India 5/309 (50 overs) were beaten by West Indies 2/141 (20 overs) by 29 runs (Duckworth-Lewis) - Scorecard
Sachin Tendulkar returned to the cricket arena and shook off the cobwebs with a masterful innings of 141. On a pitch where there was uneven bounce and early movement, he carved up the West Indian bowling attack. The rest of the Indians built an innings around the little master and India ended with a very respectable 309, amid numerous rain interupptions.
The West Indian chase got off to a flying start with Gayle especially punishing of Pathan. The early dismissal of Chanderpaul did not slow the scoring, with the West Indies racing to 1/92 off 11 overs. The match was called off after 20 overs with the West Indies deemed to be 29 runs ahead of India based on the Duckworth-Lewis Method.
It seems quite optimistic to award a winner when only 20 overs in a 50 over match is completed. As was proven in the first game of the series, a lot can happen in the final stages of a game. West Indies should however consider themselves lucky to walk away with a win, which now gives them hope of reaching the finals.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Warnie injured
Shane Warne has suffered a nasty cut above his right eye while batting for Hampshire against Worchestershire. Warne, attempting a pull shot, missed completely and the ball got through the visor to split open his eye brow. He was taken to hospital but returned to continue his innings after the 8th wicket fell.
Ponting Fined
Ponting has been fined his entire match fee from the 1st one dayer against the West Indies. Match referee Chris Broad judged that Ponting had breached the ICC guidelines due to his extended questioning of the umpires calling of a wide. This is Ponting's second such ruling in the past 6 months, and another outburst will see him suspended for a match.
Windies Snatch Defeat
Australia 9/279 (50 overs) defeated West Indies 201 all out (34.3 overs) by 78 runs - Scorecard
In a match reminiscent of the 1996 World Cup Semi Finals, Australia snatched victory after it seemed that the West Indies were coasting to an easy run chase. Both teams seemed rusty after extended layoffs however Australia kept the pressure up even when the Windies were riding high.
The West Indian bowling, though tight at times, lacked consistency and this was evident in the 18 wides that were bowled. Jacques and Katich never looked comfortable, and while the latter went on to score 36, he scratched around for most of the innings. Ponting and Clarke provided the highlight of the innings but the rest of the Australian batsman seemed rusty. On what seemed an easy batting wicket Australia would have been disappointed to not score in excess of 300.
The fact that Glenn McGrath has been off for an extended period was proven when he bowled 4 wides in his first over. Leading an attack that lacked the sheer pace of Lee, McGrath soon found his rhythm and the nagging line outside off stump. The West Indians looked to be coasting to victory even as late as the 25th over, but then suffered a collective brain explosion to lose the last 9 wickets for a mere 29 runs. The Australian bowling was anything but spectacular, but targetted deliveries with a committed fielding effort proved to be the difference. Sarwan and Lara fell to predictable dismissals and would be disappointed with their efforts.
Australia proved yet again, that you can never write them off and they prepare more thoroughly for every opposition and for every game than any other team.
In a match reminiscent of the 1996 World Cup Semi Finals, Australia snatched victory after it seemed that the West Indies were coasting to an easy run chase. Both teams seemed rusty after extended layoffs however Australia kept the pressure up even when the Windies were riding high.
The West Indian bowling, though tight at times, lacked consistency and this was evident in the 18 wides that were bowled. Jacques and Katich never looked comfortable, and while the latter went on to score 36, he scratched around for most of the innings. Ponting and Clarke provided the highlight of the innings but the rest of the Australian batsman seemed rusty. On what seemed an easy batting wicket Australia would have been disappointed to not score in excess of 300.
The fact that Glenn McGrath has been off for an extended period was proven when he bowled 4 wides in his first over. Leading an attack that lacked the sheer pace of Lee, McGrath soon found his rhythm and the nagging line outside off stump. The West Indians looked to be coasting to victory even as late as the 25th over, but then suffered a collective brain explosion to lose the last 9 wickets for a mere 29 runs. The Australian bowling was anything but spectacular, but targetted deliveries with a committed fielding effort proved to be the difference. Sarwan and Lara fell to predictable dismissals and would be disappointed with their efforts.
Australia proved yet again, that you can never write them off and they prepare more thoroughly for every opposition and for every game than any other team.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
It begins today
The long summer of cricket begins today with Australia taking on the West Indies in Malaysia. Australia starts the tri-nations tournament, including India, with a near full strength team, with the exception of Adam Gilchrist, who is being rested prior to the Ashes.
None of the 3 teams have played much competitive cricket over the past few months, with Australia's last series being against Bangladesh in April. Australia start as the clear favourites, however all eyes will be on Glenn McGrath, who returns after having an extended break going back to January this year. Sachin Tendulkar returns for India having recovered fully from his operation and a lot will rest on his shoulders to give India the start it has come to expect from the little master. The West Indies will still be riding high from their thrashing of India (4-1) a few months ago and will be keen to prove that it wasn't a flash in the pan.
Immediately after the tri-series, is the Champions Trophy in India, followed by the long awaited Ashes.
Bring it on.
None of the 3 teams have played much competitive cricket over the past few months, with Australia's last series being against Bangladesh in April. Australia start as the clear favourites, however all eyes will be on Glenn McGrath, who returns after having an extended break going back to January this year. Sachin Tendulkar returns for India having recovered fully from his operation and a lot will rest on his shoulders to give India the start it has come to expect from the little master. The West Indies will still be riding high from their thrashing of India (4-1) a few months ago and will be keen to prove that it wasn't a flash in the pan.
Immediately after the tri-series, is the Champions Trophy in India, followed by the long awaited Ashes.
Bring it on.
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