India vs Pakistan: Game won!

How did it start? And how did it end! Indian supporters would have never thought of this perfect finish against their staunch enemies.

As usual, MS Dhoni lost the toss and Misbah Ul Haq elected to bat first. His decision was a perfect 300+. The way Mohammed Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed started, it looked like Indian bowlers needed to go back and practice hard. Praveen Kumar and Irfan Pathan were being smothered. Ashok Dinda was probably playing his last match for Team India. 50, 100, 150, 200... Pak score was climbing at 6+ RPO with all 10 wickets in hand. Then came R Ashwin and S Raina to bowl spin. But no luck. Rohit Sharma too tried luck with the white flake, in vain. The Master Blaster too failed to pick any wicket. The senior Pathan, Yusuf bhai, also could not create any magic with the ball. 

All 8 bowlers were hammered. 35 overs, 220 runs and Pak was surely winning this one at that rate. Excellent batting by the Pak openers scoring a TON each. They kept their cool and played calm. But their scoring rate never fell below 5 RPO. So much so was the setback for the spectators that we started missing our Mohali’s bowling line-up “Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Munaf Patel and Yuvraj Singh” None of them were playing today!

And then we issued a formal offer “Just in from BCCI: Whoever, if at all, takes a wicket will be given 3-year contract by an IPL team of their choice!”

It worked, Finally, stars smiled at Ashwin and he got Jamshed. Guess Ashwin is happy with CSK, so our offer goes null. But scoring didn’t pause for Pak. But we did see a fabulous catch by Suresh Raina and another marvelous catch by Virat Kohli. Wickets fell, runs came and then, at the end of 50 overs, Pak was at 329-6.

They hit:

27 FOURS = 108 runs

2 SIXES    = 12 runs

Total: 120 runs came of just 29 balls.

Praveen Kumar and Ashok Dinda bagged 2 wickets each while Irfan Pathan and R Ashwin got 1 each.  

Of course everyone was missing Virender Sehwag a lot. That score of 330 would be possible only if we have our firing cannon in action. Little did we know that we’ll win it with 13 balls to spare!

Yes! We won! And how? It wasn’t a dream start at all! Gautam Gambhir OUT on zero meant the end of any chances to win!

On crease were, the most experienced player of Indian Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and probably, his only successor, Virat Kohli. Experienced shots from one end and powerful knocks from the other end. There was no looking back. Virat Kohli kept scoring at a faster rate, Sachin guided him and together they added 133 runs on board. After scoring 52, Sachin Paaji fell the victim to Saeed Ajmal and it was another heart break for Indian supporters.

But to everyone’s surprise, Rohit Sharma came in and didn’t leave the crease so soon. He played slow, his natural game. He took time to acclimatize to the bowling attack and then, hit some very powerful shots. He perfectly complemented Virat Kohli in the biggest run chase of the Indian Cricketing history. Together they scored 172 runs, the biggest 3^rd wicket partnership. Team India was at 307-2 and needed only 23 runs to win from 26 balls when Rohit Sharma hit an unwanted shot over long on and got OUT at 68 runs. Virat Kohli was on 150* and going strong. We all wanted him to score 200 and join the league of big names of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Well, that didn’t happen and Virat Kohli got OUT at 183.

But the number, 183, has its own significance:

Indian batsmen who scored 183 have went on to become a successful captain
S Ganguly - 183 vs Sri Lanka 99 WC
MS Dhoni - 183* vs Sri Lanka 2005
Now V Kohli - 183 vs Pak 2012 So can we safely say that Virat Kohli is the captain in the making?

Back to match, of course, Raina and Dhoni finished the match! Captain cool hit the FOUR and that marked India’s successful run chase at 330 in just 48.5 overs.

This is how we scored: 

34 FOURS = 136 runs

4 SIXES = 24 runs

Total = 160 runs from just 38 balls.

India vs Pakistan matches are never just about Cricket. It involves a lot of emotions and fights and arguments and excitement too! This match had its charm too!

329 + 330 = 659 runs scored in 587 balls; total 3 centuries were scored and 10 wickets fell.

This match also meant that Indian Cricket was developing. Clearly the bowlers have a lot of homework to do. They need more guidance from the seniors. They need to put a lot of hard-work and efforts. Our weakest department needs revamping. We have potential players and this is the perfect time to groom them.  

The batsmen are readying themselves to take up bigger responsibilities and relive the senior from the worries. This means the future of Indian Cricket is going in safe hands and it is time to pass the baton!

It is the transition phase and ups and downs are bound to happen. We win some, we lose some. But what we learn from these matches will play a bigger role in the coming years of Cricket to play.

India vs Pakistan: Game on!

Forever it shall be... The “baap” of all games: India vs Pakistan! And why not, not only these 2 teams are arch rivals; the nations too aren’t on amicable terms.

India vs Pakistan!

Dear Team India, let’s get ready to win. Nothing else matters.

Yes, we don't have to experiment any player today. The playing 11 clearly knows that back home, every eye is on them, scrutinizing every move. 1 mistake will stay with them for a long time. Not only on Cricket terms, but also on moral terms.

No loop-holes, no mistakes, no lose shots, no wrong length and no misfielding. The game is as important as the WC finals. The sentiments are more intense than the white-wash. Any why not, these teams meet only once in a while. Who doesn’t want to see this match?

Some brief stats:

Overall in ODIs: Pak has won 69, India has won 47;

At neutral venues: Pak 38, India 26;

In last 10: India 6, Pak 4;

In Bangladesh, India 5, Pak 3,

In Asia Cup India 4, Pak 4

Chances are even! We are a new team and so are the opponents. They are fierce and we are learning. Pakistan heavily relies on Misbah Ul Haq. And we are already missing the likes of Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh. Team India lacks an aggressive approach and fears are we will turn defensive soon.

The, once upon a time, best batting line-up is on the revival mode. We have Sachin and Gauti to handle the attacking opening partnership. With their experience, they sure are the best bet. All eyes and big pressure on the new vice captain Virat Kohli; good news is, he is carrying the form very well and is anticipated to deliver the same way.

Lot of options for middle-order, yet we avoid risk and continue with the non-playing Rohit Sharma. Lot of all-rounder’s options, yet we want R Jadeja even if is totally off-form. Well, what more to say? Today is really not the day to experiment.

The bowling department has been the talk of the town since the last match where we were not able to defend 290 runs against a minion team Bangladesh. 

No options left open as the best guy Zaheer Khan is rested; Ishant Sharma is injured; R Vinay Kumar is mysteriously injured; Others..?? Don’t matter…

The pressure is at an all-time high. On both teams; On both captains. MS Dhoni sure knows how to handle it. He has been doing it since forever. Well, all we want if a Non-Defensive approach. The opponents will leave no stone unturned and we are a step ahead!

Time to Bleed Blue! 

Thanks @mohanstatsman for the numbers!

100th 100, is here! Sachin Tendulkar

Mark the date in Red, Blue, Green and Golden! Its something awaited by hearts of a million! 

It is 16th March, 2012. The platinum day for the game called Cricket! 

When the GOD of the game scores his 100th 100...!!

Just let me savor the moment, just let me seize the opportunity! I want be a proud Indian to have seen it happen!


No1 can even imagine how does it feel to be Sachin Tendulkar. Billion * 2 eyes on him. Billion hearts beating for him! Only him! Today was the destined day. Bangladesh was the Team and Shakib Al Hasan was the bowler. And the rest, is going to be engraved in the history with Gold and stay there forever....

Its just a game for those who dont know u,

Its a pride for all who love u!

For mortals like us, its enough to see u,

The nation proudly says "Cricket belongs to You!"

There is no wonder like Sachin,

Everyone seems to be just gawking,

With the charm n aura he is playing,

Every Indian just keeps rejoicing!!

It is not everyday that everyone can praise everyone. But when it comes to Sachin, all doubts take a backseat. Only the goodness and the kind heart reflects the humility that he is made of!

Each one of us has a dream - to meet you. For many its too blissful to be real. Being one of them, I can tell. With each heights that you scale, our hearts just become happy while we scream and yell!

When I saw his pics, I thought such a cute baby! 

When I saw him play, I said what brilliant shots! 

When I saw him win, I said what efforts! 

When I see him breaking records, I exclaim is that GOD?!!

But everytime the answer remains the same: He is just "Sachin Tendulkar"!!

My thoughts may not suffice to express the greatness. My heart may not contain all the feelings. My mind may be stable otherwise. But the gratitude, the respect, the humility knows no bounds when I hear the words "Sachin - the GOD - Tendulkar!

Yes! I was alive when Sachin Tendulkar scored his 1 HUNDRED CENTURIES! 

Wish-List! Its Sachin! Once again!

I dont remember when I fell in love with this guy. It was a sheer herd mentality. Every1 loves him, I have to love him too. If I dont, I will be a loner. What will I do when he is on TV? Every1 will be glued to him, I'll be alone. Thats when I started watching him on TV. 

He was cute looking then. He is good looking till date. That time I had no clue whats so special about him. Now, I know, he is the only special thing about the religion. He is the talk of the town? No no, he is the talk of the globe. Anything that he does is watched, worshipped and blindly agreed. 

For many, the religion starts and ends with this 1 man on the field. The TV is on till the time camera can follow him. Rest is just a daily soap. Nice, but no spice!

I was reading a article by Former England captain Allan Lamb that mentions how the Lords' match is of utmost importance. He writes: "People in England have been writing about Sachin Tendulkar breaking his Lord's jinx (of scoring a hundred) well. he won't get a better time to do it, will he? Even if he doesn't get there, he shouldn't get disheartened. A lot of top players over the years haven't got a hundred at Lord's. I don't know why that is!

Well, its time for an Indian to write something. Why is it so much important for an Indian? Lacs of Indians never want him to retire. Someday he will. But the thought sends a shiver down my spine. What do u mean that he'll retire? He cant retire. He will never leave. At the bottom of my heart, I know 1 thing. The day he bids farewell, thousands of spectators will wave with him. The religion will no longer be celebrated as the way it is done now.

Ever since England tour was announced, every Indian has a dream of seeing 100th 100 by the GOD at the Mecca of cricket. Its not just the dream anymore. We have prayers recited, wishes made and what not. Sir Lamb, no one can ever understand the feeling that every Indian shares in heart when the Master Blaster hits a ton. The celebrations are to be experienced. No1 can describe it. 

Sir Lamb also wrote: "It doesn't get any bigger, or better, does it? It'll be a very special occasion. Playing at Lord's in general gets the best out of cricketers - this time it'll be even more special."

We cannot deny. It will take its place in the history.

Sachin is the reason why I started watching cricket. He is the reason why I started playing it. He is the reason why I was totally addicted to the game. Today, it’s his moment. It’s going to be his event. It will be his turn to create and rewrite history. A proud Indian - Me - wants to speak for entire nation about how important the day is for us.

The day when we will see TV as an occasion; when “fingers-crossed” will be a group activity; when no-jinx-allowed will trend. When there will be hands folded, lots of innocent bribes offered. When, again, there will tears of joy! The dream will come in real for so many supporters. I might be exaggerating the incidence. But, why not? I have waited for it so long. I want to be a part of it and stay there forever.

Ofcourse, I don’t know how the future will look like. I don’t know what will be the outcome. But this is my wish-list. I can vividly see the moments of glory. These are the blissful moments. They may or may not come true. But the colour of each face is saffron, white and green.

As they say in my country, U will never know how it feels. There is just 1 Sachin and the rest are all, well, mortals. Let me seal the moment right now. 

Inspiration!

Each time something goes wrong, I see this picture.
It reminds me of how hard work can over all negatives and lead you to victory! 
I have seen them play bad, lose the match and upset and criticized. 
Then, I have seen them play together, efforts and create a history!
Whats your story? 

A picture that say more than literature can say!

I know him as the best batsman. He is an amazing player. His bowling abilities are exceptional. He has the strong charisma. His captaincy is considered the best....

We know them for cricket. But they are those superb humans and daddy too! The collage to represent the love and affection of our sportsmen!

A fathers' first love!

Wishing all the viewers a very HAPPY FATHERS' DAY..!! :) :)

The day when my life stood still for a second and then, changed forever!!

After waiting for about 1 hour outside Wankhede stadium, I finally entered the Mecca of Mumbai cricket! Yes, I had never stepped on the ground before! Fully checking out each and every corner of it! Taking memory pics of each step that I took towards the ground!

And then, the whistle blew, the trumpets were blown, the heads turned!! Yup, they entered! All geared up. All set for the net practice. All happy and relaxed. Each of them waived at us while entering the ground. Except for a few of them! (guess, they thought we were the staff!!)

Then came the moment I was alive for. I was told to go ahead and bat as  Bhajji would be the bowler!! Really? R u joking? I have never played over-arm ball in my life! Well, yeah! ok! Time to hit the ground! So they give me hand gloves, cap and leg-pads (dunno what they are exactly called, dunno how to wear them!!) So, a team member helps me tuck that thing on my leg!

And I goto the net where Ray Price and Bhajji Paaji are practising! Yup, that walk was like red carpet walk on oscars!! May be among very feww girls, I was the only girl on ground that day! I walked with pride, representing all girls!! As I stand at the pitch, they hand me a bat weighing MET's laptops twice!! hahahha!! It took me real efforts to drag it to the stumps!!

Then, Bhajji saw me. He exclaimed "Oh, yeh toh tiny girl hai! Abhi bouncer dekho!" And he came like a gaint, bowling from the other end! Scared the hell out of me!! I backed out! I did the star action. Stopped him. Waved him. Asked him to calm down! :P Then came his first ball; Wide! Yes, it was a wide ball! Then came in Ray Price. A full length. I could just place the ball straight back to him! Bhajji Paaji again. This time I missed it!!

Then, it was my last chance! I requested him for a slow, medium-length ball. He smiled and said, "Ok, Tiny Girl!"

Just then, as I turned. I heard that voice. "U will have to lift the bat before he starts to bowll. The bat it too heavy for you to lift otherwise! Go ahead, try it."

Can any1 ever imagine whose words were those?? Can u imagine getting a batting tip from him means what to me? And I just stood still. BLANK. I could not even turn. I just stared at that petite figure in front of me. It was HIM. He was just looking at me while I staggered with all the instruments (gloves, pads, cap, 5-kilo bat). Yes, he was wearing his entire set of armor and net practising! But he spared a moment and gave those pearls to me! 

I gazed at the man of glory. I looked at him and wanted the time to stop there. I saw him. I just gawked. I just took the deepest breath. I would have melted there. It seemed to me that my spirit is leaving my body and going to hug him! Such a miniature structure. Such a baby-face. Such an amazing cute voice. But there stands the man who drives entire nations crazy! There he is; the only person loved by 1.21 billion unconditionally.

His charm, his charisma, his aura and his essence. They were all full of humility, compassion, kindness and honesty! His words were full of generosity, full of simplicity, full of life!! His baby voice had the power to make my heart stop! Skipped the beat! and again! Then, a local player who was wicket keeping yelled something! And zapped me back to the reality! I lifted the bat and hit the last ball with all my force. Guess it was not enough to even cross 22 yards pitch! haha!! :P

I completed the 3-ball task! I turned around to catch the glimpse of that cherubic batsman! He was there. Standing with his bat. I wanted to goto him; hold his hand; tell him what his words meant to me; how important he is to my friends! I wanted to see his bat that scores tons and tons! I wanted to see how he manages to rule so many hearts! I wanted to just stay there!

But, alas! It was the cruel reality. I was on this side of the world that belongs to the commoner. He belongs to the other side of the world where special people (GODs) stay! I had to leave the ground. I thanked him. He waved. And the moment was over. :( :( :( :( :( ...

As we walked out of the stadium, I was locked in the minutes just before. I sunk into the feelings of the ultimate bliss! The human who is termed "GOD" just spoke to me! I just could not believe what happened. A man who is just above all mortals. A man who earns respect from everyone across the country. Now, I know why.

He just had no reason to speak to me. He could have easily ignored me like many others did. But it was his sheer humility. It was his GOD-like heart that spoke! And thats when I learnt the most important lesson of my life. If he being the "GOD" could have his feet so deep rooted in ground, why the hell on earth I should fly high??? I have done nothing great great to feel the pride.

I learnt "How being humble to 1 and all, no matter what, is so important" I have carved it in my brain and on my heart. That day onwards, I have given up thinking if I am any great person. I started passing smiles to all - paper delivery boy, milkman, liftman, ladies in second-class and even that traffic hawaldar! 

And guess what, the world is changed. Its become a better place to live in! There are some ups and downs but, its going up and up! GOD really helps those who are selfless and human and help others! I have had the best experience of this life. I could never find enough words to express the feelings, the emotions and the gratitude! 

Till date, I m in the trance of being good. Soon, it'll turn into a habit. After good experience, I'll master the art of being compassionate! And when I do that, I request the Almighty to give me 1 more chance to meet Sachin "GOD" Tendulkar. I will tell him how his 2 lines changed a person, changed the views and inspired a commoner to become a better human!

If HIS grace falls on me, I want to do the same for some1! Return the good deed, by a better deed!