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 - Ind v NZ - Group 2 Opener pits heartthrobs vs favorites

#WT20
#Ind v #NZ
Group 2 Match
VCA Ground, Nagpur
15th Mar 2016

The serious end of #WT20 starts today with hearthobs Kiwis take on tournament favorites India in a Group 2 game at Nagpur. The odds are heavily stocked in favor of India with their form, balance and spin. They are the team to beat at this T20 World Cup.

Having said that, the Kiwis have come on the back of some really excellent performances vs Australia and will look to surprise the hosts with a mighty challenge. Their batting has the firepower to blast bowling attacks away and bowlers can run through batting lineups. Coupled to that their fielding is exemplary and could eventually be the deciding factor in this game.

Captain Kane Williamson will need to lead their team from the front to tackle the Indian spinners (Ashwin, Jadeja, Harchajan, etc). There in lies their Achilles Heel and India will look to take full advantage on that front. In absence of the just retired great Brendon McCullum (#Baz), Guptill, Taylor, Anderson, Elliott will have to bat out of their skin to pose challenge to this renewed India bowling lineup led by veteran Ashish Nehra and slinger boy Jasprit Bumrah (who has pleasantly surprised everyone with his yorkers and death bowling).

India on the other hand look balanced both with the ball and bat. The batting top order has been batting like a dream (Dhawan, Rohit and Virat) and thats helping build or chase large totals easily. The middle order (though low on practice due to the top order show) including Yuvraj, Raina, Dhoni can single handedly win games for their side. Rahane's solidity and Jadeja's all round ability make this a very formidable unit.

So, what will happen at Nagpur?
India's spin or Kiws' agility
India's top order or NZ middle order?

Looks interesting.
Let the #Wt20 begin!!

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LIVE - Australia Cruising To 5th World Cup Crown

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

#MichaelClarke and #StevenSmith have strung a calm and steady partnership to surge ahead in this #CWC15 Final at the #MCG.

Looks like the inevitable is round the corner.

Clarke, under immense pressure, when he came in, soaked in tidy bowling and then opened up to deliver a superb innings. Fitting for grand finale to end a grand ODI career in style.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 183 all out
AUS: 152 for 2, 30 overs

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LIVE - Great Start For Aus, Kiwis Show Intensity

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

After a minor hiccup upfront (#AaronFinch spooned c and b Boult), #DavidWarner has decided to run riot in this chase smashing boundaries and taking the Kiwi bowlers ON.

Kiwis tried everything to break his partnership with #StevenSmith but he raced away hitting boundaries to Boult, Southee and Henry.

He edged one to second slip but it was just removed a ball earlier and he scored a boundary there. It was all going for him, but #MarkHenry induced a false pull shot to claim his wicket at a time when the game was beginning to slip away.

NZ have regrouped again and put fierce pressure on #MichaelClarke with a 7-2 field.
His edge flew through the two short covers.

SteveSmith was even luckier. His inside edge hit the stumps but didn't dislodge the bails. 

A lot happening at the MCG. But, still Asutralia's game to win.
Kiwis are going to need something special to pull back this one!

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 183 all out
Aus: 69 for 2, 15 overs

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LIVE - Clinical Aussies Decimate Kiwis - 183 All Out

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

From a seemingly good position, NZ slumped from 150 for 3 in 30 overs to 183 all out in 44.5 overs.
Australian bowlers and fielders stepped up the plate and produced fantastic spells to blow the Kiwi middle and lower orders.

The bowling spells by the Australians speak for themselves
#MitchellStarc - 2 wickets
#MitchellJohnson - 3 wickets
#JamesFaulkner - 3 wickets
#GlennMaxwell - 1 wickets

#GrantElliott was the only NZ batsman that put up a brave show with 83 off 82 balls.

Can the Kiwis defend this? They have the fire power but do they have the intent now after this poor batting show. Did they crack under the occasion? or the Aussies were just too good?

The next one hour will be an indicator of how the match goes.
Just feel, there is another twist somewhere. Dont count these Kiwis out, just yet! 

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 183 all out, 44.5 overs

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LIVE - Quick Wickets In Powerplay Put Australia On Top Again

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

#JamesFaulkner has turned the game back in Australia's favor in the batting powerplay.

After 35 overs, NZ were comfortably placed at 150 for 3 and looking to unleash in the last 15.
Taylor and Elliott looking good and established would have hoped to push on but Faulkner had different plans.

35.1 - A slower one outside off, Taylor stretching to push it through cover, takes an edge and caught behind. There was some confusion whether the ball bounced off the bat or went to Haddin's gloves on the bounce? The third umpire confirmed, it was a valid catch.

35.2 - #CoreyAnderson blocked his first delivery.

35.3 - Ball swings outside Anderson's edge and knocks off stump out of the ground.

Then #MitchellStarc got into action and got another one

36.2 - Outside off, fish and catch at first slip.

From 150 for 3, NZ slumped to 151 for 6.
Extraordinary comeback from Australia.

#GrantElliott has to herald this NZ innings now with help of the bowlers starting with #DanielVettori. Exciting last 10 overs to start now.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 165 for 6, 40 overs

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LIVE - Kiwis Fightback Through Elliott Taylor Partnership

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

#GrantElliott has walked in with purpose and continued from his amazing performance vs SA in the semi final. He has brought life back into this deflated NZ innings and taking the attack to the Australians.

A moment spurred that intent.
#GlennMaxwell spun a delivery, rapped him on the pads, appealed and was given out by umpire Dharmasena. He and Taylor consulted, took the umpire's review and won it in his favour Decision reversed. 

Since then he has relaxed and playing very freely rubbing that attitude on the struggling Taylor too. He's just completed his 50 and the partnership seems to be gaining momentum. 

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
121 for 3 in 30 overs

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LIVE - Australia All Over New Zealand 55 for 3 in 17 overs

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

Australia well and truly on top here at the MCG in the big #CWC15 final 
They have NZ in all kinds of trouble.

After Starc castled McCullum in the very first over for nought, the pressure has never relented.

#GlennMaxwell bowled #MartinGuptill with an innocuous delivery.
Bad shot selection after he had done all the hard work of seeing the new ball away and getting himself in.

#MitchellJohnson, not to be left behind, caught and bowled the struggling #KaneWilliamson to put Australia well and truly on top.

#RossTaylor and #GrantElliott at the crease and they need to rebuild. 

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 70 for 3, 21 overs

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LIVE - Starc Wins Battle Vs McCullum, Bowled For Nought

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

What a start to this BIG #CWC15 final!!

Battle within battle - #Starc vs #McCullum upfront.
McCullum decides to attack Starc from ball 1
Swing and a miss
Swing and a miss
Bowled 'im - Off stump castled by a peach of a yorker.

McCullum out for nought, facing just three balls.
Starc's stunning consistency with the ball continues.
He is ecstatic, his team is jubilliant, the #MCG erupts.

Huge blow for New Zealand.
They have to quickly regroup and start over again.

#MartinGuptill and #KaneWilliamson at the crease.
#Starc on the move. He's probing and probing for wickets.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
NZ: 22 for 1, 6 overs

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LIVE - New Zealand Win Toss, Bat First In the Big Final vs Australia

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

What a day!
What a huge toss in the BIG final...

.... and New Zealand have won it.
#BrendonMcCullum called "Heads" and the coin spun to "Heads" and without hesitation he decided to bat first. A good wicket, get runs on the board and put Australia under pressure under lights in a run chase. WOW! This is amazing..

Aussie skipper, #MichaelClarke, who just announced his retirement from ODIs after this world cup will look to make this a memorable last hurrah. His team owes him one! And if there is one team that can chase wonderfully, its Australia. So, its a great toss for NZ to win and bat first.

Both teams going with unchanged squads for this game.

Look forward to the Starc vs McCullum and Johnson vs Guptill duel upfront.
No rain threats, beautiful weather ,,. Lets rock n roll!

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Final - Man to Man Comparison Between Aus And NZ

#New Zealand vs #Australia
#MCG
29th Mar 2015

Very little to choose from when you compare the probable 11 players from each side, man to man.
Take a look

Aus v NZ

Batsmen
David Warner vs Brendon McCullum (Explosive openers both. McCullum has edge on form)
Aaron Finch vs Martin Guptill (Attacking openers. Guptill ahead on form)
Steven Smith vs  Kane Williamson (both vice captains and solid technique. Smith ahead on form)
Michael Clarke vs Ross Taylor (Clarke far ahead in terms of technique, but same levels on form) 
Shane Watson vs Grant Elliott (Struggled earlier in the tournament but getting their bearings and acts at the right moment now. Even out each other)
Glenn Maxwell vs Corey Anderson (Explosion guaranteed. Maxwell destructive but Anderson is constructive. Even out each other)

Wicketkeeper/Batsmen
Brad Haddin vs Luke Ronchi (Can tonk the ball around, not much ooportunities for both so far, Haddin slightly ahead on experience)

Bowlers/Allrounders
Josh Hazlewood v  Mark Henry (Newcomers - even out each other)
MitchellJohnson vs Tim Southee (Speedy with the ball, Handy with the bat - Johnson slightly ahead)
Mitchell Starc vs Trent Boult (Super speed, swing and control - Even out each other)
James Faulkner vs Daniel Vettori (Cannot compare but Vettori way ahead in that spin department and can be the difference in NZ winning or losing this final)

Its amazing how close this is man to man.
Nothing much to choose from. Its all to play for at the #MCG.
Let the Trans-Tasman war begin...

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The Big Day - Aus v NZ - Who Will Win The World Cup?

Battle of the hosts for the coveted ‪#‎CWC15‬ crown

Who will prevail? 

Australia led by Pup Michael Clarke and formidable batting/bowling side 
OR 
New Zealand led by the charismatic Brendon McCullum and his pack of hungry tigers?

How does it look?
- Home advantage to Aus while form advantage to NZ
- Bowling - NZ superior due to overall balance (spin + seam)
- Batting - Australia slightly superior overall
- Fielding - At par, 
- Match winners - at par
- Captains - McCullum slight edge over Clarke on individual form

Will the #MCG pose a big challenge to the Kiwis? Remember they are the only team that has not played on Australian grounds in this #CWC15. Could that bring about their downfall? The New Zealand grounds are pale shadow of the Australian grounds in terms of their size, magnitude and imposing presence on the players. Kiwis have to contend with that on the biggest day of their cricketing careers. If they overcome that, they are in for a bull fight with the Aussies.

Will lack of quality spin hurt Australia? Remember, Australia were brilliantly thwarted at Eden Park by that magical spell from #DanielVettori when they seemed settled for a big one! #TrentBoult just nailed them later to dismiss them for 151. #RaviAshwin troubled them in the semis as well. This could just be Dan "the man" Vettori's day and his last hurrah for New Zealand. 

WOW.. the margins are so close! 

WHO WILL WIN THE CUP?
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CWC15 LIVE - Australia Thump India, Meet NZ In Sunday's Final

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

Australia have thumped India in the second semifinal at #SCG clinically.
India looked up for it in their run chase until the 13th over when Dhawan and Rohit were taking the Australian bowlers on... but once Dhawan went, it was a procession of wickets that pushed them back.

After that, it was downhill although #MSDhoni and #AjinkyaRahane strung a small partnership to raise some hopes but it was a big ask and they capitulated under immense pressure.

They didnt seem to have a Plan B, but their Plan A went horribly wrong losing the top 4 batsmen in a freak period after being 76 for no loss in 13 overs to go to 108 for 4 in 22 overs.

For Australia, it was #MitchellStarc yet again doing most of the damage along with #MitchellJohnson and #JamesFaulkner. It was the perfect game for Australia - bat first, pile score and put pressure on the opposition. India were not up for it today and their winless summer against Australia continued. Disappointing end to their campaign

Australia will now play New Zealand in the big Sunday final.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 328 for 7
Ind: 233 all out 46.3 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Aussies Move A Step Closer To World Cup Final

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

Aussies have almost nailed the Indian coffin, but for MS Dhoni at the crease.
He has played a sedate knock so far, blocking and prodding or is he waiting to explode.

Too much to do you feel but if there is one guy who can dream of doing this, it has to be him Or has he left it for too late!

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 328 for 7
Ind: 221 for 6, 42.3 overs

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CWC14 LIVE - Dhawan-Kohli-Rohit Wickets Put Australia On Top

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

From 76 for no loss, India have slumped to 91 for 3.
The Aussies have bounced back tremendously after the Dhawan-Rohit rock solid start.

#ShikharDhawan with the Aussies at his mercy, decided to smash #JoshHazlewood over the offside and found #GlenMaxwell with precision on the extra cover fence! A solid 45 but you would question that shot for sure...

#ViratKohli never looked in. He pushed, prodded and then just went for a non existent pull, top-edging behind the stumps off #MitchellJohnson.

#RohitSharma looked like he had got in and smashed Johnson for a six over mid-wicket but the very next ball.he was castled by Johnson to erupt into jubilant celebrations.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 328 for 7
Ind: 102 for 3, 22 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Aus Score 328, 20 runs many or 20 runs short vs Ind

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

Late burst from the lower order put Australia on a good score of 328 in 50 overs.
#ShaneWatson, #JamesFaulkner and #MitchellJohnson added valuable runs towards the end to push the score to challenging levels. At one stage Australia were pushed back by a flurry of wickets but thats where their late order came to the fore to score those important runs needed to finish well.

So, what does the score look like?
328 for 7

- Australia will feel 20 runs short considering they were motoring along at one stage.

- India will feel 20 runs more considering they had pulled the game brilliantly around the 40th over.

Game on here with India's strong batting lineup.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 328 for 7
Ind: 15 for 0, 4 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Quick Wickets Evens The Match Once Again - Ind v Aus

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

Quick wickets have brought India right back in their semifinal match vs Australia at the SCG.

Looking down the barrel at 197 for 1, with Smith and Finch setting stage for an explosive finish, the Indian bowlers and fielders hung in and have been rewarded handsomely with 4 key wickets.

First, #StevenSmith pulled one off #UmeshYadav to mid wicket. He scored a magnificent 105 but couldnt go all the way.

That brought #GlennMaxwell to the crease to push the innings into an orbit.
He started well smashing a couple of fours and big six over midwicket.

The battle everyone was talking about before the game started was Maxwell vs #RaviAshwin. They faced each other and Ashwin foxed Maxwell to slog sweep down long leg's throat. Huge this!!! could make a difference of 50-75 runs overall.

Finch who was scratchy throughout felt the pressure to push on the accelerator.
He half pulled a Umesh bouncer to short midwicket.

With two new batsmen at the crease #MichaelClarke and #ShaneWatson, India applied pressure and squeezed runs. With pressure rising, Clarke pulled one from #MohitSharma straight to midwicket. Another huge one.

Its all to play for in the last few overs.
Game on!  

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 258 for 5, 44 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Finch Smith Partnership Pushes Australia Ahead

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

Contrasting half centuries from #StevenSmith and #AaronFinch have put Australia ahead in this contest vs India in the second semifinal of #CWC15.

After a shaky start, they have got in a great groove and setting up a great platform for their pinch hitters to take centrestage in the end stages of their batting innings.

Smith has been fluent, confident and brilliant with his placements, timing and run scoring. Finch has been scratchy, unsure but hung on there. A couple of close shaves have gone his way too. 

As we approach the batting powerplay, both teams will take stock and plan their endgames.

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Aus: 155 for 1, 30 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Both Teams Feeling Each Other After First Powerplay - Ind v Aus

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

There are nerves, tension and you can sense both teams are feeling each other in the mandatory powerplay (overs 1 to 10). It was India that started with better sense of purpose bowling with pace, swing and great lines pushing the Aussies back. #UmeshYadav surprised #DavidWarner with a short bouncer that looped to mid-wicket where #ViratKohli taking a simple catch.

#StevenSmith walked in as if he restarted from the summer series vs India. Confidently playing his shots and steadying the innings. #AaronFinch is still not looking settled but has weathered the initial storm. 

4 Boundaries by Smith in Yadav's one over has gotten the Aussies going well.
They have picked up the pace now and seem to be upping the run rate.   

#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
82 for 1, 15 overs

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CWC15 LIVE - Aus Win Toss Bat First vs Ind At SCG

#India vs #Australia
#SCG
26th Mar 2015

In a cracker of a semifinal at the SCG, Australia have won the toss and elected to bat first.
Tosses have been funny in key games of this world cup. Teams that have won the toss, have generally elected to bat but havent gone on to win their games. So, it could just be a good toss to lose for India! Time will tell.

Both teams look all set to go!
Let the game begin...

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