Tag Archives: ODI

Book Report #1: Wounded Tiger

03 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

I had been looking for a new book for a while before I came across Wounded Tiger. My usual go-to reads are Dan Browns and Phillip Pullman novels. I love delving into an adventure with Robert Langdon and being absorbed by tales of mystery and secrets. For some reason however this time I felt the need for a change and followed my vacant clicks through Amazon in search for my next read.

Somehow I stumbled upon this book without realising it had been selected as Wisden’s Book of the Year 2015. The history of Pakistani cricket had always been of interest to me and somewhere along the way through these endless India v Sri Lanka matches I had dozed off. I had stopped watching games or following scores and it seemed like fate that I should come across this extraordinary tale to reignite my fire.

191225.2

I was born to bleed blue. There was no question about it and regardless of ones knowledge of partition or history, being Indian instantly means that you firstly love cricket and secondly support anyone BUT Pakistan. It had been drilled into me until that fabled (because I’m sure I’ve referred to it in over 5 of my previous blog posts) 2015 World Cup quarter-final between Australia and Pakistan where I somehow found myself unwittingly supporting Wahab Riaz and the men in green. I had gotten so emotionally invested that when Rahat Ali dropped Shane Watson on 6, I felt my heart sink. Apart from India, no other sports team had ever made me feel like their loss was my loss and this stuck with me for a while. It stayed with me and on July 17th 2016 I found myself once again in unwavering support of Pakistan on day 4 at Lords at the re-birth of Mohammed Amir. As Pakistan did their push-ups and salutes I once again found myself in awe of this incredibly dogged team.

It seems to me that somehow Pakistani cricket is destined to continue even if the world were to end. From a country younger than my parents, the team have survived a journey through terrorist attacks, match-fixing scandals, the mysterious death of coach Bob Woolmer, becoming nomads and countless accusations of ball-tampering and yet somehow have also produced some of the greatest players to grace the game. I needed to know how and why.

I have managed to ramble on for 400 words without once discussing the mastery of Peter Oborne’s book. I won’t give away the story, in fact this post can hardly be called a book report. My sole purpose for writing this is to try and make you read it. (You’re more than welcome to borrow my copy, but i’ll definitely be wanting it back).

I admit it was a challenging read for me. To digest the horrors of partition, it’s impact on both countries and the game and to try and comprehend the complexities of Pakistani cricket in it’s cultural and political context. I found it difficult to try and wrap my head around the extent to which external factors and deep-rooted prejudice and condescension has continually tried to keep cricket in Pakistan down, from the Rana-Gatting incident to the kidnapping of umpire Idris Baig by the touring MCC team.

However, Peter Oborne allowed me to travel with him on a journey not just through the history of cricket but a history of Pakistan through the lens of cricket. He narrated the stories of AH Kardar and Fazal Mahmood who helped shape not only the cricket team but the nation. He charted Pakistan’s first win in England and how it was orchestrated by a man who refused to let the political and social chaos of partition stop him from playing cricket. A man who could have been killed on a train were it not for the legendary Indian CK Nayudu who protected Fazal Mahmood from Hindu fanatics with his cricket bat.

5386075e004a2

AH Kardar and Fazal Mahmood

It tells the story of how young boys were picked out of street games and thrown into an international team, of how Wasim Akram asked his captain how much money he would need to bring on tour not realising international cricketers were paid. It helps us comprehend an almost magical realism where a 12 year old plays first class cricket and a ball can be released at 100+ mph. The book wanders a bit in the middle but Wounded Tiger takes the story far beyond Imran Khan’s ‘cornered tigers’ and the heroics of the 1992 World Cup. It doesn’t just paint over the cracks or chisel out new ones, Wounded Tiger gives a full account of both glory and grievance of the team from their astounding victories to their bewildering defeats.

Wounded Tiger feels very unburdened given the extent to which Oborne covers an entire country’s past in under 600 pages. It intertwines fact with anecdotes to create a dynamic picture and continues to surprise and entice you to read just one more page. Oborne states that writing on Pakistan cricket “has sometimes fallen into the wrong hands . . . carried out by people who do not like Pakistan” and this book gives us a chance to revise how we see Pakistan through stories including that of the legendary Lala Amarnath who was born into a poor Hindu family in pre-partition Punjab and adopted by the Rana family who sponsored his cricket education in Lahore.

Unable to (with good reason) continue a straight narrative to cover such a vast history, Oborne adapts to a thematic approach to cover topics such as reverse swing, the emergence of women’s cricket, Shoaib Akhtar (aka the ‘rawalpindi express’), Misbah-ul-Haq and lastly Pakistan’s Age of Isolation. The post 9/11 era that has left Pakistan using homes from home.

This book covers it all, it delves into the introduction of the doosra, it covers the history, politics, war and geography of Pakistan, it exposes the opportunity costs of continued social ostracism from India and the terrorist attacks that have forced Pakistani cricket away from their rich and vibrant history and through a cast of heroes and villains allows us to try and better understand this nation under siege.

 

 

The 2015 World Cup: Review

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Though the 2015 World Cup has come to a close, it will be remembered for a long time. It was a tournament of hope and belief. Ireland almost reached the knock-outs, South Africa broke their World Cup jinx and India burst through their summer slump with flying colours. It was also a tournament of tumbling records and unimaginable performances, from Kumar Sangakkara’s four consecutive tonnes to Martin Guptill’s incredible 237 against the West Indies.

Had the ICC removed the associate nations this year it would have been a very different tournament. Some of the most thrilling games were between the smaller nations. Turnout might not have been what it was at India v South Africa but for true cricketing fanatics they were some of the most exhilarating matches. Ireland and the UAE fought tooth and nail until the very end and Afghanistan’s Samiullah Shenwari rallied the lower order to beat Scotland by one wicket. Not only did the associates test each other, they challenged the top nations. Afghanistan gave Sri Lanka a run for their money and only a classy century from Mahela Jayawardena helped Sri Lanka pull through. Scotland gave New Zealand a big scare as they picked off seven wickets defending 142 and Ireland chased down a massive 304 against the West Indies. It was a huge step towards breaking down barriers between the test playing nations and the associate members.

The pinnacle of the group stage matches however was between the two host nations Australia and New Zealand. It was not about the chase. It was not about the batsmen. It was the bowlers that stole the show. Something all too rare in modern one day cricket. The entire match lasted the length of one innings. 80-1 was a great start for Australia but it was a collapse from there as the next eight wickets fell for 26 runs. Australia reached a mere total of 151 with Trent Boult picking off five wickets. However an astounding bowling performance from Mitchell Starc brought the game down to the last wicket.

This World Cup will be remembered for more than just nail-biting games. It will be remembered as the year of triumph for many teams. For Bangladesh it was beating England to make it to their first quarter-final. For South Africa it was winning their first knock-out game and for New Zealand it was making it to their first World Cup final. Bangladesh.

Though England had lost to Australia New Zealand and Sri Lanka, it was never expected that they would not qualify for the knock-outs. They had been going through a rough phase in all forms of cricket but in particular, ODI cricket. Eoin Morgan was only handed the captaincy just before the start of the tournament. However unlike Jason Holder who led the West Indies from the front, Morgan was unable to marshal his troops. Nevertheless Bangladesh deserve full credit for the win. They were a young a passionate team and they showed that heart and belief can breed dreams.

The quarter-finals brought out some phenomenal cricket. It was almost clear which teams would pull through the games but that didn’t make it in any way dull. Martin Guptill scored the highest individual score as he racked up 200+ runs alone within 50 overs. Wahab Riaz put on one of the most phenomenal bowling spells in history. It was possibly the most captivating 10 minutes of the World Cup until Rahat Ali dropped that pivotal catch.

The game of the tournament was not the final. The final was in fact it was a fairly anti-climactic end to the spectacular tournament as Australia bowled out New Zealand for 183 and chased it down with seven wickets to spare. It was the first semi-final that upstaged both the other semi-final the final itself. The game between New Zealand and South Africa reminded the world exactly why it loves cricket. It was an unbelievable performance with both teams pouring their hearts into the game. It was one of the most captivating games of cricket where the game went down to the second last ball of the final over. For cricket lovers there was a small hope for a Hunger Games finish where both teams could pull through together. However it was New Zealand with the help of Grant Elliot that made it through to their first final. It was a beautiful end to the game as Elliot gave a hand to help a broken Dale Steyn up off the ground.

Australia won the 2015 World Cup to make it their fifth ever title. They initially had a choppy start as their team changed on one too many occasions. However they pulled together as a unit just at the right time to beat Pakistan, thrash India and swoop in to claim the cup.

The Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of cricket

29 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

The semi finals of the World Cup 2015 showed the world both faces of cricket. The ugliest side and the most beautiful.

South Africa were facing New Zealand on the 24th of March in Auckland. Neither team had ever made it to a World Cup final and they were here facing each other in an attempt to make it their first. Both teams knew they could not both make it through to the finals and that this would be a fight to the last second. Considering the pressure on both teams to make it through to the finals, it was possibly the cleanest and purest game of cricket ever. It was also the most heart-breaking.

Both teams were coming into the semi-final from unbelievable wins. South Africa had smashed through Sri Lanka and beaten them with nine wickets in hand. New Zealand with an unbelievable performance from Martin Guptill had beaten the West Indies by 143 runs. South Africa were batting first at the Eden Park ground. They got off to a fairly slow start and Trent Boult who has been New Zealand’s key this tournament picked off the openers cheaply. Rilee Rossouw and Faf du Plessis slowly built back up. At 114 it was Corey Anderson who got the break through and removed Rossouw. Next in was AB de Villers. The man who could completely take the game away from New Zealand. It was a wonderful partnership from du Plessis and de Villiers. They ran well between the wicket and picked up the run rate. The two built up a 100 run partnership before the rain came to New Zealand’s aid. It wasn’t the first time rain had interfered with a South African World Cup knock-out game and it had never ended well for them especially when Duckworth-Lewis came into play. The game was reduced to 43 overs and South Africa needed to push on quickly with roughly six overs to go. Unfortunately du Plessis was removed almost immediately after play restarted and de Villiers found it hard to get going straight away. However David Miller came to their rescue as he smashed 49 off 18 balls and pushed South Africa up to 281.

Duckworth Lewis changed New Zealand’s target to 298 from 43 overs. It wasn’t an easy target but it was easier than the one South Africa were heading for before the rain. McCullum set off in true McCullum style, without any inhibitions he bludgeoned 59 from 26 off South Africa’s World Class fast bowlers. It was just the start that New Zealand needed to begin the chase. He brought down the required rate to a mere six per over. South Africa however continued to pick off wickets and pushed ahead. Kane Williamson was removed early and just as partnerships began to build up, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor got out. It was looking as though New Zealand might finally crumble under the pressure but a brilliant partnership between Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott kept the game alive. They put on a 103 run partnership before Anderson was removed. The game was still in the balance, both teams fighting with all their might. New Zealand still needed 46 from the last five overs.

The final over came and New Zealand needed 12 runs off the last 6 balls. It was not an easy ask with Dale Steyn bowling. Both teams were still well in the game. The intensity grew and New Zealand needed five from two when Elliott smashed a six out of the ground. As the ball crashed down it brought the dreams of the South African’s down with it. Dale Steyn fell to the floor and Grant Elliott went over to give him a hand before going to celebrate. There was an unbelievable amount of respect shown by both teams and it was possibly the most bitter-sweet ending to any cricket game.

The second semi final however was all but that. It was however, a game of sheer aggression in the wrong way. Both teams had faced issues with each other in the past and India’s new and younger side were much more ready to give what they got from Australia. The crowd atmosphere was almost mucky in places and tainted with bitterness of Bangladeshi supporters who had come specifically to boycott the Indians. This was India’s biggest test of the tournament. They hadn’t faced a significant challenge in the group matches or the quarter-finals.

It all began well with India removing David Warner early. Bowling Australia out was always going to be their biggest issue. In particular Steve Smith who had played so brilliantly against India over the summer. Smith and Aaron Finch put on an incredible 182 run partnership. India looked like they were back in the test series, unable to pick up a wicket. Smith was finally removed and Glenn Maxwell was sent in early to keep the momentum going and as always he got off to a flyer before he was removed by Ravi Ashwin. Two quick wickets fell as Finch and captain Michael Clarke fell leaving Australia 248-5 at 43. It wasn’t a great start but India had pulled it back from what could have been a 350+ run total. The game still got away from India however as James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson put on great cameos to bring Australia up to 328. An incredibly tough ask.

As the game went on it just got more sullied. India got off to a flyer with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The pair put on a great first wicket partnership of 76 runs from 13 overs. There were some loose shots and some lucky misses but the openers had taken some pressure off. Once the Australian’s broke through that first partnership, India could just not get another one to stick. Virat Kohli got out for one. Had Kohli stuck around he was likely to be the man to get the brunt of it. However it all fell on the in-form Suresh Raina who had pulled India through on more than one occassion this World Cup. Mitchell Starc attacked Raina and on one occasion threw the ball at the stumps to hit Raina before appealing for obstruction. The atmosphere changed from there. The Indian fans had gone silent. There was no fight left. No one put up a fight except the captain MS Dhoni but he could not finish the game by himself. India fell 94 runs short of the total. It was a weak fight from them that left everyone disappointed. They had the ability to win, or at least make Australia really sweat but their run finally came to an end.

Australia had bowled beautifully to restrict India but it was a bitter end to the game.

A literal one-man show… Rohit Sharma beats Sri Lanka by 13 runs.

15 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Rohit Sharma smashed through two incredible records yesterday. He scored a record-breaking 264 runs in the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka (45 more than the previous record holder Virender Sehwag) and became the first cricketer to score two double centuries in ODIs.

It was an incredible day for India but more specifically, for Rohit Sharma. India had already won the series against Sri Lanka with two games to play and so decided to give all their players a chance. Sharma who was coming back from Injury had only played in the warm-up game but had scored 142 and was looking as great as ever. Sharma along with Robin Uthappa, Stuart Binny and Karn Sharma all played to allow some of the other players to rest and recover, including the in form Shikhar Dhawan who had scored a fantastic 283 runs in his three innings.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, Sharma looked uncomfortable to begin with, he only scored 11 runs of the first 40 with Ajinkya Rahane in full flow hitting boundaries every over. Sharma faced a maiden over from Angelo Matthews, was dropped by Thisara Perera (the most costly drop in ODI cricket) on four runs, and scored his 50 at less than a run a ball.

However from then on, it was as though he was a new man, there was no stopping him. He didn’t give the Sri Lankans another chance until he went past 200, his second, third and fourth 50 came from 28, 25 and 26 balls respectively and his final 50 came off just a mere 15. Sharma hit 33 fours (another record) in his innings, he placed the ball so beautifully that the Sri Lankan fielders didn’t have a chance. Sharma played 39 dot balls to reach his first 50 but only 19 in the rest of his entire innings. There was little to say about the other batsmen when one man amasses a score that is higher than the average ODI innings these past 10 years. However, Virat Kohli was run out again just as he was when Sharma scored his first double century against Australia. (Are we going to start hoping Kohli gets run out more often when he’s batting with Sharma?)

Sri Lanka’s batsmen faced an incredible total of 404. Their bowlers had given them very little chance of winning the game and bar the wonderful efforts of Mahela Jayawardena and the admirable grit of Angelo Matthews, their batting was in no shape to be chasing such a total. Sri Lanka fell 153 runs short of India’s total, 13 runs short of Rohit Sharma’s total.

#Rohit200

India take full advantage of unprepared Sri Lanka

07 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

India were clear favourites when the impromptu ODI series against Sri Lanka was announced after West Indies left India early. Sri Lanka’s last international game was against Pakistan in August and they were given no time to prepare for the series. In the lead up, both Angelo Matthews and Kumar Sangakkara were clear about their distaste for the spontaneous series and lack of practice. They, alongside the new head coach tried to dial down the importance of the tour but the margins by which India have won the first few games could have an effect on the Sri Lankans in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Even though Sri Lanka were missing both Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath, the warm-up game against India A was expected to be a little more competitive than it turned out to be. Neither of India’s openers played including the in-form Ajinkya Rahane and both Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli did not play. This would have been the perfect chance for Sri Lanka to get a feel for the Indians and build up some confidence before facing a team that had just beaten England and West Indies.

The Indian batsmen pummeled the Sri Lankan bowlers with the first wicket falling for 96 and the second falling for a colossal 310. Rohit Sharma scored 142, Manish Pandey scored an unbeaten 135 and along with the help of Unmukt Chand who scored a half century, India posted 382. The batsmen appeared unfazed by the SL bowlers and both Sharma and Pandey made their case for being included in the 2015 WC XI.

Apart from Upul Tharanga who scored 76, none of the other Sri Lankan batsmen made a significant contribution to their total. Considering their lack of practice, they did very well to reach 294, a score that would more often than not result in a win during a chase but their bowling left them too huge a target and so Matthews’ men fell short by 88 runs.

The first ODI was going to be even more of a task for the SL bowlers with Rahane on form and Virat Kohli coming off a century against West Indies. India’s openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rahane both scored centuries and put on an incredible opening stand of 231 runs. This was the second highest Indian opening partnership against Sri Lanka and third overall. Their innings was incredible but could have been stopped early in it’s tracks. Kumar Sangakkara dropped two regulation catches off the openers before they had reached half centuries. The poor performance by such a high achieving man showed the true rustiness of the Sri Lankan team.

Virat Kohli was appointed captain for the series and made a great call in putting Suresh Raina in at no.3 to keep the momentum of the game going after Dhawan fell for 113. Raina went on to score 52 and India ended on another mammoth total of 363.

Sri Lanka’s batting appeared even worse during this game, only Mahela Jayawardene looked in touch playing some great shots. Ishant Sharma picked up four wickets for 34 runs, his best ODI figures to date and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 194. The Indians were missing Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and so would have been very happy with the performance from the pace bowlers.

The second ODI appeared to be dragging the series down the same road that six out of the seven previous head-to-head ODI series’ between the two have gone. Only once have Sri Lanka drawn an ODI series against India in the past 10 years and never have they won one.

The ODI began badly for the visitors as wickets fell frequently until a great fourth-wicket partnership between Angelo Matthews and Kumar Sangakkara helped them get back on track. No one else in the team made a significant contribution to the total but Sri Lanka were still able to muster a decent total of 274. However it appeared nothing could stop the hosts, if it wasn’t Rahane scoring the century it was someone else. Ambati Rayudu appeared to want in on the action as he scored an unbeaten maiden century. He, with the help of Dhawan and Kohli helped India ease to their second win of the series so far.

I hope the series improves over the next few games and that Sri Lanka are better prepared for the World Cup. It would be phenomenal to watch another India v. Sri Lanka final after the results of the 2011 ODI and 2014 T20 World Cup.

I feel I must mention Pakistan and their incredible dominance over Australia in the two tests after having lost all three ODIs. Not just by small margins either, a first test win of 221 runs followed by an even more comprehensive 356 run win. An in form Pakistan and India will mean an incredibly exciting group stage match in Adelaide in Feb 2015. One which I eagerly await!

It’s been a long time coming.

20 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

The story of the week, the one that required two days of recovery before this blog could be written; Virat Kohli finally scored his long awaited 20th century. He had faced more than just a slump in form during his time in England, he appeared to have lost his confidence and replaced it with a fear that kept him glued to his crease and reaching for the ball. The Kohli that played in the 4th ODI in Dharamsala was a new man, one who was calm and collected. He looked as though he had never been in a slump and appeared as though summer had never happened.

Kohli’s milestone put him at the top of the ODI rankings by percentage of centuries. He currently has the highest conversion rate of all players with 20+ centuries. 15% of Kohli’s 133 ODI innings have produced a century with a 39.2% conversion rate showing exactly how skilled he is.

What ended up being the final ODI of the series was a fantastic all round performance from India, they bowled well during the game and at the death but more importantly, their batting fell into place.

Darren Sammy was followed out to the toss by the WI team who were showing their support for the captain during the players stand-off against the WIPA. Sammy won the toss and made the right decision putting India in the bat first. Even with conditions favouring the bowlers, India started very well scoring 70 before the first wicket fell. Virat Kohli came in and even though he began slowly, he picked up singles and once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. He and Suresh Raina put on a 138 run partnership after a solid start from Shikhar Dhawan who scored 35 and Ajinkya Rahane who scored 68. India cruised to 330-6 with two players scoring half centuries and one scoring a hard earned century.

 

West Indies responded relatively poorly, being bowled out for 271 runs in 48.1 overs. Dwayne Smith got out for an 11 ball duck and Keiron Pollard scored a mere six runs from 31 balls. Marlon Samuels once again produced a phenomenal century, one that appeared even more brilliant considering the circumstances WI were facing but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to pull them over the line. He had very little assistance from the rest of the team except Darren Bravo and Andre Russell who both scored 40s.

It’s unfortunate that the WI series ended there just as India were finding their groove. With Rahane, Raina and now Kohli finding form, India have a real chance to defend their 2011 World Cup title.

However, it seems likely that Sri Lanka will be picking up the slack soon and India will be wanting practice against their 2011 World Cup final rivals.

India sort out death bowling but lack batting form

13 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

India had everything going for them, they were playing at home and playing their favourite format of the game. However, during their first game, they almost looked like they were back abroad playing Test match cricket. The ODI series against West Indies should have been almost an easy win for India. Though West Indies are one of the most explosive limited-overs team, they were lacking in practice, low on morale, missing their star spinner and one of their most dangerous batsmen. They were also going up against a team who had just won an ODI series abroad.

A comprehensive 124 run win in the first ODI by WI was more than impressive considering their circumstances. They put on a fantastic all-round performance from start to finish. WI started well with Dwayne Smith scoring 46, but Marlon Samuels stole the show with his 126 not-out. With the help of Dinesh Ramdin, WI put on a huge total of 321. One that had never been chased down in Kochi before.

Though WI reached a formidable total, it wasn’t due to poor death bowling from India for once. India bowled very tightly during the final overs, something which they have always had trouble with. However most of the damage had already been done during the middle overs. Nevertheless, given the conditions and India’s reputation, there was still hope for the Indians. With Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina finding form in England during the ODIs, and MS Dhoni back in his element it was sure to be a close match.

India began strong with Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan settling well and playing some beautiful shots. A huge miscommunication during the ninth over led to both batsmen standing in the same crease and Rahane being run out leaving India 49-1. Apart from Dhawan’s 68 it was a very poor batting show from India from then on. Virat Kohli got out in an all too familiar way and no one else except the openers and Ravindra Jadeja scored above 20. India were all out for 197. It appeared that India had fixed one problem in their death bowling but found new problems in their batting.

The second ODI began in shambles again for India with Dhawan getting out for one. They recovered slowly with Rahane and Ambati Rayudu building a partnership but neither could last at the crease and India were left 74-3. Kohli and Raina added 105 for the fourth wicket and Dhoni scored a 50 to bring India to 263.

Though 263 was a decent total, India appeared to be on their way to a second loss as WI cruised to 162-2 in 35 overs. During the 36th over, something changed. Once Dwayne Smith was dismissed, the WI lineup collapsed with the next seven wickets falling for a mere 45 runs.

Even though India won, it was not convincing. The WI batsmen only required six an over when the third wicket fell and considering their lineup, it was their game to lose. India will need to pull their socks up in the eight ODIs leading up to the World Cup if they hope to defend their title as champions.

What test series?

03 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Thanks partly to Elton Chigumbura’s hat-trick against Australia, India have once again become the no.1 ranked team in ODIs. However that wasn’t the only reason, they have shown their class as a one day team easing to their third, and most convincing win to take the series.

India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Though this may have given them a slight upper hand considering the conditions, it was no excuse for England’s top three batsmen to fall for single figure scores leaving the team 23-3 from eight overs. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan did well to rebuild together but both got out to very poor shots roughly halfway through the innings exposing England’s lower order with 20 overs to go. Moeen Ali was the star of England’s innings and this time he worked his magic with the bat scoring 67 runs hitting three sixes but it was not enough and England were bowled out for 206.

India began very slowly, scoring only four runs in total off the first four overs. However they were in no rush to get moving as they were chasing a fairly low target. The openers, unlike England’s, allowed themselves time to settle in and then, let loose. Ajinkya Rahane hit four fours off Jimmy Anderson’s third over and from then on, looked like he was in it for the long haul.

At 25 overs, England were 87-3 and and India had reached 150 with Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan still at the crease. Rahane went on to score his maiden ODI century and India finished the game with Shikhar Dhawan still at the crease, nine wickets in hand and 117 balls remaining.

India’s fantastic ODI antics have once again left their frivolous test performance feeling like a distant memory. However, they have a test series coming up against West Indies and Australia soon, and with the Australia series also being played away they have a lot of work to do.

On another note, Mitchell Marsh’s phenomenal innings of 86 against South Africa sealed them a place in the Zimbabwe Tri-series final. They bowled much better in this match to restrict South Africa to 220 in 44 overs, only Faf du Plessis appeared to resist the South African collapse scoring his second consecutive ODI century.

The final will be an extremely interesting re-match between the two.

England set to win next 3 ODIs?

28 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

The ODI series started very much the way the test series began, with India looking strong and competitive. England should still feel like they have a chance considering their performance against India in the Test series and Virat Kohli still being out of form even in the format he thrives in.

It’s a shame that India are able to get more in one 50 over match than they are able to get in two innings during a test match. In the fifth test, India could only muster 242, scoring 62 runs less than they did in the ODI. They have some very skillful players with the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar but their attitude and mindset towards Test match cricket must change if they hope to become a competitive side.

Suresh Raina, the man who was brought out at number 11 during the warm-up game came in at number five to score his first century outside Asia, and his first since Jan 2010. Raina was left out of the Asia Cup in March so he had a lot to prove, especially outside India. His place in the ICC 2015 World Cup is still not secure though, he will have to continue to prove himself over the next few series’.

However, India were expected to do well in the one day format. A real thriller was going on in the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare. South Africa and Australia were battling it out in their first head-to-head of the Tri-series.

Australia batted first and led by Aaron Finch who scored a century, posted a decent total of 327 with Phillip Hughes and Captain George Bailey also scoring half centuries. South Africa’s bowling was relatively poor and lacking in control, Wayne Parnell in particular appeared to be out of sorts ending up with an economy rating on 9.42.

However as always, AB de Villiers was the star of the show scoring 136. Alongside childhood friend Faf du Plessis, who scored his maiden ODI hundred, the two put on a partnership of 206. Once again, as he has done so often for South Africa, de Villiers displayed real strength and grit to see the match through even though he suffered severe cramp and needed on-field treatment. Benching Nathan Lyon might have been the deciding factor in the match, with figures of 2-45, South African spinner Imran Tahir was the most economical of the game.

Of the last five ODI losses Australia have faced, including yesterday’s game, four of them have been 300+ scores. It seems Australia have a lot of work to do on their bowling.