Cricket Blog : IPL, ICL, Twenty20, Test, ODI : News and Updates

Terror Attacks Has Effected Cricket Too

2008-11-28T06:49:00.000-08:00

Because of terror attacks in Mumbai, England have cut short the seven-match ODI series and are scheduled to fly back home on Saturday morning. To save the two-match Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the final Test from Mumbai to Chennai.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has assured BCCI that the team would return for the Test series starting in Ahmedabad on December 11.

Terror attacks has not only affected Englands tour of India but the weeklong Champions League which was scheduled to start Wednesday, involving eight teams from Australia, South Africa, India, England and Pakistan has also been postponed.

Yuvraj's Knock Led Big Victory to India over England

2008-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Yuvraj seemed to have no mercy over England bowlers in the first One-day international of the first India England ODI series at Rajkot. 4's and 6's were raining like hell. Yuvraj’s splendid knock of 138 of 78 balls led to a 158 rout by India beating England. Yuvraj’s knock which included 16 fours and 6 sixes was reminiscent of his T20 knock in 2007 Twenty 20 world cup in South Africa.

Yuvrajs exhilarating century was the quickest century in ODIs against England and the second fastest century by any Indian in this format of the game. Pietersen had nothing but admiration for Yuvraj later said that "If you stand and watch an innings like Yuvraj played and Sehwag you have just got to take your hat off to the way they played”. Yuvraj who batted with a runner because of a back injury during the early part of his innings scored his ninth one-day century. This innings was one of Yuvraj’s finest innings ever in the format of the game. Yuvraj later said "I've had a couple of bad months with not being in the Test side but I am coming back to my best and to hit a knock like that was a good effort".

Such a knock from Yuvraj was long overdue and no better way to come back in form from a couple of months of unsuccessful stretch. Yuvraj who scored 100 of his 138 runs in boundaries really got going after the power play was taken after 34 overs. Yuvraj lifted Andrew Flintoff with an elegant six down the ground and then he started his brute force attack getting to fifty from only 38 balls. At that time the stage was set for Yuvraj, his confidence and form seemed to back with a vengeance and he raced from 50 to 100 in just 22 balls and his last 37 runs were scored in 13 balls. This indeed was one of the finest knocks I had ever witnessed so much not for me for Yuvi himself.

Source

Ganguly's Interview on His Retirement

2008-11-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Having retired from international cricket, Sourav Ganguly will surely miss sharing the dressing room with his team-mates. So what does life hold for him after retirement? CNN-IBN caught up with him at his home in Kolkata for an exclusive interview.

CNN-IBN: It must be a fantastic feeling for you. When you left the Indian dressing room it was a happy dressing room, a victorious dressing room.

Sourav Ganguly: Oh yes, of course. When I announced my retirement, I hoped that it would finish this way. I finished with a smiling face on everyone.

I couldn't have expected more than this, beating the best team in the world 2-0 convincingly, in India, and performing so well, not just me but everyone. We finished (the series) with a lot of high. I couldn't have expected more than this.

CNN-IBN: You have got a T-shirt signed by the entire team and Sachin Tendulkar again failed to write correct Bengali on it.

Sourav Ganguly: Yes, it was pretty emotional, touching. I didn't even know about it. I had gone to do an interview so my wife took the shirt out from my bag and quietly asked all the boys to sign it. It was a nice gesture from her. It was the first time I found her so interested in the game.
They are a fantastic bunch of boys. You hear a lot of things when things don't go well, but unless and until you actually be in the dressing room you don't know what it's all about. So it's been a fantastic journey.

CNN-IBN: Sourav, how are you as a Dad? Are you a strict father?

Sourav Ganguly: No, not really.

Dona Ganguly: He has his times. There are times he becomes strict and says 'I should discipline my daughter'. But at times he is so liberal, but that's during the times when he used to come back from tours. But when he would stay for a longer time he felt like he should discipline.

Sourav Ganguly: With me she (his daughter) can get away with everything.

Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and Sourav Ganguly Being felicitated

2008-11-13T10:53:00.001-08:00

Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and Sourav Ganguly are being felicitated by the BCCI in the chandelier-dripping club house at the stadium, in the presence of the who’s who of Indian cricket and there isn’t a cricketer who isn’t moved, writes S. Ram Mahesh.

Anil Kumble Takes Retiremet from Test Cricket Too

2008-11-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

Anil Kumble has announced his retirement from cricket, saying the finger injury he sustained on the third day of the Test helped him make his decision. The news was made public minutes after the tea break on the final day; Kumble then bowled four overs before the match was called off as a draw.

"The body was asking questions every day," he said. "It was not easy to keep bowling the way I have been bowling the last 18 years, to keep going. The injury I had on the third day probably helped me make the decision."

The captaincy now passes on to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who already leads India in the shorter forms of the game.

Kumble made the formal announcement at the post-match press conference, at which he received a standing ovation from the journalists crowded into the room. He doffed his cap and sat down to speak to the media one last time as an India player and captain. He stayed composed throughout the conference, which took place minutes after the emotional farewell he had received on the field.

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India vs. Sri Lanka 4th ODI - India Wins Series For The First Time In Sri Lanka

2008-08-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

Aspirited India today recorded their first ever bilateral ODI series triumph in Sri Lanka, beating the hosts by 46 runs in the fourth one day international to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five match series. Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again was involved in building a partnership as Raina and Virat Kohli also played a handsome role.
Brief Scores : India 258 all out (49.4 overs), Raina 76, Dhoni 71, Kohli 54. Bowling, T'shara 5/47. Sri Lanka 212 all out (46.3 overs), Jayasuria 60, T'shara 40. Bowling, Harbhajan 3/40.

India vs. Sri Lanka 4th ODI - Rain Forces Match Into Reserve Day

2008-08-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

The fourth one dayer between India and Sri Lanka was called off today without a single ball being bowled due to intermittent rain at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The day night match will be played on the reserved day on Wednesday. Umpires Billy Doctrove and Gamini Silva made the final inspection at around 6 pm and took the decision to draw stumps.

Matthew Hayden To Miss Series Against Bangladesh

2008-08-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Australia's opening batsman Matthew Hayden will miss Australia's limited overs cricket series against Bangladesh starting Saturday because of an Achilles tendon injury. Michael Clarke will lead the team in Ponting's absence. Matthew Hayden has been the most successful opener for the Australian team in the recent past. We wish Hayden to recover soon.

India vs. Sri Lanka 3rd ODI

2008-08-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

India managed to script a narrow 33-run victory in the third one dayer against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni led from front with his 76-run knock to help India put a fighting total on th board. It looked that Indian pacers were involved in a race to outshine each other as Zaheer Khan struck thrice.

Brief Scores : India 237/9 (50 overs), Dhoni 76, Raina 53. Bowling Mendis 3/56. Sri Lanka 204 all out (49 overs), Jayawardene 94. Bowling Zaheer 3/23, Patel 3/42.

Jayawardene : There Will Be More Runs

2008-08-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

After two low scoring games in the series for both sides, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene expects his batsmen to come good on the batting friendly track of Premadasa and said that Chaminda Vaas was shaping up well to play in Sunday's match. On talking about the fragile Indian batting Mahela said that "these are the players who are playing for quite some time. So you can't say that. It is just that probably you should give credit to our bowlers. So I think I am sure they will come stongly and we just have to be prepared.

Don't forget Fab Four's Contribution : Kumble

2008-08-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

India Test captain Anil Kumble has come out strongly in defence of the starry Indian middle - order who came a cropper against the Sri Lankan spin duo of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan in the recently concluded three match test series which the visitors lost 1-2.

"I don't know who gave this tag - Fab Four. They have done so much for the Indian cricket over the last 15 years. Agreed, they failed in this Test series, but it happens in cricket. We should not forget their contribution in the past. The Fab Four the leg spinner was referring to - Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman - performed much below expectations in the series.

Too Early For Mendis Mania : Kapil Dev

2008-08-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

The legendary Kapil Dev praised Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis for his splendid show against India so far but felt that the medis was going overboard with the coverage of the bowler, who had to still prove his credentials. "No doubt that Mendis's performance in the on-going India Sri Lanka series is very good but the media has highlighted a bit too prominently. It is too early to say if he will continue to perform like this for long.

Regarding growth of the ICL, Kapil said that it is just a one year old baby and how could one expect it to grow overnight.

India vs. Sri Lanka 2nd ODI

2008-08-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Though India won the second one day international match but Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was a bit worried when India lost seven wickets while chasing a victory target of 143 and lauded debutant Subramaniam Badrinath for his responsible knock.

Brief Scores : Sri Lanka 142 all out (38.3 overs) Thushara 44. Bowling Zaheer 4/21, Praveen 3/34. India 143/7 (39.4 overs) Dhoni 39. Bowling Mendis 2/22.

Mohammad Asif's B Sample Tests Positive

2008-08-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Mohammad Asif today found himself in deep trouble as the dope test of his B sample has also tested positive for a contraband, leaving the Pakistan pacer facing the possibility of being banned for two years. " I can only confirm the B sample test has come positive but the result of both the tests are different which is strange to us ". Asif's lawyer Shahid Karim said from Geneva. "Since he played in an Indian domestic event and was also tested there, it's not us who are going to launch an inquiry into the case." PCB's chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said".

India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI

2008-08-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Indian batting once again failed as the visitors were thrashed by eight wickets in the first one day international match at Dambulla. Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target in less than 35 overs as skipper Mahela Jayawardene hit a breezy half century.

Brief Scores : India 146 all out (46 overs) Yuvraj 23. Bowling Mendis 3/21, Muralitharan 3/37. Sri Lanka 147/2 (34.5 overs) Mahela 61 n.o., Kapugedera 45 n.o. Bowling Patel 2/32.

Good Start Is The Key : Mahendra Singh Dhoni

2008-08-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Team India ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said that the start from the openers was very important and there would be added responsibility on the opening duo of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in the one dayers. On questioning about Virat Kohli Dhoni said " Depends on whether he gets a chance. There is pressure because he has come in place of the maestro Sachin Tendulkar. It's not that he is replacing Sachin Tendulkar. He's second in line. The extra batsman before him will get a chance and then Badrinath will get a chance."

Yuvraj Singh Shines In The Warm Up One Day Match Against Sri Lanka XI

2008-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

India vice captain, Yuvraj Singh who played a scintillating knock of 172 said that, facing Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis will not be easy and India will have to do very well to win the upcoming one-dayers against the Sri Lanka team. On his injured back Yuvi said " Better now, so hopefully i'll be fully fit before the first match. I didn't have any problems running, after scoring 25-30, the body was getting fatigued, which was nothing unusual for a batsman batting at that position.
Brief Scores : India 342/5 (50 overs), Sri Lanka XI 250/6 (50 overs)

Patriotic Dhoni Gets Emotional

2008-08-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

A proud player to lead his country, India ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni recalled how he would attend the Independence Day function at his school every year.

"That is a moment (of freedom) which we should enjoy. In reality we realise what its importance was. We should remember those who contributed (for India's Independence)." said Dhoni.

Mahela Jayawardene On Working Harder

2008-08-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene today said his team have gained in confidence after winning the Test series and would make sure that they did the right things in the ODIs against India as well. "We are very confident about the way we are playing. We are developing a young group of players to take over and senior guys are doing a great job. We just need to be working hard. Just make sure that we do all the things right". Jayawardene had not given much thought to the role of Ajantha Mendis against India because winning was important not an individual of a team.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Respects The Seniors

2008-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

India ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who gave the Test series a miss but is returning to lead the team in the shorter version of the game said that experienced players should be more accountable than other members of the team in the Tests. " You cannot ask a Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, V.V.S. Laxman or Anil Kumble to prove their credentials", said Dhoni. The player from Jharkhand refused there was a need of separate sets of cricketers for Tests and the 50-50 or Twenty 20 matches. "Not at all. A player can be good in ODIs and Tests and T20 as well. Look at Virender Sehwag or Gautam Gambhir."

India v Sri Lanka 3rd Test, Day 4

2008-08-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

What a contrast ? The day began with Chandigarh da munda Abhinav Bindra's golden shot in Beijing and thousands of miles away ended with a big defeat for Team India at Colombo. Despite of their poor performance Team India is not willing to accept the fact that the Sri Lankan bowlers were a bit difficult to play. Kumble is one of the team members who still denies the fact that the man of the series Ajantha Mendis was a mystery Spinner.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 249. SL 1st innings 396. India 2nd innings 268. SL 2nd innings 123/2.

England v South Africa 4th Test, Day 5

2008-08-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Kevin Peiterson celebrated his first Test as England captain with a consolation 6-wicket victory over South Africa in the fourth and final Test at The Oval. Andrew Flintoff hot the winning runs with a straight six as he and Paul Collingwood steered the home side to victory.

Brief Scores : SA 1st innings 194, England 1st innings 316, SA 2nd innings 318, England 2nd innings 198/4. Cook 67, Strauss 58. Bowling Ntini 2/55, Harris 2/56.

India v Sri Lanka 3rd Test, Day 3

2008-08-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

India were desperately struggling to save the series deciding third and final Test at 161 for 5 just managing to wipe out the deficit in their second innings against Sri Lanka on the third day.With half of their batsmen back in the pavilion, Indians managed only a 14-run lead.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 249, SL 1st innings 396 all out (134.2 overs) Sangakkara 144, P. Jayawardene 49. Bowling Harbhajan 3/104, Zaheer 3/105. India 2nd innings 161/5 (45 overs) Dravid 46 n.o., Sehwag 34. Bowling Mendis 2/39, Prasad 2/46.

England v South Africa 4th Test, Day 4

2008-08-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

A.B. De Villiers scored 97 to give South Africa an outside chance of winning the fourth and the final Test between England and South Africa at the Oval. England faced eight balls without adding a run or losing a wicket before rain brought the day to a premature close. After attacking most of the match Pieterson deployed a defensive field for De Villiers.

Brief Scores : SA 1st innings 194, Eng 1st innings 316, SA 2nd innings 318 all out (99.2 overs) De Villiers 97, Amla 76. Bowling Broad 3/44, Panesar 2/37.

India v Sri Lanka 3rd Test, Day 2

2008-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

A brilliant unbeaten 107 by Kumar Sangakkara steered Sri Lanka to a 2-run first innings lead against India as the hosts piled up 251 before bad light stopped play on the second day of the third and final test between India and Sri Lanka. Sangakkara dispatched loose deliveries from spinners and pacemen alike with impunity and raced to his 17th Test century with the help of 11 boundaries.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 249. Sri Lanka 1st innings 251/6 (92 overs) Sangakkara 107 n.o., Vaas 47. Bowling Zaheer 2/57, Harbhajan 2/81.

England v South Africa 4th Test, Day 3

2008-08-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Play was called off on the third day of the fourth Test between England and South Africa after rain reduced the action to just 82 minutes. Lunch was taken early and with drizzle persisting the umpires called off play just before 1600 GMT. South Africa were 12 runs behind England's first innings total of 316.

Brief Scores : South Africa 1st innings 194. England 1st innings 316, South Africa 2nd innings 110/2 (26.5 overs) Amla 71 n.o., Mc Kenzie 29. Bowling : Broad 1/10, Anderson 1/31.

Team India Coach Gary Kirsten's Mother No More

2008-08-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Team India Coach Gary Kirsten's ailing mother Garyl Hall passed away in Cape Town today after loosing a battle against cancer. Garyl, 64, was undergoing treatment for lung cancer at Vincent Pallotti Hospital. The Indian Team according to Captain Anil Kumble has sent his condolences to Kirsten. "Its a personal message...We've already sent it," Kumble told shortly after the opening day's play.

Kirsten was to join the team for the five match one day series but now it remains to be seen when he would be able to return to be among the players.

India v Sri Lanka 3rd Test, Day 1

2008-08-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Indian middle order failed yet again but opener Gautam Gambhir and a 51-run last wicket stand helped the visitors post a total of 249 against Sri Lanka in the third and final test in Colombo. Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis also picked up a 5 wicket hawl on the opening day of the final test match.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 249 all out (80 overs) Gambhir 72, Ganguly 35. Bowling Mendis 5/56, Prasad 3/82. Sri Lanka 1st innings 14/1 (8 overs) Warnapura 8. Bowling Ishant 1/2.

England v South Africa 4th Test, Day 2

2008-08-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

England captain Kevin Peiterson hit his 14th Test century and tailender Steve Harmison had his highest Test score to boost the host's chances of winning the fourth Test against South Africa at the Oval. At stumps on day II, South Africa holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, had moved to 37 for one in their second innings. They trail England by 85 runs. Kevin Peiterson became the fourth England player to score a century in his first match as captain.
Brief Scores : South Africa 1st innings 194, England 1st innings 316, Pieterson 100, Collingwood 61. Bowling Ntini 5/94, Kallis 3/51. South Africa 2nd innings 37/1.

South Africa v England, 4th Test, Day 1

2008-08-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

In the final Test Match between South Africa and England at the Oval, it was the home team who managed to bundle out the visitors for a score below 200. Pieterson whose side have already lost the series, will have enjoyed the pace and swing his bowlers found on a largely overcast day at The Oval.
Brief Scores : South Africa 1st innings 194 all out (64.5 overs) Smith 46, AB' Villiers 39. Bowling Anderson 3/42, Panesar 2/4. England 1st innings 49/1 (17 overs) Bell 22 n.o., Cook 20 n.o. Bowling Ntini 1/27.

Kevin Peiterson All Set To Trigger As Captain

2008-08-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Kevin Peiterson embraces the toughest challenge of a career already packed with incidents and controversy, when he leads England against his native South Africa in the fourth Test at the Oval on Thursday. Peiterson was confirmed as England's new captain on Monday after Michael Vaughan concluded his time was up following South Africa's third Test victory at the weekend.
Kevin, 28, has not lacked self confidence since his debut against Australia in 2005.

Team India Coach Gary Kirsten To Fly Cape Town

2008-08-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Team India Coach Gary Kirsten won't be around the 3rd and final Test Match between India and Sri Lanka due to some emergency reasons. " This is a sad chapter of my life" said the coach before leaving for his home in Cape Town where his mother's condition has taken turn for the worse. " She has terminal cancer and is in hospital...Unfortunately her general condition has worsened...It's something one has to face up to", said Gary.

" I can't at this moment, say anything more... If she doesn't come through, then...Let's see how things go," Kirsten said emotionally.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni To Recieve Khel Ratna Award

2008-08-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

According to sources, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has decided to confer the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Team India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the Arjuna Awards to 10 sportspersons in as many disciplines.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the second cricketer to bag the Khel Ratna. The first one is none other than the little master himself, Sachin Tendulkar. No doubt Dhoni is on a high and we convey our blessings to him and his team so that Team India can do much better to keep the glory of this award alive.

Asif's 'B' Sample Test Delayed

2008-08-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif's efforts to get a visa to travel to Switzerland for his 'B' sample test met with failure with the embassy officials advising him to apply afresh for new travel dates.

Asif's Lawyer Shahid Karim confirmed that they sent another email to the Indian Premier League organisers asking them to extend the date for the 'B' sample test.

We wish Mohammad Asif all the good luck from our side so that he can once again represent his team Pakistan and play as many as more matches for the team.

Batting Still A Worry : Kapil Dev

2008-08-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

India's series equalling win against Sri Lanka notwithstanding, former captain Kapil Dev is just not happy with the brittle middle-order that continues to fail the second time. The 1983 Prudential World Cup winning captain said although the 170-run win enabled India level the three match series 1-1, he felt disappointed by the much vaunted middle order.

Mahela Jayawardene Blames It To Batsmen

2008-08-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene blames it all to the batsmen. Losing three early wickets in their second innings made things difficult for them, rued Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene. Besides Mahela also praised all his bowlers specially Ajantha Mendis who scalped a 10 wicket hawl. Sri Lankan skipper said that they are fully prepared for the third Test Match.

India Bonce Back By Winning the 2nd Test Match

2008-08-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

India made their mark in the 2nd Test Match by beating Sri Lanka and winning by 170 runs in Galle. Back to doing what he does best star India spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he is relieved to have put behind recent controversies and deliver the goods for the team. Apart from Harbhajan pacer Ishant Sharma also played a vital role in the victory. Overall it was a complete team effort.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 329. Sri Lanka 1st innings 292. India 2nd innings 269 all out (76.2 overs). Sri Lanka 2nd innings 136 all out (47.3 overs)

South Africa Clinch The Npower Test Series

2008-08-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Proteas claimed their first series win in England since 1965, though they did not play international cricket from 1970 to 1991 because of the country's isolation. They surrendered series leads in 1994, 1998 and 2003. England had gone six years without losing a Test series at home until India won in 2007 and now they have lost their second at home in the last three.
Captain Smith was a doubt coming in to the match because of a back injury but elected to play with pain-killing tablets to ease his discomfort. His 16th Test century, scored in 246 balls, and fourth against England steered his team home.

Brief Scores : England 1st innings 231. South Africa 1st innings 314.

England 2nd innings 363. South Africa 2nd innings 283/5.

Indians Take Lead on Day 3 of the Second Test Match

2008-08-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

A spirited India titled the balance of the second cricket Test in their favour by taking an overall lead of 237 runs to push Sri Lanka on the backfoot at close on the 3rd day. The visitors first dismissed the hosts for 292 to gain a vital 37-run lead playing a key role and then gave a solid batting display to reach a comfortable 200 when play was called off early due to bad light.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 329. Sri Lanka 1st innings 292 all out (93.3 overs), Jayawardene 86. Bowling Harbhajan 6/102, Kumble 3/81. India 2nd innings 200/4 (56.4 overs), Gambhir 74, Sehwag 50, Dravid 44. Bowling Vaas 2/32.

Harbhajan Singh Keeps India in Hunt

2008-08-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Harbhajan Singh was the pick of the bowler on Day 2 of the Secont Test Match between India and Sri Lanka at Galle. After all the fireworks by Virender Sehwag in batting it was now upto the bowlers to do the job. Harbhajan Singh took on the reponsibility on his own and claimed 4 important Sri Lankan wickets. Bhajji kept India in hunt of winning the Match.

Brief Scores : India 1st innings 329 all out (82 overs) Sehwag 201 n.o., Laxman 39. Bowling Mendis 6/117, Vaas 2/74, Muralitharan 2/923. Sri Lanka 1st innings 215/5 (61 overs) Sangakkara 68, Warnapura 66, Jayawardene 46 n.o. Bowling Harbhajan 4/71, Zaheer 1/39.

Sehwag Continues To Spread His Magic On Day 2

2008-08-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Vireder Sehwag once again proved his critics that he is one of the most important player in the side as he is the best when he gets going. Sehwag stood bravely amid the ruins with a swashbucking unbeaten 201 to leave the second Test Match between India and Sri Lanka evenly poised at the end of second day on Friday. The dashing Sehwag again did the bulk of scoring as the Indians folded up for 329 in their first innings with Harbhajan Singh later on carrying forward the magic for his team.

India v Sri Lanka - 2nd Test, Day 1

2008-07-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Virender Sehwag smashed a brilliant 128, but the loss of four quick wickets saw India end Day 1 on 214 for 4, in the second Test against Sri Lanka. After the humiliating defeat in the first test match India will be looking to equal the series and win the test match.
Brief Scores : India 1st innings 214/4 (43.3 overs) Sehwag 128 n.o., Gambhir 56, Bowling Vaasn 2/57, Mendis 2/74.

Jagmohan Dalmiya Re-creates History

2008-07-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Thrashing Prasun Mukherjee 71-47 in the Cricket Association Of Bengal (CAB) elections Jagmohan Dalmiya once again became the president of BCCI. Dalmiya said, I wanted to be the BCCI President. Weighed down by garlands an bouquets an emotional Dalmiya added : "Cricket in the state needs me, thats why I'm back. I'll require a couple of days to sit down with colleagues and then, chalkout plans.

England v South Africa, 2nd Test at Headinley, Day III

2008-07-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

AB de Villiers' sixth Test century put South Africa on the verge of winning the second Test at Headingley after England ended the third day 269 runs behind the visitors on Sunday. De Villiers, on 70 overnight, plundered 174 in predominantly sunny conditions for what was the slowest of his test centuries, helping South Africa to an imposing first innings total of 522 all out in reply to England's 203. They kept England in the field for more than 12 hours. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 203. South Africa 1st innings 522 all out (176.2 overs), De Villiers 174, Prince 149, Smith 44. Bowling Anderson 3/136, Pattinson 2/95. England 2nd innings 50/2 (24 overs), Cook 23 n.o. Vaughan 21. Bowling Ntini 2/16.

India - Sri Lanka - Warm Up Match, Day II

2008-07-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

Despite a gutsy knock by Sachin Tendulkar on the 2nd Day of the Warm up game the Indian famed batting lineup was made to struggle on the difficult track as the Sri Lankan side left the visitors gasping to alow total on a rain - truncated day. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka BdXI 1st innings 224. India 1st innings 196/8 (49 overs). Sachin 69, Kathik 58 n.o. Bowling, Prasad 3/30, Fernando 2/27.

India v Sri Lanka Board XI : Warm Up Match

2008-07-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

India started their tour of Sri Lanka on an impressive note with their bowlers putting up a tidy performance to bundle out Sri Lanka Board XI for a mere total. Electing to bat first the home team never really recovered from a shaky start and could have been skittled out for a much lower first inings total had it not been for a resolute 100 run partnership for the 5th wicket. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka Board XI 1st innings 224 all out (71.5 overs), Kandamby 84, Silva 68. Bowling, Kumble 3/30, Khan 2/35. India 1st innings 4/1 (0.4 overs), Gambhir 4. Bowling, Fernando 1/4.

England v South Africa, 2nd Test, Day I At Headingley

2008-07-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

After the drawn Test Match at Lord's its the 2nd Test Match at Headingley between England and South Africa. Day 1 was completely dominated by the South African Bowlers as England were put on a backfoot. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 203 all out (52.3 overs), Pieterson 45, Bell 31, Strauss 27. Bowling Morkel 4/52, Steyn 4/76. South Africa 1st innings 101/3 (29 overs), Smith 44, Amla 18 n.o., Bowling Anderson 2/39, Flintoff 1/24.

Murali A Bigger Threat : Harbhajan Singh

2008-07-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Harbhajan Singh does not doubt the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis potential but the star offspinner believes it is old trickster Muttiah Muralitharan, who would pose a bigger threat for the Indian batsmen in the forthcoming Test series.

" It will be Muralitharan who will pose a bigger challenge and do well in the series and not Mendis. You cannot compare Mendis and Murali. Oh come on, Murali has been doing it for so many years whereas Mendis has just started." said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan Singh : All Focus On The Game

2008-07-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

After three months in the wilderness following the slapgate episode, controversial offspinner Harbhajan Singh is back to what he does best and eager to prove his match winning mettle. Harbhajan lamented on missing the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan but said he was now looking forward to the Sri Lanka series.

" Every cricketer wants to play each and every game and I also wanted the same but things obviously didn't go well for me. But I have learnt a lot from whatever happened and looking forward to starting well. Harbhajan said."

Shoaib in The 30 Probables

2008-07-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Contoversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a comeback while while senior batsman Mohammad Yusuf was left out of the 30 member Champions Trophy preliminary squad. There was much speculation about whether Shoaib would make the Champions Trophy preliminary squad since last week, after the selectors confirmed he was on their list for the tournament.

But the board has made it clear that Shoaib would only be considered if he paid the fine of 7 million rupees imposed on him by the appelate tribunal last month.

Kapil Dev Falls ill in Calcutta

2008-07-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

India's only World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev was taken ill during a trip to the city and returned home to New Delhi on Tuesday. Kapil Dev who was to have spent atleast a couple of days here, was laid down by food poisoning. In the evening he was reported to be better. We wish Kapil Dev to recover very soon and get back to his work shortly.

Pakistan Board Bans Mohammad Asif Indefinitely

2008-07-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

The Pakistan Cricket Board suspended Mohammad Asif from all cricket activities following his positive dope test in the Indian Premier League and also dropped him from the probables list for the Champions Trophy even as the embattled pacer decided to seek a B sample test. PCB COO Shafqat Naghmi said the PCB has zero tolerance policy towards doping and condemns such practice in all forms and manifestations.

The board shall offer every reasonable assistance to ICC and other ICC members as they may require for the implementation and enforcement of their anti - doping regulations. He added.

Lord's Test Ended In A Draw

2008-07-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

The first Test Match between England and South Africa ended in a draw. Ian Bell was declared the Man of the Match for his magnificent knock of a 199 runs. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 593/8 dec. South Africa 1st innings 247 all out. South Africa 2nd innings 393/3 (167 overs). McKenzie 138, Smith 107, Amla 104. Bowling Anderson 2/78, Sidebottom 1/46.

Sachin Tendulkar Fully Fit For Sri Lanka Series

2008-07-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

After missing 2 ODIs because of an injury the liitle master Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said that he is fully fit and ready to go and do well in Sri Lanka Test Series starting this month. " I am fully fit and eager to give my best in the Sri Lanka series." Tendulkar told. The Anil Kumble led side is scheduled to leave for Colombo on Tuesday afternoon. Tendulkar also expressed optimism over the team's chances in the upcoming series.

Counter Attack By South Africa At The Lord's Test

2008-07-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

South Africa captain Graeme Smith came to his side's rescue on the fourth day of the first Test Match against England, with a brilliant century. Smith was in a partnership of 204 runs with Neil McKenzie who also reached to a wonderful century. Both these batsmen were rocksolid at the crease and replied positively after following on. South Africa need 104 more runs to make the home team bat again. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 593/8 dec. South Africa 1st innings 247. South Africa 2nd innings 242/1 (96 overs). Smith 107, McKenzie 102. Bowling, Anderson 1/52.

Panesar Forces South Africa To Follow On

2008-07-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Monty Panesar exposed South Africa's historic fallibility against spin bowling on Saturday with four wickets for seventy four. Panesar's effort has put England in a very commanding position on the 3rd day of the Npower Series First Test Match. Brief Scores : England 1st Innings 593/8 dec. South Africa 1st innings 247 all out (93.3 overs), Prince 101, Villiers 42, McKenzie 40. Bowling, Panesar 4/74, Sidebottom, 2/41, Broad 2/88. South Africa 2nd innings (following on) 13 for no loss in 4 overs.

Ian Bell Falls On 199 On 2nd Day Of The Lord's Test

2008-07-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ian Bell came of age as an England batsman on friday as a monumental 199 on the Day II of the First Test Match between Engln and South Africa at Lord's. Ian Bell found an ideal lieutenant in the increasingly impressive Stuart Broad, who scored 76 at number eight as England reached a mamoth total when Michael Vaughan declared. Brief Scores : England 593/8 (declared in 156.2 overs), Bell 199, Pieterson 152, Broad 76. Bowling Morkel 4/121, Harris 3/129.

South Africa 7 without loss (3.2 overs), Smith 2 n.o., McKenzie 5 n.o.

Andrew Symonds : Pakistan Unsafe For The Champions Trophy

2008-07-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Australian world class all rounder Andrew Symonds feels unsafe to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy this September. Symonds said he was yet to be convinced that Pakistan has become a safe place to go and play cricket after the recent suicide blasts in Pakistan. Symonds also added that it is only a game of cricket at the end of the day, and putting yourself in a position where you're not safe is ridiculous. Well, Mr. Symonds if you happen to go there please dont get involved in another case. Thats only an advice.

England v South Africa, First Test, Day 1

2008-07-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

On the first day of the first test match between England and South Africa, the former team were in a commanding position with over 300 runs on the board. Kevin Pieterson scored a brilliant century to to make his team reach this mark at Lords. The only South African bowler to make an impression was Makhaya Ntini. Brief Scores : England 1st Innings - 309/3 (90 overs). Pieterson 104 n.o., Bell 75 n.o., Cook 60, Strauss 44. Bowling Steyn 1/68 , Morkel 2/66.

Sourav Ganguly Dropped in ODIs Again

2008-07-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Despite of being left out from the list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy Sourav Ganguly is not retiring from One Day Cricket. Sourav denied having retirement plans but said he was not sure which way his one day career was going. "I've been out of the one day side for the last 3 months and I am not going to play the same for the next 3. So I'm not thinking about the ODIs now and concentrating on the Tests and the upcoming Sri Lanka series", he added.

On the selectors Sourav also said " I can't tolerate this anymore. If they continue to do this I won't represent Bengal. For the moment however I'm available.

India Slip To 3rd Place In ICC Test Rankings

2008-07-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mentioned below are the ICC Test Rankings for teams.

1. Autralia

2. South Africa

3. India

4. England

5. Sri Lanka

6. Pakistan

7. New Zealand

8. West Indies

9. Bangladesh

Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif May Play In Champions Trophy

2008-07-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been included in the list of 35 members out of which 30 members will be approved for the Champions Trophy. The selectors said "If available they should play for Pakistan and strengthen the bowling attack." However there is still uncertainty about the duo's participation in the tournament.

Shoaib is available for selection as the Lahore high court has suspended his 18 months ban last week. As far as Mohammad Asif is concerned he was cleared by the public prosecutor in Dubai but the Board is facing a problem because his incident allegedly involves drugs and the ICC follows a zero tolerance in this regard.

India Lose To Sri Lanka In The Asia Cup Finals

2008-07-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka were put into bat after India won the toss. The start for India was very good as they bagged four quick wickets to put breaks on Jayasuria who was throwing his bat everywhere to the boundary rope. It was sheer batting performance by Jayasuria and bowling by Mendis that led the SriLankan team to win the title. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka - 273 all out (49.5 overs). Jayasuria 125, Dilshan 56, Kulasekara 29 n.o. Bowling : Ishant 3/52, RP Singh 3/67, Irfan 2/71.

India - 173 all out (37.3 overs). Sehwag 60, Dhoni 49 n.o. Utthapa 20. Bowling : Mendis 6/13, Vaas 2/55.

India to Play Sri Lanka In the Finals on Sunday

2008-07-05T22:46:00.001-07:00

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men are ready to take charge on the Sri Lankans at the Asia Cup final to be played in Karachi on Sunday 6 July. The confidence of the team is very high specially after Dhoni himself applauded the team's effort especially the openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. We hope that India team continues to spread its spark and wins the final in style.

Pakistan Thrashes Bangladesh in Asia Cup Last Meet

2008-07-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

Pakistan thrashed the Bangladesh team in the Asia Cup to earn some respect in the eyes of the cricket fans. Both the teams had already been eliminated from the tournament and the match had nothing to loose for either sides except for respect. Brief Scores : Bangladesh 115 all out (38.2 overs). Iqbal 26, Kapali 17 : Rauf 3/24, Ajmal 2/19. Pakistan 116/0 (19.4 overs). Salman Butt 56 n.o., Jamshed 52 n.o.

Aussies Demolish West Indies in the 4th ODI

2008-07-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Australia staged a late innings fightback to seal a one-run victory and a 4-0 one-day series lead against the West Indies on Friday. The West Indies appeared to be cruising towards a victory target of 283 before Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken claimed a combined two for five in the 48th and 49th overs to put on the brakes. That left the unheralded duo of Darren Sammy and Dinesh Ramdin needing eight runs from Shane Watson's final over but they could manage just six and finished on 281 for six.
Opener Chris Gayle blasted four sixes and six boundaries in his 92 and he was supported by Ramnaresh Sarwan (63), with whom he shared a 137-run second wicket partnership, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (53).
Michael Hussey's sublime diving catch to dismiss debutant Shawn Findlay in the 48th over wrested much of the momentum back Australia's way.
When Chanderpaul fell to Bracken with the last ball of the 48th over, a target that had appeared attainable suddenly appeared distant.
A century partnership between Andrew Symonds and debutant David Hussey had guided Australia to a competitive total.
Symonds (87) and Hussey (50) added 127 runs in their fourth wicket stand.
Michael Clarke captained Australia for the first time in one-day international cricket after Ricky Ponting was sent home with a wrist injury. Source

Pakistan Ruled Out of the Asia Cup

2008-07-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

After their victory in the triangular series held in Bangladesh, Pakistan team failed to qualify in the finals of Asia cup. India on Thursday night shattered Pakistan's hopes of reaching the Asia Cup final when they crushed defending champions Sri Lanka in a Super Four game by six wickets at the National Stadium. Despite of their good batting peformance they were led down by the bowlers. They had set a target of 309 runs to India which they achieved easily with 19 balls to spare.

India Beat Sri Lanka in Asia Cup

2008-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

After not so commendable fielding, team India finally managed to chase the target set by the Sri Lankans with 19 balls to spare. India won comprehensively by 6 wickets to reserve its place in the final of the Asia Cup. Thanks to the fireworks in the start of the innings that helped the tempo going. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka ; Kapugedra 75, Jayawardene 50, Silva 50, Jayasuria 43. Ishant 2/55, R. P. Singh 1/44. India ; Gambhir 68, Dhoni 67, Raina 54, Sehwag 42. Muralitharan 2/44, Kulasekara 1/71. Man of the Match : Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

India Lose To Pakistan in Asia Cup

2008-07-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Though India clicked off to a great start with the first wicket partnership of 88 runs and a solid partnership between Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, India couldn't managed to win the game as Pakistan won convincingly by 8 wickets.

Brief Scores : India - 308/7 (50 overs). Dhoni 76, Rohit Sharma 58. Anjum 3/51, Rauf 2/66. Pakistan - 309/2 (45.2 overs). Younis 123 n.o., Misbah 70 n.o. Chawla 1/53.

Mahela Jayawardene On The Asia Cup

2008-06-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene today said he has no complaints with the tight Asia Cup schedule as it was not a new thing in international cricket.
"I think in international cricket one has to be used to play such a tough schedule. Our players are fit and have been working hard and preparing for this tournament.
In fact it was much tougher conditions in Lahore, it is much better in Karachi," Jayawardene said.

Kapil And His Then Team To Receive A Felicitation At Lords Today

2008-06-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

Indian Cricket's greatest captain Kapil Dev's serving to the country will never be forgotten. Its been 25 splendid years since Indian Team won its first ever World Cup in 1983, on 25th day of June under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. Todays historic day when India clinched the Prudential Cup final will be remembered in a special way. At Lords the then Indian Team will be felicitated and the star cricketers of those times will assemble altogether once again.

Clive Lloyd, then West Indian captain also couldn't stop himself from praising Kapil's efforts.

Kapil Dev was very excited on the eve of the day and remembered his old memories of the dressing room and his interaction with the players. He felt quite emotional to be honest.

We hope that this moment comes again and again in the Indian Cricket as no one is bigger than the game itself.

Asia Cup Starts Today

2008-06-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

The battle for the Asia Cup resumes on Tuesday after a four-year hiatus with the best cricketers in the continent hoping to make their presence felt in a cricket tournament which has more to do with national pride than money.
Bangladesh will take on unfancied United Arab Emirates in Lahore and hosts Pakistan will lock horns with Hong Kong in Karachi in the opening day.
The six-nation tournament was last staged in Sri Lanka in 2004 and political problems between India and Pakistan have restricted the number of Asia Cup tournaments to just eight since its inception in 1983-84.
On the sidelines of the tournament, Pakistan and India will also resume their traditional rivalry from the recent tri-series in Bangladesh where Pakistan clinched the title.
The real battle would be between Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka while Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates would have the opportunity to learn a few tricks of the trade from the superior opponents. Full News

T20 Will Replace ODI's Soon

2008-06-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

After success of the first world cup of T20 cricket and now the IPL, i m founding no more interests in 50 overs matches. Many including me are of the view that 50 overs matches will be seldomly played. A creative strokemaker with a high strike rate, Kevin Pietersen shares the same view :

I do think Twenty20 will be the new form of One-day cricket, for sure," said Pietersen, who was born in South Africa in 1980. "I reckon in the next couple of years, 50 overs is probably going to be something of the past.

Rajasthan Royals Won the IPL 2008 : Last Ball Win - Scorecard

2008-06-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

What a final match it was. The match that compenstated for two flop semi finals...couldn't get better than this.

Chennai Superkings who scored 163 runs just lost in the final ball to the Royals. Being 8 runs runs required in the last over (bowled by Balaji) with Tanvir and Warne on the creeche, it could be anybody's game. But finally Rajasthan emerged as the winners.

Actually, it was not the last over only...the match looked very balanced from the begining and it was hard to predict the winner at any stage of the game. Yusuf Pathan(56) who took the game away from the Chennai got run out in the 17th leaving 21 runs to be scored in 15 balls. After that Jadeja got out in the very first ball and Chennai Super Kings were back in the game. But then Tanvir and Captain himself slowly stole the game from Chennai's hand taking their team to victory.

9 Wickets Win for Chennai Super Kings in 2nd Semi Final Against Kings Punjab XI

2008-05-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Chennai Super Kings strong bowling attack restricted Kings Punjan XI to a paltry 112 for 8 in the second semifinal of Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium here tonight.

Makhaya Ntini and Manpreet Singh Gony rocked the high-flying Kings XI Punjab side with a double strike each which reduced Yuvraj Singh-led team to a pathetic 34 for four in the sixth over.

Chennai Super Kings chased the target in mere 14.5 overs with a loss of one wicket. Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina both scored half century taking their team to finals.

Scorecard

Ishant Sharma Dating Sameera Reddy ? Very Early Stage of Career

2008-05-31T04:15:00.000-07:00

Audience adulation is not the only common factor that binds celluloid with cricket.

Following actresses Kim Sharma and Deepika Padukone being linked with cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Sameera Reddy is the latest actress to be smitten by a young cricketing sensation. Apparently, she is dating right arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma.

Our source says, “Sameera and Ishant happened to meet during some of the IPL matches. They have hit off very well and are more than just good friends and are getting serious about each other.”

It was during the IPL matches, where Sameera was always seen cheering the Kolkata Knight Riders, that their relationship blossomed. “And not just that, Sameera will be performing at the IPL grand finale. The two have been exchanging messages and are in touch over the phone,” reveals the source.

Sameera Reddy has recently split with her earlier boyfriend, Shamshul Lalani, a Mumbai-based builder.
When asked about her relationship with Ishant, she quickly brushed aside the news. “I am not seeing Ishant Sharma,” she laughed. Well, many have reacted in a similar way.

Source

Dramatic Consecutive Defeat for Mumbai Indians has Kicked Them Out of IPL

2008-05-27T02:32:00.000-07:00

First we saw Mumbai Indians losing in the last ball to Kings Punjab XI and now they did again with the Rajasthan Royals, the only difference being they batting in the former and fielding in the latter one.

And the tragedic thing in both the games is that Mumbai Indians dominated in both the games from beginning except losing at the last. With Kings Punjab XI we saw how they failed to score even a single run in the last ball (2 runs was needed for victory). And then the semi-final hopes of the Mumbai Indians suffered a jolt with the table-toppers Rajasthan Royals scoring a spectacular last ball win scoring required 2 runs.

Video : How Mumbai Indians Lost in the last ball to Kings Punjab XI

Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals Scorecard

Neha Oberoi Performs with Bangalore Cheer Leader Girls

2008-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some stills of Neha Oberoi as she performs with Bangalore cheer leaders at Bangalore.

Kolkata Knight Riders Out of IPL 2008 after continuous Poor Performances

2008-05-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

So, finally Kolkata Knight Riders is out ot IPL after their continuous poor performances. Though commnetators say its possible for them to qualify for semis if Punjab and Chennai loses their all games and KKR wins their both games...sounds hypothetical isn't it.

Well here are my views regarding what KKR lacked in the series.

Truly speaking, they lacked everything...Bowling, Batting, Fielding and Luck.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Crushed to 65 Runs Defeat by Rajashthan Royals

2008-05-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their pathetic show in the IPL as they plunged to a humiliating 65-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals at Swai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.

Click Here for Full News and Scorecard

Lowest Scores by KKR and Fastest Chase by Mumbai Indians

2008-05-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

Kolkata Knight Riders, who scored 67 runs lowest so far in IPL, were crushed to defeat by the Mumbai Indians in mere 5.3 overs, which is fastest not only in IPL but in Twenty 20 cricket also.

Jayasuriya once again stunned everyone with his knock of 48 runs in just 17 balls. On the other hand Shaun Pollock was awarded man of the match for his initial 3 wickets in the innings.

Seems, IPL Match no. 38 would always be recalled for the lowest scores of KKR and fastest victory by Mumbai Indians.

Mishra's Hat-Trick Helped Delhi Dare Devils to Win by 12 Runs against Deccan Chargers

2008-05-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Leg spinner Amit Mishra took a hat-trick as Delhi Daredevils beat Deccan Chargers by 12 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 match at the Feroze Shah Kotla stadium here Thursday. Chasing a target of 195, Deccan Chargers scored 182 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Daredevils’ Gautam Gambhir was the top scorer with 79 while Shikhar Dhawan made 68.

Mishra impressed with the ball through out the innings and he held his nerve admirably as he bowled the last over with Deccan still in with a shout. His hat trick in the selfsame over effectively snuffed out Deccan’s challenge and he finished the match with excellent figures of five for 17 off three and a half overs.

Scorecard

Source

Rajasthan Royals Beat Delhi Daredevils by 3 Wickets

2008-05-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Jaipur, May 11 (IANS) Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Daredevils by three wickets in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match here Sunday.

Chasing 157 to win, Rajasthan Royals crossed the target in 19.1 overs. Shane Watson scored 74 off 40 balls while Graeme Smith contributed 24.

For Daredevils, leg-spinner Amit Mishra took two wickets giving 27 runs.

Scorecard

Kolkata Knight Riders Beat Deccan Chargers by 23 Runs

2008-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Deccan Chargers Hyderabad by 23 runs in an Indian Premier League match at Hyderabad on Sunday. It was the Kolkata team's second win over the rivals from Hyderabad after the earlier home win. Chasing a huge target of 205, and an improbable 33 in the final over, the Hyderabad team finished on 181 for seven.

Full News

Scorecard

Rajashthan Royals Wins Easily by 8 Wickets against Chennai Superkings in Match 24

2008-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

The team which was ruling the charts before this match has suffered a smashing defeat of 8 wickets by Rajashtan Royals. Yes, I m talking about Chennai Superkings who scored mere 109 runs with 10 wickets down, their all time low total so far in the IPL.

Sohail Tanvir records the best bowling figure in 20-20 cricket with 6 wickets in 4 over. He got 2 wickets in the very first over of the match and after that Chennai Superkings never looked good and managed to set a target of 110 runs which Rajashthan Royals reached comfortably in 14.2 overs with couple of wickets loss.

Scorecard

Mumbai Indias Beat Delhi Dare Devils by 29 Runs

2008-05-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Mumbai Indians won their second straight match with a comprehensive 29-run win over the high-flying Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League match at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The win followed their triumph over the Kolkata Knight Riders while it was the Delhi side second defeat in six games.

Chasing 163 for a win, the Delhi team's innings began on a disastrous note with the in-form Gautam Gambhir (1) and Shikar Dhawan (1) returning to the pavillion early and reducing their side to four for two by the third over.

Captain Virender Sehwag (40) and South African AB de Villiers (21) tried to steady the ship but the latter was quite unfortunate to be run out in the non-striker's end just as he was starting to look good.

Sehwag put on a further 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik (24) but his dismissal was callous and came in at a crucial time.

Scorecard

Kolkata Knight Riders Lost by 9 Runs to Kings Punjab XI in IPL Match 22

2008-05-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Preity Congratulating Pathan for his good bowling

Another defeat for Kolkata Knight Riders. The team which was looking best at the begining is going down n down in the rankings. Its their fourth defeat in a row and this time they lost to Kings Punjab XI by 9 runs.

Apart from David Hussey, who made 71 runs, and Prasanta Saha (59*) no other batsmen stood their grounds. Kolkata Knight Riders were restricted at 169/6 in their full quota of 20 overs by the Kings XI bowlers.

Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bangalore defeat Deccan Chargers by 3 Runs

2008-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Vijay Malya With Katrina Kaif Applausing

Royal Challengers Bangalore scored their second win of the Indian Premier League when they edged Deccan Chargers by three runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

The loss was the Hyderabad side's fifith in six matches and leaves them in a precarious position.

A 96-run third wicket partneship between captain VVS Laxman (52) and Rohit Sharma (57) wasn't enough to give Hyderabad a much-needed win.

Read Full News

Scorecard

Sourav Ganguly and Shane Warne Fined 10% Match Fees for Misbehavior : Exclusive Footage

2008-05-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

Shane Warne and Sourav Ganguly have each been fined 10 per cent of their match fees after their very public spat during Thursday night's Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Rajasthan Royals.

The controversy erupted when the Knight Riders' Ganguly asked for a Graeme Smith catch to be referred to the third umpire.

Warne criticised Ganguly's actions at the time and then repeated his comments after the game.

Match referee Farokh Engineer ruled that both players had breached the International Cricket Council's (ICC) code of conduct; Ganguly for asking the umpire to refer a decision and Warne for publicly criticising a match-related incident or official.

The umpire, Pratap Kumar, copped a one-game suspension because there was no need for him to accede to Ganguly's request.

Source

Delhi Daredevils win by 10 Runs against Bangalore Royal Challengers in the 17th Match of IPL

2008-04-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Delhi Daredevils score a 10-run win over the Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday.

Chasing 192 to win, Bangalore made 181 for five in their stipulated 20 overs.
Glenn McGrath was the pick of the Delhi bowlers with impressive figures of four for 29. Daniel Vettori took the only other wicket to fall.

This was the home team's third win in four matches and more importantly, the Bangalore team's fourth defeat in five games.

Scorecard
Watch the Highlights

Harbhajan Singh Banned For Slapping Sreesanth

2008-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Controversial off-spinner Harbhajan Singh faces a ban for five one-dayers after his alleged slap on Sreesanth kicked up a row

Harbhajan, leading the Mumbai Indians side in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, raised a storm after allegedly slapping Kings XI pacer Sreesanth Friday night moments after his team Mumbai Indians slumped to their third defeat in a row.

Harbhajan and Sreesanth displayed brotherly love after the bitter spat saying they have patched up, but the Kings XI Punjab management lodged a complaint against Harbhajan..

"Harbhajan is like an elder brother to me. He came and spoke to me and there are no issues. I play my game with a lot of passion. Whatever happened was between us. He apologised to me and it was sorted out," Sreesanth said.

Asked to elaborate on what exactly happened, Sreesanth said: "It was just a shake hand in the wrong place."

Full news

Rajashthan Royal's Beats the Deccan Chargers

2008-04-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that Rajasthan Royal's will chase the target of 215 runs set by the Deccan Chargers. But the Royal's played like real royals and amazed everyone with their win.

Initially I thought it impossible for the Royal's to chase 215 runs but they were right on top from the begining. Things were looking very much under control till the 17th over and around 30 runs was required in 3 overs. But Afridi's 18th over turned the match as he got out both the set batsman Md. Kaif and Smith. With 24 runs in 2 overs it still looked anybody's game but the R P Singh bowled brilliantly and took a wicket giving just 6 runs. The match seemed to have slipped out of the hands of the Royals with 18runs to be scored in the last over. But thanks to Shane Warne who took charge of Symonds and with a boundary and couple of sixes achieved a remarkable victory over the Deccan Chargers.

I haven't written much about IPL in this blog, but match like this has compelled me to do so. This was perhaps the best match of IPL so far with some records like fastest century by Symonds in 48 balls, fastest hundred by Rajasthan Royals in 51 balls and 2nd highest run chase in the 20-20 format game.

Kolkata Knight Riders Defeats Royal Challengers by 140 Runs

2008-04-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Kolkata Knight Riders, powered by a record unbeaten 158 from Brendon McCullum, easily won the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League, whipping Bangalore Royal Challengers by 140 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

The New Zealander amassed his runs off only 73 deliveries as Knight Riders put up a massive 222 after being put in to bat by Royal Challengers' captain Rahul Dravid.

In reply, the home side was dismissed for a meager 82 in 15.1 overs.

Watch the Scorecard

India ICL Wins World Series beating World ICL

2008-04-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

So, we have emerged as winners in ICL world series also as India ICL beats World ICL easily in the final.

India Defeats South Africa in 3rd Test : Scorecard

2008-04-13T07:58:00.001-07:00

India beat South Africa in the 3rd Test at Kanpur to draw the series. Below is the scorecard of 3rd Test.

South Africa 1st Innings

India 1st Innings

South Africa 2nd Innings

India 2nd Innings

India Win by 8 Wickets in the 3rd Test Against South Africa : Series Draw

2008-04-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

All those who raised their fingers against India when they lost in the 2nd test, should now take it back as India crushed the Africans in the 3rd Test to win the match by 8 wickets.

The match being played at Green Park in Kanpur did not allow any of the two teams to pile up huge scores. South Africa scored merely 265 runs in the first inning while India could manage only 325 runs in its first inning.

Indian bowlers excelled in both the innings with Harbhajan taking most of the wickets in both first and second innings. Virender Sehwag who could not excel with the bat in this game produced a very good spell scalping three wickets today and helping India restrict South Africa for merely 121 runs.

Harbhajan today captured four wickets while Sehwag returned his career-best figures of three for merely 12 runs to skittle out South Africa for 121 in just 55.5 overs in their second innings - their second lowest total in India.

India were set to score 62 to win and they finished at 64 for two, with Rahul Dravid remaining unbeaten on 18 and Sourav Ganguly on 13.

India Bundled for 76 Runs in 1st Innings of 2nd Test Match vs South Afrcia : 2nd Lowest Score Ever

2008-04-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Shocking News!! South Africa bundled India for mere 76 Runs in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test Match. And this is after India winning the toss and chose to bat first.

Let me tell you 76 runs is the second lowest score in the test cricket ever.

Only two players scored in doubles figures with Dhoni scoring 14 and Pathan 21 Not Out.

Sachin Tendulkar Retires From Test Cricket : April Fool

2008-03-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

April Fool

In a shocking revelation that has shook the cricketing fraternity, the ‘Little Master’ has decided to call it quits in the Test format of the game. Following his dropping for the second Test against South Africa with fielding maestro Mohammad Kaif taking his place– Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement early this morning.

The BCCI had initially mentioned a groin-injury, which had supposedly left Tendulkar on the sidelines; yet after today’s announcement, one wonders if this was their veiled attempt to push India’s greatest batsman into what seems to be a very early retirement…

“After years of giving India my 100%, I have decided that I can no longer compete in the Test format of the game. The formula of a youth dominated ODI – T20 squad has reaped many rewards, I’m inclined to believe that this should translate into our Test squad,” Tendulkar said as he opened his Test-retirement announcement.

The BCCI have mentioned some sort of injury – but I’d like to make it clear that I’m still fully fit… so I’m somewhat baffled by their statement. I have talked with Mr. Dilip Vengsarkar and he has made it clear – the selectors new stance is to give young cricketers a chance to play Test cricket, and there was probably some sort of miscommunication with the BCCI,” Tendulkar went on to say with a hint of sarcasm.

After Australia I was under the impression that the BCCI knew what I was capable of, particularly in the Test format of the game… We may not have taken the series, but I believe thanks to our experience we were able to give the Aussies a run for their money,” said the man who single handedly won the recent CB tri-series for India after scoring a massive century in the first final and then following up with a 90 in the second against World Champs Australia.

Now as we chase the number one spot in Test standings – the selectors and Board are under the impression that youth is the winning formula for Tests. Since I have had my fair share of Test cricket, I’m willing to take a side step to give India’s youth a chance. I have given my life to cricket – maybe it’s time I gave a little more attention to my family.”

Sachin Tendulkar, quite possibly cricket’s most supreme batsman, didn’t seem to be in the best of moods during the conference – and once his short and curt speech ended, he vehemently refused to take any questions from the few journalists who were present. He quickly put on his shades and surrounded by personnel dashed to his Mercedes in which his wife Dr. Anjali was waiting.

Source : msn.com

Rahul Dravid Becomes 6th Batsman to Score 10000 Runs in Test Cricket

2008-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Rahul Dravid completed 10,000 runs in Test cricket when he reached 80 on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

Bangalore-based Dravid, 35, is playing in his 120th Test and averaged 55.11 at the start of his 206th innings.

With this Dravid became only the sixth batsman in history to score more than 10000 runs. Topping the list is Brian Lara followed by Sachin Tendulkar, A Border, S Waugh and S Gavaskar.

Virender Sehwag Smashed Triple Century against South Africa in the 1st Test

2008-03-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Virender Sehwag scored his second Triple Century and the fastest recorded to spearhead India's reply against South Africa on the third day of the first Test on Friday.

Sehwag bludgeoned an unbeaten 309 to match his previous best made against Pakistan in Multan in 2004.

Sehwag matched the feat of Australian Don Bradman and West Indies batsman Brian Lara, who have also surpassed 300 twice. Lara holds the record for the highest Test score (400 not out).

Sehwag told reporters

I have no words to describe this knock, this innings is even better than the one in Multan.

He achieved his triple hundred from an astonishing 278 balls, which surpassed the 362 balls faced by Australian Matthew Hayden when he scored a then world record 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003-4.

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