CHEER FOR INDIA

Indian batting greats are a flag at half-mast: Oz media

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:26:00 +0000

The Australian media slammed the Indian cricket team for its "disgraceful lack of fight" in the 4-0 Test series whitewash and made mocking comparison of the gait of the visiting batting greats returning to the dressing room to "flag at half-mast".

"India's lack of fight has been disgraceful but Australia's bowling has been as remarkable as the batting of Michael Clarke and the revival of Ricky Ponting," a write-up in Daily Telegraphsaid.

"Who in their wildest dreams could have imagined this inconsistent team in such a state of transition would completely demolish one of the most credentialed batting line-ups ever assembled?" it asked.

"It was an utterly dominant performance from the home team, with the result never really in doubt. While Australia continued its steady march back up the world rankings, India took another serious hit and strengthened its reputation as a flaky easybeat on foreign soil," it said.

A write-up in The Australian caricatured the Indian batsmen returning to the pavillion after being dismissed to being similar to a flag at half mast.

"The visitors' four mighty batsmen, weighty with honours and worth 45,000 Test runs, slouched towards the exits of their careers, the victims of good bowling, if not perhaps in each case of particularly good balls. They moved off pensively - in Virender Sehwag's case at a meditative limp, holding the

bat at its toe, analogous to a flag at half-mast," the write-up said.

The write-up even pulled out a term used by Rahul Dravid himself during the Bradman Oration he delivered last month and said that it turned out to be the "self-mocking description" of the Indian batting greats.

"Rahul Dravid was widely and justly praised for his Bradman Oration last month. He has also proven prophetic.

"Creaking terminators": his droll, self-mocking description of India's top order has turned out to be almost unimproveable. At Adelaide Oval, they ground finally to a halt, and a remorseless Australian attack rolled right over the top of them," the newspaper said.

Under the headline 'Whitewash: insipid India play Australia back into form', Sydney Morning Herald said that the difference between the two teams was the confidence level of the players.

"There can be no doubt India's insipid performance has made Australia look better than they are. Nonetheless, the most priceless quality in sport is confidence. Australia have it in abundance," the newspaper said.

"In cricket, everything is cause and effect. In their different ways, Australia and India arrived at the same explanation for this counter-intuitive whitewash: India did not score enough. Only once did they make more than 300, and that was on the way to an innings defeat in Sydney."

The newspaper said only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman should not be blamed for India's debacle and Virender Sehwag should also take the responsibility.

"The legends were not exclusively to blame. Sehwag, a kind of legend-elect, had another poor series. In press briefing, he wore an Indian cap, but with a conspicuously expensive pair of sunglasses covering the crest (mind you, Clarke wore a garish sponsor's cap). India's cricketers are millionaires and sometimes play that way," it said.

"No one tells millionaires what to do. In this series, Sehwag stubbornly refused to adapt his gunslinger's game to ever more pinched circumstances. Yet Sehwag would not contemplate changes, nor countenance an Argus-style review -- indeed no retrospective other than what he said was each player's duty to review his own game and, otherwise, to forget that this series was ever played."
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/49000/indian-batting-greats-are-a-flag-at-half-mast-oz-media

Aus cannot waste talent like India: Chappell

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Melbourne: Former India cricket coach and Australia's national selector Greg Chappell has said that his country does not have the liberty to waste talents like India, which has a rich reserve pool.

Fresh from his return to Boston Red Sox and the University of Texas football program to tap into their expertise in identifying talented players, Chappell said, "We're not like India, we can't waste talent."

"They can have a few fall over and there will be someone there backing them up, but we don't have the talent pool they have, so we have to be a lot more efficient," he added.

Chappell also pointed out that Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Simon Katich are well aware of their role in the Australian team, which is going through a transformation phase.

"I don't think we have to send any message to them. They are mature cricketers, they know what the landscape is and they can't play forever.

"As long as they can bring something to the table, not only the runs or wickets, but the input they can have with the group, they are viable, but at some stage they won't be, that is just a fact of life," Chappell told the Age.

Emphasising upon the importance of regeneration, Chappell said the concept is important but it can come about in different ways.

He, however, added that there was no need to make wholesale changes.

"We've got a new captain. Change isn't just about personnel, it's about attitude and intent and about tactics, and I'm sure Michael (Clarke) will bring different thought processes to the captaincy, and I think that is a positive thing," Chappell said.

Pointing out at Shane Watson's recent run with the bat, Chappell said, "We need players who are going to help us win games, and Shane Watson opening the batting can help us win games."

"(His bowling) also gives the flexibility to play an extra spinner in Sri Lanka or an extra pace bowler in South Africa," he added.

Meanwhile, senior batsman Micheal Hussey has expressed his desire to be a part of the transition.

"I want to be part of the new (era). I want to help the new guys coming in," the left-hander said after the team's series win against Bangladesh yesterday.

"We've got a nice blend at the moment, I think, of some experienced players and then we've got some really young guys.

I definitely see a bit of a role to play there to help those guys adapt to international cricket," Hussey added.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/aus-cannot-waste-talent-like-india-chappell/56539-13.html

Pune solve the middle-order missing link

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:57:00 +0000

New Delhi: Debutants in IPL-4, Pune Warriors India might just have taken advantage of the complacency of the other franchise owners.

While the emphasis was on splashing the cash on the rising stars of Indian cricket with the Saurabh Tiwary's and the Manoj Tiwary's of this world going for dizzying amounts of cash, Pune cashed in on the lack of attention given to the Indian players and Indian team discards.

Yuvraj Singh was in all kinds of mess after the end of IPL-3 and did not get any respite at the international level as well. Struggling to string together any kind of momentum in his innings and the sound of the ball hitting the sweet spot of the bat a distant memory, the stylish southpaw found no buyers and little willinglness for any franchise to see him as a part of their setup.

But for seasoned campaigners like Yuvraj, form is temporary and class is permanent and Pune franchise supremo did not hesitate to swoop for the Chandigarh lad.

Fast-forward to World Cup 2011, and after playing some crucial and match-winning knocks for the World Cup-winning Indian team, World Cup Man of the Tournament and skipper of the Pune Warriors is now the hottest property in world cricket, and how Preity Zinta and Kings XI Punjab must be cursing themselves for letting go off the all-rounder.

The quadrennial cricketing extravaganza also saw the rise of Yuvraj Singh the bowler, with the perennial Indian problem of the fifth bowler being solved and how.

And with the confidence back, and along with that the swagger, the attitude seems to have rubbed off on his peers as Pune have quickly established themselves as the team to beat in this IPL. After clinical displays with bat and ball, the confidence of the captain in himself is clearly showing in the attitude of the team as well.

And then there is Robin Uthappa. Why the Royal Challengers Bangalore let go of him after the Indian T20 World Cup winner smashed 26 sixes in the IPL-3 still remains a mystery. But what is the Challengers' loss is the Warriors' gain.

An expert with coping up to the demands of the shortest version of the game, he has proved himself to be a through and through specialist, now also keeping for the Warriors to prove his versatility as a cricketer.

Unorthodox shots have always been one of his strong points, as he very well exhibited when he fearlessly ventured into the middle against the Kochi Tuskers and nonchalantly reverse swept the wizard Muttiah Muaralitharan for four.

But like every Indian batsman, his two-step dance down the pitch to dispatch the spinner and fast bowlers alike to the furthest parts of the ground is a sight to see.

He has clearly showed his game-changing abilities by knocking the wind out of the sails of the opposition with some lusty hits.

With encouraging signs on both batting and bowling fronts, the debutants are definitely presenting a strong case for themselves, and when in trouble, they know the Robbie-Yuvi duo can come and save the day.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/pune-solve-the-middleorder-missing-link/56540-5.html

Sehwag risking WI, Eng tour to play IPL

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:48:00 +0000

New Delhi: A World Cup win can bring satisfaction of a lifetime and champion players rummage around for a recliner to relax while the medal sits on the chest perpetually. But winds of change have refashioned perceptions, where the IPL money rules the roost and other issues move to the back-burner.

Virender Sehwag's niggling shoulder injury, which forced him out of the ODIs on the South African tour to be fit for the World Cup, is one such example where a player risks jeopardising his career for franchisee reputation and some extra zeroes.

Sehwag and BCCI's decision to delay the shoulder surgery until after the World Cup was in national interest, but postponing it for franchisee cricket defies logic.

In contrast, neighbouring giants Sri Lanka have issued marching orders to their IPL-serving players midway through the tournament to prepare for national duty for the tour of England.

This opens Sehwag's disregard towards his fitness to even severe scrutiny as India too have energy-sapping tour of the West Indies commencing just six days after the IPL final on May 28, followed by the tour to England.

What more, the delay has already cost India Sehwag's more than useful off-spin. Though it thankfully didn't hurt the team in the World Cup, the signs indicate his decision to delay can make it only worse.

So if the 'Devil' is planning to 'Dare' the scalpel after the IPL, it's almost certain that the most feared opener in world cricket has resigned to the fact that he won't tour the Caribbean.

Does it mean that Sehwag and BCCI have wilted under the pressure of big-spending franchises, treating national interest secondarily? Is India's tour of the West Indies trivial in comparison to domestic entertainment like the IPL?

These and many similar incisive questions are waiting to dissect Sehwag and the Indian board's decision to put off an imminent treatment. Hope it doesn't cost India a disaster in the West Indies after a fairytale in the subcontinent.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sehwag-risking-wi-eng-tour-to-play-ipl/56541-13.html

Sehwag risking WI, Eng tour to play IPL

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Sehwag and BCCI's decision to delay the shoulder surgery until after the World Cup was in national interest, but postponing it for franchisee cricket defies logic.

In contrast, neighbouring giants Sri Lanka have issued marching orders to their IPL-serving players midway through the tournament to prepare for national duty for the tour of England.

So if the 'Devil' is planning to 'Dare' the scalpel after the IPL, it's almost certain that the most feared opener in world cricket has resigned to the fact that he won't tour the Caribbean.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sehwag-risking-wi-eng-tour-to-play-ipl/56541-13.html

Dreams are made of these...

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:53:00 +0000

ridabad, jobs,

"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." - Red to Andy Dufresne in the classic 'The Shawshank Redemption', 1994.

India started the day with hope. Zaheer Khan was un-hittable by the Lankans, and the fielding made one suspect that coach Kirsten had injected some South African genes into the Indian team. What had been injected though was much simpler and much more visible: desire. The Indians were leaping, diving, running as if they had to train with Usain Bolt and the Sri Lankans found the going tough in the initial few overs. Visions were raised of a bowling choke, leading to a sedate chase. Then Dilshan and Sangakkara built a stand, after which Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene got the scoreboard ticking over much more regularly. Sangakkara went, and Mahela - who had started the World Cup with a 100 off 80 balls against Canada, before losing his form, decided the final would be the perfect place to recapture it on the way to a 100 off 84 balls. Sri Lanka scored 63 runs off the final five overs of the innings, turning a average-competitive total into a very tough one. Hope, that had been steadily growing in Indian fans' hearts, must have done a quick about-turn and headed straight into insanity territory.

The scene had to be seen to be believed. It was midnight, there wasn't any store open and yet there was a teeming, swaying, gathering mass of humanity. Men and women, old and young, inebriated and sober, on vehicles and on foot - all bound by one fact and one only: They had discovered the Indian in them.

Roads that had never seen this kind of movement at this hour were jam-packed. Vehicles were stuck, moving 10 metres in half an hour, but that was alright - no one was trying to get anywhere, everyone simply wanted to be a part of the festivities. At one point, I thought I should ask the group of people I was with to get back inside the car because I had spied a police car coming from the distance. Then I paused - there was a hand that was coming out of the police car as it neared a throng. That hand was raised in an unmistakable gesture of high-fiving the revelers. There wasn't going to be a crime committed today - not for the next two hours. Not when the country was in the throes of a collective happiness the like of which it had never seen. Tonight, the police were part of the delicious madness. I didn't get back in my car - I waited till I could bump hands with the man behind the wheel of the police vehicle.

Sri Lanka had ended up with a very good total, it was true. No batsman hitting a century in a World Cup final had ended up on the losing side - this was also true. No side playing the final at home had won the World Cup, yes. And no side had chased as many as 275 runs to win in a World Cup final. Yet hope had not completely disappeared. After all, no chasing side had a set of openers like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar did they?

As it turned out, after just 6.1 overs India didn't have them either. Sehwag had gone off the second ball of the innings, trapped plumb in front by Lasith Malinga. He took with him a sizeable chunk of hope and one needlessly wasted review. However, Tendulkar was still there, and it is an axiom of an Indian fan's life that as long as he is there at the crease, hope is never fully banished from the heart. For 13 glorious balls he made us believe. It was written - he would get to his 100th century while anchoring India's chase and bringing home the trophy that he most wanted and yet had never got, in front of an adoring home-crowd. God had rested on the 7th day, in twice the number of balls, the God of Indian cricket chased a ball from Malinga that was going away and had to leave to stunned silence.

31/2 in 6.1 overs with the two principal match-winners back in the pavilion. Bye-bye hope, welcome Insanity.

There was a man in a corner waving a giant India flag. He didn't look like he had come with anyone else, and yet he was bear-hugging every body within arm-reach. He was draping the flag over someone else, and high-fiving every passer-by on vehicle. There was a man on a motor-cycle. He didn't have anyone riding with him. And yet, from a moving vehicle he found the energy and the insouciance to holler a 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and exchange fist-bumps with whoever seemed to be passing him. There is a pedestrian, but he's not on the footpath. He's in the middle of the road. And he spontaneously starts a chant of 'Sachin...Sachin'. what feels like 50,000 voices immediately join in. They might have come alone, but there was nobody who was alone on this night.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli. Two Delhi boys. Two future India captains maybe. Also most importantly, two men with limitless stomachs for toughing it out and who had the cojones to probably think to themselves, "So what if Tendulkar and Sehwag have gone? We are still there."

They dusted off the early dismissals and focussed on the task at hand: how to get India to 275 in little steps. Gambhir looked fluent from the start, Kohli first settled down and then started opening up. Visions of this match cropped up. Irrestible parallels were drawn - India chased a much higher total in that match and the combined score of Tendulkar and Sehwag was 18 then too, as it was today. Would Kohli and Gambhir repeat their heroics? Kohli, it turned out, would not. 114/3 in the 22nd over, and India was once more on the back-foot. Out walked MS Dhoni, ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh. He had - he said later - a point to prove: to himself. And he backed himself to prove it. It was a courageous decision on the part of a man who hadn't been scoring too many runs so far, knowing that if it back-fired, he would have had to face a barrage of questions.

It didn't backfire. Dhoni didn't allow it to. Gambhir and Kohli had taken India from despair to uncertainty. Dhoni and Gambhir took them from uncertainty to looking increasingly likely winners. Gambhir had already got to a superb fifty, and during the course of the stand Dhoni joined him. "We see your Mahela," the Indian fans seemed to be saying, "and we raise you a Gautam." The stand had crossed the century mark, and Gambhir was nearing his own. He would have got it too, except for a rush of blood that saw a fairly straight 'you miss, I hit' ball from Perera duly miss Gambhir's flailing bat and head for his stumps. Nevertheless, with 97 off 122, while chasing in a World Cup final, Gambhir had entered the pantheon of the select few who have played great World Cup final knocks.

Out walked India's World Cup talisman - Yuvraj Singh. The game was in the balance, with India having a slight advantage. Recognizing the moment and realising that he needed to seize it, MS Dhoni turned it on. He had been scoring at almost a run-a-ball until Gambhir's dismissal. After Yuvraj's entry, he unleashed a brutal square-cut for six. When Malinga came back for his final spell, there was one quiet over, after which he was taken for 11 runs, with 9 of them coming off Dhoni's blade. With that, India's required rate was 5 runs to win off 12 balls.

Grown men are not supposed to dance like this. Since when did the streets of a city become a post-midnight celebratory meeting place? And India will not be allowed to forget this party. 1983 exists as televison recording. 2011 will half be remembered by the street videos. For every man who is dancing, there is one taking a video - on a cellphone, on a camera, on possibly other sophisticated devices whose names I don't know. Yes, India will not be allowed to forget this party - there are just too many recordings of it!

However, perhaps I should pull my friends - respectable, intelligent, mature men in ordinary lives - away from the throng where they are dancing without a care in the world, without a music beat to be heard and with only the accompaniment of a thousand screaming voices? I would, but I find that I'm part of the throng. My voice is contributing to the collective roar. My two left feet are dancing in wild abandon.

5 off 12, becomes 4 off 11 with a single and MS Dhoni is back on strike. He finishes it in the way only he can. Ice-cold eyes, even cooler head and a mighty swing over the sight-screens. He's had a previous highest of 34 in this World Cup, and he ends it by scoring 91 not out off 79 balls. For the first time after 28 years, a nation erupts with joy.

O Captain, my Captain! Our fearful trip is done, The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won. [Link]

The events of the night play back in memory. The first of many re-runs. The men who have won the Cup will be over the moon. And I'd wager that the men who might not have been a part of the winning squad, but who had just as much of a hand in bringing India to this summit on this day, will be just as happy. I raise a silent toast to Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid. To Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. To John Wright and Javagal Srinath. And of course to the entire Indian team of today. And to Sachin Tendulkar. You beautiful champion - who cares if you did not score runs. You had a date with destiny and you kept it.

The images continue to flash: There was emotion on the field from MS Dhoni. There were tears from many Indian players and millions of fans. I had walked out in the streets after the win. I was greeted, hugged, and fist-bumped by people I did not know. The last time I had greeted and hugged so many strangers was at my wedding.

Eleven men have won a trophy in a sport that only 10 countries in the world play at any sort of competitive level. But don't tell me that it's 'just a game'.

"Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Andy Dufresne, in reply to Red. From, 'The Shawshank Redemption', 1994.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39475/dreams-are-made-of-these

No fairytale finish for record-breaker Murali

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:50:00 +0000

Record-breaking Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan bowed out of international cricket on the losing side as India won the World Cup final by six wickets on Saturday.

Murali, who will 39 later this month, had said before the tournament he would retire after this World Cup.

He went into the final with 800 wickets in 133 Tests and 534 in one-day internationals, both world records.

But in his 350th one-day international a half-fit Murali was rendered wicketless, his eight overs costing an economical 39 runs but without quite the same sharp turn that made him so difficult to face for so long.

Muralitharan's longevity as a top-flight player could be seen from the fact he was the sole survivor in the current side from the Sri Lanka team that beat Australia to win the 1996 World Cup final in Lahore.

His career, although littered with individual records, was highly controversial on account of his unorthodox action.

Born with a bent elbow, he was called three-times for 'throwing' by Australian umpires in the mid 1990s.

He was also once called a 'chucker' by John Howard -- a comment which would later help scupper the former Australian Prime Minister's bid to become president of the International Cricket Council.

Repeated bio-mechanical tests indicated his action was legal.

But when the ICC amended their rules on bowling actions to allow for 15 degrees of flexibility in 2005 many critics felt it was a decision designed solely for Murali's benefit and a move to appease cricket's powerful 'Asian bloc'.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39462/no-fairytale-finish-for-record-breaker-murali

I had point to prove: Dhoni

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:49:00 +0000

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted he took a World Cup final gamble on Saturday, a high-stakes strategy which paid dividends with a first world title since 1983.

He included wayward seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth instead of steady spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and pushed himself up the batting order where he made an unbeaten 91.

He finished the game with a huge six as India celebrated their six-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in style.

"I took a quite few decisions tonight and if we hadn't had won I would have been asked quite a few questions," said Dhoni.

"Why no Ashwin? Why Sreesanth? Why no Yuvraj (at five)? Why did I bat ahead? That pushed me and motivated to do well."

Dhoni had admitted he had struggled for runs coming into the final.

"The pressure had got to me in the previous games. In this match I wanted to bat up the order and (coach) Gary (Kirsten) backed me as did the senior players. I had a point to prove to myself."

Dhoni also praised Gautam Gambhir who fell just three runs short of a century and Virat Kohli (35) who put on 83 for the third wicket.

Gambhir also shared a crucial partnership of 109 with his captain after Lasith Malinga had removed openers Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18) to leave the home side on a worrying 31-2 in pursuit of 274.

"Virat and Gautam batted brillantly. There were lots of singles and then with the help of bit of dew, we put pressure on their spinners. I would have liked Gautam to go on and get that big hundred."

Man of the tournament Yuvraj Singh said victory had capped a remarkable period for India, the commercial powerhouse of the world game.

"This is unbelievable. We won the Under-19 World Cup, then the Twenty20 but this is the most special," said Yuvraj, who was man of the match on four occasions.

"It's for Sachin and for everyone else. Batting second means a lot of pressure but Gauti and MS played outstandingly. They played like it was a normal game. We batted like champions. Thank you India."

Tendulkar, who was winning his first World Cup in six attempts, said it had been the proudest moment of his career.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life," said Tendulkar.

"But thanks to my team-mates, without them, nothing would have happened. I couldn't control my tears of joy.

"The team stuck together in the rough phases and proved people wrong who doubted our ability. Self-belief has been always there but in the last two years, we have been very consistent. It's been great honour to be part of this team."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India later announced that every player would receive $225,000 each for their efforts.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39472/i-had-point-to-prove-dhoni

Dream comes true for Tendulkar

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Sachin Tendulkar failed with the bat but still ended a World Cup-winner for the first time on Saturday as India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final.

Many fans in a capacity 33,000 crowd had piled into the Wankhede Stadium hoping to see the 37-year-old Tendulkar, on his home ground, score his hundredth international hundred.

But instead the star batsman, bidding to fulfil a lifelong ambition by winning the World Cup at his sixth -- and in all likelihood last -- attempt, was dismissed for just 18.

It had seemed as if Tendulkar and India might be outshone by a masterful hundred from Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, who made 103 not out in a total of 274 for six after the islanders won the toss and batted.

India's millions of fans around the world were stunned when, in reply, Virender Sehwag was lbw for nought second ball to Lasith Malinga.

Tendulkar, who has 51 Test hundreds and 48 in one-day internationals, produced two stylish boundaries, driving Nuwan Kulasekara down the ground and cutting him for another four.

But his brief, 14-ball innings ended when he tried to steer Malinga through the off-side only to be caught behind by Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara to leave India 31 for two.

Tendulkar walked off to the kind of standing ovation usually reserved for batsmen who've scored far more than 18, in what was a recognition of his previous great deeds rather than this innings.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life," said Tendulkar.

"Thanks to my teammates - without them, nothing would have happened."

Earlier Jayawardene, 33, reached his century in superb style with two successive boundaries off Zaheer Khan.

First he cut the left-arm quick behind high behind square on the offside before next ball striking a brilliant boundary over mid-off to go to the landmark in 84 balls with 13 fours.

But for the second time in as many finals, following Sri Lanka's defeat by Australia in Barbados four years ago, Jayawardene finished a runner-up, with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hitting a six to seal victory with 10 balls to spare.

Jayawardene secured the unwanted record of becoming the first man to score a hundred in a World Cup final yet finish on the losing side.

All five previous tons in the fixture -- by Clive Lloyd (West Indies, 1975), Vivian Richards (West Indies, 1979), Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka 1996), Ricky Ponting (Australia, 2003) and Adam Gilchrist (Australia 2007) had been made in winning causes.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39466/dream-comes-true-for-tendulkar

History-defying India lift World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:47:00 +0000

Gautam Gambhir made 97 and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls as India won the World Cup for the first time since 1983 with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat in the day-night final, rode on Mahela Jayawardene's 103 not out off 88 balls to pile up 274-6 in their 50 overs.

India, cheered by a sell-out crowd of 33,000 at the Wankhede stadium, surpassed the challenging target with 10 balls to spare as Dhoni pounded Nuwan Kulasekara for the winning six.

India had slumped to 31-2 by the sixth over when sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga dismissed Virender Sehwag (0) second ball and had star batsman Sachin Tendulkar (18) caught behind in his fourth over.

Gambhir, who was dropped on 30 and escaped a run-out chance on 49, turned the match around by adding 83 for the third wicket with Virat Kohli and 109 for the fourth with Dhoni.

Yuvraj Singh, who was named the man of the tournament, partnered his skipper till the end with 21 not out after Gambhir was bowled by Thisara Perera in the 42nd over when 52 more were still needed.

Dhoni's men emulated Kapil Dev's compatriots who won the 1983 World Cup by beating the West Indies in the final at Lord's in London.

The victory, watched by Indian President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lanka's head of state Mahinda Rajapakse, was the first occassion a team had won the tournament on home soil.

It was only the third time in 10 World Cup finals that a side batting second had chased down the victory target.

The finale gave Tendulkar, the world's most successful Test and one-day batsman, his first World Cup title in six appearances since 1992.

The defeat ended Sri Lankan star bowler Muttiah Muralitharan's dream of being part of a second World Cup-winning team, having won the title under Arjuna Ranatunga in 1996 in Lahore.

Muralitharan, who turns 39 next month, went wicketless in eight overs to end his career with a record 800 Test and 534 one-day wickets.

Confusion reigned at the toss, which had to be performed twice after match referee Jeff Crowe did not hear Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara's call when Dhoni threw up the coin.

Jayawardene shored up Sri Lanka's innings before tailenders Nuwan Kulasekara (32 off 30 balls) and Thisara Perera (22 off nine) helped their team smash 63 runs in the last five overs of power-play.

India's left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan dried up the flow of runs at the start and his two wickets made him the tournament's leading bowler alongside Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi with 21 wickets each.

Zaheer opened with three successive maidens and then struck with the first ball of his fourth over when Sehwag dived to his right in the slips to remove Upul Tharanga for two.

Fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth lifted the pressure by conceding 15 runs in his fifth over that included a no-ball and a warning for running in the danger area in his follow-through.

Sreesanth, who was preferred ahead of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after Ashish Nehra was ruled out with a fractured finger, was thrashed for 52 runs in his eight overs.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, going into the final as the tournament's leading scorer with 467 runs, made 33 when he was bowled by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to make Sri Lanka 60-2 in the 17th over.

Jayawardene put on 62 for the third wicket with Sangakkara (48) and 57 for the fourth with Thilan Samaraweera (21).
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39459/history-defying-india-lift-world-cup

Time proves healer for Jayawardene

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:46:00 +0000

A World Cup final many India fans hoped would witness Sachin Tendulkar score his hundredth international hundred saw Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene beat him to the punch with a brilliant century.

Jayawardene top-scored with 103 not out in Sri Lanka's total of 274 for six at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

It was a far cry from the World Cup final of four years ago where Jayawardene was dismissed for just 19 as Australia triumphed in Barbados.

Jayawardene, 33, reached his century in superb style with two successive boundaries off Zaheer Khan.

First he cut the left-arm quick behind high behind square on the offside before next ball striking a brilliant boundary over mid-off to go to the landmark in 84 balls with 13 fours.

Jayawardene, who came in at 60 for two, has long had the enviable ability to make runs quickly without seeming to make a great effort.

He is also capable of great feats of batting concentration as he showed while making 374 against South Africa at Colombo in 2006 where he shared a Test record stand for any wicket of 624 with current skipper Kumar Sangakkara.

It had looked as if Zaheer, who finished with two for 60, would also erase memories of previous World Cup final heartache.

When India last played in a World Cup final, he conceded 67 runs in just seven overs during a 125-run thrashing by Australia in Johannesburg in 2003 that saw his opening 10-ball over cost 15 runs.

But it was a different story to start with on his home ground where he began with three successive maidens on Saturday.

Zaheer, maintaining an excellent line and length, tormented left-handed opener Upul Tharanga and kept Tillakaratne Dilshan in check.

Zaheer's pressure was rewarded with the first ball of his fourth over when he produced an excellent delivery on off-stump that cut away and had Tharanga, who struggled to two off 20 balls, edging to diving slip Virender Sehwag.

And it was only next ball, when Sangakkara dabbed to mid-on and set off for a hasty single, that Zaheer, whose first spell was a highly impressive 5-3-6-1, had finally given up a run.

When he returned, Zaheer had Chamara Kapugedera caught at cover off a deceptive slower ball to take his 21st wicket of this World Cup and so equal the tournament-best mark set by Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi.

But the 32-year-old Zaheer, a boyhood fan of legendary Pakistan left-arm quick Wasim Akram, was unable to contain Jayawardene in the closing stages.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39448/time-proves-healer-for-jayawardene

Jayawardene ton lifts Sri Lanka to 274-6

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Mahela Jayawardene hit an unbeaten 103 off 88 balls as Sri Lanka set India a stiff target of 275 runs to win the World Cup final at the packed Wankhede stadium on Saturday.

Jayawardene's 14th one-day hundred steered Sri Lanka to 274-6 after skipper Kumar Sangakkara won an important toss and elected to bat on a slow wicket that hampered stroke-making.

Tailenders Nuwan Kulasekara (32 off 30 balls) and Thisara Perera (22 off nine) helped Sri Lanka smash 63 runs in the last five overs of power-play to leave India chasing 5.50 runs an over under lights.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will begin their reply knowing that seven of the previous nine World Cup finals have been lost by the team batting second.

A sell-out crowd of 33,000, including Indian President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lanka's head of state Mahinda Rajapakse, watched an absorbing contest between bat and ball.

India's left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan dried up the flow of runs at the start and his two wickets made him the tournament's leading bowler alongside Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi with 21 wickets each.

Confusion reigned at the toss, which had to be performed twice after match referee Jeff Crowe did not hear Sangakkara's call when Dhoni threw up the coin.

Zaheer opened with three successive maidens and then struck with the first ball of his fourth over when Virender Sehwag dived to his right in the slips to remove Upul Tharanga for two.

Fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth lifted the pressure by conceding 15 runs in his fifth over that included a no-ball and a warning for running in the danger area in his follow-through.

Sreesanth, who was preferred ahead of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after Ashish Nehra was ruled out with a fractured finger, was thrashed for 52 runs in his eight overs.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, going into the final as the tournament's leading scorer with 467 runs, made 33 when he was bowled by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to make Sri Lanka 60-2 in the 17th over.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene put on 62 for the third wicket in 68 balls when Yuvraj Singh broke through by having the skipper caught behind by wicket-keeper Dhoni for 48.

Thilan Samaraweera (21) added 57 for the fourth wicket with Jayawardene when he was given out leg-before through a TV referral after umpire Simon Taufel had negated bowler Yuvraj's appeal.

Star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who was declared fit to play despite niggling hamstring and knee injuries, will lead the Sri Lanka attack with sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga.

Among the bowlers will also be off-spinner Suraj Randiv, who was officially included in the squad on Friday in place of the injured Angelo Mathews.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39434/jayawardene-ton-lifts-sri-lanka-to-274-6

I had point to prove: Dhoni

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:43:00 +0000

My proudest moment, says Tendulkar

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Sachin Tendulkar said Saturday's World Cup triumph was the proudest moment of his life as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to capture the "ultimate" prize after a gap of 28 years.

"I couldn't have asked for more," said Tendulkar, as his teammates carried him on their shoulders for a victory lap before adoring fans at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate thing. It is the proudest moment of my life. It shows it is never too late," he said referring to India's only previous World Cup win in 1983.

"I thank my teammates who were fabulous. I could not really hold back my tears. These are happy tears so I don't mind crying."

Tendulkar made just 18 with the bat as he missed out on scoring his 100th international century.

Young star Virat Kohli said the victory was a fitting tribute to Tendulkar.

"This goes out to all the people of India. Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It was time we carried him."

Gautam Gambhir, who played a key role with the bat in making 97 off 122 balls, said the win was a gift to his great teammate from the entire squad.

"All credit for this win should go to Tendulkar. We were all playing for him, this trophy is for him."

Tendulkar, on his part, thanked each of his team-mates and the support staff including polar explorer Mike Horn.

"I would like to thank the support staff especially Mike Horn who joined us at the start of the tournament and was there for our last couple of games.

"He worked on the mental side and has helped us deal with the expectations and pressure.

"The team stuck together in the rough phases and proved people wrong who doubted our ability. Self-belief has been always there but in the last two years, we have been very consistent.

"It's been great honour to be part of this team. Thanks to (coach) Gary (Kirsten) and Paddy Upton (mental conditioning expert)."
Source:http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39470/my-proudest-moment-says-tendulkar

India deserved to win, says Sangakkara

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team were disappointed at missing out on a second World Cup title but proud to go down to a team that deserved victory more.

"I am very proud of everyone in the team, especially Mahela (Jayawardene) who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred," he said, after India defeated his side by six wickets in the final at the Wankhede stadium.

Jayawardene scored an unbeaten 103 off just 88 balls to take Sri Lanka to 274-6 in the day-night clash watched by a capacity 30,000 crowd and millions more on television.

"When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 is not enough. It has been a great tournament for us. The way India played they deserved the tag of favourites.

"Both Sri Lanka and India will be proud with the way they have played."

Sangakkara, who made 48, said the only way his team could have stopped India from winning the crown was to take quick wickets but that did not happen.

"India were the better side. They were fantastic tonight. The only way for us to stop India was to get at least seven wickets. Gautam (Gambhir) was outstanding and (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni stepped up and performed.

"We are disappointed but the better side won."

Gambhir made 97 while skipper and man-of-the-match Dhoni finished unbeaten on 91.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39469/india-deserved-to-win-says-sangakkara

Yuvraj named Player of Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:38:00 +0000

India batsman Yuvraj Singh was named as the player of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Wankhede, Mumbai.

Yuvraj was the unanimous choice of a select group of experts following his sensational form that helped guide his side to the title before an adoring home crowd. The 29-year-old batted eight innings in the tournament, scoring a total of 362 at an average of 86.19.

He also took 15 wickets at an average of 25.13 and an economy-rate of 5.02 with his more-than-useful slow left-arm bowling.

During their deliberations, the members of the panel discussed several names, highlighting such players as Sri Lanka's inspirational captain Kumar Sangakkara, joint-top wicket-takers Shahid Afridi of Pakistan and Zaheer Khan of India, as well as leading run-scorer TM Dilshan and Muttiah Muralidaran of Sri Lanka, and AB de Villiers of South Africa. But the panel decided Yuvraj's crucial contributions to his team's victories with both bat and ball were deserving of the player-of-the-tournament award.

The selection panel that chose the men's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 player of the tournament consisted of:

David Richardson (ICC General Manager - Cricket and former South Africa wicketkeeper)

Anand Vasu (Deputy Editor of Sports Illustrated)

Aleem Dar (Member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Umpire of the Year 2009 and 2010)

Ranjan Madugalle (ICC Chief Match Referee and former Sri Lanka batsman)

Christopher Martin-Jenkins (journalist and broadcaster)
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/39474/yuvraj-named-player-of-tournament

Zaheer: from 4-3-2-1 to 10-3-60-2

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:05:00 +0000

New Delhi: Zaheer Khan's spell at the Wankhede on Saturday started on a note that erased all memories of that opening spell at the Wanderers in 2003. And then it all came back again.

In a dream opening spell, Zaheer sent down his first three overs as maidens and even took the wicket of Upul Tharanga before conceding his first runs with his 20th delivery of the match. At the end of the over, Zaheer's figures read a magical 4-3-2-1.

It was in sharp contrast to that fateful day in 2003 when an inexperienced yet charged up Zaheer ran into bowl to the Aussies and went for 15 runs in the first over. That one over set the tone for the game. Zaheer lost the battle of the nerves as he involved himself in a verbal duel with Adam Gilchrist, who responded by smashing him out of the attack. It was a sight no Indian fan can ever forget. Ball after ball was hooked and pulled and driven with utter disdain as he finished with figures of 67 runs from seven overs. Zaheer and India were pumelled into submission.

On Saturday, Zaheer gave India just the start they wanted as Sri Lanka scored just 31 runs from the first 10 overs with Zaheer finishing a five-over spell with figures of 5-3-6-1.

He followed that up with another fine two-over spell where he also picked up the wicket of Kapugedera in the 40th over, his figures reading 7-3-15-2.

And then it all went horribly wrong as Mahela Jayawardene stepped on the gas in his bid to reach a fine century and power Sri Lanka to a fighting total.

Zaheer's eighth over was the first of the Lankan batting powerplay and went for 10 runs. But it was his last two overs that must have brought back memories of the pumelling at the Wanderers.

Bowling the 48th over, Nuwan Kulasekara greeted the Indian pace spearhead with a six, who then took a single and gave Jayawardene the strike. The batsman, who was captain of the losing Lankan side in the 2007 World Cup final, looked like a man on mission as he hit two back-to-back fours to bring up a fine hundred of just 84 balls.

The agony didn't end there and when he came on to bowl the 50th over, he went for two fours and a six off his final delivery that ruined that had started as a dream spell to be sent down in a World Cup final.

To be fair to Zaheer, he has done everything possible in this World Cup to more than make up for what happened in 2003. Two overs should not take away from the fact that he's India's leading wicket-taker this tournament with 21 wickets.

Maybe, the ghost of the Wanderers will need to be buried there. He doesn't fancy Mumbai as his final resting place.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/zaheer-khan-redeems-himself-with-4321/56151-13.html

The Final preview: India vs Sri Lanka - Video

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/videos/56152/the-final-preview-india-vs-sri-lanka.html

Sri Lanka vs India, Final - India beat Sri Lanka by 6 Wickets to lift the World Cup 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

India beat Sri Lanka by 6 Wickets to lift the World Cup 2011

India 277/4 (48.2)

MS Dhoni (C) (W)

91 (79)

Yuvraj Singh

21 (24)

Nuwan Kulasekara

8.2 - 0 - 64 - 0

This over: 16

Sri Lanka Vs India, Cricket World Cup, 2011. Toss Won by: Sri Lanka

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/livecricket/live-score/slin0204.html

Cool India are the Champions of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Mumbai: The magnificent Team India kept its cool to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final of the World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni (91) hit the winning runs by swatting a huge six over the long-on boundary.

Yuvraj Singh (21) also remained unbeaten with the Indian skipper at the end.

Gautam Gambhir led the Indian run chase of 275 but fell three run short of his maiden World Cup century.

The left-handed batsman first shared a vital 83-run stand with young Virat Kohli (35) and then got an able partner in MS Dhoni, who himself played some delightful strokes on his way to a wonderful fifty.

The two batsman also shared a priceless 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

For Sri Lanka Lasith Malinga gave India two blows early on in their innings as the Sri Lankan pacer first trapped Virender Sehwag right in front of the wickets and then followed it up with getting Sachin Tendulkar caught behind the wickets.

Sehwag took a decision review to a decision which looked pretty forward from the naked eye. And after replays from various angles, the third umpire had put a stamp on the on field umpire's decision.

But despite losing an early wicket, Sachin Tendulkar kept sending the ball to the boundary and kept the Indian scoreboard moving, along with Gautam Gambhir.

But the master played a lose stroke on the delivery that was leaving him from left to right and gave a simple catch to Kumar Sangakkara.

Earlier, Kohli's wicket gave Sri Lanka an opening to claw their way back in the game after the right-handed batsman, along with Gambhir, propped up India from a precarious situation.

Kohli, after hitting Tillakaratne Dilshan for a boundary, was caught by the off spinner in the same over.

Thisara Perera got the other wicket that fell in the Indian innings. He bowled well-set Gambhir.

In the first innings, India gave away 63 runs during the batting powerplay in the death overs as Mahela Jayawardene's blazing century ( 103 off 88 balls) powered Sri Lanka to a challenging 274/6.

The experienced Jayawardene first played cautiously during the middle innings when Sri Lanka lost too many wickets, but he opened his shoulders once he got a more than helpful partner in the form of Nuwan Kulasekara.

Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh picked up two wickets each for the Indians, while Harbhajan Singh took one wicket after Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat first.

It was Jayawardene's show all the way as the seasoned campaigner kept the scoreboard ticking even when wickets were falling at the other end.

The right-hander hit 13 crisp boundaries on his way to the magical figure.

Zaheer, who bowled three maidens and gave away just six runs in his first five overs, was plundered for 54 in his last five overs.

Sreesanth was equally unimpressive throughout the match. He bowled in three different spells but was scored off in each one of them. He couldn't even finish his full quota of overs and finished with eight overs for 52 runs.

Earlier, Quick wickets - Thilan Samaraweera (21) and Chamara Kapugedera (1) - gave India an opening to restrict Sri Lanka before 250 in the World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

First Yuvraj trapped Samaraweera right in front, while Zaheer Khan deceived Kapugedera with a slower delivery.

But the experienced Mahela Jayawardene kept the scoreboard ticking after Sri Lanka lost the wicket of their skipper Kumar Sangakkara (48).

Sangakkara was caught behind the wickets of the bowling of Yuvraj Singh.

Jayawardene scored a well-composed fifty and always kept Sri Lanka to post a modest total.

Earlier, Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene took the Sri Lankan innings forward after Harbhajan Singh gave India their second breakthrough.

The wily off-spinner clean bowled Tillakaratne Dilshan after the Sri Lankan opener threatened to take the attack to the opposition.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene, both brilliant players of spin, played cautiously early on in their innings but opened their shoulders once they got their eye in.

Earlier, Zaheer got reward for the perfect line and length as the Indian bowling spearhead got the wicket of Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga (2), who was caught brilliantly in the slips by a diving Virender Sehwag.

The left-armer bowled back-to-back maiden overs to the Lankan openers that created the pressure and ultimately the wicket fell.

Lankan skipper Sangakkara and hard-hitting Dilshan tried to cut loose after Zaheer Khan provided India the first breakthrough. But Dilshan's wicket put the brakes on Lankan scoring.

S Sreesanth, who replaced Ashish Nehra in the Indian playing eleven, supported Zaheer well initially but lost his line completely in the latter spells.

Dilshan tried to break free on some occasions but was pegged back by the superb Indian fielding. Yuvraj Singh at backward point and Suresh Raina in the covers fielded like tigers to cut the angles and prevent Sri Lanka from scoring.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sreesanth-in-as-india-asked-to-field/56144-13.html

Toss drama: more than what meets the eye

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Mumbai: The 2011 World Cup final had a false start after there was confusion at the toss with Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara apparently losing the toss before claiming that he had not called at all.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni spun the coin and Sangakkara was seen to call tails in the presence of match referee Jeff Crowe and on-field commentator Ravi Shastri, who after the coin landed as 'heads' proceeded to congratulate Dhoni before the sudden claim in the middle that the Lankan skipper hadn't called at all.

While it can all be attributed to a bundle of nerves and the nervous energy, there is no denying the fact that there seems to be more than just what meets the eye.

Why is it that Sangakkara did not protest before Crowe called out the result of the toss if he hadn't called in the first place? And why is it that Shastri was going to ask Dhoni what he wanted to do after winning the toss if Sangakkara had not called at all?

Crowe and the Indian skipper, wanting to avoid any needless controversy on the field, sportingly decided to re-toss and this time the Lankan skipper called 'tails' and won the toss.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/toss-drama-more-than-what-meets-the-eye/56146-13.html

We are peaking at the right time: Dhoni

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:50:00 +0000

Mumbai: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels his team has peaked at the right time for Saturday's World Cup final against Sri Lanka but said his boys are yet to play to their full potential in the tournament.

"There is plenty more to come from us. We gained momentum as the tournament went on and we are now peaking at the right time," said Dhoni Friday on the eve of the all-Asian World Cup final.

Dhoni said his team has picked up the momentum from the knock-out stages, during which they defeated World champions Australia and then Pakistan in the quarterfinal and the semifinal.

The Indian captain added that back-to-back knock-out games were not a problem for his team and in fact helped them to stay focused.

"The good thing is that we did not have a long break after the semifinal. We travelled from Mohali on Thursday, practised on Friday and will play the match on Saturday. It does not give anyone time to think too far ahead or worry about the future," he said.

Dhoni said that his team was not under any pressure of playing the final in front of the home crowd.

"We are not thinking about Saturday's game as a final, for us every match is a challenge and just as important. In the end you have to play the same way and do the right things to succeed.

"Of course we realise this is a World Cup final. It can't get bigger than this, but our preparations have to be the same. We want to do well in a tournament like this because it is held in India and we never know when we would get another opportunity like this," said Dhoni, adding that he would not mind his boys taking a few sleeping pills to ease the anxiety.

On the expectations from 1.21 billion Indian fans, Dhoni said: "To give you an example, I was swapping channels and they showed fans rejoicing outside my home in Ranchi after we won against Pakistan. It was the same place where a few unwarranted things happened during 2007. That's what really happens in India and it is better to be at your best."

Asked if Sri Lanka had the advantage as they beat New Zealand by a huge 112-run margin here in a league match, while India will be playing their first World Cup match at Wankhede, Dhoni said: "We practised two-and-a-half hours in the middle today, so we are quite familiar with the wicket and know what to expect."

On the team's feeling when they checked into the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, which was attacked during the 26/11 terror strike in Mumbai, Dhoni said: "It was an emotional moment as to what happened there. But the hotel staff greeted us warmly. We will certainly remember the day, but we have to stay calm and composed and focused on our job."

Having led the team to triumph at the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 and the No.1 Test side in 2009, Dhoni said winning the World Cup will not be a personal milestone.

"This is a team sport and here you don't think individually. The success of the Indian team changed after the 1983 World Cup win and since then every two or three years we had a player, who was special enough. And then came the new era of players with Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh, who performed extremely well in the 2003 World Cup and the latest generation of players came with the 2007 World Twenty20. For captains it is all about the team and how different individuals respond to different challenges," he said.

Cool India are the Champions of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Admin-Cricket News) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Mumbai: The magnificent Team India kept its cool to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final of the World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni (91) hit the winning runs by swatting a huge six over the long-on boundary