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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