Search This Blog

Showing posts with label Cricket World Cup 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cricket World Cup 2015. Show all posts

Friday 20 March 2015

CWC15 - Tale of Two Controversial Decisions Against Bangladesh?

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

Although India comfortably defeated Bangladesh in their quarterfinal knockout match in the end, they were in a big spot of bother when they were batting. Bangladesh were pumped up through some hostile bowling by Rubel Hossain and guile of Shakib Al Hasan. The runs had tried up, wickets were falling and the match was on a knife's edge. Brilliantly poised for a close finish, Bangla tigers even contemplating a huge upset!

Suresh Raina had just joined Rohit Sharma with the score at 115 for 3 in the 28th over.
Another wicket at that time would have meant India in deep trouble with Dhoni, lower middle order and tail to come (not tested really in this cup so far)

In the 34th over, Mashrafe rapped Raina on his pads. A huge appeal not upheld by umpire Ian Gould. The Bangla skipper immediately going in for a REVIEW. Technology can be cruel with its precision. From the naked eye the decision looked absolutely plumb. But, haweye suugested the ball pitched a couple of millimetres outside the line. Obviously, that had to be given not out (although the ball hit him in life of the stumps and going on to crash into off stump). Umpire Gould's decision stayed and big relief for Raina and India. Mashrafe was visibly displeased by that decision

Raina was on 10 then. He went on to score 65 in 57 balls and pulled the momentum back towards India in the batting powerplay.

The second incident happened in the 40th over. Rubel Hossain brought into the attack to thwart the rampaging Sharma-Raina pair bowled a low full toss that Rohit tried to play on the leg straight into the hands of deep square leg fielder. Rohit was 91 then and India 201 for 3 trying to explode. A wicket there would have meant new batsman and restrict their run scoring. Out of nowhere umpire Aleem Dar raised his arm from square leg to signal no-ball (for a full toss over waist). NO BALL .. no wicket, extra run .. cruel for the bowler. Very very marginal decision that.

Rohit Sharma went on to score 137 and take the match away from Bangladesh.

If you sum up runs scored by both batsmen after they got lives, they add up to 101 runs which was a massive setback for Bangla. Even one of them had gone their way, they could have made a match of this!   

Apart from those two, India outplayed them to book their berth in the semifinals against winner of the Australia vs Pakistan game at Adelaide tomorrow.

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 - Brave Bangla Tigers Bow Out Heads Held High

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

They came, fought like warriors, threw everything they had but laid just failed to conquer the frontier. This is the best way to describe the Bangladesh cricket team today in their quarterfinal match vs India at the G (MCG). 

Upto 32 overs into the Indian innings (second drinks break when India was batting), they were in it and contemplating a major upset in the #CWC15. They were incisive in their bowling, sharp in field and high on intensity rocking the superstar India batting lineup.

But, the overall skill, experience and cricketing ability allowed India to step up when it mattered to thwart the Bangla tigers in their path. 

Chasing a massive 302, the Bangladesh batsmen could garner only 193 all out in 45 overs. The tried but the task was too much and the team they faced upto is rampaging like ab an avalanche through this world cup devouring teams along the way!

To highlights of the game
- Rohit Sharma's "come-of-age" century
- Suresh Raina's game changing cameo of 65 in the batting powerplay, 
 - Rubel Hossain's hostile bowling spell 
 - Shakib's beautiful spin shackles against quality spin players, 
 - Umesh Yadav's 4 wickets with swing and bounce, S
 - Shami's wickets of short pitched deliveries
 - Dhoni's catching behind the stumps
 - Dhawan;s catch to dismiss Mahmudullah
 - Jadeja's rapid fire 25, amazing fielding and 2 wickets

All in all, a good day's play where India proved to be too tough an opponent for Bangladesh.
They can therefore leave the tournament, heads held really high!
        
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 302 for 6 (50 overs)
Bangladesh, 193 all out (45 overs)

Man of the Match: Rohit Sharma

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


Thursday 19 March 2015

CWC15 LIVE - Quick Wickets Dent Bangladesh Chase vs India

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

After a quick fire run a ball 25, #TamimIqbal edged one to Dhoni off #UmeshYadav.
Dhoni, not sure, asked umpires to check with the third umpire who confirmed it was a clean catch.

The very next ball, a stunning piece of fielding led to a run out.
#SowmyaSarkar the new batsman pushed one towards gully and moved ahead a bit to check if the ball passed the gully. #ImrulKayes however steamed in from the non stiker's end. The ball was blocked by #RavindraJadeja, picked and threw it to the bowler. Umesh Yadav made great adjustment to go back to his bowler's mark, pick the throw and dislodge the bails. Wondeful piece of fielding.

Suddenly, 33 for 2.

The best Bangladesh pair of this #CWC15 at the crease now
#Mahmudullah and #Sarkar. They need to rebuild.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Bangladesh: 46 for 2, 11 overs

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 LIVE - Rohit Sharma Century Drives India vs Bangladesh

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

What an innings under pressure!
Struggling with personal form and India in a tricky position after 30 overs makes this knock even more special. #RohitSharma has produced a beauty of an innings vs Bangladesh in their quarterfinal clash at the #MCG.

Rohit couldnt have played this better.
Attacked upfront, then consolidated when wickets started falling, steadied the scoreline and then unleashed towards the backend of the innings.

137 off 123 runs
Take a bow Rohit.. well played! 

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 302 for 6, 50 overs
Rohit Sharma - 137
Suresh Raina - 65
Taskin Ahmed - 3 wickets

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com



CWC15 LIVE - Powerplay Tilts Scales In India's Favor Vs Bangladesh

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

India upped the run scoring rate as soon as #batting #powerplay was applicable between 36 - 40 overs. Suresh Raina smashed Shakib over long on for a big six while Rohit stole boundaries off Taskin and Rubel to push the scoring rate. 

Rubel had Rohit caught off a marginal waist high no-ball, very very close this !!
50 runs from the Powerplay has shifted the balance India's way.

Bangladesh have done brilliantly thus far. They now need to keep their heads and intensity ON.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 205 for 3 for 40 overs
Suresh Raina: 54*
Rohit Sharma: 96*

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 LIVE - Game Evenly Poised At Second Drinks Break

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

If the first drinks break belonged to India (70 for no loss after 16 overs), the second one definitely belongs to Bangladesh (132 for 3, 31 overs)

#RubelHossain, #ShakibAlHasan and #TaskinAhmed changed fortunes for Bangladesh in that second session with great lines, pace, bounce and overall intensity. India batsmen suddenly got bogged down and started losing way completely. 

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 132 for 3 (31 overs)

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 LIVE - Quick Wickets Bring Bangladesh Right Back vs India

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

The drinks break has done the trick for Bangladesh.
They have struck two quick blows to get right back in the game.

First, #ShakibAlHasan foxed #ShikharDhawan in the air and #Mushfiqur completed a smart stumping.

In the very next over, a fiesty duel ensued between #RubelHossain and #ViratKohli. Some word exchanges later he pushed one outside the off luring Kohli to go for a cover drive and whoa! edge ... caught behind. The celebrations were amazing. A a great send off to Kohli too!!

Bangladesh pumped up.. 
Match on an even keel yet again. 
Its all happening at the MCG.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 86 for 2, 20 overs
Rohit Sharma: 43*
Ajinkya Rahane - 3*

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 LIVE - India Openers Off To A Good Start - 72 For No Loss

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

India openers #RohitSharma and #ShikharDhawan have started cautiously but steadily against the Bangladesh attack.

After attacking the Bangladesh skipper all over the park, the other seamers and spinners have pulled it back a bit. Surprisingly, the spinners have done well and tied the batsmen down.

Dhawan and Sharma trying to consolidate before changing gears.
Bangladesh need to stay in the game and not allow the Indians to get away.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
India: 72 for No loss, 16 overs
Rohit Sharma: 33*
Shikhar Dhawan: 28*

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


CWC15 LIVE - India Win Toss Bat First v Bangladesh

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015

Indian skipper #MSDhoni won the toss and had no hesitation deciding to bat first on a belter of a #MCG pitch. The warm afternoon and swirling winds will help India batsmen to settle down and pile up a huge score.

An unchanged India team! Dhoni going by the cliche - Dont tinker around a winning combination.
Skipper #MashrafeMortaza back in the Bangladesh side.

Let the game of the Asians begin...

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com



Wednesday 18 March 2015

CWC15 - Battle Of Asian Tigers - Ind vs Ban

#India vs #Bangladesh
#MCG
19th Mar 2015


The Bangladesh cubs have grown into tigers and they are challenging the established kings of the jungle. That's the best way to describe this contest when Bangladesh takes on India in the second quarterfinal at the MCG.

This is India's game to win, and this is where Bangladesh can take full advantage of being the underdogs. When you have nothing to lose, you can do no wrong. They should not forget this and go all out against the big brother. Memories of the 2007 world cup match will be fresh on their minds when they stunned the Indians in West Indies and dispatched them home in the league stage then.

India on the other hand are playing dream cricket. They are probably the only team in this tournament that have looked convincing and comprehensive in all their wins so far. Their bowling, the weakest of their armoury, has struck a wonderful rhythm. Back that up with stunning fielding and powerpacked batting, they are the team to beat at this #CWC15.

Bangladesh rely heavily on #TamimIqbal (short of runs and out of form), #ShakibAlHasan (good with the ball so far) and #MushfiqurRahim (always dependable) in their batting department but the revelation at this world cup has been #Mahmudullah. He has played stunning cricket. His back to back centuries vs England and New Zealand indicate his skills, temperament and ability to battle the bigger teams. #SowmyaSarkar is doing well too.

Bowling remains their biggest concern. Apart from #MashrafeMortaza and to some extent #RubelHossain, they seem to have an inexperienced bowling attack that India will look to exploit.

India's batting at the top has been iffy to say the least in last game vs Zim. They have persisted with #RohitSharma in the opening slot (just like SA have put faith in QuintonDeKock). He would like to come to the party tomorrow ala deKock who stroked a wonderful 78* vs Sri Lanka at the SCG.

Lower middle order seems to be a problem area too. #RavindraJadeja, #RaviAshwin and #MohamadShami haven't had much practice batting and not tested by lethal bowling units.

All in all, a mouth watering contest on the cards at the MCG.
Expect a full house and amazing atmosphere at the ground.

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com



 

CWC15 - SA Crush SL, Break Hoodoo Of Being KnockOut Chokers

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


In what can be termed as the most commanding and comprehensive performance of #CWC15 considering the stakes of a knockout match, South Africa literally crushed Sri Lanka mercilessly at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a large gathering of Sri Lankan supporters who were subdued for most part of the contest .. well if you can call it a contest?

The only right thing that happened for Sri Lanka today was the spin of the coin going in their favour. They promptly elected to bat considering the big match situation, SA's struggles chasing scores against India and Pakistan and belter of a Sydney pitch. Put runs on the board, loads of them and put the opposition under pressure was the overall plan.

And then it went haywire. Partly due to their own "surprise moves" that badly backfired on them and mostly due to an outstanding spell of seam and spin bowling from the Proteas.

#DaleSteyn, criticized for not being upto the mark in this world cup, showed why he is the best in business with very incisive pace bowling that strangled SA batsmen. #KyleAbbott reaped rewards for nagging line and length bowling while #MorneMorkel's bounce troubled all batsmen, mostly the Sri Lankan skipper #AngeloMathews.

When #ImranTahir and #JPDuminy came onto ball, you sensed Lanka would crawl back into the game but all that was negated by Tahir's brilliant opening spell claiming #Thirimanna (the best Lankan batsman on view today) and #Jayawardena (the champion was literally made to look like a rookie unable to read Imran's guile and spin).

Duminy, then joined the act claiming a first ever #hattrick for South Africa at a world cup and the celebrations were amazing. With the back broken, the only superstar of Sri Lankan batting in this cup, #KumarSangakarra could do nothing but go for his shots and lost his wicket too. He scored 45 in 96 balls .. an indicator of how well the Springboks bowled to keep a man (in supreme form) quiet.

Sri Lanka annihilated for 133 in 37 overs.
Game over!

The only hope for Sri Lanka was their other "surprise" of the day. #ThirmanduKaushal, an off spinner (in the Murali mould) to expose SA's frailty against spin. But, the SA batsmen would have nothing of him and they completed a near perfect victory in just 18 overs. #QuintonDeKock, the most persisted with SA batsman, finally came good and scored a much needed 78*.  

Bitter farewell for Sanga and Jaya, the two stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket.
They will hang their boots shortly. All the best to them for their personal lives.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka - 133 all out, 37 overs
South Africa - 134 for 1, 18 overs

Man of the Match: Imran Tahir - 4 wickets

South Africa now await winner of the 4th quarterfinal (New Zealand or West Indies) for their semi-final clash.

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com



 

CWC15 - Confident Start From SA Openers vs Sri Lanka

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


No one expected the first innings to end so soon and the other team would need to bat for some time before the dinner break. Its just happened at the SCG.

Sri Lanka bowled out for 133 in 37 overs meant South Africa need to bat for some time.

The SA openers #QuintonDeKock and #HashimAmla have started confidently.
That will ease some nerves in that SA dressing room.
Time running out for Sri Lanka.

Can #TharinduKaushal deliver a magical spell on his ODi debut?
Huge ask but what a stage to do it if he does?

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
South Africa: 37 for 0, 6 overs.

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com

 

CWC15 - Duminy Hattrick Sinks Lanka

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


#JPDuminy was the weakest bowler in this SA lineup.
Sri Lanka would have looked to launch into him to propel their score.
Instead he has done the unthinkable .... by claiming a #hattrick with is right handed off spin bowling.

Sri Lanka were pegged back by the relentless pace attack of SA followed by a superb spell from #ImranTahir. But, it was Duminy who provided the spell of a life time to claim his hattrick.

His hattrick scalps
#AngeloMathews - c. DuPlessis at short mid wicket
#Kulasekhara - c. deKock behind the stumps
#Kaushal - lbw

Amazing scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

SA all over Sri Lanka.
Game over ... well almost .. unless the #weather or #SriLanka spinners can repeat the dose back to the SA batsmen.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
127 for 9, 36.2 overs (match stopped due to rain)

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com

 

CWC15 LIVE - Tahir Double Strikes Strangle Sri Lanka

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


Just when Sri Lanka were looking to crawl back into the game, #ImranTahir has struck a key blow. He's forced #Thirimanna to pop a return catch and his celebrations are a joy to watch. he runs a 100 metres dash with his facial antiques. Treat to watch.

#MahelaJaywardena, the new man in, never looked IN.
Tahir had a very close LBW decision turned own against him (after a third umpire review). However, in his next over he push a faster one that Mahela pulled straight to mid wicket duPlessis.

The onus will now ofcourse be on #Sangakarra.
He is joined by skipper #AngeloMathews

Match in an exciting stage yet again!

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka: 87 for 4, 25 overs
Sangakarra - 22*
Mathews - 3*

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com

 

CWC15 LIVE - SA Strike First, SL Openers Back In The Hut

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


South Africa have started with purpose and really unleashed their seamers at Sri Lanka.
Steyn, Abbott and Morkel are getting their swing, pace, bounce absolutely right to unsettle the Lnakan batsmen.

They have been rewarded for their disciplined bowling.
#KusalPerera, a surprise opener sent in to whack the bowl around, was trying to hit too hard against an attack very potent and lethal. #KyleAbbott got him to edge one behind for 3.

#Dilshan who was tied down for 10 balls without scoring, had to get himself away. He chose a steaming #DaleStryn to attack. Bad choice. Steyn got him to edge to second slip where DuPlessis took a wonderful catch.

At 4 for 2 in 4 overs, Sri Lankans were really pegged back.

#KumarSangakarra, who's batting like a dream in this #CWC15 and #LahiruThirimanna are at the crease now. Thirimanna has opened up and hit a few boundaries to up that scoring rate.

Its pretty intense out there. 
This is certainly the best quarterfinal in terms of a contest and intensity.
Both teams equally matched and its about who seizes the moments?

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka: 42 for 2, 12 overs
Sangakarra - 5*
Thirimanna - 29*

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com

 

CWC15 LIVE - SL Win Toss Elect To Bat vs SA

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015


Sri Lankan captain #AngeloMathews has won the toss and elected to bat first.
A very good toss to win in a big game.

Two changes for Sri Lanka
#KusalPerera comes in for #DineshChandimal
#Kaushal comes in for #RanganaHerath (he's their mystery spinner waiting to be unleashed against SA)

South Africa have made two changes as well.
#KyleAbbott replaces #VernonPhilander
#FafDuPlessis comes back in place of  #FarhadBehardien

Let the game begin ...

Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com

 

CWC15 - Will SA Choke Or Prevail vs Sri Lanka - QF1

#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015

As Sri Lanka and South Africa open the quarterfinal stages of this exciting #CWC15, all eyes are set on battles within battles

#Sanga vs #Steyn
#Malinga vs #ABDevilliers and #HashimAmla
#Tahir vs #Mathews

Some superb contests within the main one will add super spice to this match. While Sanga vs Steyn duel is going to take the cake and effectively determine outcome of this match probably, would love to see how Devilliers tackles the Lankan spin battery!

The "C" tag continues to haunt South Africa and this is a big pressure game tomorrow. They have dug a hole for themselves at critical junctures in world cups and luck has deserted them at times too.

1992 - lost to England by the farcial rain rule in semifinals (ironically at SCG i.e venue for tomorrow's game)

1996 - ran into a rampaging Brian Lara and his innings outclassed the Proteas

1999 - in the greatest ODI of all time, they tripped at the last moment when Kluesner and Donald couldnt communicate and complete the winning run vs Australia in a semifinal at Birmingham.

2003 - poor calculation of the D/L numbers meant they allowed Sri Lanka to qualify for the next stage by tying that game at Port Elizabeth. Boucher actually played a defensive shot when all they needed was one run to win that game on D/L system

2007 - ran into a rampaging Aussie side and Matthew Hayden's blistering century blew them away.

2011 - one of the clear favorites, they literally choked against the Kiwis in their quarterfinal.  

2015 - Such has been their CWC history. Will tomorrow be different?

Sri Lanka seem to have mastered the art of reaching final rounds of top cricket tournaments so they can handle pressure but have not won anything in the 50 over CWC for some time. 

1992 - Minnows of the game but beat South Africa in a stunning game

1996 - World Champs led by inspirational Arjuna Ranatunga

1999 - Blown away in England in league stage

2003 - Semi finalists but lost to Australia in a keen contest

2007 - Finalists, but again ran into a rampaging Australian side and Gilchrist's stunner century blew them away.

2011 - Finalists yet again and best chance to win the cup, but MS Dhoni's inspirational innings and captaincy snatched victory from their grasp.

Going by this history, SL seem to have a better chance in this contest, although on paper, South Africa is much stronger of the two teams man to man.

Tomorrow will tell. Stay tuned....

Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com



Saturday 14 March 2015

CWC15 LIVE - Australia Look For Match Practice vs Scotland

#Australia v #Scotland, #BelletiveOval, #Hobart
14th Mar 2015

#Australia look to complete their league action with an easy win against Scotland.
They would love some match practice before the big knockout games start next week.

They have to win this game as a formality to officially take that second spot in Pool A.

#LIVE #SCORE
Scotland - 130 for 8

Powered by:
http://www.whowilwinthecup.com

CWC15 - Four More Years - England Have To Wait For Next World Cup

#England vs #Afghanistan, #SCG
13th Mar 2015

In an inconsequential game in Pool A, England (badly bruised and depressed from their loss to #Bangladesh from a few days ago) took on Afghanistan in #dead #rubber at the #SCG in #CWC15.

To add to their miseries, the game saw a lot of #rain #interruptions and stoppage of play throughout.
Eventually under the #Duckworth-Lewis method, England finally won the game by 9 wickets.

#LIVE #SCORE
Afghanistan - 111 for 7 (36.2 overs)
England - 101 for 1 (18.1 overs - revised under Duckworth Lewis system)

Man of the Match: #ChrisJordan for his wonderful spell of seam bowling.

With 4 points (against Scotland and Afghanistan, the two associates in this group) in 6 games, England were truly outplayed by the other top teams. They were outright poor throughout.

They have "4 more years" (the famous #BarackObama tweet after winning the US elections a second time) to ponder and get back to a world cup tournament better prepared and ready to fight.

Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com


Friday 13 March 2015

CWC15 LIVE - NZ Narrowly Overcome Spirited Bangladesh

#NewZealand v #Bangladesh,
13th Mar 2015

New Zealand just about managed to hold their nerve against a highly spirited Bangladesh team in their Pool A match at #SeddonPark in #Hamilton to lead Pool A without losing a game. They take the full 12 points from this group.

Bangladesh, on the back of a stunning victory over England a few days ago, produced yet another gutsy display, first with the bat through a superb #Mahmudullah century and then followed it up with dogged discipline in their bowling ranks, to take the match right down to the wire.

For New Zealand, they faced a real stiff test before the knockouts and that will do them some real good. A tough game, some changes in personnel, a rare BrendonMcCullum failure and most importantly good batting practice for the middle and late order batsmen.

New Zealand will now face either of #Pakistan / #WestIndies / #Ireland (the fourth placed team in Pool B) at Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Bangladesh in all probability will now face defending champions #India (toppers in Pool B) at the #MCG.

All in all a cracker of a game.

#LIVE #Score
Bangladesh - 288 for 7 
#Mahmudullah - 128*
#SowmyaSarkar - 51

New Zealand - 290 for 7 (48.5 overs)
#MartinGuptill - 105
#RossTaylor - 56

#ShakibAlHassan - 4 wickets

Man of the Match: Martin Guptill

Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com