CT17 - All Teams Full Squads Except India

#CT17 #ChampionsTrophy 2017
#Cricket

Here are the latest squads for the ICC Champions Trophy to be played in England and Wales from June 1st, 2017.

Australia
Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Steve Smith (c), Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper), David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Bangladesh
Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mehidi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Somya Sarkar, Sunzamul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.

England
Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan (c), Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

India
Missed the deadline. According to the Hindustan Times, the board is planning on announcing the squad after an ICC board meeting ends on April 27th, in which governance reforms and revenue will be voted upon.

New Zealand
Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson (c).

Pakistan
Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Ahmad Shahzad, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Imad Wasim, Shahdab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan

Sri Lanka
Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunaratne, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews (c), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lakshan Sandakan, Upul Tharanga.

South Africa
Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), AB de Villiers (captain), Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.

The action begins Jun 1, 2017.

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CT17 - Intel Is"Innovation Partner" For The Tournament

#CT17
#ChampionsTrophy #Cricket #ODI

The International Cricket Council (#ICC) has signed up #Intel as its "innovation partner" for the upcoming 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

The governing body is set to "collaborate with Intel to transform the cricket experience for fans, and help coaches and players improve performance".

Further details are set to emerge in the coming weeks surrounding the "specific innovations" that the two organisations will deploy at the tournament.

"This is an exciting announcement for the ICC as we continue to focus on innovation and technology to enhance both the game and the experience of the fan," said ICC chief executive, David Richardson.

"The innovations we're working with Intel on for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 are like nothing we've seen in the sport before and I'm delighted to welcome them to the ICC family."

The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled from June 1 to 18 in #England and #Wales. Matches at the competition are to be played at The #Oval in London, Sophia Gardens in #Cardiff and #Edgbaston in #Birmingham.

"#Cricket is the world's second most popular #Sport and as the official innovation partner of the #ICC Champions Trophy, we are excited to integrate Intel technology in this tournament," said James Carwana, general manager of the Intel Sports Group.

"We will be deploying a range of #Technology at the event as part of the our ongoing effort to bring a new level of #Data #Analytics to sports and to revolutionize how #Athletes #Train, #Coaches teach, scouts evaluate #Talent, and #Fans enjoy sports."

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ICC CT17 - 5 Interesting Aspects To Look Out For As Countdown Begins

#ICC #Cricket #ChampionsTrophy 2017 #CT17

Starting June 1, 2017, the top eight One-Day International sides in the world will come and clash for the #ICC #Champions #Trophy 2017 in #England and #Wales. The opening match will pit #England, the host, against #Bangladesh at The #Oval in #London, which is one of three venues that will be used for the tournament.

The Final of this tournament is scheduled on June 18 (with a reserve day in place), when the finalists face off at The #Oval. #Edgbaston and #Cardiff will be the other two venues to share the responsibility of staging the 15-match tournament.

1- Every Match Becomes Crucial: The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four; each will play the three other sides in their respective group once in a bid to make it to the semi-finals. The short and intense nature of the tournament makes it such that there will be high stakes on the outcome of every match with every match absolutely crucial.

2 -Truckload of runs: Going by the trend in the recent #bilateral series between #India and #England, the modern #ODI game continues to be conducive to heavy run-scoring and fans can expect much of the same at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. 

3 - Next Gen: Several exciting #Young #Players can be expected to make their global 50-over tournament debuts. In the bowling department, Bangladesh's #MustafizurRahman, South Africa's #KagisoRabada, India's #JaspritBumrah and Australia's #AdamZampa are some of the names to keep an eye out for. 

Among batsmen, India's #KedarJadhav, Pakistan's #BabarAzam, England's #SamBillings and #JasonRoy fit the bill, while #MitchellSantner from New Zealand and #MarcusStoinis from Australia are among the more promising all-rounders yet to feature in a marquee 50-over tournament.

4 - Open nature of tournament: This looks like it could be the most competitive ICC Champions Trophy of all time with little to choose between all eight sides. Pakistan — ranked No. 8 — recently won an ODI against No. 1 ranked Australia on their home-soil in a further indication that no game can be taken for granted. 

Across the board, teams have adopted a more aggressive, fearless approach towards the 50-over game, which has helped bring down the chasm between the teams. On account of the sharp and uncompromising format of the tournament coupled with the qualitative similarity of teams, the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 can be expected to deliver intense competition.

5 - Bangladesh Returns to Champions Trophy: The Bangladesh #Tigers haven't qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy since the 2006 edition. Much has changed for the team in the last two years. Its defeat of England to make it to the knockouts of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 deserves special mention. It then went on a winning spree in the format defeating Pakistan, India and South Africa in successive ODI series at home. It is ranked No. 7 — one above Pakistan — and kept #WestIndies out of the competition. It is yet to prove its credentials overseas, and this tournament presents it with the ideal opportunity.

Whatever happens, it's going to be a memorable tournament, roll on June 1st 2017.

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India Cricket - Test Players Must Provide Excitement Says Virat Kohli

#India #Cricket

India must play exciting #TestCricket to entertain crowds, #Skipper #ViratKohli said after defeating New Zealand, amid waning interest in the game's longest form. India regained the #TopSpot in the world #Rankings in #Tests.

The series against the #BlackCaps marks the start of a packed programme of international cricket for India who also host #England, #Bangladesh and #Australia later this #Season. Kohli said players needed to interact with the crowd during Tests, in a similar fashion to the high-energy, limited-overs games.

"You have to interact with them, you have to make sure they are a part of the whole thing. You feed off their energy. It happens so much in limited-overs, so why not in Test cricket?"

The comments come as Test cricket struggles to find an audience in the #Twenty20 era, prompting last year's introduction of day-night Tests played under lights with a pink ball in Australia. 

Former cricket greats including Shane #Warne and some cricket board chiefs have also flagged slashing the format from five to four days. But controversial plans to create a two-tier Test system have been scrapped by cricket's world governing body #ICC after India's powerful board led a backlash.

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CWC - From 1992 to 2015 - The 50 Over Format Has Thrived Inspite of T20 threats

WHO WILL WIN THE CUP - 2015??

We travel through the journey of cricket world cups from 1992 (Australia-NZ) to 2015 (Australia-NZ). The circle is completed. 6 tournaments in between, 4 champions crowned (Pak in 92, SL in 96, Aus thrice in 99, 03, 07 and Ind in 11)

Its been one heck of a journey for cricket in itself.
From colored clothing in 1992, to subcontinent flavour in 96.
The Lords gallery back in 99 to Africa safari of 2003
The Carribean Calyso magic of 2007 to Indian hot curry of 2011.

The advent of T20 post 2007 did shake up the 50 over format and many predicted its demise soon but it has stayed. Its like the test cricket of one dayers. There are highs and lows, time to recover, replan and make a final charge at your target .. the game has it all. 

The powerplays, field restrictions, bouncer rules, technology, heavy bats, two white balls from both ends have really upped the excitement and enthisiasm of 50 over cricket. It is here to stay ... well done #ICC.

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CWC15 Live - Raina Dhoni Partnership Seals Win For India vs Zim

#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland

#SureshRaina and #MSDhoni's record partnership stand ensured India overcame initial hiccups to chase a competitive 288 vs Zimbabwe in a Pool B match at #CWC15

At 92 for 4, they were in serous trouble and an upset threat loomed large.
This is where #MSDhoni has transformed this India team into believing they can come back from any situation. This is the power and belief of this man. And to top it all, he shows how it is to be done! 

Raina and Dhoni battled initial nerves and tests thrown by the Zimbabwean bowlers at them.
Once in, they dug in and went about chasing down the required target in a clinical fashion with an over to spare.

Along the way, Raina collected his first World Cup ton. A great memory this.
Dhoni was his usual self. Restrained and mature all throughout before exploding towards the end.

Raina's 110* meant he took the Man of the Match award ahead of #BrendanTaylor, whose innings was once in a lifetime stuff.

#LIVE #SCORE
Zim: 287 all out, 49 overs
Ind: 288 for 4, 48.4 overs

Man of the Match: Suresh Raina

India now move on to the #MCG to play their quarter final match against the in-form and spirited #Bangladesh outfit raring to go. They will need to get their bearings right for that one because in the knockouts you don't have second chances!

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CWC15 - Early Wickets Makes It An Even Contest For Zim vs Ind

#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland

Things looked iffy when India bowled.
They seemed to be off color the moment #BrendanTaylor and #SeanWilliams attacked their spinners.
As a result, Zimbabwe went on to score a very good 287 all out in 50 overs.

As if to complement the bowlers, the batsmen started in similar fashion - no purpose.
Both #RohitSharma and #ShikharDhawan were completely clueless about their running between the wickets. TO back it up they were confused whether to go at the bowling or stay put. 

In all that messy thinking, both lost wickets to poor shots in one over from #Panyangara putting India under pressure at 21 for 2. Rohit skied a mistimed flick to point while Dhawan dragged a delivery onto his stumps. Outright poor shots. 

This brought #AjinkyaRahane and #ViratKohli at the crease to consolidate things. They looked unsure too but soon got into their groove and produced a 50 runs stand. Then out of nowhere Rahane went for a suicidal run and was run out needlessly. 71 for 3

Virat was gaining confidence driving straight and steadied himself for a long innings. but then from nowhere #SikandarRaza produced a delivery that spun from behind his legs to bowl him for 33. Zimbabweans were delighted. India 92 for 4 and reeling.

#SureshRaina was thoroughly tested by the seamers with bouncers (his clear uncomfort zone) but he's settled into his innings. Mr. Finisher #MSDhoni has joined him and both have put on a 50+ run stand 
to steady the ship somewhat.

The upcoming #batting #powerplay is going to hugely decisive in this match to decide who gains the upperhand in the contest. Zimbabwe sitting on top at the moment though.

Game ON.....

#LIVE #SCORE
India: 158 for 4 (35 overs)
#SureshRaina - 48*
#MSDhoni - 26*  

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CWC15 - Zim hit 287, India Bowlers Put To the Sword

#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland

For the first time this #CWC15, the India bowlers were put under the hammer big time and shook them up. They looked rattled, a lot of on-pitch discussions followed and overall they looked out of sorts as long as #BrendonTaylor was at the crease.

The spinners (very surprisingly) took most of the beating at the hands of Taylor and Williams. The batsmen attacked them from the word go and forced them into defensive lines. Ashwin and Jadeja didnt bowl very badly though. They kept the bowl up and gave good air but just that Taylor was in the "mood" to dispatch them all over Eden Park.

At one stage, it looked as if India would be chasing 320+ but once Taylor went for a blistering 138, the tail didn't push it on and got out for 287. This is still a competitive score and will give their bowlers something to try and put Indian batting under pressure.

Lot of thinking for India before the knockout games.
Bangladesh is watching this!!

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CWC15 - Brendan Taylor Superlative Ton Drives Zim Forward vs Ind

#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland

#BrendanTaylor has turned it on against India.
Backing up #SeanWilliams' counterattacking innings, he has launched a scathing attack on the Indian bowlers .

For the first time in the #CWC15, the Indian bowlers looked rattled and out of sorts.

Taylor in company of Williams steadied the innings after initial setbacks.
Once Williams departed after his cameo, he's taken charge and shaken the Indians big time!

A upper cut six off #Shami over thirdman brought his century in style giving rise to wild celebrations from him and his players in the balcony. Please note he is playing his last ODI for Zimbabwe. He has signed a three year deal with the England county league. Shame ... he's not going to play in RED anymore!

#LIVE #SCORE
Zim: 233 for 4 in 41 overs
#BrendanTaylor - 138*
#SeanErive - 38*

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CWC15 - Bangladesh Third Or Fourth In Pool A?

#Bangladesh v #NewZealand, #Hamilton
13th Mar 2015

Bangladesh and New Zealand conclude theit league games facing each other in an interesting Pool A match at #SeddonPark in Hamilton.

Both teams have already qualified for the #Quarterfinals of #CWC15.
NZ have been dominant winning all their 5 games and top Pool A.
Bangladesh are currently placed 4th and thats where it gets interesting ...

Lets look at the Pool standing
New Zealand - 1st Position - 10 points
Sri Lanka - 2nd Position - 8 points (they have played all their games in the league stage)
Australia - 3rd Position - 7 points
Bangladesh - 4th Position - 7 points

Australia play #Scotland in Hobart on 14th Mar 2015 and are expected to thump the minnows to take second spot in the group at the end of all league games in Pool A like below

New Zealand - 1st Position - 10 points
Australia - 3rd Position - 9 points

Case 1 - Bangladesh beats New Zealand (very remote but the victory over England will have given them plenty of confidence to take on other full members of the ICC)

That will mean, Bangladesh will have 9 points as well, but since Aus has better #NRR, they will be second and Bangladesh would be third placed in the group above Sri Lanka.

That would mean, they will face second placed #SouthAfrica (from Pool B)  in the quarters at #SCG

Case 2 - New Zealand beat Bangladesh 
Bangladesh stays on 7 points and fourth placed in the group.

This would mean, they will face table toppers #India (from Pool B) in the quarters at #MCG

Case 3: A Tie or Adandoned Game
They would still end fourth and face India at #MCG.

What would be their choice?
#Rampaging Indians (who Bangladesh beat famously in 2007 to oust them in league stage) 
OR
#Ruthless Proteas (who tend to crumble at crucial stages in World Cups)

Do they have a choice?
They should go out there and make a statement.
Whoever they face .... they have already created history...

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CWC 2015 LIVE - Sarfaraz Stunner Ends In A Runout v SA

#Pak v #SA
7th Mar 2015

#Sarfaraz has produced a gem in his #CWC15 debut!
Brought in place of the struggling Jamshid, asked to open the innings facing #Steyn gun and company and what does he do? Produce an absolute gem of a knock.

The confidence with which he strode on to the pitch facing the first ball of Steyn was a sight in itself. He walked down the pitch indicating his confidence and aggressive intent.

He infused life into a depressed dressing room and gave the team a very encouraging start, their best in the #CWC15 so far!

When the spinners came on, he decided to take control and went after them.
He especially took to #JPDuminy in one over carting him for 3 sixes over mid wicket. Suddenly, Pak were on the charge and Sarfaraz in complete control.

#ABDevilliers visibly rattled.

As luck would have it, the only way he could get out happened.
Eager to get to his fifty, he went for a suicidal second run against this super fit SA fielding side. #DavidMiller's super throw from the deep beat his dive, #deKock removing the bails.

End of a superb innings (reminded of #Inzamam's sensational knock in the 1992 world cup against NZ).

Pak need to consolidate again. 
#MisbahUlHaq and #YounisKhan at the crease.

#LIVE #Cricket #Score
Pak - 129 for 2, 26 overs

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CWC 2015 LIVE - Excellent Start For Pak v UAE

#Pakistan v#UAE, #Napier
4th Mar 2015

Paki batting first v UAE.

Pakistan's best start of the tournament thus far!
Very refreshing to see Pak's top order taking responsibility to lay foundation for a big score. More refreshing to see youngsters #HarisSohail and #AhmedShehzad take responsibility.

#LIVE #Score
Pak 109 for 1 in 24.3 overs
Sohail - 48*
Shehzad - 52*

#NasirJamshid's woeful form continues. He was dismissed for a third time trying to pull a non existent shot. Pak need a rethink for that opening slot.

UAE have bowled well though. They are being disciplined enough.

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CWC 2015 - Pak Need To Make A Statement v UAE

#Pak v #UAE, #Napier
4th Mar 2015

After scraping through against #Zimbabwe two days ago and opening their #CWC15 account in Pool B, Pakistan need more than an emphatic win to harbour chances of progressing to the next round of the cup.

The victory against Zim was far from convincing but it should have given them some self-belief. The weight of expectations they're carrying back from Pakistan will now be somewhat lighter. However, unless they really dominate and crush UAE, they will not feel or will not be able to challenge the top teams in this fiercely contested competition.

For beginners, their batting has been absolutely lacklustre especially at the top.
Invariably, they have lost a wicket in the first 2-3 overs of every game played so far. That is putting immense pressure on the middle order and hence not able to push on to big scores.

#AhmedShehzad, #NasirJamshid, #HarisSohail, #YounisKhan must produce good batting starts for players like Misbah, Umar Gul, Maqsood and Shahid Afridi to capitalize later.

Bowling looks ok especially seam. #WahabRiaz, #SohailKhan, #MohamadIrfan have shown they can hurry batsmen with their pace and bounce. #ShahidAfridi remains a disappointment so far. He needs a solid outing to get back to spinning form. #YasirShah should support him well by taking wickets and not just containing runs.

For UAE, their performance against #India at #Perth should be forgotten quickly and enter the new contest with new energy and enthusiasm. They have some way to go to become a top cricketing nation but they have given a good account of them thus far.

All in all, Pakistan's game to win but they dont need a win, they need a winnnnnnn.... it has to be massive to improve thier #NRR and chances to progress!

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CWC 2015 LIVE - Feeling the Buzz Already - Aus v NZ

#Aus v #NZ , #EdenPark, #Auckland
28th Feb 2015

The Australia v NewZealand game looks to be living to its reputation.
The game has just started but you can feel the buzz ... an intensity at a different level.
Hope it remains that way and match lives up to its huge billing.

Australia have won the toss and elected to bat first.

After 11 overs, they are 70 for 1.
#DavidWarner and #ShaneWatson at the crease just getting their eyes in.

#AaronFinch bowled by #TimSouthee.

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CWC 2015 - Bowl Tracking Technology

#CWC15

Bowl Tracking Technology at this World Cup is yet another fascinating innovation.
Used to track how the ball leaves the bowler's hands, pitches and reaches the batsman to determine areas of strengths/weaknesses of batsmen, projected trajectory of deliveries and bounce variations, this technology is really wowing the fans and cricketers alike.

Teams are using it to study opposition batsmen (strong and weak areas, lengths to bowl on different pitches, etc) while batsmen are using them to plot their aggression/defence against fast, seam and spin bowlers.

This is one piece of technology that will stay for while in cricket for sure.

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CWC 2015 - Highlights from First 10 Days At the Cup

#CWC15 

Boy! What a start to this cricket world cup.
Its exploded big time.... especially with some big gun games right at the start of the world cup!

It all started with #Aus v #Eng match, an all time classic rivalry in all forms of the game
Venue: #MCG
A fatal mistake at the toss to bowl first and then a dropped chance in the very first over cost England the game really. Man of the match #AaronFinch dropped for nought went on to score a superb hundred to setup a mammoth 342 target. England never got going really and were bundled out for 231.

In the other game of the day, #NZ steamrolled #SriLanka by 98 runs to announce their candidature as potential world champs. 

Day 2 was huge!
Arch rivals and cricket freak nations - #India and #Pakistan clashed in the match of matches at #AdelaideOval. Billed as the match of the tournament, it didnt live up to its expectations really. India clearly dominating the game to win by 76 runs. #ViratKohli with a superb century stole the show.

Interestingly, the other game of the day #SA v #Zim provided some real excitement. Zimbabwe ran the #Proteas real close in their chase of 340. They were in the hunt for a long time and the #Sprinboks were visibly worried. But, the overall class and quality of their game ensured no upset and they came through. #DavidMiller and #JPDuminy with superb hundreds for #SA, #HamiltonMasakadza and #SeanErvine fought hard for the Zimbabweans.

Day 3 saw the first real upset of the tournament with #Ireland trouncing #WestIndies by 4 wickets. They showed superb all-round ability to chase a 300+ target with ease and sent a serious warning to all other teams in Pool B. 

The next game saw #NZ make heavy weather of a small run chase against #Scotland.
Chasing 142, the #Kiwis lost 7 wickets to accomplish the target. Some chinks there...

Days 5 and 6 was for matches of the minnows 
Zimbabwe beat #UAE by 4 wickets
Bangladesh beat #Afghanistan by 105 runs (avenged their defeat the Asia Cup qualifiers)

Feb 20th saw the most destructive and one sided game of the tournament till date when #NZ took on #England at #Wellington. #TimSouthee ran through England batting with a 7-For (a record for NZ) and #BrendonMccullum smashed Enland bowling into oblivion with a whirlwind 77 off 25 deliveries. Match over just after lunch with another 25 overs to go.

Day 8 saw #WI take on #Pak in a battle of teams that looked lost and devastated from their earlier games. WI took that game easily by 150 runs. At one stage Pak were 1 for 4 wickets. #JeromeTaylor with a great spell of bowling built on a superb late flourish by #AndreRussell to setup a score of 310 for the Windies.

One the same day, we also witnessed the first washout of the tournament. 
Australia's game against Bangladesh at the GABBA was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Day 9 had Pool B heavyweights India and South Africa go at each other. Another lopsided affair again with India demolishing SA by 130 runs. #ShikharDhawan with a fluent 137.

The other game of the day saw #SriLanka just crossing the line against #Afghanistan. Again a case of overall ability and skill that allowed the Asian Lions to win the match.

Day 10, finally, finally ... England opened their account with a win over Scotland. MooenAli with a superb all-round performance.

Summary of points:

Pool A
NZ - 6 points
Aus - 3 points 
Ban - 3 points
SL - 2 points
Eng - 2 points

Pool B
Ind - 4 points
Irl - 2 points
WI - 2 points
Zim - 2 points
SA - 2 points 

Expecting a cracking next 10 days with some heavy duty games coming up including
Aus v NZ
Pak v SA
Eng v SL

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Why Will Pak Beat India At Adelaide In 2015 ICC World Cup?

Checked out the wonderful Ad above? Am sure all of Pak will be as frustrated as the guy shown ...

In all world cup editions till date where Pak have faced Ind, they have been on the losing side. Amazingly, all those losses have been pretty one sided.

1992 - by 30+ runs at Sydney (league match, Pak went on to win the World Cup then)

1996 - by 50+ runs at Bengaluru (quarter final - knockout game)

1999 - by 40+ runs at Manchester (super sixes match, Pak reached finals of the World Cup then)

2003 - by 6 wickets at Jo'burg 

2011 - by 40+ runs at Mohali (semi final - knockout game)

2015 - WHO WILL WIN? - at Adelaide (league match)

Clear indicator they seem to be under pressure against India at the biggest stage of cricket.

So, how is it about to change?

Will Pak beat Ind at Adelaide?

If we were to go by law of averages - it is long over due.

24 years without winning against Ind will hurt surely...

Here are some reasons to think why Pak will emerge victorious at the Adelaide Oval on 15th Feb '15:

 - Australian pitches are about bowling strengths than batting. Although AO is a belter of a track and one of the best pitches for batting in Australia, the natural bounce and swing should suit the Pak bowling (much much superior than the pedestrian Ind bowling at the moment)

 - Ind is in a hopeless situation at the moment in all departments - bowling and batting (fielding exempted because their fielders don't get enough runs to defend anyway). This is the best time for Pak to capitalize and deal a blow on their already low confidence.

 - Ind has been sledging all the way in Australia without focusing on cricket. Clearly distracted. Pak on the other hand seem to be focused on the game. Although they are finding it a bit tough in NZ, they seem more zoned in on the job.

 - They can exploit weaknesses in the Indian batting big time .. get through Kohli, Rahane and Dhoni and the rest will take care of itself. The same does not apply to India's bowling woefully struggling to get a few wickets eveyr game. Pak batsman can (although weaker of the two teams) target that and make up for loss of superstar value!

Lets see how it goes? because don't think Pak will get a better opportunity to strike early, strike dearly at Ind in a World Cup match. If they meet again later in the tournament in knock-out stages (it has never happened before) then I will back India to win that game. 

If India reach knockouts, they will be a completely different outfit to negotiate. That man Dhoni has ability and mastery of setting up "big games" psychologically and winning them.  

Go Pak grab your chance! Team India ... watch out if you need to keep your 100% record intact! 

Ind meet Pak at the Adelaide Oval in the Pool B opening match on 15th Feb.

Match starts 8:50 am India time, 9:20 am Pakistan time.

Let the match EXPLODE.........

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Journey of the Cricket World Cup 1992 to 2015

We are back to Australia and New Zealand in 2015 for the ICC Cricket World Cup. From the 1992 color clothing revolution to the post IPL era of cricket in 2011, the game has come a long way.

Here we bring to you compilation of moments, drama, action, fun and happiness/sorrow across the world cups from 1992 to 2011. Hope you'd enjoy this journey as you gear up for an amazing 2015 cricket world cup tournament with one question on everyone's mind,

"WHO WILL WIN THE CUP?"


Clips of Defining Moments. Drama. Action. Winners. Losers. History being made. 

The answer will come on 29th Mar 2015, the day of the final at the legendary MCG when the world champion will be crowned. Will India retain the trophy or a new champion will etch its name in the annals of cricket history? Time will tell....

Journey of the World Cups 1992 to 2011

1992
Hosts: Australia and New Zealand
Winners: Pakistan (bt. England)
Man of the Match: Wasim Akram
Man of the Tournament: Martin Crowe

1996
Hosts: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Winners: Sri Lanka (bt. Australia)
Man of the Match: Aravinda De Silva
Man of the Tournament: Sanath Jayasuriya

1999
Hosts: England
Winners: Australia (bt. Pakistan)
Man of the Match: Shane Warne
Man of the Tournament: Lance Kluesner

2003
Hosts: South Africa
Winners: Australia (bt. India)
Man of the Match: Ricky Ponting
Man of the Tournament: Sachin Tendulkar

2007
Hosts: West Indies
Winners: Australia (bt. Sri Lanka)
Man of the Match: Adam Gilchrist
Man of the Tournament: Matthew Hayden

2011
Hosts: India
Winners: India (bt. Sri Lanka)
Man of the Match: M S Dhoni
Man of the Tournament: Yuvraj Singh

2015
Hosts: Australia and New Zealand
Winners: WHO WILL WIN THE CUP?

Windies Hara Kiri in the Semifinal of 1996 World Cup

Defining Moments of #ICCWorldCup

Aus v WI , 1996, World Cup Semifinal, Mohali

If the first semi final between Sri Lanka and India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata had drama, this second semifinal had its share too! Boy .. what a game!

Again two critical moments in the game

1. The Stuart Law and Michael Bevan partnership

Batting first the Aussies got off to the worst possible start 15/4 (Taylor, Mark Waugh, Ponting, Steve Waugh all come and gone).

The Windies were harboring thought of a 100+ run chase and cantering into the World Cup final. 

The two however had different ideas. Slowly, they started building a solid partnership. Once they got their eyes in, Law took the attack to the opposition while Bevan held fort. A magnificent parttneship of 127 followed before Law was run out but not before laying a foundation for a somewhat fightable score. The Aussies eventually made 207 in their stipulated 50 overs. Something to bowl at...

2. Shivanrine Chanderpaul's wicket
Chasing a modest score, the Windies began cautiously. Chanderpaul and Browne took the score to 25 before Shane Warne got rid off Browne for 10. In came Brian Lara and tore into the Aussie bowling in his inimitable style. 

The two put on a 50+ stand in no time before Lara was bowled by Steve Waugh for 45.

The West Indian captain, Richie Rcihardson joined Chanders and they set about chasing the target like it was a walk in the park. At 165 for 2 in 41 overs, the game seemed done and dusted. 

43 off 54 balls with 8 wickets in hand.

Then tragedy struck for the Windies (just like it had for the Indians when Sachin was out after dominating the opposition bowling). In a rush of blood, Chanderpaul spooned a catch to mid on to be dismissed for 65 and the game turned course dramatically.

Warne claimed 3 wickets in no time after that. The seamers applied run pressure and Windies started collapsing. Richardson was still around and kept pushing the score along. However, he was loosing partners at the other end and fast.

As the last over began and 10 needed to win with two wickets in hand, Richardson smote a boundary followed by a single attempt that led to Ambrose being run out. In walked Courtney Walsh, the batsman with most ducks to his name then.

And what happened, first ball, Damien Fleming castled his off stump.

Windies all out for 202, 5 runs short of the Aussie total.

Extaordinary scenes in Mohali and Aussies celebrated while the West Indian captain sadly walked back unconquered but defeated!

Amazing game of cricket with awesome memories. We were watching this game on Doordarshan (India's TV broadcaster) when there was a power outage in our locality. This is when the Windies fuse went off too. They were coasting at 158 for 2 then and we felt it was a matter of time before they crossed the winning line.

We switched over to All India Radio (India's Radio broadcaster) and the commentary was magical. Hats of Gautam Bhimani and Abhay Chaturvedi for bring the match alive for us. The drama, twists and turns, wickets, runs were so beautifully presented, we felt we were at the stadium.

By the time the power came back, Windies needed 10 in the last over and the rest as they say is all history!!

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.