Dhawan, Milind power Delhi to fantastic win over England

 

New Delhi: Shikhar Dhawan served a timely reminder to the national selectors with a brilliant century as Delhi defeated England by six wickets to hand the visitors their second successive defeat in warm-up games here today.

Chasing a difficult 294 for five set by England, Delhi rode on skipper Dhawan`s 110 and Milind Kumar`s unbeaten 78 to overhaul the target with nine balls to spare.

Left-hander Dhawan, who last played for India in the West Indies, cracked his 110 off only 109 balls to set up a chase which initially looked difficult. He hit 13 boundaries and three huge sixes --- one each off Jade Dernbach, James Tredwell and Stuart Meaker.

If Dhawan and Unmukt Chand (37) started the chase well, adding 98 for the opening stand, unheralded youngster Milind and veteran Rajat Bhatia (45 not out) finished off the run chase with a flourish as they smashed 103 runs off 72 balls.

The day, however, belonged to Dhawan who hogged the limelight with brilliant authorative display. Time and again, he drove the pace quartet of Steven Finn, Dernbach, Meaker and Chris Woakes through the covers. The moment, the pacers dug it in short, he was quickly in a position to play the pull shot.

Dhawan completed his century off 98 balls with a big six off Tredwell over deep mid-wicket.

Credit should also be given to young Milind, who showed a lot of maturity and paced his innings to perfection. Whether it was playing the slash over deep third man or driving on the up, Milind had an answer to everything that was thrown at him.

Milind hit seven fours and three sixes in his 85-ball knock. The shot that stood out was a six over extra cover off Meaker.

Earlier, Ian Bell scored a fine century as England posted a challenging score of 294 for five after being put into bat.

Having scored 91 in the first match against India A, Bell was again in fine form as he batted with lot of responsibility scoring 108 runs with the help of 10 fours and two huge sixes.

The main feature of the England innings was Bell`s 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Eoin Morgan, who smashed 52 off 55 balls.

Bell hit 10 boundaries and two sixes in 125 balls while Morgan hit five fours and two sixes. Craig Kieswetter also thrashed the Delhi bowlers to finish with 41 off 27 balls which included three sixes.

Morgan-Bell duo got their runs in only 93 balls as the Delhi attack led by India discard Ashish Nehra looked pedestrian.

While Parvinder Awana bowled a good first spell, it was certainly not enough as England got off to a good start with skipper Alastair Cook (44) and Bell adding 70 runs for the opening wicket.

Cook, who opted out of the first practice match, decided to rest Kevin Pietersen today. The left-hander hit some lovely strokes during his 57-ball stay. The best of his seven boundaries was a cover drive off Awana.

While Cook was batting, Bell decided to play the role of second fiddle as he let his captain take bulk of the strike.

It was seamer Sumit Narwal, who gave Delhi their first breakthrough when he bowled Cook. Young Joe Root tried to play a sweep shot off left-arm spinner Varun Sood and the resultant skier was taken by Punit Bisht.

Samit Patel (13) was then bowled by an arm ball from Sood that kept very low.

Once Morgan joined Bell, the duo started taking on the Delhi bowlers. Bell hit Rajat Bhatia for a hige six into the middle tier of the deep mid-wicket stands. Bell`s second six was straight into the sightscreen.

Morgan also made merry as he hit Nehra for a straight six and then pulled him for a boundary.

For Delhi, young spinner Sood was the best bowler with figures of three for 45 as Nehra went for 48 in nine wicketless overs.

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MS Dhoni given Man of the Match award to boost his self-confidence

New Delhi: It seems that India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is going through one of the hardest times of his international career. Such delicately poised is his confidence at the moment that he needs a pat on his back to boost his morale. He was given exactly that in the third One Day International at Delhi against Pakistan except the pat happens to be a Man of the Match award.

Times of India on Tuesday reported that MS Dhoni was not the first choice for the MoM award given to him in the Delhi ODI played on Sunday. It was simply given to him to boost his self-esteem.

Quoting a former cricketer who was in the panel to decide the player of the match, the daily claims that since Team India isn’t faring well for quite some time, it was decided that Dhoni should be given the award.

The decision came as an unpleasant surprise to many, who thought that players like Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Saeed Ajmal had done enough to be the leading contender for MOM than the Indian skipper.

Dhoni top scored in the Indian innings with 36 and later effected two dismissals in the final ODI against Pakistan.

Among those who were expected to land the award, Jadeja chipped in with a valuable 27 and later bowled 10 overs in which he took a wicket and gave away just 19 runs. He also took a brilliant catch in the deep that ended Umar Gul’s innings. Earlier, Ajmal had the Indians on the mat as he took five wickets in just 9.4 overs to end with 5/24 – his best figures in ODIs. Young pacer B. Kumar along with Ishant Sharma, who took three wickets, also put up an impressive performance during the contest.

The daily also reported that Pakistan was unhappy with the decision to award Dhoni MoM award ahead of opener Nasir Jamshed during the first ODI in Chennai.

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Steve Finn to spearhead England attack in India ODI series

London: Fast bowler Steven Finn has been asked to spearhead the England attack in the upcoming One Day series in India.

In the absence of Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann for the One Day tour, Finn has emerged as the team`s biggest weapon.

He was the most impressive bowler during One Day tour to India in 2011, and used it as a launching pad to become the third member of England`s first choice for the Test pace attack, the Mirror reports.


Bowling coach David Saker said that losing Anderson and Swann from the team means that it is a chance for someone else to stand up and take the lead, adding that Finn is the one who probably needs to take that role.

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Dhoni doughtful for Delhi ODI against Pakistan,kartik called up

New delhi:Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni  was on saturday rendered a doubtful starter for Sunday`s third and final one-dayer against pakistan due to a sore back, forcing the team management to call up Dinesh Karthik as the back up.




Dhoni said at the customary pre-match press conference that he developed soreness on his back during the morning practice session at the feroze shah kotla ground here.


He was actually asked about the absence of middle-order betsman Yuvrag singh at the training session and the skipper said,'' if at all somebody is doubtful ,it's me .I have a sore back and we have called dinesh kathik as back up.

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India vs Pakistan 2013: Kolkata ODI - As it happened...

INDIA: Overs: 47.6 II Score: 165/10 (Dhoni: 54*, Khan: 3/39)

And Ishant Sharma has been cleaned by Junaid as Pakistan have sealed the match and the series. India have lost this match by 85 runs.

The record stays intact: Pakistan are yet to lose an ODI in Kolkata. They have played 4 matches here and won all 4.

Earlier, MS Dhoni completed his 47th ODI fifty. Unfortunately, this will be counted in a losing cause. He has been the only bright spot in a dismal batting performance. He brought up it in style with a boundary. This is his ninth fifty against Pakistan. He hit three fours in that over from Junaid that also proved to be India’s last.

It’s all over for the home team. They have been beaten comprehensively by Pakistan in this match. So many questions will be asked over their performances and I doubt whether they can come up with a valid reason. However, no credit should be taken away from the Pakistani team as their bowlers kept a tight line and length and kept building the pressure that eventually culminated into wickets.
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INDIA: Overs: 46 II Score: 149/9 (Dhoni: 40*, Sharma: 2*)

Something to cheer for the Indian supporters! Dhoni launches Junaid wide of long on for a biggie. Dhoni is refusing to take singles. He knows better! Can India manage to see off their 50 overs?
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INDIA: Overs: 43 II Score: 139/9 (Dhoni: 33*, Sharma: 0*)

Dropped!!! Dhoni hits it powerfully to long on where Shoaib Malik fails to complete a difficult catch off Irfan. Off the last ball, Younis catches Sharma but the umpires go for a TV review. And Sharma is not out as it bounced close to his bat before being caught by Khan. The inevitable has been delayed. But for how long?
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INDIA: Overs: 39.6 II Score: 132/9 (Dhoni: 26*, Sharma: 0*)

OUT! Third wicket for Ajmal in the over!!!! The last wickets are falling like pack of cards!!! Dinda has been trapped plumb in front for a duck. Dhoni cuts a sorry figure at the other end as he has to watch this abysmal show from his batsmen.
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INDIA: Overs: 39.4 II Score: 131/8 (Dhoni: 26*, Dinda: 0*)

Another one bites the dust! This time it is B. Kumar who has to depart without troubling the scoreboard. He was trapped in front by Ajmal. India have all but lost this contest!
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INDIA: Overs: 39.2 II Score: 131/7 (Dhoni: 26*, B Kumar: 0*)

OUT! Ravindra Jadeja loosk to lost Ajmal over mid on but is caught by Jaunaid Khan. He scored 13 (23b). Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the new man in the middle.
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INDIA: Overs: 35 II Score: 112/6 (Dhoni: 15*, Jadeja: 5*)

Misbah brings back his pace bowler Mohammad Irfan and his intentions are quite clear – he wants to finish this ASAP. The Indians are scoring at an excruciatingly low rate (3.17) as per the requirement. No boundaries for them in the past 10 overs. They still need 142 runs to win. The visitors are increasingly looking to seal the match and the series in their favour now. This is the last recognised Indian batting pair. 15 overs to go. Just four runs of the 35th over. India have taken the batting powerplay.
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INDIA: Overs: 31 II Score: 103/6 (Dhoni: 11*, Jadeja: 0*)

OUT! Shoaib Malik introduced into the attack and immediately makes an impact! R Ashwin steps out as Malik floats one in the air. The ball sneaks past him and he is way, way out of his crease. Akmal completes the formality and India are six wickets down. In walks Ravindra Jadeja. It’s a wicket-maiden.
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INDIA: Overs: 30 II Score: 101/6 (Dhoni: 10*, Ashwin: 2*)

The Indian total has at last crossed the 100-run mark. Spin in operation from both ends for Pakistan. They are doing a good job of keeping the batsmen quiet and also going through them quickly. The match is currently slanted in the favour of the Pakistan while India need a partnership. Their top order again has failed to fire today as was the case in the previous match. The only difference is that it was not as shocking.
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INDIA: Overs: 25.6 II Score: 95/6 (Dhoni: 6*, Ashwin: 0*)

OUT! That’s a big blow to India’s hopes as Raina is stumped off Hafeez. Raina scored 18 (42b, 4X1). Hafeez floats one in the air, outside off and Raina comes forward. He misses and his left foot is in the air as Akmal smartly takes off the bail. Half of the Indian side is back in the pavilion. In comes R Ashwin ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.
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INDIA: Overs: 24 II Score: 89/4 (Raina: 15*, Dhoni: 3*)

FINALLY A BOUNDARY! It took India 75 deliveries to score their first boundary since the last came off the bat of Virat Kohli in the 11th over. Hafeez bowled one on to the pads of Raina and he glanced it to fine leg for a boundary. They need more of these to pick up the run rate which is now just 3.70. The required run rate is 6.23.
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INDIA: Overs: 22 II Score: 82/4 (Raina: 9*, Dhoni: 2*)

Runs aren’t coming easily for the home side. The bowlers have kept them hunting for every single run. However, add this stage Pakistan were 128/0. It’s another thing that they couldn’t capitalise on this perfect start. Can Dhoni and Raina guide their team out of troubled waters? India need another 169 runs from 29 overs.
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INDIA: Overs: 18.5 II Score: 70/4 (Raina: 4*, Dhoni: 0*)

OUT! Clever bowling from Umar Gul as he bangs one short that Yuvraj is unable to connect. It takes an edge and Kamran Akmal gleefully accepts a sitter. Gul strikes again! India in trouble. In walks Indian skipper MS Dhoni. A lot riding on this partnership to get India out of this testing stage.

So, all four wickets have been taken by the pacers and Saeed Ajmal is yet to bowl his first over.....
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INDIA: Overs: 17 II Score: 64/3 (Yuvraj: 5*, Raina: 2*)

Spin in Mohammad Hafeez and pace in Umar Gul currently in operation from Pakistan. Raina could well have been on his way out of the park had that throw from Gul had hit the stumps. It was the third delivery of the over and Raina played it to short midwicket and set off for a quick single. Gul picked it with one hand and fired in a throw that missed the stumps as Raina made a full stretched dive to make his ground.
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INDIA: Overs: 14.4 II Score: 59/3 (Raina: 0*, Yuvraj: 0*)

OUT! Umar Gul strikes for Pakistan and it’s Virender Sehwag who has to take a long walk back to the pavilion after being trapped in front. He scored 31 (43b, 4X3). India in a spot of bother.

That one nipped back after being pitched on the middle and Sehwag stayed rooted to the crease and was hit in front. Umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger as the Pakistani players pleaded. Gul is all pumped up and why not? It’s Sehwag whom he has shown the door. In comes Suresh Raina.
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INDIA: Overs: 11.6 II Score: 55/2 (Sehwag: 29*, Yuvraj: 0*)

OUT! Junaid takes his second wicket in Virat Kohli. A terrific full stretch dive from Karman Akmal to dismiss Kohli as he poked at a wide delivery going towards leg. A poor delivery gets Junaid the prized wicket of Kohli. He scored 6 (9b, 4X1). In comes Yuvraj Singh.
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INDIA: Overs: 10.1 II Score: 47/1 (Sehwag: 28*, Kohli: 0*)

Oh dear! Had Hafeez found the timbers, Kohli would be on his way back to the dressing room. Sehwag played one to point and called for a quick single. In came Hafeez and fired in a thriw from point towards the strikers’ end. It was quite wide and went to the boundary. Second overthrow from Hafeez.
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INDIA: Overs: 9.5 II Score: 42/1 (Sehwag: 23*, Kohli: 0*,)

OUT! Junaid finally gets a wicket in Gautam Gambhir. He bowls it full and outside off, Gambhir stays rooted to his crease and offers bat. The ball takes an inside edge and crashes on the stumps. He scored 11 (25b, 4X1). In comes Virat Kohli.
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INDIA: Overs: 8 II Score: 38/0 (Gambhir: 9*, Sehwag: 21*)

Junaid Khan is giving Sehwag a hard time. He is not giving him the room and any width. Sehwag doesn’t likes to be kept quiet for a long time. However, he knows the importance of surviving this spell from Junaid. At this stage Pakistan were 48/0.
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INDIA: Overs: 6 II Score: 31/0 (Gambhir: 7*, Sehwag: 18*)

Sehwag adds third boundary to his total through cover region -- a result of perfect timing and placement.
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INDIA: Overs: 5 II Score: 27/0 (Gambhir: 7*, Sehwag: 14)

Ah! There’s the Sehwag we were all craving for! A slight width outside off and Sehwag cuts it beyond point region for a boundary. Vintage stuff from the opener! The next ball adds another five runs to the total as Sehwag takes a single after placing one towards point region. Hafeez picks it up and throws it that goes wide and ends after crossing the midwicket boundary.
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INDIA: Overs: 4 II Score: 17/0 (Gambhir: 6*, Sehwag: 5)

First boundary for Gambhir. Junaid give Gambhir the width and the lefty goes on backfoot and cuts it through point for a boundary.
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INDIA: Overs: 3 II Score: 12/0 (Gambhir: 1*, Sehwag: 5)

First boundary off the wood for India. A back of a length delivery from Irfan and Sehwag plays it through covers for a four. Picked the gap perfectly! The next ball is fielded brilliantly by Azhar Ali at cover as Sehwag goes for a full blooded drive. Just a boundary from the over.
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INDIA: Over: 1 II Score: 6/0 (Gambhir: 1, Sehwag: 1)

Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag charge towards the strip as Mohammad Irfan warms up to open the bowling for Pakistan as they look to defend their total of 250 runs. Six runs from the first over for India including a boundary coming off a leg bye. Gambhir is from Delhi but his IPL team is based in Kolkata. So that makes Eden Gardens his home.
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PAKISTAN INNINGS (250/10)

PAKISTAN: Overs: 48.3 II Score: 250/10 (Jamshed: 106, Sharma: 3/34)

Mohammad Irfan has been cleaned up by Ishant Sharma as Pakistan are all out for 250. A straight delivery from Ishant and it beats him to knock out the middle stump! He goes for a duck. A brilliant comeback from India as they restrict Pakistan to 250.

Pakistan will be disappointed with this effort as apart from the opening pair of Jamshed and Hafeez none of their batsmen has made a significant contribution. Younis Khan must be disappointed as he was wrongly given out lbw after the ball had taken a big inside edge to hit him on the pad. However, the rest were out while playing rash strokes as Indian bowlers continued building pressure lead by Ishant Sharma. Ravindra Jadeja broke the century stand with the wicket of Hafeez. However, amidst the regular flow of wickets, Jamshed continued with his superb form and slammed yet another century against India. He scored 106 before being stumped off Jadeja. India need 251 to win this second ODI and level the three-match series 1-1.

It has been a terific turnaround as Pakistan at one stage were looking all set to cross 300-run mark but from 141/0 they ended up with 250/10 - losing 10 wickets for 109 runs!!!
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 48.1 II Score: 250/9 (Irfan: 0*, J. Khan: 0*)

OUT! Bowled him! An angled delivery from Ishant and Gul looks to hit it over midwicket. He misses it completely as the ball kisses the stumps. He scored 17 (17b, 4X1, 6X1).
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 47.5 II Score: 249/8 (Gul: 16*, Khan: 0*)

OUT! B. Kumar finally gets a wicket as he drops one short and Ajmal mistimes a pull that balloons into the air and Sehwag accepts an easy catch at midwicket. He scored 6 (7b, 4X1).
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 45.1 II Score: 236/7 (Gul: 8*, Ajmal: 0*)

OUT! Finally Ishant Sharma rewarded for his superb effort with the wicket of Shoaib Malik. A subdued celebrations from the lanky pacer. Knows it well more than anyone else how hard he has worked for this. Sharma rolls his fingers and sends a slower one first up as Malik gets deceived into playing an aerial drive that is easily caught by Yuvraj at extra cover. He scored 24 (30b, 4X2).
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 45 II Score: 231/6 (Malik: 21*, Gul: 8*)

A good over from Ashoke Dinda as he keeps Malik guessing with his slower ones. Just three runs off it. There was a run out chance in the over as Malik played one to backward point and set off for a non-existent run. Gul had almost given up but Jadeja’s throw couldn’t find the timbers.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 44 II Score: 228/6 (Malik: 19*, Gul: 7*)

Umar Gul bends on one knee and launches one from Ravindra Jadeja over midwicket region for a maximum! This over also ends Jadeja’s spell. His figures: 10-1-41-3. In the previous over, Dhoni brought in Yuvraj but he was given a cold welcome as Malik pulled a short one from him to midwicket for a boundary off the first ball. His last of the over gave the same result except it was to third man region.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 41.3 II Score: 210/6 (Malik: 8*, Gul: 0*)

OUT! And Kamran Akmal’s stay lasts for just two deliveries! He has been caught at slip by Sehwag off Jadeja. It was a tossed up delivery from Jadeja and Akmal came forward for the drive. The ball took an outside edge and flew into the hands of Sehwag. He goes for a duck. Half of Pakistan team is back in the hut.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 41.1 II Score: 210/5 (Malik: 8*, K Akmal: 0*)

OUT! And Nasir Jamshed has been dismissed after a fine innings by Ravindra Jadeja! Nasir Jamshed skips out and misses one from Jadeja. Dhoni misses the chance as he cannot collect it cleanly. However, it lobs off his gloves and on the second attempt, he manages to disturb the bails. The umpire calls for a replay and Jamshed is adjudged out. He scored 106 (124b, 4X12, 6X2).
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 40 II Score: 205/4 (Jamshed: 103*, Malik: 6*)

A brilliant punch towards mid off for a boundary by Nasir Jamshed to bring up his third century in the ODIs – all of them against India. The first one came in the Aisa Cup last year while the next two have come in the current series. He punches the air in delight and the dressing room is on its feet to congratulate him for the brilliant effort. This over also ended Ashwin's quota of 10. His figure for the match: 10-0-49-1
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 39 II Score: 197/4 (Jamshed: 99*, Malik: 4*)

Whattay shot from Jamshed! He was looking impatient and what a way to break the shackles! Aback of a length delivery from Dinda and Jamshed hits it straight over his head for a biggie!
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 38 II Score: 187/4 (Jamshed: 90*, Malik: 3*)

Appeal for a run out and Billy Bowden asks for the TV replay. A direct hit from Virat Kohli from mid off. Replays show that Jamshed had made his ground and with that he moves into the 90s. Just three runs from Ashwin’s over. Pakistan were 141/0 at one stage and have lost four wickets since then while scoring just 41.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 35.6 II Score: 182/4 (Jamshed: 88*, Malik: 0*)

R Ashwin traps Misbah in front and India get their fourth wicket in the Pakistani skipper. He scored just 2 (5b). Shoaib Malik is the new man in. Offspinner from Ashwin as Misbah attempts to work it to fine leg but misses it as it hits him on the pad. That would have gone on to hit the stumps. Nothing wrong with the decision now. India have tightened their grip as the match has progressed.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 34.3 II Score: 177/3 (Jamshed: 86*, Haq: 1*)

OUT! Unlucky for Younis Khan as he is wrongly adjudged lbw off Suresh Raina as India get another wicket! Younis attempts a sweep and gets a big inside edge that hits him on the pads. The Indians appeal loudle and umpire agrees raising his finger. He scored 10 (20b,). In comes Misbah-ul-Haq.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 33 II Score: 171/2 (Jamshed: 81*, Khan: 8*)

Even though Ishant Sharma hasn’t picked a wicket in this match so far for India, he has clearly been the top bowler for them. He hasn’t given them the width and has kept it tight right from the word go. Hopefully, he starts picking up the wickets as well that’ll definitely raise his confidence level. Meanwhile, signs of desperation from the Pakistani batsman as Jamshed charges forward to hit one from Sharma but misses it completely. B Kumar back into the attack.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 29 II Score: 158/2 (Jamshed: 76*, Khan: 1*)


Raina misfields one as Jamshed adds another boundary to his total. It was a powerful hit that even Raina couldn’t stop that. Meanwhile, there was a chance of a run out in the previous over as Jamshed played one back to Jadeja. Younis Khan was out of his crease and Jadeja displayed presence of mind to collect it and hit the stumps. Umpire called for TV replay but Khan was safely home.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 26.3 II Score: 151/2 (Jamshed: 70*, Khan: 0*)

Dinda drops it short and Jamshed goes after it like a hungry leopard depositing it over deep square leg fence for the first six of the day. A brilliant shot!
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 25.6 II Score: 145/2 (Jamshed: 64*, Khan: 0*)

An appeal from Jadeja for an lbw but the umpire is not interested as Azhar Ali attempts a sweep. He immediately sets off for a single but Jamshed sends him back. Meanwhile, Dhoni picks it up and throws it towards the stumps where Sehwag smartly takes off the bails befor Azhar could make his ground. Ali is disappointed. He scored 2 (10b). In walks Younis Khan.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 25 II Score: 141/1 (Jamshed: 63*, Ali: 1*)

And Dhoni brings back Ashoke Dinda. A good over from the pacer as he gives away just two runs. The run rate has dropped below six.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 23.5 II Score: 141/1 (Jamshed: 62*, Ali: 0*)

OUT! And Ravindra Jadeja makes the first breakthrough. He has cleaned up Mohammad Hafeez who went for a sweep but missed it completely as his bails were disturbed to the delight of Indian supporters in the stadium. He scored 76 (74b, 4X10). In walks Azhar Ali.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 23 II Score: 140/0 (Jamshed: 61*, Hafeez: 76*)

Another good over for Pakistan as they collect twelve runs off it. Two boundaries off it – one each from Hafeez and Jamshed. A good opening stand this for Paksitan.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 20 II Score: 117/0 (Jamshed: 54*, Hafeez: 60*)

Pakistan are off to a solid start in this second ODI against India. Both the openers have scored a fifty each and are looking strong in the middle. Jamshed completed his fifty with a boundary off Ashwin in style.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 16 II Score: 98/0 (Jamshed: 45*, Hafeez: 50*)

A single off Raina brings up Hafeez’s 15th ODI half-century. Meanwhile, Nasir Jamshed has scored two boundaries off the over. The first one came off the first ball through extra cover while the second came off a short ball that was handsomely pulled towards midwicket. The current run rate is 6.12.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 15 II Score: 88/0 (Jamshed: 36*, Hafeez: 49*)

A good effort from Virat Kohli as Nasir Jamshed played one from Ashwin in the air to backward point. Kohli went after it with a full length dive but failed to gobble it. In the previous over, B Kumar was brought back into the attack and was creamed for 11 runs including two boundaries each by Hafeez and Jamshed towards midwicket (pull) and past the slip region (deliberate) respectively.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 12 II Score: 70/0 (Jamshed: 29*, Hafeez: 38*)

Jamshed adds two boundaries to his total from the overs of Ashwin and Sharma. The four off Ashwin cams through an outside edge to third man while one off Sharma was actually an invitation to be hit for four as the bowler strayed from the line to the legs. Jamshed played it to deep backward region as the cherry raced towards the fence.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 10 II Score: 59/0 (Jamshed: 19*, Hafeez: 37*)

Just one run from Ishant’s third over. He is bowling well today. So after 10 overs, Pakistan are 59/0. The Indian quicks managed to induce edges but the luck was on the batsmen’s side as they went through gaps and for a boundary. With every passing over, the duo of Hafeez and Jamshed have grown more accustomed to the conditions and are easily scoring runs. The powerplay has ended and time for the introduction of spin. R Ashwin into the attack and is bowling with a slip.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 9 II Score: 58/0 (Jamshed: 18*, Hafeez: 37*)

The score has gone past 50-run mark. Hafeez drove Dinda through on side for a boundary that took the score past 50. The penultimate delivery is superbly timed and pushed through covers for another boundary. The run flow is increasing by the over. 10 runs from it.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 7 II Score: 41/0 (Jamshed: 18*, Hafeez: 20*)

Two consecutive boundaries scored by Jamshed off the first two deliveries from Kumar. The first one came via an edge to third man region while the second through a glance to fine leg boundary. The southpaw is getting into his groove. The next three from the bowler are dots while the last one produces a couple. 10 runs from the over.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 6 II Score: 31/0 (Jamshed: 8*, Hafeez: 20*)

So Ishant Sharma introduced into the attack. A positive start by the lanky pacer who keeps Hafeez guessing. He nips one in as Hafeez mistimes and then extracts extra bounce then beats him with movement. However, Hafeez leans forward and delightfully drives his last for a couple through cover region. Just two runs from the over.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 4 II Score: 24/0 (Jamshed: 8*, Hafeez: 13*)

Dinda bowls one on Jamshed’s pads and he smartly flicks it over Ashwin’s head at square leg for his first boundary. Seven runs including a boundary and three singles from the over.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 3 II Score: 17/0 (Jamshed: 3*, Hafeez: 12*)

Again Kumar induces an outside edge and as was before goes wide of Ashwin for a boundary to third man region. Hafeez came forward and looked to play it towards point region. It took a thick outside edge and went for four. Eight runs from the over.
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PAKISTAN: Overs: 1 II Score: 5/0 (Jamshed: 1*, Hafeez: 4*)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has begun the proceedings for India as Nasir Jamshed and Mohammed Hafeez take guard for Pakistan. Last time Kumar opened the bowling, he had bowled Hafeez off the first delivery. He managed to induce an edge off him but it went wide of second slip, where R Ashwin was stationed, for a boundary. Five runs from the first over for Pakistan. Ashoke Dinda will join Kumar from the other end.
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Toss: India win the toss and elect to bowl first.
Ravindra Jadeja comes in for Rohit Sharma in the Indian XI. Pakistan, however, go with the same team.

Latest Update: Despite unlikely overnight rains, match is all set to start on time. Earlier, it was thought that match would be delayed but since there has been no rain since morning, it is expected that match would start at scheduled 12 noon. The conditions, though, remain overcast.

10 a.m. update: The start of the match may be delayed due to a bad weather condition in Kolkata. The scheduled start is 12 noon (IST).

Wrecked by Pakistani seamers in their opening ODI match, India`s under-fire cricketers will have to pull themselves up against the arch rivals when they clash in a must-win second cricket one-dayer with the form of their top-order batsmen a concern.

Teams (from):

India: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Dinda

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq(c), Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal(w), Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan

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PCB might not release Pak players for BPL

Karachi: Furious after Bangladesh refused to tour Pakistan citing security fears, the PCB has hinted that it will not release its players for the Twenty20 Premier League there.

In a statement issued last night, the Pakistan Cricket Board indicated that Bangladesh`s refusal to send its team to Pakistan has affected relations between the two Boards.

"Now for the 2013 edition of BPL, we have to see the commitments and engagements of our players before releasing them for the tournament. To associate the release the Pakistani players with Bangladesh tour to Pakistan does not hold any merit," the statement said.

PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf earlier reacted strongly to the announcement by BCB President Nazmul Hassan that Bangladesh would not tour Pakistan.

"If they don`t want to come it’s their own decision and we didn`t force them. Now their own reputation is at stake. If they don`t want to respect their bilateral relationship then we will also respond in a same manner," he said.

On the Bangladesh Premier League, Zaka said, "We will take a principled stance on BPL. But one thing is sure our players might not be free as we are making our own arrangements from next year."

In the space of nine months, the Bangladesh board has twice left the PCB fuming after announcing it would be sending its team to Pakistan.


In April, it backed off citing an order from the Dhaka High Court which restrained Bangladesh players from going to Pakistan because of security concerns. And on Monday, the BCB President cited the same reason and said the tour could not take immediately.

The PCB said the statement about security concerns by the BCB chief was "inappropriate".

"The decision to tour Pakistan is the sole prerogative of BCB, however, it is inappropriate to call security situation in Pakistan as the main reason behind this decision.

"The recent cricket activity in Pakistan itself reflects that the atmosphere in Pakistan is congenial for any international team visit to the country," the statement said.

"Moreover, a team of BCB and Bangladesh government jointly visited Pakistan to ascertain the security situation and they left fully satisfied on the subject.

"Now it would only be proper for the new president of BCB to read the report submitted by that team or visit Pakistan before making any such comments on the Pakistan`s current situation," it added.

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Chris Gayle blasts Brad Haddin on Twitter

Sydney: West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has blasted Brad Haddin on Twitter, saying he could bat better than the Australian wicketkeeper even with his non-preferred right hand.

With the dust yet to settle on their heated exchanges during the Sydney Sixers` convincing triumph over the Sydney Thunder in a Big Bash League clash at ANZ Stadium on Thursday, Gayle has told Haddin to stop worrying about his big pay cheque.

It comes after Haddin exaggeratedly blasted the explosive Jamaican for being all talk while failing to deliver on his hype and pay cheque at the Thunder, as per media reports.

In a loud-mouthed rant, Gayle this morning retorted, tweeting: “Haddin dig at him self to get back a test game! ScarFaceLine...“The World is Mine" I`m the world champion/ World Boss!”

“Also tell him stop watch my money and watch himself!! Not my fault he ain`t good as I am even if I bat right hand!!!”

The bad blood was sparked when Haddin was dismissed off Gayle`s bowling midway through the Sixers` comfortable run chase. Already angered by the amount of time Gayle was taking in between deliveries, Haddin ultimately holed out to Simon Keen on 18 runs.

Gayle leaned back in the middle of the ground, beat his chest and then broke into his trademark Gangnam Style dance. Haddin shook his head as he walked off then turned to Gayle to hand out his bat, implying he had done nothing with the willow earlier.

Haddin later said that Gayle has been all about talks so far this tournament and his team, Thunder haven`t won a game so far. Gayle has scored just 70 runs in five matches at an average of 14 as the Thunder head towards the Big Bash elimination.

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Former England captain Tony Greig passes away

Sydney: Former England cricket captain and noted commentator Tony Greig has passed away on Saturday. The 66-year former cricket was suffering from lung cancer but he died of a heart attack at his home in Sydney on Saturday morning.

"He was rushed into St. Vincent's hospital. The staff of the emergency department worked on Mr Greig to no avail," St Vincent's spokesman David Faktor told Sydney Morning Herald.

Born in Queenstown, South Africa, Greig qualified to play
for England due to his Scottish parentage. His father was a Scot.

Greig played 58 Tests for England and scored 3599 runs at an average of 40.43 with 148 being his best. He hit 8 centuries and 20 fifties during his international career.

He was also a capable bowler who had 141 Test wickets and 48 ODI wickets to his name.

The 6 feet 6 inches tall man was a charismatic cricketer who led England successfully in the mid-1970. Greig’s international career ended when he joined hand with Kerry Packer and even became a secret agent of Packer’s World Series Cricket.

After he was sacked as England captain he changed his base and started living in Australia.

Channel Nine, with which Greig had a long-term relation as a commentator, said in a statement: "Tony Greig is a name synonymous with Australian cricket - from his playing days as the English captain we loved to hate, to his senior role in the revolution of World Series Cricket, his infamous car keys in the pitch reports and more than three decades of colourful and expert commentary."

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India clinch a thriller to level T20 series 1-1

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India posted a competitive 192 riding on Yuvraj`s 36-ball-knock that included seven huge sixes, and then restricted the rivals to 181 for seven with the bowlers finding their mojo just in the nick of time.

Paceman Ashok Dinda scalped three for 36 including the important wicket of rival captain Mohammed Hafeez (55) in the penultimate over to turn the tide in India`s favour at the jam-packed Sardar Patel Stadium.

At one stage, Pakistan seemed to be well and truly on course to overhaul India`s challenging target but Dinda and Ishant Sharma kept their cool during the death overs to seal the issue in hosts` favour.

Needing 20 runs off the final over bowled by Ishant, Umar Gul and Shoaib Malik could manage only eight runs much to the delight of the home crowd and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni whose leadership has been under the scanner for some time now.

Apart from Hafeez, who scored his runs off only 26 balls with six fours and three sixes, openers Nasir Jamshed (41) and Ahmed Shehzad (31) were the other notable contributors for the visitors.

Pakistan captain Hafeez came in at the fall of Shehzad`s wicket and took the Indian attack to the cleaners hitting five fours and three sixes. The two shots that stood out was a scoop off Bhuvneshwar Kumar`s bowling once he saw that the fine leg was up. The second was a six over extra cover off Ishant`s bowling.

He also hit a couple of boundaries off Ashok Dinda and the equation suddenly changed. When Umar Akmal was cleaned by Dinda, the pair had added 62 runs in 5.3 overs.


The Pakistan captain completed his back-to-back half century with a smash past the bowler. Hafeez completed the landmark in 23 deliveries with five fours and three sixes.

Shahid Afridi hit a four and six in his customary style before he was caught by Rohit off Bhuvneshwar's bowling. The UP lad learnt a tough lesson as he finished with poor figures of one for 46 in four overs.

As the match looked like slipping away from India's grasp, Dinda dismissed Hafeez and Kamran Akmal with slower deliveries to set up an exciting final over after which Ishant wrapped up the proceedings.

Pakistan started their chase in right earnest as openers Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad added 74 runs for the opening stand.

It was the introduction of Ashwin that slowed down the proceedings. Skipper Dhoni dropped Jamshed on 40 off Ashwin but the opener couldn't capitalise on the miss as he tried to hit the offie over point but was holed out to Virat Kohli for 41. Jamshed hit four fours and a six.

Yuvraj, who could do no wrong today, was greeted with straight six by Umar but he got Shehzad stumped as the batsman was trying to give him the charge. Shehzad scored 31 off 29 balls with three boundaries and a six.

Earlier, a flamboyant Yuvraj muscled his way to a scintillating 72 as India scored a massive 192 for five after being put into bat.

Yuvraj's career-best T20 knock could not have come at a more opportune time as it lifted India to a defendable total after being pegged back by three quick strikes.

Ever since Yuvraj arrived on the wicket, Pakistani bowlers bled runs as the left-hander plundered seven huge sixes and four boundaries in his 36-ball blitzkrieg to entertain a jam-packed house.

With skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (33) he added 97-runs for the fourth wicket as India put on board its highest total against Pakistan in T20 Internationals.

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal bore the brunt of Yuvraj's fury as the Indian creamed four sixes off him with three coming in a row in the 19th over, which yielded India 22 runs.

Yuvraj was out in the last over off paceman Umar Gul, who was the most succesful bowler for Pakistan with four wickets at the expense of just 37 runs.

Earlier, India openers provided a fiery start, adding 44 runs inside five overs, but neither Gautam Gambhir (21) nor Ajinkya Rahane (28) could build on that.

The two openers were in good touch, driving and cutting elegantly. Rahane found boundries on the off-side despite facing a packed off-side field and also flicked confidently.

Gambhir was in much better form than Bangalore and his drives off Sohail Tanvir was a treat to watch but Gul removed both of them in space of two overs.

Gambhir departed after hitting Gul for three consecutive boundaries as he was foxed by a slower one. Gul returned and effected Rahane's dismissal with a catch in his follow through when the diminutive batsman miscued a pull shot.

Young fast bowler Mohammed Irfan was again impressive as he welcomed Yuvraj with a toe-crushing yorker.

The two quick wickets pegged India back, free-flowing runs stopped and pressure was on Yuvraj and Virat Kohli to wriggle the side out of the tight situation.

Kohli (27) too departed after getting his eye in when a confusion between him and Yuvraj resulted in his run out.

Dhoni arrived and meant business straight away, dispatching one from Shahid Afridi with a lofted drive to the fence. Yuvraj too started the fireworks, hitting a massive six off Afridi over mid-wicket to bring up India's 100 as India reeled off 17 runs in the 13th over.

Ajmal too got the same treatment by Yuvraj as one of his deliveries vanished in the crowd. Dhoni and Yuvraj continued in the same vein till the end and ensured the India have enough runs on the board to defend.

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India vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I: Preview

Ahmedabad: India will have to quickly plug their batting shortcomings and pick the right team composition when they go into the second and last Twenty20 cricket international against arch rivals Pakistan on friday, hoping to level the two match series 1-1.

India suffered a five-wicket drubbing in the series opener in Bangalore after a middle-order collapse, which saw the hosts struggle to 130 for nine after being 90 for two at one stage.

The hosts desperately need to win the second game to level the series and the pressure will be on captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men to deliver the goods when it matters the most.

Apart from Gautam Gambhir (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (42), all the other batsmen failed to apply themselves when confronted against a strong bowling attack spearheaded by the experienced Umar Gul.

In fact, all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were the only ones other than the openers to have reached the double figures.

India would need the likes of Virat Kohli, Dhoni, Yuvraj and Rohit Sharma to regroup and fire in unison against the traditional rivals who are also equally determined to clinch the T20 series.


The bowling also remains a persistent headache for the Indians.

Except for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished with impressive figures of three for nine in his debut game, none of the other bowlers could trouble the Pakistani batsmen.

Ashok Dinda, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja all struggled to get wickets or even check the flow of runs.

The decision to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin in the last match was seen as a move that worked in Pakistan's favour and Dhoni might be tempted to play him in the must-win tie.

The Indians had opted to go in with three specialist seamers in the last match and it will be interesting to see whether they go in with the same strategy or include a spinner.


Dhoni's decision to go in with Jadeja ahead of Ashwin also drew criticism.

"Ashwin was not there in this team. So our plan was that if we play out the new ball, then their spinners are not world class; I know Yuvraj is in great form, but when you don't have a world class spinner then we can dominate," Pakistan skipper Mohammed Hafeez had said.

Besides, innumerable chances given to Sharma has also been the talking point and the Indian think-tank may have a lot of work to do before they settle for the playing XI for tomorrow's match.

It will be interesting to see if a chance is given to Ambati Rayudu, considering his past performances in this format of the game.

Pakistan, on the other hand, lived up to their reputation of a strong bowling unit with three specialist pacers Gul, Sohail Tanvir and lanky debutant Mohammad Irfan wrecking havoc on a pace-friendly Chinnaswamy track.

They would look to carry on the momentum tomorrow also though the Sardar Patel track may not give them much assistance.

The visitors' batting, however, has been a cause of concern for them with openers Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad struggling to provide a platform during their run chase at Bangalore.

Even the reliable Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal and Shahid Afridi failed to get big scores.

Hafeez and Shoaib Malik were the saving grace and Pakistan would hope that they continue with their exploits along with the others striking form.

Captain Dhoni had blamed the failure of the middle-order batsmen to capitalise on the good start as the reason for his team's defeat in the first match.

"The batsmen got out trying to play big shots. We could have easily scored 200 if we had applied ourselves," Dhoni had said.

It remains to be seen whether the batsmen put up a better display now and not go for wreckless shots in a bid to accelerate the pace of scoring.

Dhoni himself will be under intense pressure with his captaincy coming under the scanner in the aftermath of the recent Test debacle against England

He has always been regarded as a better captain in the shorter formats of the game, but the recent defeats in T20 matches has certainly dented his reputation.

The defeats have come at home, where the team is playing in familiar conditions, and Dhoni has a tough task in lifting the morale of the team.

Teams (from):

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt), Gautam Gambhir,

Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina,

Yuvraj Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Ravichandran Ashwin,

Ravindra Jadeja, Piyush Chawla, Ashoke Dinda,

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Parvinder Awana.

Pakistan: Mohammed Hafeez (Capt), Nasir Jamshaid,

Kamran Akmal, Umer Akmal, Umer Amin, Shoaib Malik,

Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammed Irfan, Junaid Khan,

Sohail Tanveer, Umer Gul, Asad Ali, Zulfiqar Baber, Ahmad

Shahzad.

On-field umpires: Sudhir Asnani and Vineet Kulkarni

3rd umpire: C Shamshuddin

Match Referee: Roshan Mahanama

Match starts at 5 pm (IST).

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Teary-eyed Sachin Tendulkar thanks his fans for support

Mumbai: Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar has said that he is indebted for all the support received during his fairytale One Day International career that came to an end after he announced his retirement on Sunday.

“Words are not enough to express my thanks to each of you for all the love & support I have received over the years.....” Sachin Tendulkar tweeted on Tuesday morning.

The “Little Master” said the overwhelming response to his decision to end his limited over career has made him emotional bringing “a tear to his eye.”

“...& especially now in the last couple of days. Your expressions have brought joy to my heart...& at times a tear to my eye!...” he posted on the micro blogging site.

Tendulkar signed off saying he will remember the “magical moments” of his epic ODI journey for the rest of his life.

“Those magical moments of our ODI journey will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you so much :-)” he said.

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Muralitharan says Lyon not ‘good enough’ to hassle Lankan batsmen

Sydney: Legendary spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has said Australia’s Nathan Lyon doesn’t possess enough skills to hassle Sri Lankan batsmen, and added that had Mahela Jayawardene’s men attacked the off spinner during the Hobart Test the outcome of the match could have been different.

Murali believes Rangana Herath can win Sri Lanka the second Test match in Melbourne considering the fact that Australian batsmen have never been comfortable against slow left arm spinners.



Murali is also confident the tourists will break their duck on Australian soil after nine losses and two draws in 11 matches, News.com.au reports. The spin great said if Sri Lanka bats first and scores big, then Herath could help them win if the wicket starts turning.

Orthodox spinner Herath took 5-95 in the second innings as the Bellerive wicket broke up in Hobart after going wicket less in the first dig.

On the other hand, Muralitharan said Lyon`s finger spin held no such fear for the Lankans. Muralitharan also said Australia would struggle to bowl out Sri Lanka twice in Melbourne, a city where the tourists have always enjoyed great crowd support from a large ex-pat community.

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Sachin Tendulkar: Man who became god

New Delhi: It did not take much for the cricket pundits to spot a genius in Sachin Tendulkar after he made his international debut in a Test match in Karachi Nov 15, 1989. He was 16 then. More than two decades later, he has gone on to become one of the greatest batsman the world will ever see.

Twenty-three years, one month, and eight days from his debut, the five-feet-five-inch cricketing genius has called time on a glittering one-day career. With 18,426 runs from 463 matches at an average of 44.83, Tendulkar has most batting records under his belt in the 50-over format as also in Tests.

He holds the record for the maximum number of appearances and is the highest run-getter and century-maker in both versions. He has turned out in six World Cups at a stretch, playing a key role in winning the title in 2011 and finishing runners-up in 2003.

The `Little Master`, as he is often called, is the only man to hit 100 centuries - 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs - and also the first man to score a double-century in the 50-over format.

However, it was not all smooth sailing for the champion batsman in his initial ODIs. It took him all of five years and 78 matches to score his maiden hundred.

But experts never lost faith in him. Another Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar commented that once he gets his first one, there will be no stopping him. Finally the big day came Sep 9, 1994, when Tendulkar struck a blazing 110 against Australia in Colombo.

The jinx broken, Tendulkar celebrated with two more three-figure knocks in the next two months. From then on, there was no looking back.

The memories of Tendulkar tearing into one of the greatest spinners of all-time, Shane Warne, at Sharjah, will forever be etched in the minds of cricket fans. In that tournament, he hit two back-to-back centuries (143; 134) against Australia -- the first helped India qualify for the final based on a better Net Run Rate and the second, in the finals -- which was played on Tendulkar`s 25th birthday, helped India beat Australia to win the title.

After the tournament, Warne claimed that he had "nightmares" at the thought of bowling to Tendulkar after being dominated by him.

An abiding image of Tendulkar would be the hundred he scored in the 1999 World Cup match at Bristol. Ramesh Tendulkar, a novelist and professor, who had deeply inculcated in his son the virtues of modesty and humility, died when India were in the midst of the Cup campaign.

Tendulkar flew home to attend his father`s last rites, and returned to the tournament, beating the Kenyan bowlers to pulp scoring 140 off 101 balls, and dedicated his innings to his father. On completing the hundred, Tendulkar looked at the sky, praying for his father, and has done likewise after reaching every milestone of his glittering career since then.

With the left-handed Sourav Ganguly, Tendulkar formed the greatest opening partnership in limited overs cricket, and the pair holds the world record for the most number of runs - 6609 in 136 matches that includes 21 century and 23 half-century stands. In 40 other matches, batting together but not as openers, the duo partnered another 1668 runs, taking their total aggregate partnership to 8277.

"These were the moments of my career I always cherish. My batting with Sachin in one-day internationals at the top was a huge learning experience," Ganguly once said.

But the greatest adulation for the Mumbaikar came from the legendary Don Bradman - considered the greatest batsman of all times. Sir Don once asked his wife to take a look at the Indian as he felt Tendulkar played like him.

It was Tendulkar`s technique, compactness, and shot production that endeared him most to the Aussie, according to Roland Perry, who authored the book `Don`s Best`.

But in a revelation that even the `god of cricket` has his human frailties, it took Tendulkar 370 days to get over an agonising century-less period after the 99th international hundred he got March 12, 2011 facing South Africa in Nagpur during the World Cup.

In recognition for the laurels he brought to the country, Tendulkar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha as an eminent personality by then president Pratibha Patil in April this year - the first sports personality to get the honour.

Mentored in his early cricketing days by his elder brother Ajit, Sachin later honed his skills under celebrated coach Ramakant Achrekar.

Tendulkar`s talent stood out since his school days, and partnered by his friend Vinod Kambli the duo made the cricketing circles sit up and take notice after an unbroken 664-run stand in a Lord Harris Shield international school game in 1988.

The rest as they say is history.

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India vs Pakistan 2012: Bangalore T20I - Preview

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Bangalore: Five years after their bilateral cricket ties snapped due to the Mumbai terror attack, India and Pakistan are set to slug it out in what promises to be a high-voltage limited-over series starting with the first Twenty20 international here on Tuesday.

The two-match T20 and three-match ODI series has been squeezed in between India`s ongoing full series against the England cricket team, which has taken a break to go home for Christmas and New Year holidays.

India and Pakistan, which last played a bilateral series in 2007, squared off in multi-national events several times after 2008 but for the first time, a Pakistani cricket team will be hosted for a series after the attacks.

The Indian team is going through some testing times as they renew rivalry with Pakistan since the side has been struggling for success.

India did well in the T20s against England after being humiliated in Tests but bowling remains a persistent headache for them in all the formats.

The likes of Alex Hales, Michael Lumb and Eoin Morgan put the Indian attack on sword during the short T20 series and the Pakistan batsmen would be looking to exploit this weakness of the hosts.


Except for a spirited show put up by Ashok Dinda, none of the Indian bowlers made an impact on the English batsmen. Parvinder Awana, Ravichandran Ashwin and Piyush Chawla have all struggled to get wickets

This may prompt skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to give a chance to either Abhimanyu Mithun or Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Surprisingly, Yuvraj Singh was the most successful bowler with six wickets and he also batted stupendously for India.

India would want the Chandigarh boy to continue with his good touch against a very tricky opponent.

Flamboyant Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and skipper Dhoni himself have had some runs under their belts and they would like to continue in the same vein against Pakistan.

It will be interesting to see if Dhoni gives a chance to Ambati Rayudu, considering his past performances in this format of the game.

But it will be a tough test for Indian batsmen against Pakistan`s formidable pace attack, led by Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir.


Not only the pacers but Pakistan have an extremely good spin attack in the form of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and captain Mohammad Hafeez to choke the strong Indian batting.

Afridi`s dwindling form has been a worry for the Pakistani captain which at times muzzles the team`s batting prospects. However, Hafeez has tremendous confidence in his all round abilities.

Pakistan have landed in India after making wholesale changes to their bowling. They have made six changes to the squad that went to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup.

Fast bowler Junaid Khan, who was dropped from World T20 squad, has been included for his ability to do well in the death overs.

Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Amin and M Irfan have also made a comeback while Asad Ali and Zulfiqar Babar are the other inclusions.

India and Pakistan met last time in the 2012 T20 World Cup which the former won by eight wickets

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Compliments and surprise as Tendulkar quits ODIsCompliments and surprise as Tendulkar quits ODIs

Mumbai: The cricket fraternity on Sunday paid glowing tributes to Sachin Tendulkar on his retirement from one-day internationals, saying that the record-breaking batsman`s feats cannot be surpassed.

Tributes started pouring in soon after the 39-year-old cricketer announced his decision to quit ODIs on Sunday.

"I felt that he might have played the series against Pakistan. But it is his decision and I think it is the right," said Tendulkar`s long-time opening partner in ODIs, Sourav Ganguly.

"There was a doubt on whether he would play ODI cricket or not. But I am not surprised by his decision. He has done what he thought was right.

"I don`t think there was any pressure of selectors on him. It is his own decision. No one can drop him," Ganguly added.

Former captain Kris Srikkanth said he was surprised by Tendulkar`s decision.

"I am surprised by his move but he is leaving ODI cricket on a high. I am sure he will want to leave on a high in Test cricket also. He will be looking forward to a good Test series against Australia.

"He has always done well against Pakistan. But he always raises his bar on a good wicket against a strong attack. Be it in the 1992 World Cup against Pakistan or 2003, he did well against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup also," Srikkanth said.

"It is easy for us to say that he could have retired after the 2011 World Cup. He has got 100 centuries so he went to the Asia Cup. It is one thing that only few have achieved. His records cannot be surpassed," he added.

Another former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar said Tendulkar should have continued with ODI cricket.

"Actually I am surprised. If he is continuing with international cricket (Test) then he should have continued with ODI also. We play almost 25 ODIs in a season. It is very important to keep playing international cricket."

"In ODIs, he opens the innings and plays the full innings almost so he gets used to international bowling. I am surprised he opted out of ODIs. He should have continued playing ODI.

"As long as he is playing Test match cricket or international cricket, he should have continued playing in ODIs," Vengsarkar said.

Tendulkar, considered the most complete batsman in modern cricket and one who was considered next only to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman, retires from the ODI format at the top of the run-getters` list with 18,426 runs in 463 matches.

"Masters.463 matches, 23 yrs, 18426 runs !!!! These numbers no body else will be able to come close to. Salute salute salute to Sachin," tweeted teammate Harbhajan Singh.

"Sachin tendulkar a grt batsman.Grt human being.A grt frnd.Grt man 2 look up 2.Proud indian.Real son of india.I salute u nd luv u," Harbhajan wrote on his twitter handle.

According to Kirti Azad, Tendulkar has "obliged" Indian cricket by calling it quits.

"I think he has obliged Indian cricket by retiring. The god has ultimately decided. Everybody is talking that he should retire. I suppose if I am playing cricket whether I am playing good or bad, the call has to be taken by the selectors," Azad said.

"The selectors didn`t take a call. I think he was also tired of the selectors not taking a call on him. I am very happy that he has ultimately taken a decision at the right time," he added.

Another former player Bapu Nadkarni said Tendulkar`s decision should be respected.

"His retirement was expected for some time now and he must be thinking that he is good enough for the five day scene, that is why he hasn`t retired from Tests.

"He is the best man to decide when to retire from other formats because he knows his body well. All this time people were asking when is he retiring? Now that he has announced his retirement from ODIs, people are asking why has he retired? I don`t understand the Indian people," he said.

Tendulkar goes out after amassing 18,426 runs in 463 one-dayers at an average of 44.83. The diminutive right-hander has an astonishing 49 hundreds in the format, including a double hundred -- the first in this form of the game.

Former Pakistan captain and noted commentator Ramiz Raja said he can understand Tendulkar`s decision to call it quits.

"When you have played 23 years of international cricket, a time comes when ODIs don`t excite you anymore as you have achieved everything that you possibly could have. Sachin has also won the World Cup, therefore his decision is understandable."

"However, herein lies the biggest challenge as he has now retired from ODIs. This will mean that he will be at the most playing 30 days of international cricket.

"Earlier he used to play both ODIs and Tests which meant that he played close 70-75 days minimum every year. It will be a very big challenge to come for those 25-30 days and be in good rhythm to perform at his best. But I am delighted to find the manner in which he is trying to work hard to get back into form in Test cricket which shows his hunger and passion to do well in Tests," Raja added.

South African batsman Hashim Amla also paid tribute to Tendulkar.

Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said Tendulkar has enough cricket left in him to prolong his Test career.

"He has figured greatly with runs in the longer version of cricket. I think he has played a little bit more in the longer version but when he feels that he is good enough to play in the Test side, I know, he feels he is good enough to play in the longer version in order to achieve the milestone of 200 Tests," said Ranatunga.

Ranatunga supported Tendulkar's decision to retire from the ODI cricket and said he has done a lot of good to the world cricket.

"I think he has taken the right decision. He is such a cricketer, who has the expertise to decide as he knows what to do and what not to do. Retiring from one day cricket, I am sure he might have taken the right decision as lot of people will come out and say a lot of things. But, it is left to the individual to decide. I am sure he has done the right thing. Sachin is a great player considering what he has done to the world of cricket," he added.

Former India opener, W V Raman also paid rich tributes to Tendulkar and said an era in cricket has come to an end.

"Obviously an era has come to an end as he has chosen to make a quite exit from one day scene. It is not a surprise in a way because he has minimized his appearances in the last couple of years. Obvious his enjoyment factor would have diminished, in his case.

"Sachin who has played for 23 years in one day matches needs a challenging format to keep him going. One day format is more of fitness and not technical skills. I am sure he will be quite relaxed and take on the challenges in Test format," said Raman.

Raman said the batting maestro will be remembered for his "challenging and superb" innings in limited overs format.

"He will be remembered every day for his challenging and superb knocks in 50-50 matches. I am sure this will enable him to concentrate and do extremely well in Test cricket.I am sure he will go out of his way and will be relaxed and concentrate on his getting in to the runs spree act," he added.


Star England batsman Kevin Pietersen also paid tribute to Tendulkar for an incredible ODI career.

"Statistics NEVER lie! They tell a very true story.. Well done Sachin! What an incredible ODI career..," Pietersen tweeted.

Another England player Ravi Bopara feels that another Tendulkar will not emerge in his lifetime.

"Well done to @sachin_rt on his amazing ODI career. Inspiration to millions if not billions. We will never see another Sachin in our lifetime."

Agriculture Minister and former ICC and BCCI chief, Sharad Pawar hailed Tendulkar as the greatest batsman of all time.

"Greatest batsman of all time & my good friend Sachin Tendulkar retires from One day cricket . Thank you for making India so proud," Pawar tweeted.

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South Africa beats NZ by 8 wickets in opening T20

southafrica

Durban: An experimental South Africa team romped to an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in their opening Twenty20 game after the Black Caps slumped to their third-lowest T20 score in a dismal start to their tour.

South Africa needed just 12.1 overs on Friday to reach 87-2 and overhaul New Zealand`s 86 all out.

Left badly exposed by the absence of experienced players themselves -- including former captain Ross Taylor -- New Zealand needed 23 from debutant Colin Munro to help it past its record low in 20-over games, 80 all out against Pakistan in 2010.

Seamer Rory Kleinvedlt (3-18) and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson (2-8) did the bowling damage for the Proteas while stand-in captain Faf du Plessis led South Africa home in his first game in charge, hitting the winning runs and finishing 38 not out.

Wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock was 28 not out on his international debut.

"No complaints, it was a fantastic game for us. Very happy," Du Plessis said. "It`s the standard we`ve set, but the standard we have to keep for the remainder of the series."

Desperate to perform well under new skipper Brendon McCullum and put aside the controversy over the exit of Taylor as captain, New Zealand`s relatively experienced top order all failed and left the four debutants it fielded in the series-opener with little chance to revive the innings.

McCullum was one of the failures as he fell for six to a relentless South African seam attack. The visitors were 36-6 at one stage before the South African-born Munro and then tailender Doug Bracewell (21 not out) gave them some small respectability.

Rob Nicol (3), Peter Fulton (9), McCullum and James Franklin (0) all went cheaply at the start of the innings as South African seamers Kleinveldt, Dale Steyn (2-13), Chris Morris (2-19) and Ryan McLaren (1-27) cashed in on regular mistimed attacking shots by the Black Caps batsmen.

Peterson then helped mop up the tail with his 2-8 off four overs -- the most economical bowling from a South African in T20 internationals.

"We came here to play some aggressive cricket," New Zealand captain McCullum said, "but first things first we do have to do some fundamentals right to earn the right to be aggressive ... We got a couple of things we didn`t get right."

Munro, who made his New Zealand debut back in the city of his birth, Durban, hit four fours in a brief counterattack. Bracewell struck three boundaries in a 21-run partnership with Ronnie Hira for the ninth wicket -- the highest stand of the innings.

New Zealand was still bowled out with 10 balls remaining of its 20 overs.

Debutant fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan removed Richard Levi for a duck in the first over of South Africa`s reply for a rare high spot for the tourists.

But Henry Davids -- also on debut -- hit a six and three fours in his 20 from 13 balls to kick start the Proteas` chase and new leader Du Plessis continued his belligerent form from the victorious tour of Australia to take South Africa home.

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Selectors meet on Sunday to pick squad for series against Pak

Mumbai: National cricket selectors will meet here on Sunday to pick the Indian squad for the limited-overs series against Pakistan amid speculation that struggling senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar has made himself available for ODI selection.

The panel, headed by Sandeep Patil, will be meeting for the first time after the humiliating Test debacle against England.

The T20 matches against Pakistan are scheduled on December 25 and 28 in Bangalore and Ahmedabad respectively and the squad is unlikely to see many changes from the one playing against England in a T20 rubber that concludes here on Saturday.

It is the ODI squad that would draw more attention as there are unconfirmed reports that veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar has made himself available for the three-match rubber starting in Chennai on December 30.


The senior cricketer had been part of the last ODI squad during the failed campaign in Bangladesh in the Asia Cup where he completed his unprecedented feat of 100 international hundreds.

Tendulkar, whose retirement has been speculated endlessly in the media and by former cricketers, has been in and out of ODIs in the last few years by choice, but with his form dipping in Tests, the 39-year-old could be eager to rediscover his successful run through the 50-over game for the upcoming four-match Test rubber at home against Australia.

The second and third one-day games against Pakistan are to be held in Kolkata on January 3 followed by the last game on January 6 in the Capital.

This three-match series will be followed by the five-match ODI rubber against England that commences on January 11 at Rajkot. The tourists will return to India after taking a break for Christmas and New Year.

The other four games are to be held at Kochi (January 15), Ranchi (January 19), Mohali (January 23) and Dharamsala (January 27).

The other focus in the selection meeting would be captaincy and as per current indications, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is expected to keep his job though his success record in the ODI format too, like the one in Tests, has taken a steep dip after he piloted the country to the World Cup title last year.

India have had mixed results since that heady April 2, 2011 day in Mumbai with the reversals coming in England, Australia and in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

Zaheer Khan is another senior cricketer who is battling fitness concerns and dipping form in international cricket. He is playing for Mumbai in the Ranji game against MP at Indore from today and it remains to be seen whether the selectors will pick him for the ODIs against Pakistan and later England.

The other point of interest in the selection would be Virender Sehwag who opted out of the Twenty20 series against England. It is not known whether he has declared himself available to play in the T20 format against Pakistan that follows in three days` time.

A number of T20 squad members are likely to gain selection for the 50-over series against Pakistan too.

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English county Nottinghamshire bars its players from IPL

English county Nottinghamshire bars its players from IPL

London: English county side Nottinghamshire has decided to not allow its players to participate in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

"The players asked me to consider releasing them to enable them to take part in the IPL, but they are key members of the squad and I explained that we wouldn`t be able to allow them to take part," the club`s director of cricket, Mick Newell was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, Samit Patel among other Nottinghamshire players are reportedly on the radars of various IPL teams.

The sixth edition of IPL is slated to begin by April 3 as per the schedule announced on Friday

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India vs England 2012: We hope to carry the momentum forward, says Yuvraj

we hope to carry the momemtum forward

Mumbai: Off to a good start in Twenty20s after the "shattering" Test debacle, India batsman Yuvraj Sigh said he was confident that the team would carry the momentum not only into the second and final tie against England here on Saturday but also into the upcoming series against arch-foes Pakistan.

"In Twenty20s and ODIs, we have done well against them hopefully, we can carry the momentum, particularly with the important series against Pakistan coming up," said Yuvraj after India`s five-wicket win over England in Pune last night.

The all-rounder played a key role, taking 3 for 19 to half England`s progress in batting and then smashed 38 in 21 balls with three sixes and two fours to help India overhaul the visitors` score of 157 for 6 with five wickets to spare.

India will take on Pakistan in a two-match T20 series commencing at Bangalore on December 25. The second game of that series is scheduled at Ahmedabad on December 28.


This would be followed by a three-match ODI series against the neighbours from December 30 this year to January 6, 2013 after which India would engage England in a best-of-five ODI series from January 11 to 27.

"Losing 4-0 (in Test series in England last year) and 2-1 (recently in the four-match Test series at home) was quite shattering. England played better cricket but we beat them 5-0 in the one-dayers (last year)," said Yuvraj who was part of the Test squad that got beaten by England.

Yuvraj said the younger lot of players improved the fielding of the team.

"It`s important to win the first game and get a good start. If we lose we are again trying to win back. With youngsters coming in the fielding is much better and this win also gives momentum and more confidence for the rest of the series and Pakistan," he added.

Yuvraj, who has been unable to replicate his superb show in T20s and ODIs at the Test level, said the shortest form of the game offered him a chance to play freely.

"When T20 comes I play a bit openly. I enjoyed my batting and my bowling was effective and contributed to the team."

The left-handed player, who resumed his cricket career after undergoing treatment for cancer, said the spinners, including himself, had applied the brakes in time to halt England`s flying start in the first game in Pune.

"When the openers start hitting it`s always a worry. May be we could have chased 180?190 but our spinners did a good job I also bowled well and the 2-3 wickets broke the momentum," Yuvraj said.

He was as flummoxed as many how his part-time left arm spin is so effective, but gave a clue saying he slowed down the pace of his bowling to reap rich rewards last night.

"Even I am not sure why I take so many wickets. I do my best. I was bowling faster initially and it was easier for the batsmen so I slowed it down a bit."

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