India To Play Its First Day Night Test Match In Kolkata vs Bangladesh

IPL 2016 - Yusuf Powers KKR To Playoffs Thumping SRH

#IPL2016
#KKR v #SRH
#Kolkata

#KKR needing a MUST WIN match to progress toward #IPL2016 playoffs, played out of their skin to defeat (an already qualified) #SRH by 22 runs at #EdenGardens. On a tacky wicket that offered spin and bounce, they first posted a very competitive 171 (20 runs above par) and then their spinners strangled the SRH batsmen restricting them to 149 for 8.

Yusuf Pathan was undoubtedly the star of the show with his stoic innings. His role (as explained by #Gambhir in the match presentation) has been changed from brisk finisher to cool finisher. He takes his time, builds his innings and then explodes towards the end to guide his team through. He has done that a few times this season and this augurs well for #KKR as they head to the playoffs.

For #SRH, there are warning bells at the business end of the season. Their bowling (undoubtedly their better strength) looked jaded throughout, although they pulled it back in the last five overs. #Mustafizir is looking good, #Bhuvaneshwar and co. looked just OK and that's the area they need to watch out for. Batting remains a worry. Too much dependence on #Warner although #Dhawan did play a good knock today. Consistency seems to be lacking. #KaneWilliamson cannot explode but plays the holding game well. #Yuvraj has been on-off .. so bit of worry for #SRH and they need to really tighten up.

For #KKR, their #Spinners are coming good especially #SunilNarine who finished a fine spell today (3 for 26, his best this season so far). Others in #Piyush, #Yusuf playing their part well. Big loss in #Russell having to retire due to injury but all in all, they look in shape as they move to the qualifiers.

Man of the Match:
Yusuf Pathan

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WT20 India Beat Pak, Keep Their Record Intact

#Ind v #Pak

#WT20 Group 2 Match
#EdenGardens, #Kolkata

After a hiccup upfront losing 3 quick wickets, chase specialists Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh steered India home to a comfortable win against Pakistan. Muhammad Amir with his typical initial burst picked up Rohit Sharma, while Mohamad Sami castled Dhawan and Raina off consecutive deliveries to leave India stuttering at 23 for 3. Demons of that horror run chase against NZ three days ago creeped into Indian spectators' thoughts.

However, Yuvi smothered the spinners with sweep while Virat took on the seamers with his wristy flicks and cuts. They took the occassional risk to up the run-rate and those paid off. Once in command, both of them cut loose and dashed Pak hopes of a comeback.

Although Irfan accounted for Yuvi, the damage had been done. In walked Dhoni and finished off the game in his inimitable style with a sixer and single off Irfan. Virat's unbeaten fifty was a masterpiece considering all other batsmen struggled to time the ball. He was undoubtedly man of the match.

#LIVE #SCORE
Pak 118 for 5, 18 overs.
India 119 for 5, 16.2 overs
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WT20 Blockbuster - India vs Pakistan At Eden Gardens

The Blockbuster!!
‪#‎India‬ v ‪#‎Pakistan‬ from Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 19th Mar 2016

India enter this must-win game under tremendous pressure of their poor outing against New Zealand few days ago. They have to win to hope for any chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Interestingly, they have never beaten Pakistan in a One- Day game at Kolkata. That makes it even more challenging for them.

The batting that was looking very settled showed their weaknesses against spin and temperament when chasing down a smallish total and inexperienced spin attack of NZ.

Pakistan on the other hand look upbeat after their solid all-round victory against Bangladesh at this venue. They will also have advantage of knowing these conditions better than India, having already played here.

On recent form and head to head comparison, India does look the better side and their record over Pakistan in last few years has been better, but they are under the weather of a MUST-WIN game, against Pak, at Kolkata in a ‪#‎WT20‬ game! Wow!!

Virat Kohli holds key for India in a run chase while Rohit and Dhawan need to fire at the top if India are batting first. MS Dhoni is the all seasons man but needs able support from Raina, Yuvraj and Jadeja to anchor around him in tense situations.

Pakistan's bowling, their biggest strength, had a good outing in Kolkata. Mohamad Amir is by far the best pacer on view in this tournament so far and he will hold key for them upfront. Wahab Riaz, Irfan and Sami will need to support him well.

All in all, a mouth-watering prospect for spectators.

Can imagine the buzz around the Eden Gardens tomorrow.

Can't wait for the game to begin!

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WT20 - Power Masters LalaAfridi and GayleStorm Dominate Day 2

#WT20 - #Pak v #Ban
Group 2 Match
Eden Gardens, Kolkata

#Lala #Afridi sends a warning to #India with a brilliant all round performance vs #Bangladesh

Pakistan's batting, the seemingly weak link came to the party today with their top order really clicking well to set up a big score of 201 in 20 overs. Shehzad, Hafeez built a solid platform and Afridi just launched a breath-taking assault on the hapless Bangla bowlers to pile up a huge score.

In return, Bangladesh were no match for the fiery Pak seamers, especially Mohammad Amir. They could only manage 146 for 6 in their 20 overs. Shakib's fifty ad Shabbir's brief onslaught the only highlights of their innings.

#LIVE #SCORE
Pak - 201 for 5, 20 overs
Ban - 146 for 6, 20 overs
Man of the Match: Shahid Khan Afridi Lala

#WT20 - #Eng v #WI
Group 1 Match
Wankhede, Mumbai

#Gayle "Storm" strikes #England

Chasing a daunting 183, the Superstar West Indian smashed his second WT20 hundred (only player to do so) in just 47 balls to help Windies canter home by 6 wickets and 2 overs to spare!

He was lethal on seamers, spinners, medium pacers and just about everything that England threw at him. He has sent a strong message to other teams in the competition to not take #WI lightly.

#LIVE #SCORE
England - 183 for 5, 20 overs
West Indies - 184 for 4, 18.1 overs
Man of the Match: Chris Gayle-SPARTAN

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CSK vs MI - Who Will Win IPL Final

#CSK vs #MI
#IPLFinal
#EdenGardens #Kolkata
24th May 2015

After 6 weeks of absolute "dhamaal (fun)" on the field and some scorching cricketing action, its all come down to this day! The day of the #IPL Final...

Two teams, certainly not at their best, have made it there (owing to some poor performances from other teams) and will vie for the coveted trophy at the #Eden #Gardens in #Kolkata tonight.

On the one hand, "Team Consistent" #CSK will be gunning for a hat trick of trophies (they won in 2010, 2011 and finished runner-up in 3 other finals) while on the other #MI will be looking to emulate their 2013 success (they had won defeating CSK)

On a head to head comparison, there is pretty much nothing to choose.
Games played between the two teams: 21
MI Wins - 11, CSK Wins - 10
Its that close...

And while MI have been at best mercurial and topsy-turvy in this tournament, they have gained momentum at the perfect moment to go all the way. What also goes in their favour is they are the only side to trouble and lead CSK on head-to-head contest wins. Something brings out the best in them against the most balanced and consistent team of IPL over 8 seasons!

Having said that, do not discount #WhistlePodu boys. They have been there, done that on many occasions and can change gear very quickly. Skipper #Dhoni has had a silent IPL and these moments brings out the best in him. If that happens, he can turn games around from any situation and inspire his boys to do the same. Such is his aura and capability.

Man to Man comparison is a very interesting read as well

1. Lendl Simmons/Parthiv Patel  vs Mike Hussey/Dwayne Smith
MI hold the edge here. Their opening pair has been instrumental in getting MI to the finals with some amazing consistent performances off-late. Steady starts to lay foundation for the big boys down the order has been MI's recipe for success. Don't discount Hussey and Smith though. Hussey's super innings against RCB in Qualifier2 was a lesson for youngsters. In McCullum's big absence, Smith can "tee-off" from ball 1 as well.

2. Rohit Sharma vs Faf Du Plessis
Evenly matched on form. Rohit more classical but Faf more all round with his fielding abilities.

3. Kieron Pollard vs Suresh Raina
Again, MI hold the edge here on form and all round ability. Raina hasn't played a blinder of a knock this season .. just yet. Could it be his day. If it is, MI will suffer badly.

4. Ambati Rayudu vs MS Dhoni
Surprise, surprise ... MI slightly ahead here too. Rayudu has finished games, MS hasn't but we all know what he can do? and this is his business end. He gets dangerously professional here.

5. Hardik Pandya vs Pavan Negi
Two terrific youngsters vying for the best new comer award, looking to outdo the other. Both have played match winning knocks. Can they withstand pressure of a #IPL Final?

6. Jagdeesh Suchith vs Dwayne Bravo
The calyso guru is at the height of his game. Bravo edges out the youngster by some distance.

7. Vinay Kumar vs Mohit Sharma
Both have struggled really and need to pull up a gear

8. Harbhajan Singh vs Ravi Ashwin
This is going one heck of a contest! Both are in sublime form. Bhajji is the eternal effervescent himself and Ashwin the disciplined tactician. Wow.. this is definitely a contest within a contest

9. Mitch McClaneghan/ Lasith Malinga vs Ashish Nehra/Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja is the odd one out in this comparison but he seems to be the "odd" one out in the CSK outfit too. Woefully out of form, he has been a liability for that team. The other three have been in super form off late. Malinga has caught up well after a poor start but Nehra and McClenaghan (since he was brought in half way through the tournament) have been good right through.  

Its that close with MI holding slight edge on form and momentum.
Its all to play for today. May the best team win. All the best

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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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Tendulkar Runout, Crowd Fury at Kolkata 1996 Semi Final

Defining Moments at ‪#‎CricketWorldCup‬

In this series, we present to you moments that changed fortunes for teams, players and countries.

This one comes from that infamous 1996 semi final at #EdenGardens Kolkata 
India v Sri Lanka

Two defining incidents from the game

1. #SachinTendulkar batting beautifully for well compiled 65 set India on track in chase of 251 set by Sri Lanka. Experts had predicted the wicket to turn hence chasing that score was going to be difficult. But the ease with which he played the Sri Lankan bowling put India ahead in the contest.

At 98 for 1, India were comfortably placed and with Tendulkar going great guns India and the magnificent Eden Gardens (with over 100,000 people in and around the ground) had started celebrating India's entry into the final.

Then tragedy struck.

A harmless delivery from #SanathJayasuriya. He tried to steer it to fine leg and set off for a run. Unfortunately, the ball had ricocheted off his thigh pad and fell very close to the wicket keeper. An error of judgment. 

Fantastic presence of mind by #RomeshKaluwitarana, the Sri Lankan wicket keeper. He waited for Sachin to leave the crease and then whipped the bails off. Although Sachin tried to reach back in time, his bat was in the air when the bails came off.
Decision referred to the third umpire who saw it quite a few times before pushing the OUT button. Huge moment.... 

The Sri Lankans pumped up. Their biggest threat was out of the way.
From 98 for 1, India slumped to 109 for 4 and then to 120 for 8. (the ball spitting venom off the pitch making it unplayable for the other Indian batsmen). Looked like there were two pitches. One where Tendulkar flawlessly took the attack to the Lankans and then post his departure, it turned in to vicious turner!

2. Looking at the amazing turnaround in the game in around 30-40 minutes irked the Eden crowd. From a dominating position, India had slumped to position of elimination. In anger, the crowd started pelting bottles, paper rockets and whatever on the ground. Sri Lankans duly complained and the match referee #CliveLloyd had no choice to hand over the match to Sri Lanka since the crowd wouldn't stop.




Tendulkar and his other team mates came out to pacify the crowd to no avail. Sight of #VinodKambli, the not out batsman at the crease, crying as he walked off the field still remain etched in hearts of millions of cricket fans. Cricket was a big loser that day. Kolkata was stripped off as an international match venue for quite a few years after that.

Sri Lanka moved to the final against Australia at Lahore.