Shikhar Dhawan trolls Dean Jones

In Defence of the Master: the 'Choker' tag

This morning, I was following the live commentary of the Deodhar Trophy final, between North Zone and West Zone, on Cricinfo. The rising star, Unmukt Chand, happened to play another composed innings. His histrionics in the last ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup is still fresh in memory. So, it was not out of place when someone exclaimed at his ability to perform big in 'finals'. But there was something else, let me reproduce:

“And seriously, what is it with Unmukt and finals? Is he the anti-Tendulkar or what?”

Say something about the God of Cricket and it never disappoints to spark a discussion, and at that a negative one, never fails to incite a debate. What ensued was heated arguments for and against the proposition that Sachin Tendulkar, for all his greatness, has never been a real performer in tournament finals. Some guy, under the interesting pseudonym 'Vinod Kambli', even shouted that cliched allegation: “I can't remember any innings of substance from Tendlya in finals apart from one against Aussies in Sharjah.”

Painfully, I realized that this was not the first time that I was experiencing these popular beliefs about Tendulkar. As a die-hard fan of his, it's not easy to sleep with these. I remember when Tendulkar got out very cheaply in the 2003 World Cup final, in the very first over, I had heard similar comments. They would draw your attention to his failure in the famous NatWest Trophy final at the Lord's in 2002, being the freshest in memory then. Someone would quip in with the mention of the 1998 Sharjah 'sandstorm' innings. The attacker would concede that but as an exception and come back with something like the “can't remember any innings of substance ... in finals apart from [that] one against Aussies in Sharjah”. Same arguments resurfaced after Sachin failed to capitalize on his fluent start in the 2011 WC final. But today, 'Vinod Kambli' did something that challenged me:

“Can someone put up the stats plz?”

I think, why not? And here is what I came up with.

Following are his scores in the 39 innings he batted in ODI tournament finals:

53, 0, 4, 69, 28*, 26, 0, 66, 41, 57, 67, 32, 45, 53, 95, 1, 41, 15, 134, 100, 128, 124*, 40, 0, 69, 5, 0, 17, 14, 7*, 4, 45, 8, 27, 74, 117*, 91, 138, 18

Total: 1853 runs at an average of 54.59, with 6 centuries and 10 half-centuries. His overall career average stands at 44.83. Perhaps that indicates that he has actually been more prolific in finals than in other matches.

That's not all. I remember how detractors would draw abstract comparisons with some of the other contemporary batsmen who might be spoken of in the same breath among with the maestro. Now when I speak of contemporaries of Sachin Tendulkar, it means greats from almost different era spanning the four decades that the world has seen him play. The names which would feature the most would be those of Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Jacques Kallis.

Firstly, Steve Waugh. The skeptic's favourite as the ideal crisis manager. No doubt about his composure as a sportsman, but does it anyway place him ahead of Tendulkar as far as finale performances are concerned? Let the records speak for themselves. In 32 innings in tournament finals, Waugh scored 783 runs at an average of 27.03, less than his career average of 32.90.

Then, Ricky Ponting. 1345 runs, with 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries, in 40 innings in tournament finals at an average of 39.60, which is again, less than his career average at 42.03. Brian Lara, cuts a sorrier figure with 447 runs (1 century, 1 half-century) in 18 final innings at 24.83, which is abysmally lower than his overall average of 40.48. Inzamam has not done much better. His figures: 471 runs in 17 innings, with 2 half-centuries, at the average of 30 (career average – 39.52). Last but not the least, considered to the most underrated of batsmen, is Jacques Kallis. While his impact on any game cannot be measured by his batting figures alone, still they deserve a comparison. It is a shame that South Africa have not played many tournament finals since their re-inception to international cricket post-Apartheid, and I believe that is somewhat responsible for the non-impressiveness of Kallis' batting record in tournament finals: 236 runs in 12 matches at 19.67 – mentioning his career average beside this would be an insult to this greatest all-rounder of our time.

Well, I have made my point. Popular conceptions may often belie facts. So, it is my request to all the Sachin fans out there: memorize this. Because though the man has retired from ODIs, the game will take ages to move out of his shadow, and till then, debates will ensue. Next time, someone calls him a choker for big occasions, just mouth out the numbers.

P.S. - I may be hasty in this, but perhaps the only other legend who has walked the ODI pitch who boasts of an average in tournament finals which is healthier than the overall career average is none other than Sir Vivian Richards. In the 17 tournament finales he batted in, he scored 811 runs, with 1 century and 8 swashbuckling half-tons at 55.82, his career average being about 47.


(also published at http://thejerkbarks.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/in-defence-of-the-master-the-choker-tag/ )

Starting afresh

Enter the part-timers in the stands,it's time for the Indian Premier League.The League this year is gonna be a novelty in a few ways.First and foremost,the absence of Lalit Modi at the helm of the event.This year's edition was once potentially a doubtful case with outrageous disclosures on procedural abuse in between the administrators and the constituent franchisees.Not only have Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals,despite cases pending in court against them,have been allowed to feature in this edition of the IPL,but we will have two new teams competing it out this time,namely Pune Warriors and Kochi Tuskers Kerala.The constitution of the teams have completely been revamped this time after the expiry of the original contracts between the players and the franchisees they have been representing,a fresh auction having taken place earlier this year.

The last 3 seasons have been utterly disappointing for us down here with our home favourite,Kolkata Knight Riders,failing to impress with their game.Rather they have been more in the news throughout for the never ending controversies revolving around the team,and for Shah Rukh Khan,its owner,of course.So,while KKR looked to start afresh releasing all its former players,each team having been provided the option of retaining four,a new debate was sparked off concerning whether it was right to to let go of their original icon player,Sourav Ganguly,who also captained the team in the 2008 and 2010 editions.

Controversies are plain fond of our favourite Dada,it seems.You must acknowledge the emotions associayed with Sourav in the heart of the average Bengali cricket fan.He almost represents the nearly extinct Bengali nationalism.Successful as KKR has been in their market strategy,a lot of the local demand can be credited to the status and prestige of the former Indian captain.We remember the resentment evoked when Sourav was scrapped off the captaincy before the 2009 season in South Africa as a result of the experimental team management theories of the then coach John Buchanan.His batting position was also toyed with throughout the entire edition.Last year,leadership was restored to his aegis and he led from the front in many occasions with the bat and in the field.He finished as the highest run getter for the Knights last year and fourth overall in the Orange Cap table after Sachin Tendulkar,Jacques Kallis and Suresh Raina.It is not difficult to comprehend the intensity of the furore created by Ganguly going unsold in the entire auction spanning two days.It was insulting indeed on two counts.The first of the brought upon by Dada himself.He was one of the two players to have augmented their base prices before the auction,the other being V V S Laxman.The latter was purchased by Kochi.The second one came in the very last minutes of the auction.After the business was supposedly over,the names of the few players unsold yet,who were shortlisted on requests from the representatives of the teams at the auction.Contrary to our hope,Sourav's name did not feature in the list.All set to be wrapped up,it was announced that one final call was to be made on an unsold player due to a last moment request.To our rude shock and jaw dropping disappointment,it was Mohammad Kaif,of all people,whose name came up and was even sold to Kings XI Punjab.

The KKR management was under severe attack from its home followers.There were strong hopes in the air that Dada's home team might include him in their plans.Thr rage threatened to rob the franchisee of its local fan following and Shah Rukh Khan the good wishes of his admirers.The 'King' Khan,as he is often called,had to publicly offer Sourav a role in the management,which was declined by the Prince of Kolkata.Lots of retrospective claims were made and reported.Arguments over the rationale of the total wipeout faced by Ganguly.It was not only a case of KKR 'ditching' him.If it were,well,I could give you a good many reasons in favour of KKr's strategy.Like perhaps the Knight Riders,despite acknowledging his contribution to the team in the last three years,are looking for more impact players with the bat in the side,with a more intimidating strike rate to flaunt.Or hunting for fresher legs.Or maybe the fact that Dada doesn't play enough competitive cricket any more went against him.(Of course,the same consideration holds true for stalwarts like Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne,but they are still playing.)But a player of his standing failing to find favour with all the teams is a little too much to digest.Even when Kochi made efforts to make a post-auction purchase of Ganguly,Royal Challengers Bangalore vetoed it,ensuring he remained an untouchable.I have been forced to concede that various non-cricketing factors were at work which I am in no authority to dwell upon here.

Perhaps,it wouldn't have come to this if Sourav chose to retire from domestic twenty20 cricket,as I had remarked to many a friend when speculations were at peak if he'd feature in the future plans of KKR,after the decision was not taken not to retain him.If it was humiliating,it was enough by then.Anyways,as expected mass agitations were afoot after the auction,mostly through the social networking sites and SMS campaigns,so much so that many Sourav fans went on to endorse the 'No Dada,no KKR,no IPL' hardline.

With the World Cup in our hands now,most of it seems to have died out.The exalted people are now waiting to erupt in celebration with the crickentertainment bonanza.Cricket,we know,is a great unifying force for our nation.But the IPL has set an unmistakable opposite trend.Domestic cricket rivalry is a living reality today in India.We in Kolkata are now rooting for a refurbished team under the leadership of former Delhi DareDevils captain,Gautam Gambhir.A lot of thought seems to have been put into the composition of the side this time,unlike in 2008,when despite bagging a handful of foreign stars,they got the balance all wrong struggling to recruit good Indian players.This time,along with the likes of Jacques Kallis,Brad Haddin,Brett Lee,Shakib-al-Hasan,Eoin Morgan and Ryan ten Doeschate,national players of the calibre of Yusuf Pathan,Manoj Tiwary,Laxmipathy Balaji and Pradeep Sangwan fill up the ranks.Strength in the allrounder department also means strengthened chances in this format of the game.However,due to the coinciding ODI series between Australia and Bangladesh in Bangladesh from the 9th to 13th of April,KKR will not be able to avail the services of Brad Haddin,Brett Lee,Shakib-al-Hasan and James Pattinson in the first two matches,against the Chennai super Kings on 8th in Chennai and the Deccan Chargers on 11th in Kolkata.

Like everytime else,only a fool may strive to compare the strengths of the sides.Barring CSK and Mumbai Indians to some extent,every team that has featured in the earlier editions have undergone a thorough change in their core.The Indian Premier League is one hell of an unpredictable tournament.I remember,after the first ever auction in the League in 2008,the Deccan Chargers looked the strongest on paper before play ever began,closely followed by the Knights in public anticipation,even helped by the thunderous start they provided to the first season in Bangalore.But the tournament has had the habit of throwing up unlikely heroes and making ants of giants.The Rajasthan Royals,the most underestimated team before the first edition,ended up lifting the trophy for the first time under their illustrious coach-cum-captain,the legendary Shane Warne.Decaan Chargers finished last,only to emerge champions the next time.So,heed my advice,play your fantasy cricket steady and wise,and get ready for the 50 day long battle to make you dance to its excitement like never before.Enjoy!

Final blow of the Blue-smith and the incineration of a photograph

India is my country.Cricket is my religion.And I witnesses the salvation of my religion two nights ago.When almost 28 years ago,Kapil Dev's underdogs stunned the world to snatch the Prudential World Cup from the mighty West Indians on June 25,1983,I was more than 6 years from being born,the seniormost playing member of the current Indian team was a little over 9 years of age,the captain about 1 and some of the rest hadn't yet seen the light of the world.It was a Saturday.Now,28 years later,on April 2,2011,another Saturday,finally,that nostalgic afternoon at the Lord's could peacefully retire to the past.We can afford to bask in the glory of the present.That trophy of dreams of a 1.21 billion-crazy-nation is ours again!

Ever since I've watched and understood cricket,I've known that India were world champions once.Just for that once.I've always tried to imagine,from reminiscences of people who lived the moment,how it would have felt celebrating being top of the world.

I was acquianted with World Cup cricket,and cricket in general,as early as 1992,incidentally,the first Cup Sachin Tendulkar featured in.Of course,at just about 3 years old,I didn't understand the game,but at least picked the fact that it was an enjoyable activity,which kept people (at least my father) happy.I would try to imitate the poses I watched the players make,mostly shots played by batsmen with some wooden plank I'd find lying around.Soon,I was holding a plastic bat,much to my father's amusement.

It was the Wills World Cup 1996 held in the subcontinent that thrust me into watching full time.I was about 6 and a half and imbibed the enthusiasm that my infant mind noticed centred around a sporting event.I was rather quick learning the bare physics of the game at that tender age,because I didn't wanna be left out of the fun.Within no time,I started reading and memorizing the names of the participant teams and their players.This was the first occasion that planted the seeds of nationalism in my mind.I understood that I lived in a country called 'India',where cricket is pretty important to people and the World Cup means everything.And that in the Indian team played a childish looking bloke who they called Sachin Tendulkar,who was the centre of all the craze.

And there were some other important guys as well,I heard,like Shane Warne,Brian Lara,Allan Donald,Courtney Walsh,Wasim Akram,Dominic Cork,Graeme Hick,etc.I remember watching Tendulkar score a century,for the first time in my life,against Sri Lanka in Delhi.The first conscious tinge of defeat in the same match.I was overwhelmed by the fanaticism around the Indo-Pak quarter final in Bangalore.The delight of victory.Bit by bit,I entered into an irrevocable emotional attachment with 'India' and cricket.Then came the semifinal at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta.School broke about an hour ago than scheduled on account of the match.I was reminded that Sri Lanka had already beaten in the match I mentioned earlier.A sigh of relief when Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana dismissed cheaply after the Lankans were put into bat by Mohammed Azharuddin even after winning the toss.Sachin Tendulkar's run and hopes of India making the final receiving a death blow and the crowd turning violent soon after.Who can forget that black day in the history of Indian cricket and the legendary Eden Gardens.120-8 chasing 258,the umpires marched the teams out of the ground,a weeping Vinod Kambli bringing out my bloody tears - which I can't explain till today.The match was awarded to Sri Lanka on default.

Sri Lanka went to lift the Cup in Karachi,but the humiliation painted on our face has since lived in my heart.There was a photograph in the newspapers the morning following the Eden debacle showing a garland of shoes adorning a larger than life image of the Indian cricket team,put on by angry and disappointed fans.That photo has remained indelible forever in my memory.Since then,every time India took on Sri Lanka,or appeared in the following editions of the quadrennial event,the photograph returned to haunt me,calling for revenge,kinda satisfied when India returned the humiliation in a World Cup event,in a Group match in Taunton,during the English summer of 1999.

What was I thinking of when Sachin Tendulkar nicked that ever so slightly leaving the bat delivery to the safe custody of Sangakkara's gloves?I can't swear that I wasn't thinking of that picture.Maybe more than of the tumbling Sourav Ganguly's men took in 2003 at the Wanderers,Johannesburg.And above all,eight years on,will the last dream elude the man just walking out the pitch of his home stage once again?And that,I did not have it in me to wait for another four years to well up fresh hopes of that ultimate prize.

I placed a pillow on my lap seated on a chair,rested my legs on my bed right beside,fetched a book,kept it on the pillow and started reading.M mother turned around on the bed and lay with her face turned away from the telecast.As if it's gonna work!If I was superstitious by nature,I'd say,it worked!Gambhir and Kohli slowly put the chase back on track,as I kept on reminding myself of how Kohli had it in himself to handle the pressure like he had done a few times before,one being the magnificent match winning century against Australia last year,bringing the team out of a similarly tight spot.Some of my friends had almost lost hope as Tendulkar flattered to deceive,taking a cue from the thunderstruck crowd at the Wankhede,some stopped watching the match itself.Even then I had a chuckle to myself as I spotted the legendary Rajnikant in the stands,thinking of the superhuman jokes about him in the market.Perhaps he could win it for us?

Just as I was starting to relax a bit,Kohli hit one back in the air for Tillekaratne Dilshan take an acrobatic catch off his own bowling.What happened next took everyone by surprise.I received a text from a friend claiming that Yuvraj would play another match winning innings only to watch the largely out of touch captain,the former no. 1 batsman in ICC ODI rankings,Mahendra Singh Dhoni,promoting himself ahead of the man with the Midas touch.And I think,hmm,logical though,with having already seen three off spinners into the attack,Randiv,Muralitharan and Dilshan,and having noticed that Kohli was exercising greater ease in handling them.With Yuvraj coming in,they might have settled into a rhythem with two left handers at the crease.

Rest is history.Dhoni played like a man completely different from the batsman we saw throughout the tournament.The intent was present right from the very first ball he faced,along with the resolve to guide the innings along.The bottom hand play flourished as he bullied the ball into the cover fence time and again as only he can do with his fierce cuts and push drives.And he sealed it with another old Dhoni trademark,the lofted shot into the crowd just like he used to finish when he was still raw in international cricket.Calling it a "captain's knock" will be a gross understatement.It was the proverbial blow of the blacksmith.Or shall I say 'Blue'smith?

The final was always gonna anybody's game.57 overs into the match,Sri Lanka had the upper hand.Mahela Jayawardena,choosing to stamp his class in the final with a delightful hundred,denting India's spirit towards the end with Kulasekara and Perera's assistance as they plundered 63 of the last 5 overs of the Sri Lankan innings,the bating powerplay.Malinga sent the two most feared batsmen upfront within 6.1 overs.But,seriously,it was the fielding that spelt out the difference in between the teams.India were electric in the field from the onset,Yuvraj Singh looking the same man who was once considered one of the best at point in world cricket.On the other hand,the Islanders were sloppy.Kulasekara dropped,quite a tough one at that but in a close World Cup final these are catches that win you matches,Gambhir on 30.One might repeat that legendary folklore from 1999,dude,he dropped the Cup!

There were two surprise inclusions for the final,one in each team.Sreesanth,who fell out of favour after a dismal performance in the very first match of the World Cup,found himself in for the very last match.He started reasonably well,but lost his way,leaking runs regularly.On the Sri Lankan side,as many as 4 changes were forced by the unavailability of Angelo Mathews,but none more striking that that of Suraj Randiv.There he was in the Emerald Island not selected in the original squad,he's called up as a standby and thrown into the Grand Finale of all out of nowhere.Muttiah Muralitharan was forced into playing one last match in international cricket,one last attempt at lifting the World Cup as only he among all the 22 playing had the experience of having done it before.His injury meant he wasn't as lethal a bowler and a champion like him had to finish second best.

The ghosts of the past had been exorcised,of the shock exit in 2007,the stumble at the final hurdle in 2003,and what not.Now I can mock at that photograph from 15 years ago and banish it forever!And above all,for that all important 'childish looking bloke' who came and saw for 5 consecutive editions,but never conquered,has now in the 6th attempt,made that wretched,forever elusive trophy his own,and deservedly so.He was instrumental,again - top run getter for his team,second highest run scorer in the tournament.And suddenly,I wonder if he has enough motivation left to continue representing the country in ODIs any more.At least for now,in stark contrast to a 27 year old Lasith Malinga,Sachin,soon to be 38,hasn't expressly ruled out the possibility of him playing in the next World Cup in 2015!

MS Dhoni never stops catching you unawares.A few hours from the historical victory,he emerges with his brand new,almost bald look!What is this guy,creeps?He had gone for cropping the long locks that we for long came to identify with him after that ICC World Twenty20 triumph.Thank your luck that there isn't an ICC tournament for Tests!

Had the World Cup come home 4 years back,the champions would have earned a well-deserved rest.But the richest cricket board in the world has found new ways and resources to replenish its wealth.The Indian Premier League has been a huge hit over the last 3 years and the golden goose of the BCCI,and they saw no reason for scrapping the crickentertainment package this year even if it meant kicking off the event within 6 days of the conclusion of the tournament of tournaments.I strongly felt the IPL ought to be given a miss this year.An inhuman scheme to plan another long and exacting ordeal in the heat and humidity right after we had one.I have serious doubts about how many players who have survived a reasonable length in the just concluded extravaganza will actually start in the IPL.All the more reason with the IPL having trodden a scandalous terrain since lids blew off commercial transactions concerning the franchisees.Also,the BCCI ran a huge risk of a fall in demand had the Indian team disappointed in the World Cup.

Well,now with the World Cup glory ours,at least the fans aren't tired in the least.Two more teams - Sahara Pune Warriors and Kochi Tuskers Kerala - and a relaid format to spice up the show.Make no mistake,if the World Cup is the achievement,the IPL's gonna be the celebration.It was noteworthy to hear the cheer of the Mumbai crowd when the name of Lasith Malinga was announced at the awards ceremony.They are waiting for their blue eyed toe crusher!

Having said all that,I've gotta concede,it'll feel incredibly awkward to see two men who steered a side to the greatest of victories 3 days ago,Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni,will be leading their respective troops against one another in only 3 days time,when Kolkata Knight Riders challenge Chennai Super Kings in Chennai in the inaugural match of Season 4 of the Indian Premier League.

Blue.................

The Indian Premier League is secure.So are the earnings of the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.The commercial significance of India beating Pakistan in Mohali in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

How can I be so cold?The hopes of more than a 121 crore nation on the swing and I'm counting money!Tragedy of my life.Misunderstood despite the best of intentions.So what will convince you?

INDIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..........INDIA!

This is the first time I am genuinely feeling the urge to attend a cricket match at the venue.and why not?This is the single most significant sporting occasion in the last decade to take place in India.In a few hours,for the first time in World Cup history,two Asian teams,and two teams led by their respective wicketkeeper captains will steam up the summit clash of the biggest event in cricket.

It was said that even if Dhoni's men make the final,perhaps the semifinal would be the match with the highest barometer reading.India have made the final,but now,just before the final itself,I am not so sure.It was a perfect setting at Mohali on March 29 for the most anticipated game of the tournament.And yet,almost true to my worst fears,it showed every signs of culminating into an anticlimax.Sehwag started in customary fashion destroying the prolific Gul once and for all in the match only to perish to Wahab Riaz.Sachin Tendulkar got into the clinical mood to be shaken up by the wily Ajmal.The heartbreak as the crowd favourite Yuvraj followed Kohli into the hut missing a devastating inswinging yorker onto his middle stump.The duo of Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez allaying nerves in the Pakistani camp with a comfortable start.Only that it didn't turn out to be so.Sachin had fate on his side,as UDRS and the Third Umpire gave him the first two 'lives',and he got four other off the butter fingered Pak fielders.Maybe he should have utilized them and got his 100th hundred then and there.But,justice had it,it wouldn't have worthy of the special occasion;perhaps he would wish to get there in a less forgettable fashion.And just as India looked in serious danger of wrapping up withing 230-240 with Dhoni adjudged lbw off Riaz,leaving India at 205-6,Suresh Raina struck two small but substantial partnerships in the context of the game with Harabhajan and Zaheer,so much so that India actually produced their second best performance in bating powerplays while bating first in the tournament.Zaheer picked up Pakistan's first wicket,Munaf the second when Hafeez tried to play a scoop off an almost wide delivery,but still it seemed Pakistan had the upper hand.Yuvraj again turned the game on its head by striking a double break of Asad Shafiq and Younus Khan.

Halfway through the Indian innings,Dhoni must have been under pressure of his own conscience for having replacing Ravichandran Ashwin with Ashish Nehra (because,as he conceded later,the Indian thinktank had misread the wicket).Experts were after his head during the break and the memories of Nehra's last over against South Africa coupled with a series of ordinary performances since his return to international cricket from an injury layoff earlier this year did not help his cause.Abuses were running in fan circles and on social networking sites.Suresh Raina in Motera was not under one tiny fraction of  the pressure on Nehra in Mohali.Nehra finished as the top Indian bowler,showing samples of the death bowling he's capable of and exercised so well when he led the Indian attack in the absence of Zaheer in 2009-2010!Nehra was almost the M-Seal for Indian bowling that day and India displayed an organised,compact and disciplined bowling performance supplemented by the spirited fielding and the rediscovered enterprise in Dhoni's leadership.There was no necessity to look beyond the 4 specialist bowlers and Yuvraj Singh for completing the 50 overs.When has that last happened in Indian cricket?Another special note about Dhoni and his captaincy.He has been below par with the bat,but he's not letting his failures affect his regulation of the team.Conversely,the team has also been supportive,always ready to vouch for the captain.Besides,we tend to forget that he has another important role to play in the team.He's been doing the thankless job almost without any fuss behind the stumps.

In the end,one might say,the pressure got to Pakistan.You drop the Little Master 4 times,he makes you pay for it.However scratchy it may have been,the 85 runs he scored will be an unpaid debt forever for Pakistan.The batsmen started comfortably,but they pushed themselves into a position of no return,the main culprits being Hafeez and Misbah.The former chased a wide delivery outside off trying to scoop it,gifting a dolly to Dhoni.Misbah,it seemed,took on the responsibility of seeing his side lose.Playing way too many dots,failing to even rotate,let alone hitting fours and sixes.By the time,he decided to use the long handle,it was too late and he had run out of partners.

The joke of the day,though,happened at the presentation ceremony when the MoM went to Sachin Tendulkar.I can't remember a more embarrassing innings by the Maestro.I had no doubts about the rightful recipent of it,and you gotta agree with me: Wahab Riaz.There were lot of speculations if he should make way for Shoaib Akhtar,who had already annonced his retirement plans after the Cup,in the semifinal as he was looked upon as by far the weakest link in the otherwise formidable looking Pak bowling.He stayed.And he scalped 5 wickets,in the match of his life yet.His scalps included the prized scalps of Sehwag,Kohli,Yuvraj and Dhoni!He and Saeed Ajmal,the only bowler to shake,stir,trouble and play on the mind of Tendulkar that day,extinguished India's chances of batting their opponents out of the match.

One thing needs to be mentioned.I had been carefully staying out of the rhetoric surrounding the semifinal for the week preceding it.Even in the Australia match,I had kept my quiet and calm for almost the whole match before standing up to rejoice when Yuvraj hit the winning runs,presenting the picture of a close follower of the game rather than the proverbial cricket fan.Last match,the script was going along the same lines,until Younus Khan holed out to Raina,duped by Yuvraj in flight.I jumped up,pumped my fist in the air thrice,shrieking my lungs out.That was India's in into the match.I didn't stop.With every wicket,I would break into an inpromptu jig in front of my applauding mother.

Bygones are bygones.Over to Mumbai from Mohali.The Wankhede Stadium.All set for the Grand Finale.

Sri Lanka have the advantage in ground experience.They have played one in Mumbai in their last Group A tie v. New Zealand,whereas the Indian team have set their foot in the relaid stadium for the first time.India have won two pressure games in a row which gives the mental practice for crunch situations.Save that,there's nothing to pick between the sides once again.

There are some undercurrents flowing,but none of them more important than the big question: Will Muralitharan overcome his injury to play in an international match for one last time tomorrow?Angelo Mathews,too,is uncertain.On the other hand,India's sole injury concern has at least helped simplifying a selection dilemma.It was commonsense that Ashwin will be back for the final in Mumbai's dry deck conditions.But who to replace?The finger injury that Nehra picked up while trying to grab a low catch of Afridi has saved Dhoni from making a choice.

Statistically,Dilshan and Tendulkar are in a tight scuffle for the leading run scorer honours.Zaheer Khan has a good chance to pip Afridi to the top wicket taker spot.The Player of the Tournament may also turn out to be a choice between Yuvraj Singh and Tillekaratne Dilshan.

But frankly?Right now,nobody cares.It's time to live the moment we have waited for since February 19.Two teams.One Cup.One team carrying the hopes of 1.21 billion cricket crazy nation for whom the sport is religion and drug from daily boredom and disappointments.The other team represents a country just trying to recover from a civil war that is almost as old as the country itself.One side has pledged to win it for their living legend,the God of Indian cricket.The other looking to throw the perfect farewell for their amazing wizard.To whom does tonight belong to?Blue?Or Deep Blue?

N.B. : It's been reported in the morning's newspapers that Dhoni is seriously contemplating about fielding Sreesanth in the XI."If you see the Mumbai track there’s a bit of pace and bounce for seamers initially. Also if there is reverse swing going, the third seamer can make an impact.At the same time if the three seamers are bowling well I can easily manoeuvre the bowling. But if you have three spinners along with a part-timer, and two medium pacers, you can’t manoeuvre too much,” he said.Well,playing him is always a huge risk.This single match can make or break Sreesanth's career,does he play.We can only hope for the best and wish Dhoni's proposed third gamble in as many matches sees success like the other two.On the Sri Lankan side,Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the final.

The Battle of the Void

And we have a new champion after more than a decade.Credit to the Indian cricket team!But that's stale news,ain't it?The hottest news in India and Pakistan and in the cricketing world for the last 6 days has been that India and Pakistan are to meet in the second semifinal of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in Mohali.

Let's warm up a bit.We saw two damp quarter finals and two scorchers.Pakistan and Sri Lanka had thumping wins over West Indies and England on the first and last matches of the last 8,respectively.The margin was same - 10 wickets.But the other two interceding the former ties were as good as it gets.India beat the defending champions Australia in a match of swinging fortunes,living up to its reputation.Tension from ball one,neither teams letting the other run away with the match for almost the whole of it.On 24th March,Motera saw a story of standing up and getting counted when it matters.Ricky Ponting battled poor form with the bat to produce a gem of a ton,which turned out to be his World Cup swansong.M S Dhoni stood up to display some proactive captaincy becoming of his stature as a highly rated leader in world cricket,right from picking Suresh Raina in the XI ahead of Yusuf Pathan.As it turned out later,Raina had to come out as a most decisive pawn when Dhoni departed leaving India at 187-5 with 74 runs still to get to win and the jitters surely set in.He and Yuvraj Singh did an excellent job in overcoming the panic triggered by Gambhir's 'planned' and suicidal run out.Yuvraj Singh continued his superb run in the cricket field,having earlier claimed two important wickets in the Australian innings,to hit the threatening pair of Lee and Tait out of the attack and forcing the Kangaroos to play the game at his pace.Raina then virtually ended the match by hitting the very first ball of the batting powerplay taken in the 46th over,off a wounded Lee who had to be reintroduced into the attack,for a six,following it with a four off the first ball of the following over from Tait.

Actually,I kinda started feeling sad for Ponting.You could notice his dejection,sensing the end of his illustrious World Cup record.The player to have featured in the most number of matches in World Cups,spanning over 5 editions - 1996,1999,2003,2007 and 2011,he never saw his team fail to make the final before,lifting the last three Cups,with him as the captain in the last two.This was a rude crash for him,he barely managed to contain his emotions at the presentation ceremony after being knocked out.

New Zealand,in the following match,rank underdogs in Dhaka,pulled off a stunner.With the Oz sent home,the South Africans were the best bet till then to fill their shoes.Not many would have given the Kiwis much chance after they set a modest target of 230.The Proteas began well despite the awkward loss of Hashim Amla early on.Smith failed yet again to build on his start,still Kallis and de Villiers exuded a sense of assurance.But once Kallis was sent back with a swift palming by Jacob Oram at the deep mid wicket boundary,somehow the panic set in.New Zealand did field like springing tigers that day,and with Martin Guptill brilliantly running out AB de Villiers,the procession started.None of the later batsmen,save Francois du Plessis,showed stomach for fight.Two heavyweights eliminated in two days.

Yet,Sri Lanka started as favourites and remained so till a middle order collapse saw them slide from 160-1 to 169-4.Muttiah Muralidharan bowled for the last time in an international match on home soil and wrapped it up appropriately with the wicket of Styris of his last delivery.Dilshan and Sangakkara are in ominous form,but the lower middle order have looked vulnerable.So last eve,when Thilan Samaraweera and Chamara Silva were left out with a late challenge from the never say die Black Caps,the 49 runs then needed to reach the finish line of 218 looked like a sweat.Silva hit two boundaries off Ryder to release the pressure momentarily,only for Southee to rattle his stumps to keep the game alive.An injured Angelo Mathews then screwed the visitors' hopes by hitting a few lusty blows to wrap it up,helped by 5 wides sent down the leg side by Andy McKay.So for the first time in World Cup history,the final is gonna be an all-Asian affair.


Also for the first time,India fights Pakistan for a place in the final.Need we say more.Right from the instant Yuvraj hit Lee for the winning boundary,it was as if the fantasies of the average cricket fan came realised.The mother of all cricket matches is to start a few minutes later in a historical battle zone.A lot of stories have a cocked up in the background of this match in the last 6 days.The experts have speculated their fill.Most of them,barring a few like Imran Khan,understandably,have sided with India.My emotions as an Indian are bound to be with India,but my cricket sense acknowledges that Pakistan have greater momentum.They have been playing as a team while India have managed to strike it right only on the last match.Pakistan bowlers have impressed with their low economical rates,but a reason for that might be the fact that they played a lot of their cricket in this Cup in slow wickets in Sri Lanka,while wickets in India have been traditionally flatter and truer.But India's inability to put pressure on the opponents by failing to pick up early wickets in an area of concern.Strategically,Indians need to be more wary of Ajmal than Afridi,I feel,with India being likely to field 3 left handed batsmen.But will Pakistan play Shoaib Akhtar?We'll know.

Head to head in Mohali,Pakistan enjoys the advantage,While India have triumphed over Pakistan in all their World Cup clashes.One way or the other,history will be rewritten.Once the match starts,make no mistake,sparks will fly,6 days have been a long wait.Both teams will have a third invisible party to contend with.I need not name it,call it what you may,you have been feeling it for days.It's India vs. Pakistan,need we say more?

Last match.But whose?

Here we are in what Ravi Shastri says the business end of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.You are tempted to think it's 3 matches to laying your hands on the coveted ultimate prize,but it's more of having to fight to live the day now.No surprises as to the composition of the last 8.But Pakistan have done remarkably well to top Group A,as coming into the tournament not many would have fancied them to beat Australia and Sri Lanka.Notably,they ended Australia's unbeaten run in World Cups since they were last beaten by none other Pakistan in the Group League stage of the ICC World Cup 1999.And what a show they put up yesterday!They started favourites but to dismiss the West Indies by 10 wickets...fantastic.Now Ashok Malhotra says he won't be surprised if they lift the Cup.I said the same after they beat Sri Lanka!

Bangladesh,on the other hand,in Group B,were so close,yet so far from booking a knockout berth.They finished with 6 points from 4 matches,same as the Windies,but the unfathomable manner in which they surrendered to the latter,which was repeated in their last game against South Africa cost them dear.The cricketing following in Mirpur,Dhaka would have been crestfallen.But cricket has its own way of leveling things,it's said.West Indies,after being stoned at the same venue,whether mistakenly is a question of potential controversy,had to return to play Pakistan for the first Quarter Final.And the crowd favourite,as they have been always,Pakistan 'returned' the humiliation the Carribeans had inflicted on the home team earlier,bowling them out for a paltry 58.A look at yesterday's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium,and you could sense the thrill of being avenged.

I have been in Bangladesh quite a few times and I have noticed that they take their cricket very seriously.I was there when Bangladesh earned for the first time the ticket to play in a World Cup,the 1999 edition,after they beat Scotland in the semifinal of the ICC Trophy and eventually were crowned champions by beating Kenya in a rain truncated match spanning two days.The celebrations that followed the last two wins were memorable.Political separation from the Indian mainland and then Pakistan never dampened the spirit of cricket a wee bit.Even when the Bangladesh cricket team had not yet made their arrival at the big scene,the population had their favourites,namely India and Pakistan,the majority inclined towards the latter.An India-Pakistan clash attracts as much excitement as you can find in India and Pakistan.So,we can safely say that this tournament is still very much alive in the hearts of the Bangladesh cricket fan.

Let's now shift focus on the present.If there were one terribly unpredictable tie in the Quarter Final line up,it's this one.Australia versus India.A wagerer's delight.Evenly matched sides,both having had their shares of clicks and misses.The Indians have been flashy and scratchy.The lower order has added to the worries regarding bowling.Three consecutive failures to capitalise on a formidable platform from the top order and failing to play out the 50 overs while setting the target.Pluses include the sterling touch Tendulkar is in and likelihood to fire in big matches and the all-round form of Yuvraj Singh.Zaheer Khan has been consistent with the ball but the same cannot be said about the rest of the bowling.Munaf Patel is playing because we dare play anyone else,therefore missing a genuine wicket taking option there.A word about him.I strongly feel that the communication between him and the captain isn't the best.I noticed in the matches against England and South Africa that Munaf tends to relax concentration and persistence against lower order batsmen,which proved costly in both matches,Ajmal Shehzad hitting him for a straight six in the former match and Johan Botha punishing him in the latter.He needs to understand that in today's cricket the 'tail-enders' are no mug with the bat,and Johan Botha is only a genuine all-rounder coming in at no.8,it is the duty of the skipper,and the coach,off the field,to ensure this.Over-reliance on spinners has not yet been convincingly answered by Harbhajan Singh,who's bowling well in patches but nowhere near his threatening best.Ravichandran Ashwin was pretty impressive the last day and offers Dhoni an option with the new ball,but was finally included in the playing XI only after a dismal show by Nehra including his shocking last over,rather 4 deliveries,of the South Africa match.I had written earlier that Dhoni has his qualms about playing two specialist right arm off spinners in the team,but Chawla has been anything but consistent with his line and length.

Australia too haven't been firing on all cylinders yet.They started cautiously and convincingly,showing glimpses of flamboyance of the old Australian sides,only for the graph to slip in the last few matches.Brett Lee has been their star performer with the ball,with Tait providing some bursts here and there.The loss of Bollinger haven't helped them,either.But the middle overs management is a worry as their spinners haven't been mention-worthy.Ponting hasn't been in the best of form,but we know him to be one who rises to the big occasion.Shane Watson and Brad Haddin are always threatening to take the game away in the first few overs,but they have shown their frailties once they have been bogged down by some tight bowling.Michael Clarke is known to have a good record against India in India,and Mike Hussey as a replacement for Bollinger no doubt strengthen the batting.It's to be seen how quickly he adjusts to the conditions,though Pakistan match was a tease for him,coming back from his hamstring layoff.

The big question that precedes the match is whether Virender Sehwag will feature in the XI today.He has been reported to be uncertain.It would be most unfortunate if he misses today's match.Because who knows it may be India's last match this edition.He certainly wouldn't like to let go watching by the sidelines.Neither would the cricketing community.

And that's the dismaying prospect.I came across a post on Facebook wondering if this match will be Sachin Tendulkar's last appearance in a World Cup.Shivering,isn't it?It is only coupled by a reasonable assumption that this World Cup is going to the last for Rick Ponting,too.So who bows out today?Sachin or Ricky?

This is also an occasion for India to set the record straight.They have lost to the Kangaroos every time they have met after their triumph over the Aussies in the 1983 World Cup in Chelmsford in their second league encounter.Since then,the Oz have been victorious over the Men In Blue in 1987,1992,1996,1999 and twice in 2003.The last time these two met in a World Cup was the 2003 edition Final at the Wanderers,Johannesburg,where Australia brutally crushed India's hopes of regaining the title.

And with Pakistan waiting for today's winners in the Semifinals,what could be a more mouth watering prospect than an Indo-Pak semifinal?Come 2:30 pm on the clock,Sardar Patel Stadium,Motera,Ahmedabad is going to witness an emotional occasion by all means.