NEW ZEALAND crushes (literally) KENYA

          Well i knew i had to write a blog entry after this match. But i never expected that i would be writing it so soon.

         New Zealand vs Kenya. A match where New Zealand was expected to win. But we shouldn't forget that this is cricket and upsets are a major part of it. New Zealand was white washed recently by Bangladesh 4-0 and we all know what Kenya did in the past two world cups. And this time around they had "the" Jhonty Rhodes to coach them.

        But this was a insult. New Zealand bowling Kenya out for a meagre score of 69 with Southee and Bennet taking 4 and 3 wickets respectively. And well the openers dint leave a space to breathe for the poor Kenyans. 72/0 in 8 overs with both the openers literally smashing the balls around the ground; both having a strike rate well over 100.

        H Bennet is the man of the match.

       Whoa.. two matches done already. Time for the next.

INDIA WINS OVER BANGLA IN THE FIRST MATCH

         Matches in the sub-continent are expected to be high scoring. This was one of those. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first on a flat surface (GOD knows why). 


        Indians took to the field with an intention of screwing them up and so they did. Sachin though fell early to a stupid run out; Sehwag's 175 and Kohli's 100 ensured that India got a mammoth total of 370/4.


        India went into the match as favorites but with the memories of 2007 World Cup when a defeat to Bangladesh had cost us a bit too much. Add to it, Bangladesh had defeated New Zealand recently 4-0 in a home series. And the match today was on their home ground. So this team couldn't have been taken lightly.


       India made a superb batting effort but when we bowled; the secret of our 370 was all out. It was the pitch. A hard hitting batting pitch. Literally nothing for the bowlers. Still Zaheer and Munaf bowled pretty well. Harbhajan's experience saved him of any debacle off his bowling and he too ended up with decent figures.


       But the Bangla batting deserves apt appreciation for their effort and the way they played throughout the innings. The target of 371 was always going to be a bit too difficult but still some quick fireworks from the top order and the Indian bowling attack was just staring at the ball flying around.


       Things looked to be going out of India's control but India's part time "slow bowlers" somehow held the run rate around 6 which cumulatively increased the required run rate eventually leading to haste for the batsmen. Then the fall of wickets and India was then sailing through towards victory. The downsides of India were clearly evident after today's encounter. And the team would be working hard towards getting over those. After all they are playing for the World Cup.


        But the effort from the home side was commendable but it was the better side of the two who had the last laugh. India was home with a victory to their belt. Three more wins and it would be through to the next round. But topping the group would be of utmost importance as then we'll get to face the weakest possible opponent from the other group.


        The man of the match was declared to be Sehwag for his knock of 175.


Here is the scorecard:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/current/match/433558.html

Courtesy: www.cricinfo.com

INDIYAAAA… INDIYAAA…

       

            The wait is now all set to end. The World Cup is all set to begin. After a grand opening ceremony (though it was criticized) now its time for action.

            “ Indiyaaaa… Indiyaaa…” , “Come on Sachin, another boundary”, “What a catch man”, “Zhakaas yaar one side boss”, “Supppeerrrrbbbb..”, “Sexy bowling man”, “Score kya hua?”

             If you are in India and you are not used to these words; you better get acquainted to because the World Cup 2011 is here. It kicks off today with a clash between India and Bangladesh. All of India would be now glued to their television sets cheering for their favorite teams.

             Its time to pick favorites, its time to bet on your favorite players, time for pizzas, stadiums, matches, matka, satta, masti, fun and hell lot of fun.

            Cricketers have suddenly become more popular than movie stars. They start flashing into various advertisements saying stuffs like “PALTI SHOT”, “HELICOPTER SHOT”. These though irritating sound amusing as now these cricketers are not just players; they are demi-gods for a billion hearts. So bearing them between your favorite programs is easier.

              The sports section increases from 4 to 6 pages and 80% of it is covered by cricket news, pics and stats all related to cricket. Songs are composed, albums are released and get hummed into the colors of cricket.

             Such is the madness of cricket. Even the internet giant ‘GOOGLE’ couldn’t escape it.

I am all set and I’m sure so are you. So lets pray for India and cheer for them with our hearts out.

COME ON INDIA….!!!!!!!!