India won the third ODI by 7 wickets

India won the third ODI by 7 wickets on Monday. The third day-night ODI was played between India and Sri Lanka at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. Now the Indian team is leading the series 2-1. The third match was a low scoring match.



Sri Lanka started batting in a firing way. Their first wicket was down at the score of 65 and second at 165 in the 23rd over. At that time, the predicated total was around 350 but Jadeja, Indian spinner, stopped the opponent at a very low team total. RA Jadeja took important wickets of WU Tharanga (73), CK Kepugedera (15), Kulasekara (10) and BAW Mendis (6). Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra shared two wickets each while Harbhajan Singh and Virender Shewag took one wikcet each. In this way, Sri Lankan innings was wrapped at 239 in only 44.2 overs. In reply, India began well with Virender Shewag (44) and Sachin Tendulkar (96-unbeaten). Gautam Gambhir(32), Yuvraj Singh (23) and Dinesh Karthik (32 not out) helped India to achieve the Sri Lankan total in 42.3 overs.

Sri Lanka levels ODI series 1-1

Sri Lanka replied India in a better way as it won the second ODI by 3 wickets. It is to be mentioned that India won the first ODI by 3 runs and lead the series by 1-0. But Sri Lanka did won the high scoring second ODI played at Nagpur. Now the five match series is levelled by 1-1.


On Friday, Indian captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first. But his decision was proved wrong as his side lost early wickets in the form of opener Virender Sehwag (4) and Gautam Gambhir (2). Senior player Sachin Tendulkar (43), Virat Kohli (54) and Mahindra Singh Dhoni (107) took the total ahead by scoring good runs against Sri Lankan bowlers. Suresh Raina also played his natural shots and scored another fifty. He got out at personal score of 68. In this way, team India put a grand total of 301 runs after losing 7 wickets.


In reply, Sri Lanka punish each and every bowler right from start of their innings. First wicket of Sri Lanka fell at the score of 102 in the fourteenth over. Sri Lankan batsman Dilshan hit an impressive century ( 123) and took the team in a comfortable position. It was his consecutive century in the second match of the five match series. Sri Lanka won the match by 3 wickets.

Sri Lanka starts well but fails to continue

Sri Lanka framed its first innings very well and scored a good total on the board in the third test against India at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday. Sri Lankan opener NT Paranavitana and TM Dilshan played entertaining strokes and built a good partnership of 93 runs for the first wicket. At the same time, Paranavitana was taken by Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh at 53. On the other hand, Dilshan was got out by Harbhajan Singh in the third session of play at personal score of 109 runs off 158 bowls . He hit seven fours and two sixes in his ton. On the other end, KC Sangakkara (18), Jayawardene (29), TT Samaraweera (01) were failed to score good runs. AD Mathews (47 not out) and HAPW Jayawardene (0) was at the crease 67th over and the team total was 262/5.


Indian bowlers did well by taking rivals wickets at regular intervals. Harbhajan Singh took three important wickets, while PP Ojha and Sreesanth supported him well by taking one wicket each. By seeing the three session of the test match, Indian cricket fans can expect favourable results from the match. In between they will see a international car launch,Volkswagen Beetle, on the 4th of December along with Volkswagen Touareg on the same day. Already, India is leading the three test match series 1-0.

India, Gambhir and Yuvraj down, Bhajji up in ICC rankings

India not only lost the series against Australia but first place in ICC rankings. Moreover, Indian players also slipped from their rankings before the series began. The current position is, India is on third place and Australia on the top. Earlier the series between India and Australia, there were good chances for India to become number one ODI team.


On the other hand, Indian players, Yuvraj Singh and Goutam Gambhir, slipped from their respective places in the chart. Now, Yuvraj Singh sits on eighth place in the batting chart while Gambhir slipped four places to share the 19th spot with Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya. Interestingly, spinner Harbhajan Singh came back in top-10 list and now he enjoys eight place in bowling chart.


Michael Hussey, who was the most successful batsman in India with 313 runs, has strengthened his second position. Along with top-placed Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who contributed 285 runs, Hussey is now the only other batsman with more than 800 ratings points.

Australia moves towards big score

In the fourth ODI between India and Australia(played on 02 November), India won the toss and elected to field first. Australia started well and scored 125/2 only in 25 overs. In the 39th over the Australians were going good and put 198/4 on board. There was nothing to do for Indian bowlers.



Ishant Sharma, pace bowler, could not stop the opponents and spent a lot of runs at the economy rate of 8.40 in his first spell (5 overs, 42 runs). Ashish Nehra was struggling with same condition but managed to out one batsman, Marsh. Shane Watson was got out by Harbhajan Singh at the personal score of 49 runs. Ricky Pointing, Australia skipper, got run out just after scoring his half century by Ravindra Jadeja.

CL White and Mke Hussy was at 44 and 40 runs till the 38th over in progress. The Australians were soring runs at the per over run rate of 5.18. The first wicket of Australian team fell down at 24 in the 7 the over, second wicket fell at 88 in the 19th over and third wicket, Ricky Pointing, fell at 123 in 27th over. Harbhajan, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh took one wicket each. The fourth wicket was taken by Indian all rounder Yuvraj Singh in the 39th over in the form of Mek Hussy (40).

India-Australia second ODI: India advantage

On Wednesday, India and Australia will fight at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium at Jamtha, Nagpur in their second ODI of the seven match series. Australia already won the first by 4 runs. But in the second match, Australia is worried due to injuries to match winning players- Brett Lee and James Hopes. Mitchell Johnson is also not fit for the match. Meanwhile, Kangaroo's called Moises Hendriques and Left-arm medium pacer Doug Bollinger, both from New South Wales, to replace one of the player who are injured. On the other hand, Australian Coach Tim Nielsen is hopeful about Johnson and excepted to include in the last eleven at the last time. On the other hand, Indian team has got all rounder Yuvraj Singh back and has great chances over Australia. However, choppy fielding and less-effective bowling of Indian team in first ODI, will be a concern for MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, home ground and crowd will be a added advantage for the Indians. It's a Day-night match and will begin around 2.30 in the afternoon.


India Team: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Amit Mishra, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, Sudeep Tyagi, Ashish Nehra, Virat Kohli.


Australia Team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Tim Paine (wicket-keeper), Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Cameron White, Adam Voges, Nathan Hauritz, Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle , Jon Holland.

India won but out ICC Champioins Trophy

The same story was repeated at the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy when India had to depand on other teams to win. It may be recalled that in the last world cup the Indian team was in the same situation in the legaue round when it had to rely on other team. So, see the story now. After lossing its match against Pakistan, Indian team wished Pak to win against Australia. On the other hand, it had to win against West Indies on the same day with a huge margin so that it may come into account when required.


But in nut shell, Australia has to win but it did not happen and even registering a convincing win over West Indies, India had to pack its bag. India won the toss in this match and elected to field first. The decision was proved right and Indian bowlers, lead by Praveen Kumar and Ashis Nehra, packed WI in just 37 overs and the total was 129. In reply, Indian batsmen could not do well and manage to win the match within 32 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Jaipur ODI shifted to Baroda

The battle in Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) caused damage to Jaipur ODI which was secluded to be played between India and Australia. The BCCI shifted the opening ODI in the best-of-seven serises from Pink City to Vadodara. The match was to be played on 25 October. BCCI president Shashank Manohar confirmed the news after the BCCI's 80 th Annual General Meeting. In the AGM the Board also condoled the death of former BCCI president, Raj Singh Dungarpur. "It was also decided to set up the BCCI's umpires Academy at Nagpur to train umpires," said Manohar who has commenced the second year of his three-year term as the Board's chief.

Manohar also said that the BCCI's contract with event management firm IMG, whose service was terminated leading to protest letters from seven Indian Premier League franchise owners to the Board, has been re-negotiated. "We would be paying IMG Rs 27 crore per year (as compare to Rs 43 crore in 2008 and Rs 33 crore in 2009). The deal is for ten years starting 2008," the Board chief said. Manohar also sounded a warning to the franchises by saying the Board would not tolerate any more interference in its affairs.

India heading towards to a huge total

The final clash between India and Sri Lanka in the ongoing triangular series is going to be a total entertainer. On Monday, India elected to bat and started well. In this match batting order was changed and Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were sent for the opening. They did their best and gave a good start. Dravid scored 39 runs and became a prey of Jayasurya. At that time Sachin had completed his first half century of the tournament. After Dravid, Indian captain MS Dhoni came to bat and was off the mark.

Sachin scored his century in just 97 balls. In his century, he hit eight fours. At the same time, Dhoni scored 46 runs off 53 balls which include two boundaries. India was at a comfortable stage in 35th over with 195/1 on board. If India may able to score around 300 runs, it will be in a winning situation and this is not impossible from this stage. However, Sri Lanka is a good side and can chase that kind of total easily.

Harbhajan did it again!

Only one player in the world of cricket is known for wrong reasons. Guess who? Yes, Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. This time he misbehaved with an electronic media person. It happened at the Bangalore airport today when the Indian team was to leave for the triangular series to be played in Sri Lanka. At the Airport, a camera person did touch the off-spinner and the letter pushed him away. Recently, Bajji was in trouble with his new car, Hummer. It hit the roads without number plate and fine was imposed on it by the Chandigarh Police. The Indian team will took part in a tri-nation cricket series including host, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.

The Indian team will start their tour after a long time of rest. India will take on the hosts and New Zealand in the ODI event at the RPremadas stadium in Colombo from September 9-14. India had last won the final of a major One-day event on Lankan soil in 1998 and then shared the rainmarred ICC Champions Trophy with the hosts in 2002. Meanwhile, Air India came to the rescue of the Sri Lanka-bound Indian cricket team, left in a lurch after a pilots' strike crippled the services of Jet Airways which was originally supposed to take the side to the island nation for a One-day tri-series. They were supposed to fly by the Jet Airways whose services have been hit by the ongoing strike by its pilots, an Air India spokesman said.

Salman wants to owe IPL team but not up to 400 crores

Bollywood actor Salman Khan now speaks clearly about owing an Indian Premier League team. But he reported as saying that he will not bid above Rs 400 crore as rumored. In fact, he thinks that more than Rs 400 crore is too big to buy.

He speaks frankly that he had not that much of money. Interestingly, Salman is the brand ambassador for Indian football. Right now, other Bollywood stars are also learnt to have an IPL team. These include Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan.

Bollywood King Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Shilpa Shetty and Juhi Chawla have already co-owned teams in IPL. But all are waiting to grab the title. Here we want to tell you that all the teams are earning whooping money even without winning the title.

Akram is ready to become Bowling consultant

Wasim Akram, former Paksitan skipper and medium pace bowler, wants to assist Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkota Knight Riders' as a bowling consultant than a full time coach. Although, former Indian Coach John Wright's name is way ahead of other four coaches who are listed for the new post in Shah Rukh Khan's team. Insiders sait that the Pakistani player's preference is to serve as a bowling consultant.

The third edition of the IPL is secheduled to be held in 2010 and all the teams are preparing for it. In order to improve the team performance, KKR sacked former team coach John Buchanan and is now in process to have a new one. According to sources, Wasim Akram is learnt to meet team owner Shah Rukh Khan and other members on the Kolkata Knight Riders interview panel including Sourav Ganguly.

The meeting is expected to take place early next week. Apart from Wright and Akram, other prominent coaches in the run for the assignment are Richard Pybus and Duncan Fletcher.

Dhoni can be good Bollywood actor: Kaushik

RANCHI: Stars of cricket icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni is in the seventh sky as Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik is of the view that Dhoni may prove a good Bollywood actor. Kaushik said that Dhoni is good-looking and photogenic face and body. It is noted that his personality also attract advertisement companies.


Kaushik was in the Dhoni's city to promote his new movie Tere Sang. He said that if Dhoni interested, a film could be possible with him. This is not the first time that cricketers foray into Bollywood. Likes of Salim Durani, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Syed Kirmani and Vinod Kambli has already tried their luck in the Indian cinema but fail.


Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik is a well known comedian and he was begged Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for performances in Ram Lakhan and Saajan Chale Sasural. He has also directed a couple of worth-watching movies.

Fate of ICL players to be decided tomorrow

MUMBAI: The fate of Indian Premier League (ICL) players, who were not a part of official Indian cricket, will be decided on August 11. Indian Premier League Chairman Lalit Modi will head the meeting on Tuesday.


Among the major issues, ICL players' participation in third edition of IPL which is scheduled in March-April, 2010. Right now these players are allowed to play in domestic cricket for their respective teams after their return in the main stream cricket. Modi said that in the meeting 28,000 items will be discussed.

Modi said it in the sidelines of a book release function here in which Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and diplomat Shaharyar Khan took part. The book, Shadows Across The Playing Field, was unveiled by Sachin.

Sports minister opposed BCCI's take on WADA

NEW DELHI: It must be a shocking news for the BCCI as the Union Sports Minister MS Gill supported the controversial the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) whereabout clause. On Monday, the minister said that Indian cricketers ought to follow the rules of the WADA. He was speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the state sports ministers' conference here.

Gill emphasised that the ministry had agreed with WADA regulatory testing and they adhere to that. He said that most of the world's sportspersons have already signed it. There is nothing like reveling players personal life or privacy. The "whereabout" clause of the WADA code has ruffled many feathers here with the BCCI convening an emergency working committee meeting in Mumbai, on Sunday, attended by India captain MS Dhoni and senior players Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh.

After the meeting, BCCI President Shashank Manohar said the Board had no issues with out-of-competition testing of the 11 cricketers in the WADA pool but the "whereabout" clause was not only an infringement of their privacy but also posed security risks.The BCCI has asked ICC, a WADA signatory, to explore the possibilities of having a separate anti-doping mechanism of its own. Gill, however, felt that WADA was championing a good cause and every one should support its bid for a dope-free world. "We should support WADA in its cause.

The world is concerned about doping and we should support WADA," Gill said. "We have set up a dope testing laboratory next to Nehru Stadium and now Sweden is also sending samples of their players for testing. We should be proud of it," Gill added.

I consider myself superior to Sunil: Boycott

NEW DELHI: Cricket living legend Sunil Gavasakar is targeted by every cricketer and off field people now and then. This time former England opener Geoffrey Boycott claimed that he was superior to Sunil as far as technique is concerned. Boycott said in his book titled 'Sunil Gavaskar:


Cricket's 'Little Master' that he and Gavaskar possessed common things in many respects but he had the better technique. He supported his view by saying people love to make comparisons between he and Sunil due to similiar playing techniques. He mentioned some similarities like they batted right-handed, opened the innings, had a great appetite for runs, hated to give their wickets away and possessed good technique.

As our records show, Sunil played more matches, scored more runs and centuries than me, but in terms of technique, I consider myself superior to Sunil even if by just half a percentage point," he added. Gavaskar has played 125 Tests and scored 10,122 runs while Boycott has 8114 runs from 108 matches. Incidentally, Boycott's argument could not convince former umpire and his Yorkshire teammate Dicky Bird who had no doubt that Gavaskar was the better batsman.

Dhoni cashing in on holidays

NEW DELHI: There is no cricket, net practice and back to back matches for Indian cricket team. Till September, there is no tours and cricket. So in the holidays, Indian cricketers enjoying their personal life.

Indian captain MS Dhoni is to finish some commercials while Gatuma Ghambir and Virendrea Sehwag opt to be with their families.

Sachin Tendulkar is in England and had a number of things on his menu card. He visited Madame Tussauds museum. Some of the cricketers enjoying foreign trips and some busy in meeting relatives. The team will take part in ICC Champions Trophy to start the busy schedule.

KCA meeting today: Sreesanth's county issue to be discussed

KOCHI: Kerala Cricket Association will discuss today the issue of S Sreesanth's debut in County Cricket Championship this season. However, the last decision will be up to Sreesanth. The associaltion will not botherd playing for county. Kerala Cricket Association secretary T C Mathew said the issue of the counties’ offer to Sreesanth would come up for discussion in the KCA meeting on Friday.

“Sreesanth spoke to me about the offer but the details are yet to come in,“ he said adding the association would not object to the move. Sreesanth's brother informed that some of the counties from England had contacted them for this championship.


The speedster is yet to take any decision. Sreesanth, tipped to take over the state team’s captaincy from allrounder Sony Cheruvathur this season, will miss two of the early season domestic tournaments should the deal materialise. He would be, however, available for the Ranji Trophy campaign that begins in November.

Buchanan should not have written such stuff: Ganguly

KOLKOTA: Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly said that Buchanan should not have written such remarks in his recently published book. He called it unfortunate. John Buchanan, former Australia coach, has been removed as the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders team. Ganguly said that though he has not read the book, The Future of Cricket: The Rise of Twenty20, but seen some news update on the net.


Ganguly mentioned that Buchanan has done well for Australia as a coach. People hold him in high esteem and all these were unnecessary. “I don’t think this should have happened… I think, we Indians are used to it now. So, it’s unfortunate and we just got to deal with it.” Sourav also termed speculations to the CAB election news in the air.


“I have just said that I want to come into administration… There is no guarantee. I have not entered into administration yet and people are thinking of 2014. It’s disappointing actually.” “Playing cricket and administration are two different things.

When I played for India, I got good wishes from my teammates, and by just announcing my intent, I have been reading so many stories. “This is all speculation. I have not decided anything, and as I said, it’s not about fighting elections. It’s about trying to help the game. I want to be at a place from where I can help the game. It’s how they take it,” he said.

Sourav Ganguly still not out: to contest CAB prez election

KOLKATA: Sourav Ganguly, former captain of Indian cricket team and commentator, is still not out! He is reported to continue in the game by contesting for the president’s post in the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Ganguly himself confirmed the report by saying he was convinced that he could play a positive role.


If believed the reports he might become the hot favourite for the post of BCCI president in 2014. At some point, I will find a way to get into the CAB where people have known me since I was a kid. I have respect for them and I am sure they will appreciate my concern for Bengal cricket and the difference I can make. I am in no hurry," he added.

The Prince of Kolkata celebrates 37th birthday: Ganguly turns 37 on Wednesday. He celebrated his birthday with his family and friends. A day before, present Indian team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.

India takes 2-1 lead in the four-match series

CASTRIES: India won the crucial third one-day international match by 6 wickets against the West Indies on Friday night at Beausejour Stadium. In the rain interrupted match, West Indies scored challenging 186/7 in revised 27 overs. From West Indies Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle played sensible and attacking innings who scored 62 and 27 respectively. Indian bowler Ashish Nehra fired again and took 3 wickets. While Harbhajan took 2 wickets. India was asked to chase 159 off 22 overs according to the Duckworth/Lewis system finally. Indian opener Dinesh Karthik (47) and Gautam Gambhir (44) gave shape to the Indian reply. Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni played another sensible and match winning innings in the match. Dhoni scored 46 not out and declared man of the match. India chased the total when one ball was to deliver.


Earlier, the West Indies innings, delayed before the start by just over two hours, was interrupted three times by persistent showers. Captain Chris Gayle hit six fours in a blistering 27 off 14 balls before he fell first ball on resumption after the first break at 27-1. Sarwan and Runako Morton (22) added 51 for the second wicket in between two more rain interruptions. Morton was eventually stumped off Harbhajan Singh at 78-2. Sarwan dominated the middle order as fellow Guyanese Shiv Chanderpaul (15), Dwayne Bravo (14) and Darren Bravo (21) chipped in. Denesh Ramdin hit 14 not out off six deliveries to deliver a late charge.

How's that! Four-day Test cricket!

NEW DELHI: Like global slowdown, Twenty20 cricket is affecting each and every format in the game. The new T20 format has won the hearts of cricket lovers in a short time. Now ICC indicates that Test cricket may have some interesting changes to woo spectators in the stadium. In an interview with a leading news magazine, ICC president David Morgan said that Test match may be reduced to four days.This attempt is a resulted of an attempt to make the Test cricket more result oriented and lucrative.



Morgan said this in the wake of the few changes that are being mooted, including a two-tier format and day-night Tests. "We need better over-rates, better pitches that give a good balance between bat and ball and we need to consider day-night Test cricket," he said.


The ICC president is very keen for the day-night Test and mulling on the option of the pink ball during the night games. "We are looking very closely at ball manufacturing design that replicates a red ball, maybe an orange ball, a ball that could still allow us to play in white clothing and still at night."

India won by 20 runs

KINGSTON: India registered a splendid win against host West Indies on Friday. After scoring a mammoth total of 339/ 6, the guest restricted the host at 319 when 11 deliveries to bowl. Thus India take a 1-0 lead in th four-match series. Yuvraj Sigh won the man of the match trophy by hitting 131 runs off 102 deliveries. It included 7 huge sixes and 10 fours. However, the West Indies didn't leave behind to chase that marathon total and reply in the same spirit. But wickets at regular interval prevent them to achieve the target. Earlier, Indian opener Dinesh Karthik scored 67 off 77 bowls.


Indian captain MS Dhoni (41), Yusuf Pathan (40 unbeaten) and Harbhajan Singh (21 not out) also chipped in with useful contributions. Early dismissals of Gautam Gambhir (13) and Rohit Sharma (4) had left India reeling at 32 for two but Yuvraj and Karthik batted with patience to not only save India from more jolts but also laid a solid platform for a good finish. Shivnarain Chanderpaul top scored with 63 and Denesh Ramdin played a sparkling 29-run knock down the order.The big-hitting Dwayne Bravo (8) though was extremely unlucky as he got out on a high full toss of Ishant Sharma but umpires did not call that a no-ball.


Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo, making his debut, added 36 quick runs wicket but just when the partnership had started looking threatening Yusuf separated the pair by dismissing the former, ending all hopes of the hosts. For India, Nehra (3/49) and Yusuf Pathan (3/56) took three wickets each.

Don't underestimate starless Indian team: Dyson

West Indies coach John Dyson warned his team not to underestimate starless guest Indian cricket team. He also tell the team to be aware of new boys in the rival team. The four-match ODI series between India and West Indies is going to start from Friday at Sabina Park. The West Indian coach arrived in Jamaica yesterday with six other West Indies players, including Trinidadian Darren Bravo, Dwayne's brother and the coach felt the youngster stood a good chance in the series.


The visiting Indian team is without their star players Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan. Instead, the team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni has the likes of Abhishek Nayar, S Badrinath and Murali Vijay in the ranks players who are virtually unknown to the West Indies. Dyson said the hosts would make a mistake if they take the Indian rookies lightly in the series. "We don't know how they're going to perform and that's something we have to monitor as the series progresses," Dyson said.

Ganguly urges to support players but criticism

NEW DELHI: Once a most successful captain of the Indian cricket team urged on Saturday the cricket fans to support the 'fighters' of the Dhoni bridge. He requested not to criticize the players as well. Former skipper also agreed with Mahendra Singh Dhoni who said that burnout was not the cause of his team's debacle in the ICC Twenty20 World CUP. He quoted as saying, “"I don't think getting tired is an issue. I think you should support the boys. They have had a wonderful one and a half years. They have just not done well in one tournament.


There is lots of talent and ability and they will give the results again. It was just one bad day in office."Ganguly also felt it was important for the Indian team that opener Virender Sehwag recover soon from his shoulder injury. Hopefully, he gets well soon because he is so important for India," he told a TV channel. The cricketer-turned-commentator said he would support Sri Lanka in their T20 World Cup final match against Pakistan. "With Sri Lanka and Pakistan (pitted against one another), I will back Sri Lanka. But anybody can win it, it's difficult to say which team," he said.

Women's T20 WC: India to take on Kiwis in semis'

NOTTINGHAM: Indian women's cricket team will take on New Zealand on Thursday in the first semi-final of the women's Twenty20 World Cup. India has shown its strength in the last two league matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. To defeat New Zealand is not an easy task as the letter has won its all matches. India's opening pair of Punam Raut and Anjum Chopra has not been able to give them a rollicking start.


Although Anjum stood as a wall playing some good knocks, Raut struggled in her first match against England, scoring only four runs. But the left-handed teen will take some confidence from her 41-ball 30-run knock in the last outing against Sri Lanka, which set the tone for India's five-wicket win.


The middle order also looks a bit shaky with batters crumbling under pressure while chasing paltry targets. Even in their last match against Sri Lanka, the middle-order fall like a house of cards before Mithali Raj saved India the blushes with a 22-ball 32 which eventually sealed their semifinal berth.

Music Mantra: old fashion in the air

NOIDA: Again the Indian cricket team is playing a mega tournament and the fans at home pray for their win. As usual, a new music album was released to boost the team. The album is expected to win the hearts of the cricket fans here and cricketers as well.

Music company Saregama has launched an album, "India Hai Meri Jaan", to impart new life to the Indian team's youngsters. The album, released by World Cup Winning captain, Kapil Dev here on Thursday, has songs written, sung and composed by Padamjeet Sehrawat, a former national level player and ESPN commentator. Virender Sehwag, who is nursing a shoulder injury in England, tele-launched the album with a message for his fans on the occasion.

The album enthuses and cheers for national, cultural and sporting sentiments in the country and features a number of sportspersons and celebrities who brought laurels to the country. The occasion was also marked by the presence of Maninder Singh, Sanaa Bhambri, Satish Babar, singer Shankar Sahni.

Sehwag ends controversy

NEW DELHI: The on going controversy due to Virender Sehwag's injury is seem to be over. Sehwag accepts that he was injured during the second edition of the Indian Premiere League in South Africa last month. He declared that he got injured while playing with Deccan Chargers in the semifinal of the tournament.

Now he will take treatment of the injured part. It may be recalled that Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni denied to comment on Sehwag's injury in a press conference in England. It was also told that Dhoni wanted to place another Indian player as an opener in place of Sehwag due to his weak performance in the recent past.

In addition, Delhi Daredevils team manager TA Sekar also put a different view. He told that Sehwag had a finger injury and recovered it in no time.

IPL reception was terrific but inaugural

KOLKATA: Mumbai Indian's skipper and team member of Indian cricket team Sachin Tendulkar said that he was terrified with the reception got in both inaugural and second edition of Indian Premier League. However, he was not as happy as in Inaugural IPL. He said that the first year was definitely better. He explained it by saying that playing in India is a different ball game altogether.

The cricket icon, here for a promotional event, was, however, all praise for South Africa for hosting the tournament grandly in such a short notice. "They got very little time - three and half weeks - to put everything together to organise such a great tournament. They have done a terrific job. But if you give me a choice, then obviously it's going to be India. The response was much bigger and better (in IPL I)," the 36-year-old told reporters here. The batting great, who has opted out of the ICC World Twenty20 in England, said India would successfully defend the title.

Sania advantage, to marry in July

Hyderabad: Tennis sensation of India Sania Mirza is all set to start new life in July. According to media reports she will get marry soon. His bridegroom is reportedly named as Muhammad Sohrab Mirza, her friend and local of Hyderabad. Sohrab is a 23-year-old B.com graduate. They have known each other for a few years.

Their families have been friends. Sohrab is planning to go to the UK to pursue an MBA degree. Sania herself is away in Paris playing in the French Open, and it was her father Imran Mirza who confirmed the reports of her engagement. "This is to confirm that Sania Mirza is engaged to Mr. Muhammad Sohrab Mirza, whose family hails from the city of Hyderabad. Although not related, the two families have had friendly ties for several decades. However, the wedding is not expected to take place for a while," Imran Mirza said.

Zaheer Khan's participation is doubtful

MUMBAI: The ICC World Cup is to start in England from June 4 but the Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan's status is doubtful so far. News reports quoted Zaheer to be in South Africa for his injured bowling shoulder treatment. On the other hand, the BCCI claimed all news to be rumours.

The team led by MS Dhoni is to leave for England on Friday. However, the team and the management claimed that these are merely speculation. It may be recalled that Zaheer was injured during Indian Premier League while playing for the Mumbai Indians in Johannesburg on May 3. Since then he didn't play any of the remaining match and taking treatment at there.

Though the team management said the injury was not as serious as was thought before the scan, the left-arm pacer did not play the remaining seven matches for his team in the IPL and has also stayed back in South Africa while his parents have joined him there.

Rajasthan need to put every effort for semifinal

BOLEMFONTEIN: Defending champions Rajasthan Royals will try hard to win the match against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday. The match is very important for Royals as the team want to make sure the semifinal berth. Whereas, Daredevils has nothing to loose except confidence and a good win before the semis'. In the points tally both the teams are on top ranks. Delhi is ruling the chart while Royals are on the third spot.

The Daredevils have already made it to the semifinals with 16 points from 11 matches.Delhi's strong batting line up crumbled against Brett Lee and Co. of Kings XI Punjab but that may not happen every match. Warne himself, who despite being injured led the team from the front in their victory against Mumbai Indians, can bring out something from his old bag of tricks but more than that he will have to inspire his other bowlers if his side thinks of restricting Delhi to a low total.

SMS contest withdrawn by IPL

CHENNAI: A controversial SMS based contest, started by Indian Premier league, was withdrawn after concerns registered by the sports minister M S Gill last week. IPL governing council member Rajeev Shukla told that the contest is closed. It may be recalled that sports minister MS Gill suggested BCCI to stop use of cricket for business gains.

In that SMS game a user has to predict ball by ball outcome for cash prizes in the ongoing Indian Premier League. According to a statement issued by the sports minister last week, Mr Gill is worried about the new idea of promoting sport. He declared it clearly gambling and betting. He advised the BCCI that it should take into notice of the match fixing case in year 2000 which made a big damage to the sport before launching this SMS game.

The minister urged the BCCI to take note of the apprehensions. He also suggest the BCCI to be responsible as they are the richest and most powerful sports body today. The cricket control body should bear in mind that the game should be protected for future generations. Refresh the structure by all means, but after grave and serious thinking, of the larger ethical and moral questions, and the long term interest of the game," he said.

Younus top ranked, Gambhir at fourth

NEW DELHI: Pakistani skipper Younus Khan is ruling on the top following his current form. He replaced West Indian batsman Shivnarain Chanderpaul in the latest ICC Test batsman rankings. Gautam Gambhir, successful in every format of cricket like Test, One-day and T20 cricket, continues to be India's highest ranked cricketer being firm at fourth spot in the tally. However, explosive opener Virender Sehwag is at number 20 far behind from other Indian batsmen. Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and classy batsman VVS Laxman soared one place up at 13th and 15th positions respectively.

In the bowlers list, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has retained his sixth place while paceman Zaheer Khan got one place to be at 11th. Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka continues to supreme in the bowling chart followed by Dale Steyn of South Africa and Australia's Mitchell Johnson. Jacques Kallis reigns to top the all-rounders' list of ICC.

Warne cheers alone in a match

CENTURION: Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne is no doubt a successful and talented coach, but he used to be in news mostly by wrong reasons. Sometime he is heard breaking up with wife and sometime partying with girls at night clubs, so on. Now he was caught sipping at beer in a cricket match which was being played between his own team Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers on Thursday.

He was enjoying his team performance by sipping at beer while standing in the boundary lines of the field. Sources to the IPL management informed that the tv footage will be sent to the IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi. Warne's team Rajasthan Royals posted a seven-wicket victory over the Bangalore Royal Challengers. Action might be taken if he was consuming beer when match was in progress.

Women's T20 would happen: women cricketers

NEW DELHI: The BCCI would arrange a Twenty20 cricket tournament for women in future as the board encouraging women cricket. These are the views of Indian women cricketers. A veteran player Anjum Chopra said that the priority for the team is to win World Cup first as the win will provide required popularity of the women cricketers. Other two players, Amita Sharma and Reema Malhotra has also have the same opinion.

They suggested that women's cricket was improving with every passing day and tournament like Twenty20 may prove fruitful for them from every angle. They said that women cricketers were part and parcel of the cricket world so having a Twenty20 is required. Anjum Chopra said that the BCCI was supporting us very much and they felt Twenty20 might happen. When asked about upcoming Women's World Cup Chopra said that next World Cup would boost them and would brighten such a prospect.

Sachin is the best in 20 years: Warne

CENTURION: Australian spinner Shane Warne said that Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman with in 20 years of playing international cricket. Warne preferred Sachin over West Indian Brian Lara. He made it clear that it was difficult to choose between Brain Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.

The deciding factor was the pressure which Sachin handled whenever he comes to bat including bad decisions. This is in the series of praise which Shane Warne used to deliver at times. Once he told that Sachin used to come in his dreams and hit for a six every time. Now he add the tally by saying 'Sachin is the best player of my era'. It is to be mentioned here that Warne named Tendulkar as the numero uno batsman of his era in his book 'Shane Warne's Century'.

Chennai Super kings to bat first

DURBAN: Chennai Super Kings is to bat first in their Indian Premier League II match against Deccan Chargers. Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist won the toss and opted to field first. Both the teams have done a change each. Cheenai replaced Andrew Flintoff with New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram whereas Chargers brought in Azhar Bilakhia and Shoaib Ahmed.

Deccan Chargers: Adam Gilchrist (captain), Herschelle Gibbs, VVS Laxman, Dwayne Smith, Rohit Sharma, Venugopal Rao, Pragyan Ojha, R P Singh, Azhar Bilakhia, Shoaib Ahmed, Fidel Edwards.

Chennai Super Kings: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Matthew Hayden, Jacob Oram, Parthiv Patel, Suresh Raina, S Badrinath, Manpreet Gony, Muttiah Muralitharan, L Balaji, Albie Morkel, Joginder Sharma.
Umpires: Shashank Ranade and Tyron Wijewardene
TV umpire: Ian Howell