will-attend-india-vs-pak-game-at-mohali-94188?trendingnow
Hope England shock SL now—Cmon ENGLAND…..
March 25, 2011 at 6:55 PM
I want an all subcontinent final!
March 25, 2011 at 6:59 PM
Oh yes, Alex I see you said the same thing. I am taking a day off for the India/Pak match so will be pissed if we lose. But in all frankness I think this Pakistan team is very strong and I am a believer in reversion to the mean so Pakistan having never beaten India in a WC have a chance now. Of course on paper we are superior with even our bowling having improved now with Ashwin included and Yuvraj having lifted his game. Between Bhajji, Zahir, Ashwin and Yuvraj we have 40 overs accounted for.
March 25, 2011 at 7:04 PM
Pranav–thanx for that!
BUt i dont believe in the “favorite” bit from this stage on,
The only match in which one can pick favorites is the one btw Eng -SL and even there the gap is 40-60..
Its all upto who pisses out on the day…
Wont be lucky to manage a day off for wednesday—but will catch thingz on the go….what are secretaries for (apart from the obvious…lol)
March 25, 2011 at 7:01 PM
i dont….Want SL out as soon as possible.
Dont like chuckers, slingers….
Also something inexplicable but dont like sangakaara and his accent….lol
An India—england final will be ideal for me—although know that one shouldnt cum prematurely in these thingz…
March 25, 2011 at 10:53 PM
March 26, 2011 at 1:28 AM
If unexpected and surprise upsets are going to be the rule most of the time as proved earlier,
India will win the Mohali one dayer.
England may.
Rejuvenated NZ has a chance.
The finalists. Some more guess work.
Something fishy.
March 26, 2011 at 9:11 AM
The commentators are calling it a ‘par’ total for this ground and this kind of match..
March 26, 2011 at 10:18 AM
the commentators from england are calling this a ‘par’ score. England needed at least 260-270 to put some scare in SL. As I said before, SL will just stroll in the Finals from now.
March 26, 2011 at 10:42 AM
on SL pitches 240-250 is usually a challenge for the team batting second.. so I do believe that claim.. but yeah SL will probably humiliate Eng if they keep up what’s happening currently!
March 26, 2011 at 10:54 AM
true but team bowling second need to have some teeth in their bowling. I mean Ravi Bhopara is bowling the initial overs…Ravi Bhopara!!!
March 26, 2011 at 10:15 AM
This is turning out to be a very one-sided match. England bowling doesn’t seem to pose any problem to the Srilankan openers
March 26, 2011 at 10:21 AM
England are pathetic. Their batsmen lack strokeplay. They laboured their way to 229 and now SL are making it look easy. England played from the crease to the spinners as ooposed to using their feet.
March 26, 2011 at 11:19 AM
A truly lacklustre performance from England bordering on pathetic..
Know they are weak with spin but they have played much below potential. They turn it on only in ashes and there too not always.
The deeper malaise is that cricket no longer figures in the top ten games in he English consciousness currently in terms of popularity. Barring some odd pockets, there is minimal interest here. Plus there is this “gentlemanly” lack of aggression / killer instinct. For eg today there is much much more interest in the England Wales football — even in pubs all u see is football or rugby. Nothing right or wrong– just the changing times! I suspect that the same is happening on a lesser extent in Australia — the High quality Sheffield shield is no longer the same standard– nonwonder the Aussies are not finding decent replacement for the warnes gilchrists mcgraths….. They never will– Mark my word!!
The takeover of cricket by the subcontinent is official and complete…..times change…………….quite an introspective post—-lol
March 26, 2011 at 11:22 AM
SL have never lost to England in a knock out stage in a world cup and aint happening today; SA have never won in a knock out stage in a world cup including this time; Pakistan have never won against India in a world cup….even this streak continues????
March 26, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Tharanga is the more classier and compact of the two; Dilshan is a hack!
March 26, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Now that the semifinal lineup is complete—
Must say that SL Seems to be standing out NOT interms of ability but due to the mental discipline.
The “Buddhist” ethos does show in their dealings. Plus they have the “slingers and chuckers”.
And unlike the Indians and even Pak, SL seems to be least affected by the “superstar” syndrome except maybe dilshan, malinga– also SL have one of the better (but a bit irritating for me) captain in the WC.
Even NZ cannot be totally counted out, but as for the other three subcontinental teams, will be a case of mental toughness and destiny…..
March 26, 2011 at 2:34 PM
unexpected stuff today.. I was always expecting an SL win but didn’t think they would just make Eng look like a club team!
March 26, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Noticed how the “dilscoop” did not work in one occasion. Noticed how the bowler and keeper smilingly joined dlishan in enjoying this “interesting snippet” rather than lamenting the missed catch that he had offered. Good for the “spirit of the game” but entirely illustrative of English cricket and even the laid-back approach on proceedings!!!
March 26, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Yes Alex; in direct contrast to when Dilshan edged Tait to the boundary, Tait called him a F**king faggot. There in lies the difference.
March 26, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Exactly pranav: this makes a difference in sports.
One does need the “hunger” and extreme desire to win at any cost.
Also shows the background and upbringing. One always like the refined genteel strauss and gowers for company but that doesnt win u matches.As for Aussies, it is obviously a substantiated documented explanation in terms of convicts and ancestry–lol
March 26, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Anyhow, England getting the better of wales (leading 2-0) in footy in an incestuous game—lol.
Atleast something to cheer about in the pub!!!
March 26, 2011 at 12:22 PM
This Wales team is shockingly bad Alex. (even if they had Bale we would have battered em)
Btw Eng more often than not beat the crappy teams but as soon as we face the top sides bang we get a footballing lesson
March 26, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Anyhow, England getting the better of wales (leading 2-0: Brent, Lampard) in in an incestuous consanguinous football game—lol.
Atleast something to cheer about in the pub!!!
March 26, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Agree Naveed.
But the English football team and the english league is still much better than the cricket one by more than a mile!!
The common problems are the lack of aggression, killer instinct and the doggedness one needs to succeed.
And Capello is over rated (amongst many others). Dont want to start now!!
Rooney had an iffy game – a couple of great passes, one miss, one bad foul. He looked disgruntled to be replaced, but then Rooney is always pretty disgruntled.
March 26, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Interesting—
http://soccerlens.com/football-v-cricket/32501/
March 26, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Tough task ahead for India.
Sri Lanka has just blasted away England with a major comprehensive win.
If India doesn’t win this, I would want New Zealand to take home the cup. They have performed very well in the WC
March 26, 2011 at 2:06 PM
What a show. Unlike Indians and others, Sri Lankans have only cricket to prove themselves. No distractions. Indians have entered other sports and are proving themselves. Cricket has become only one of the sports for us. And our cricketers are also quite unpredictable. This is the psychological edge for SL team over other teams of a single focus point. And Pakistan is a driven team but full of attitude. But SL scores most of the time due to their dedication, zero show off and love for cricket. I will be delighted to see them lifting the world cup in case India fails.