Will Yuvraj Justify His 12 Crore Price Tag?

#‎IPL2015‬ - Delhi Daredevils paid Yuvraj Singh a whopping INR. 12 Crore (approx. USD 2 million) in the IPL auction this year. It raised a lot of eyebrows considering ‪#‎Yuvi‬'s form and over fitness. 

As it stands, his performance for the DD has been well below par so far. We all know he is magnificent impact player but he seems past his best for sure. 

No doubt, the ‪#‎cancer‬ problem has drained a lot out of him and you want him to do well to inspire others to excel in their fields despite the dreaded disease. 

C'mon Yuvraj ... show youngsters the way. Inspire them to achieve new heights in moments of adversity. We all know you can!

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First SuperOver Of The IPL goes to KXIP over RR

#RajasthanRoyals vs #Kings XI Punjab
#Ahmedabad

In a stunning run chase in regulation play, KXIP tied RR's mammoth 191 in 20 overs to setup a mouthwatering #IPLSuperOver decider.

Both teams scored 191 in their stipulated 20 overs
Rahane, Watson, Hooda scoring for RR while Shaun Marsh, Miller, Saha, Johnson and Axar's last ball boundary helped KXIP tie the game. Some sloppy RR fielding ensured the game went into a super over.

Batting first in the super over were KXIP.
Miller and Marsh, the two dashing top scorers in the regulation play .. stepped out to face Morris, arguably the best seamer on that RR side.

Ball 1 - Morris traps Miller LBW! What a start!
Ball 2 - Maxwell, the new man in , somehow sneaks in a single
Ball 3 (No ball) - Four
Ball 3 - Four
Ball 4 - Four
All by Marsh ... igniting KXIP hopes
Ball 5- No run
Ball 6 - 1 leg bye and Marsh is run out trying to steal another one

Score: 15/2 in over 

RR need 16 to win
Watson and Faulkner walked in to face Johnson.
An all Aussie duel to decide an IPL game? WOW!!!

Ball 1 - Watson castled first ball. Similar start to KXIP in that SuperOver
Ball 2 - Another Aussie walks in ... Steve Smith - NO BALL - edged for four
Ball 2 - Single
Ball 3 - RUN OUT .... Faulkner is run out and its game over!
Remember - If you lose two wickets in a super over, you are considered all out... No more batting even if there are deliveries remaining!!

In what was looking like a straightforward win for RR in the regulation time, turned out to be a super over thrill to decide the winner and KXIP grabbed that chance with both hands!! 

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Why Are CSK So Good In "Fair Play" Standings?

The "Fair Play Award" is a wonderful concept brought in by #IPL.

The system ranks teams based on spirit of game demonstrated by teams, no or less verbal aggression, considerations on injuries of opponent teams, good over rates to finish innings, well mannered behavior on-off the field and respect earned from umpires, opposing teams and crowd. The team that scores most on this system wins the fair play award.

Over the last 7 seasons, it has been observed that one team has consistently performed magnificently on this system. Yes, that team is Chennai Super Kings or #CSK and a lot of its credit must go the "cult figure" #MSDhoni. The question is why?

For starters, MSD leading this team just gives it stability. His ability to pick the right players. nurture them into match winners and lead by example are top most qualities that make teams champions both in terms of wins on the field and off it.

He commands respect and can order his troops to behave if he senses problems. He gets them to focus on performance with bat-bowl rather than out-n-out gamesmanship. As a result, not only do they play fair but their record in the match points table is outstanding too. Twice winners, twice runners up and multiple time semi finalists. This team has got its priorities right. They go out to win games on their cricket skills not anything else. Hence they don't need to supplement their performance by antics and gimmicks that bring umpire wrath and negative points on the fair play system.

Another important aspect could be - MS being India captain - teams from other players automatically tone down themselves against CSK? (you don't want to peeve off the Indian captain if you are looking to play for India?)

Guess, the success mantra for CSK is "lets play cricket ...." and that leads them to do well on the ground and off it. Well done CSK! Other teams please take a cue!

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Which Team Has Played The Best Thus Far?

#IPL8

The IPL is hotting up. Some teams have hit the groove well right from the start while some of them are just settling in. Players have hit their straps upfront while others have struggled outright. The IPL has been a roller coaster already..

While #CSK and #RR have been the best winning teams till date (RR is unbeaten while CSK has only been beaten by RR), #MI, #RCB and #KXIP have had a hard time getting off the blocks. 

MI, after losing 4 straight games before pulling one back against RCB, may just have got the impetus to make a dash at the top teams. KXIP and RCB have struggled to close games (RCB "almost" pulled it against MI only to stumble at the end while KXIP were blown away by #KKR's Russell-Yusuf partnership after dominating the game for most part). SRH have been shaky while KKR has been steady through their good batting and bowling, #CSK has always been a strong horse with wonderful balance led by the charismatic #MSDhoni and #RR have topped everyone with their batting heroes - Rahane, Steve Smith, Watson, Hooda, etc)

So, who do you think will take the first four spots in that league table at half way stage (7 games each)? RR and CSK seem to be certainly there but the other two? maybe KKR and SRH? or will RCB, MI or KXIP pull up some surprises?

Its all happening at #IPL2015 ... stay tuned!

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Are Mumbai Indians​ the Bad Boys of #IPL?

With all dues respect to all legends and great players on that Mumbai Indians team, they have "behaved" erratically at times over the last 7 years of the #IPL.

They have had some really rough moments on the field over the years and consistently been at bottom of the "Fair Play Award" table.

There have been so many episodes including:
1. The infamous Sreesanth slapping incident by Harbhajan
2. The umpire crowding incident where they circled the umpire like vultures after a bad decision
3. The Pollard - Starc incident (although both were guilty probably)
and many more... 

Ironical when you consider Sachin Tendulkar​ has been at their helm for a number of years and considered Mr. Conduct of Cricket! 

Hope they come good on that front.. 
They are a fantastic team of very good players and can win matches on their talent alone.
Rohit, Pollard, Finch, Anderson, Rayudu on the batting front while Malinga, Harbhajan, Hazlewood, Vinay Kumar the bowlers. 

They have lost both their IPL8 games so far and havent seen any untoward incident so far in their games. Hope they keep winning but without those "ouch" moments. Perhaps they could take lead from #CSK? who are always high on both the match point and fair play point tables? Look up to Dhoni for some inspiration!

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Double Header - CSK v Sunrisers and KKR vs RCB

The first weekend double header seems to be intriguing and exciting both.

Both games pit superstars from the same country teams against each other which makes it a really mouthwatering proposition.

#CSK vs #Sunrisers

Trent Boult will be in action against his NZ captain Brendon McCullum in this one.
Shikhar Dhawan will face off with Ravi Ashwin and Mohit Sharma while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma would try to trouble MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina..
All in all a fascinating duel between team mates!

CSK definitely looking the stronger side
Who will come out on top

McCullum/Dwayne Smith or Dhawan/Warner
Boult/Sharma or Mohit/Ashwin
Or will it be the fielders that decide the game? 
CSK have a plethora of athletes - Raina, Faf, McCullum, Jadeja could turn the match on their fielding prowess alone!

The second game of the day is interesting too

#KKR vs #RCB

All eyes, no doubt, will be on #ViratKohli especially after his outburst against media and everyone who condemned #AnushkaSharma for his poor form and exit from the #CWC15. The aggressively expressive cricketer will be out there to prove a point. Will Anushka be there too? Remains to be seen...

Both captains are over the top players, losing their cool at the drop of a hat and thats where other senior players and umpires need to keep watch and control over proceedings in this game. Remember their famous on field spat a couple of seasons ago? Hope it doesn't repeat here 

RCB are batting heavy with Virat-ABD-Gayle trio. They can decimate any attack on their day single handedly. Bowling seems to be their biggest concerns especially with not a lot of superstar power in those ranks except the exceptional Mtichell Starc and lively Adam Milne. 

KKR seem more balanced on the bowling side with good combination of speed, swing and spin.
Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav will lead the speed guns while Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan and KC Cariappa (suprise pick for 2.4 crores!) will handle the spin dept. Batting is steady but not destructive - Gambhir will look to control innings at the top while Utthappa, Surya Yadav and Yusuf Pathan will tee off as needed.

All in all, very intriguing and exciting games these....  

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Richie Benaud - The Legend Voice of Cricket Is No More

#RichieBenaud 
1930 - 2015

#RIP Richie Benaud.
The talismanic Australian cricketer, captain, spinner and commentator par excellence left for the heavenly abode early today. He was 84.

A fierce competitor on the field leading Australia to famous wins and that tied test vs West Indies, he transformed the world of cricket commentary in his own inimitable style. Simply awesome. A great student of the game, an astute observer, wonderful language and an ascent (imitated by players, would be commentators and everyone around the world), he made people watch matches to listen to his commentary.

Fighting skin cancer, Richie continued commentary until the fag end of his life. 

With looks more like an army colonel than a cricketer, he led Australian cricket in the 60s through great discipline and courage needed to tackle the English and West Indies sides'. 

As he lies to rest in Sydney, the voice behind the mike is lost, gone forever.
Richie we love you ... always!

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CSK Win Thriller By 1 Run vs Morkel Stunner for DD

#CSK vs #DD
#IPL8
9th Apr 2015

An #AlbieMorkel stunner couldn't put DD over the line against CSK in a sensational thriller at Chennai. Chasing 151 to win, DD made a hash of it losing wickets upfront to Ashish Nehra and then again in the middle innings to make it real tough but Morkel was the last man standing. He came in at 3 and was there until the end but just couldnt hit the last ball of the match a couple of yards further to earn the sixer needed to win! It was that close... CSK and Dhoni will have heaved a big sigh of relief as they got out of jail here...

Needing 20 to win in the last over by Dwayne Bravo, Morkel edged one behind to thirdman for a boundary, much needed start. Two singles of the next two balls meant DD needed 14 in 3 balls with Morkel on strike. He smote the next delivery over long on for a massive six to bring the equation to 8 in 2 and within striking range. 

The next delivery was cut fiercely towards deep point, where Suresh Raina dived full length to stop a certain boundary and restrict Morkel to two. 

6 needed from 1 ball.

A long discussion between Dhoni and co to set fields, and Bravo served a wide half volley that Morkel smashed between long off and deep extra cover. The ball sailed for a long time and everyone felt it would go the distance but it just fell short by a couple of metres inside the rope. Boundary! Oh no... DD fall 1 run short of a tie and CSK win...

Earlier in the day, put into bat, CSK didnt look comfortable upfront against Coulter-Nile and struggled to keep the momentum going but Faf Du Plessis and Dwayne Smith steadied the ship before a typical Dhoni end-over show took them to a respectable 150 for 7 in 20 overs.

A superb game DD should have won though ... Albie you beauty! 
Superb!

Brief Scores:
CSK: 150 for 7 (20 overs)
DD: 149 for 9 (20 overs)

Man of the Match: Ashish Nehra for his three wickets to dent DD's start in their run-chase.

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Rohit Masterclass In Vain As KKR beat MI At Eden Gardens

#MI vs #KKR
#EdenGardens
8th Apr 2015

After a glittering opening ceremony of #IPL8 yesterday, the business began with a big game between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and 2013 champs Mumbai Indians.

Both teams packed with heavy weights, some of them super heroes from the recently included #CWC15, made it an even contest. MI boasted of Rohit Sharma, Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Aaron Finch while KKR were powered by Gautam Gambhir, Morne Morkel, Sunil Narine and surprise pick KC Cariappa from the domestic league (for a whopping 2.5 crore!)

Put into bat, Mumbai Indians were put under enormous pressure by Morne Morkel with his bounce and perfect line and length bowling. Rohit and Co. were unable to get a fluent start and runs weren't flowing enough. That pressure resulted in three quick wickets for KKR to be right on top in this match. Morkel accounted for Finch and Rayudu while Shakib sent Tare back to reduce MI to 37 for 3 in 6 overs.

Corey Anderson joined Rohit and started steadying the ship. Slowly and steadily they built the innings to an ideal launch pad scenario and took off around the 14th over. Some breath taking display of batting from both batsmen, especially Rohit, ensured they reached a healthy 169 for 3 in 20 overs. Rohit with a handsome 98 and Anderson with a beefy 55 remained unbeaten.

KKR's chase started in a wobbly manner.
Gautam was dropped behind by Tare off Vinay Kumat very early
Robin Uthappa was dropped by Anderson off his own bowling in the very next over and eventually edged one to slip where Harbhajan took a straight chance!

Manish Pandey, the new man in brought urgency and fluency to the KKR innings. That seemed to have rubbed on Gambhir and he opened up too. Soon both were dealing in boundaries and keeping abreast with the run rate. Pandey fell to Harbahajan for a solid 40. 98 for 2 in 12 overs.

That brought in young Suryakumar Yadav who was timing the ball beautifully from ball one. 

Gautam continued well and completed his 50 before holing one into the deep off Bumrah to make it interesting at 121 for 3.

New man Yusuf struggled for a while but Suryakumar at the other end smashed Malinga all over the park to complete a facile win for KKR. Their unbeaten streak of wins continuing from previous IPL.

Brief Scores:
MI: 168 for 3 (20 overs)
KKR: 170 for 3 (18.3 overs)

Man of the Match: Morne Morkel, for that miserly spell upfront to put brakes on MI innings.

All in all, great start to the IPL and looking forward to some cool action over the next two months!

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Part 5 - Top Moments Of CWC15

This one comes from another cliff hanger at the Eden Park, Auckland.
The #CWC15 final clearly belonged to Australia and #MitchellStarc.
This game also belonged to them ... well almost!

Game started on a normal note, with Australia winning the toss and electing to bat. After a stormy start, Finch was bowled by Southee. Warner and Smith continued in similar vein before Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum brought in the old Dan "the man" Vettori in to bowl.

His magic spell not just slowed down the run rate, but captured two crucial wickets of Warner (caught in the deep) and Smith (caught behind) to pull things back significantly for New Zealand.

Then began the "Lightining" Boult show. 
He just came, saw and conquered the Aussies in an exhibition of awesome swing bowling claiming 5 wickets for almost nothing. For 78 for 1, Australia crumbled to 108 for 8.

Some late inning heroics by Brad Haddin ensured Australia closed their innings at 150 all out. Paltry score considering their batting lineup and start they received.

Cake walk, you'd think for New Zealand?
McCullum starts in own belligerent style but Australia strike exactly like the Kiwis and put them under a lot of pressure. At 135 for 7 and 146 for 8 and 9 (Mitchell Starc's extra ordinary death bowling spell) Australia look all set to upset the Kiwis.

Trent Boult survives a hattrick ball and its all come down to #KaneWilliamson to see how he can farm strike and chase the remaining 6 runs.

Pat Cummins the bowler, Williamson on strike, in-out field to save twos and boundaries. Williamson goes for it ... and bang ... six over long on does it.

Extraordinary scenes at Eden Park, Kiwis rejoice, Australia stunned but hold their head high. They made 150 look like Mt. Everest and almost pulled it off until Kane hit that winning shot.

Glorius moments from Eden!
Cricket, winner all the way...

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Part 4 - Top Moments Of The World Cup

From the giants dominating key encounters and moments in cricket matches throughout #CWC15, the minnows weren't going to just fill up the numbers. They were here to compete and showcase their talent and how well they did! Afghanistan's stunning win over Scotland, Ireland's daredevil run in the Pool stages to defeat West Indies and run the other biggies close while Zimbabwe's wonderfully spirited display all throughout got everyone's attention.

However, it was Bangladesh that won every heart when they beat England to knock them out of the cup and enter the knockout stages for the first time in a World Cup ever! They really looked like a team on a mission to achieve the unthinkable that day.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, #Mahmudullah produced a fine century to lay a good foundation and eventually a strong score of 275 for the Banglas.

The score, although good, didn't seem to be big enough to threaten England and their batting depth. England started steadily with Bell scoring well to put England on course. Bangladesh kept of chipping wickets to stay in the hunt.

It was all advantage England when Shakib threw the ball to #RubelHossain in the mid stages.
Rubel obliged by claiming Root and England skipper Morgan in the same over, Even-Steven.

Although Jos Buttler took the attack to Bangladesh, they sensed something special as England kept losing wickets at key moments. Starting with Butler, followed by Taylor and  Jordan.

Needing 15 runs to win in the last over, Shakib again handed over responsibility to Robel. With 8 wickets down, England needed to gamble well. Stuart Broad, who had just come in, was facing while Chris Woakes, well set o 42, was at the non striker'e end. They needed him on strike.

What happens next? CRAAAASH ... Broad's off stick is disturbed by a lovely delivery that held its line. England 9 down. Last man Jame Anderson walks in, pressure writ all over his face! He needs to give strike to Woakes desparately. But Robel had other ideas as he bowls a perfect yorker that squeezes past his bat onto base of middle stump! CRAAASHHHH again! All over

England fall short by 15 runs. Woakes stranded.
Robel and Bangladesh celebrate in frenzy, the Adelaide Oval erupts in joy and a knock-out entry has been achieved! 

Robel, the man of the moment, take a bow!

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Part 3 - Top 5 Moments of CWC15

This one is from the epic semi final at Auckland between South Africa and New Zealand. Both teams vying for their first final appearance at the world cup and both had disappointing histories in previous world cup key games

South Africa, has a freaky World Cup experience - 1992 (Rain rule elimination in semifinal at Sydney), 1996 (pitted to win to win trophy easily - ran into Lara and knocked out), 1999 (another epic at Birmingham - a tie vs Australia but lost place in final due to super six defeat at Australia's hands), 2003 (miscalculated the D/L system and did not take extra single that would take them into the super sixes), 2011 (again strong contenders to win - run out of AB and Kiwis ran over them in the quarters).

Not to be left behind, Kiwis appeared in six semifinals at the World Cup and lost all of them!!

With that kind of history and high stakes, it was going to be some moments of individual brilliance and failure that would determine the outcome of the game for sure.. and indeed it happened that way!

The match see-sawed all the way through.
SA skipper ABDevilliers kept reiterating his team would win the world cup but his moods were brilliantly captured in the game that oscillated brilliantly right until the very end.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, SA were brilliantly placed at 216 for 3 in 38 overs. AB himself looking ominous on 61 in 38 balls and looking to launch in the end overs. OH NO ... rain once again!

After resumption, match curtailed to 43 overs a side.
That allowed SA to bat for another 5 overs only but Miller dynamics allowed them to score 281 for 5. Score readjusted to 298 for NZ to win under D/L rule.
AB seemingly happy to get that many on board and confident his bowlers would defend that score!

Then the McCullum assault on SA bowlers left him wondering what hit him!
Puzzled, confused and shaken at times, he hoped for Mc's wicket and got it eventually but a fine start put NZ ahead in the game.

Quick wickets in the middle meant SA pulled things back brilliantly. AB looking composed.

Then Anderson-Elliott partnership flourished and AB was looking for options, confused. To add to that, he missed a simple run out opportunity to dismiss Anderson something he will rue for a long time.

In the 47th over, a top edge off Elliott and Duminy-Behardien collision means catch dropped, Agony.

Last over, 12 runs to win. Steyn with ball in hand. Seems secure.
Vettori sludges one past third man for four and sneaks a single from somewhere to hand over strike to Elliott.

5 off 2.
Steyn steams in, and Elliott slams one over long on/midwicket fence for a six.
What a shot under pressure. AB resigns, distraught and inconsolable. Tears flowing down his cheek and ditto with his team mates. Kiwis rejoice, Elliott picks Steyn up and consoles him. 

AB's reactions in that match, moments to remember from #CWC15.

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Part 2 - Top 5 Moments of CWC15

If Rahat's catch drop of Shane Watson in that amazing spell by Riaz, was the world cup dropping moment then the first over bowled by Mitchell Starc was as good as clinching the world cup for Australia vs New Zealand in the #CWC15 final.

Both the co hosts had trounced all other opposition and reached the finals. There were amazing performers on each side and their were a lot of mini battles in store in the big finale. 

None bigger than the one between #BrendonMcCullum, the Kiwi skipper and his super aggressive opening batting that shell shocked oppositions into submission vs #MitchellStarc, a revelation of a fast bowler in the tournament in awesome form and clearly vying for the player of the tournament prize along with Trent Boult.

As luck would have it, both were at each other first up.
McCullum won the toss and elected to bat first on a great #MCG wicket.
Runs on the board in a big final was their strategy. 

McCullum clearly had a plan to tackle Starc by unsettling him off his line/length and putting pressure on the rest of the bowling lineup. Starc on the other hand planned to get Mc as soon as possible to be on top!

MartinGuptill took first strike against Starc.
After a leave, he steered one to third man for a single.

Big Mc on strike.
The two warriors facing each other. 
Battle about to explode.

Starc's first ball to McCullum is greeted by a dance down the wicket, missed and the ball shaves ever to close to the off stump. How did it miss off? everyone wonders.

The next one is another inswinging delivery that misses a advancing McCullum and goes to the keeper. 

Two balls, Two attacking attempts, Two misses.
Something had to give in.

The next delivery started outside off and swung in late.
McCullum this time remained in crease expecting a short one but it was full and swinging. The ball swing past inside of his bat and crashed in the base of off stump. Timberrrrrrr! 
Fire lights glow up!

Starc over the moon runs a mini lap towards sqaure leg, Aussie fielders swarm in on him from everywhere, the MCG erupts in joy ..... the big fish was netted early. Huge bonus to start the World Cup final like this!

McCullum dazed by that blow, trudged back to the pavilion with a lot of IFs in head. Could he have been a bit more patient? Could he not have seen off Starc and attack at the other end? If he fell early did his Kiwi troops have ammunition to recover? Lot of questions but answer was only one

Brendon McCullum bowled Starc 0

Kiwis never really recovered from that blow and Australia registered a magnificent win that evening. It all started from them in that first magical over by Starc!

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Part 1 - Top 5 Moments of CWC15

Wow... what a world cup! Simply exhilarating ...

For those who thought 50 over cricket was passe, this was a big surprise.
The intensity, battles, drama, emotions, skills and passion shown by teams, individuals defined success of this world cup played in Australia and New Zealand.

To top it all, it was an all host final as well.. what better way to celebrate cricket. Cricket was a big winner in this epoch tournament!

We've tried to pick some moments from this cup that truly defined this #CWC15. These moments have been arranged in random order. Every moment has its significance and X factor that makes it stand out from the rest!

Here are our top five
1. Shane Watson's dropped catch off Wahab Riaz' Spell against Australia, quarterfinal at Adelaide
2. Mitchell Starc wicket of Brendon McCullum, final at MCG
3. Grant Elliott winning six vs South Africa, semifinal at Auckland
4. James Anderson bowled by Rubeel Hossain at SCG
5. Sean Williams caught on the boundary vs Ireland in a tense run chase...

We start with the first one and our favorite.

1. Shane Watson's dropped catch off Wahab Riaz' Spell against Australia, quarterfinal at Adelaide

After winning the toss and batting first at Adelaide, Pakistan were in with the best chance to challenge the mighty Aussies in their quartefinal match. But, some reckless batting (as expected from this mercurial side over the years) and disciplined Australian bowling saw them skittled out for 213. A score way below par.

However, if there is one team you can imaging defending such a score it had to be Pakistan with their pace battery and their ability to do the unthinkable.

The Australians started well but were rocked by dismissal of Finch.

Warner was settling down while Steve Smith came in and started batting as if he was having a net!

Australia in command you'd say...

Misbah brought in Wahab Riaz as first change after 10 overs and boy! what happened after that was a treat to behold. With his pace, bounce and slingy left arm action, he started getting batsmen to hop around. 

His perfectly directed bouncer forced Warner to scoop aa catch towards deep point when Rahat Ali took a simple well judged catch to send him packing.

In walked Australian captain, Michael Clarke and he started hopping to Wahab's tunes from ball 1. Sensing the discomfort, Misbah pushed a short mid wicket for him. And voila... Wahab got Clarke to fend off a steeply rising delivery right down his throat!

Australia 59 for 3. Match in the balance. Pakistan fighting back in a manner only they can.

Wahab on fire.

That brought in a struggling Shane Watson to the crease.  

Knowing his out-of-form touch and penchant to pull, Wahab started peppering him with bouncers one after the other. Each one a beauty that had Watson hopping, skipping, jumping, ducking, edging balls over slips and everything but getting out. To add to that Wahab got under his skin by "sledging" hm almost every ball he missed or miscuded. That added drama to the already intense struggle in the middle.

Wahab's barrage had really softened Watson, Something was about to give in. And then it happened out of nowhere (again only Pakistan can manage to do this). With Watson at his mercy, Wahab pitched one short inducing Watson into a pull that took the top edge and flew towards long leg. The trap was set and Watto fell to it. The fielder, Rahat Ali, got under it comfortably. At 83 for 3, a wicket would have made the match very interesting with Maxwell and late order to follow.

Rahat steadied himself under the ball, took position and ... and ... and .. oh no! he spilled a dolly!

Absolute gimme catch dropped? unbelievable .... Wahab distraught, Misbah disappointed and Rahat embarrassed big time. It would have been 83 for 4 and wow that could have swing things Pak's way big time. Unfortunately not to be...Watto gets a life and Pak lose their spirit. They look shaken up by that dropped catch (that would eventually go on to take that match away from them). Wahab claps and goes back to his mark and starts sending more bouncers. But, the moment was lost and so was the match a little while later!

Huge moment that .. Pak dropped the world cup then and there. 

Wahab continued to bowl with venom after that almost claiming Maxwell too but his catch at third man was dropped by Sohail Khan (tough chance you had to say).

Australia went on to beat Pakistan by 6 wickets and book their place in the semifinal against India at the #SCG

Wahab's spell though was appauded by many including the legendary Shane Warne as one of the best spells ever! Truly a magnificent perfoemance from Wahab in that 6 over burst that almost had Australia on the ropes!!

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Will Sachin Tendulkar Be India's Next Coach?

If the grapevine is to be believed, #SachinTendulkar will be donning the coach's hat for Team India. He will presumably take charge, from the outgoing coach #DuncanFletcher, after the #IPL.

This is a massive news but should be taken with a pinch of salt.
We discuss some pros-cons of the #littlemaster taking coaching responsibilities for Indian cricket team:

Pros:
1. The legend himself. Been there, done that, knows everything about cricket. Will command huge respect from players. 

2. Father figure for most (and he's played with most of them) and hence can push them to next level.

3. Astute learner of the game. Can guide players in tough situations, how to handle pressure situations.

4. Level headed will mean he will bring calm to the dressing room. 

5. Has mentored players in the past, so should be able to take up this responsibility without too much trouble

Cons:
1. The legend himself. His stature is such, players may be in awe (especially budding ones looking to break into the team) and lose focus

2. Never been a great captain, so the mental side of man-management may be weaker (although with age he will be able to kind of manage on that front)

3. Players will find it difficult or uncomfortable to question him at times. This can lead to ugly undercurrents in future

4. Has to acknowledge that captain is boss on the field, coach off it.

5. Expects everyone to play with the same passion as him. Not possible..

All in all, interesting development but #BCCI needs to carefully think before passing on that coach mantle to him.

All the best Sachin!

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