Kiwis Warm up India

MSD once again got lucky with toss and elected to bowl first. He made couple of changes in team for bringing in likes of Jadeja, Ojha. Sehwag and Yuvraj is dropped out because of injury. You can play with 13 members in warm up matches but it seems that India don’t have 13 members available for selection. On other hand Kiwis also made couple of changes but more or less kept unchanged unit.

India has to get 171 runs target with 8.55 RPO, and, their new opening pair Gambhir and Rohit Sharma has a responsibility of giving flying start. Sharma stood up occasion and continue his tremendous IPL2 batting form, scoring 36 runs with just 20 balls which include 3x4, 3x6, played some amazing cricketing shots to give India much needed momentum. Gambhir on other hand continued his lack luster form.

Raina used his opportunity very well and scored 45 runs in 24 balls with 3x4, 3x6. He is equally supported by Ravindra Jadeja, with his nearly equal to ball 41 runs from 40 balls. In the end India could not able to finish chase and lost by 9 runs. Vettori proved best blower from kiwis with excellent figures of 3-0-24-3.

Before that, when Kiwis started inning with their successful opening pair Ryder and McCullum. Ishant Sharma bowled Ryder out in early spell to provide break through. McCullum continued his attack on other side with scoring 31 runs in 19 balls with 4x4. In middle over Ojha and Harbhajan bowled exceptionally well to restrict Kiwis 150 runs till 19th over. But in last over PR conceded 20 runs to help reach opposition 170 runs target.

From India’s point of view blowing form of Ishant Sharma, Ojha is good news. Ojha bowled really well and did not afraid to spin and toss the ball while kiwis are going after him. From batting point of view, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina’s form is good news. But they should be more worried about their last year’s top scoring batsman Gautam Gambier’s form and Injuries of Zaheer, Sehwag and Yuvraj, as their performance will decide India’s chances, creating history once again.

Flashback WT20 2007

Year 2007 had been unforgettable not only for Team India but also for rest of world, as they became First World Twenty20 champions which hosted in rainbow country South Africa. After 1983, first time India had won World Cup in T20 format. Whole cricketing world is fascinated by this kind of T20 format. This format has everything in it, the speed, enthusiasm, drama, advertising, cheerleaders off course the money. A perfect recipe for cricket lovers.
When ICC first decided to conduct such kind of tournament, everybody had finger crossed. Even some countries decided to send their second best team for this tournament. But T20 had done wonders.
India First T20 world cup champions had more memories to remember. They have got new Captain M.S.Dhoni, who is well known for his fearless batting until tournament. Under his captaincy Team India came out with trump. Under his Wily, aggressive and claim personality team climbing one after another victory. I will try summaries some of key moments of Team India’s road to T20.

Bowl Out The first one comes is bowel out situation against Pakistan. India has defeated their arch rivals Pakistan in Group match in first ever bowl out situation. Where Sehwag, Robin and Harbhajan hit the stump back to back to won this utterly closed encounter. India had announced their presence.

6 Sixes Next one is also created history, was, Yuvraj 6 sixes. In a match against England India in good situation after nice and solid start from their opening duo Sehwag and Gambhir. In last few over when Yuvi and Dhoni at crease, Flintoff had exchanged few words to Yuvi and what happens after words is history. Very next over England had to pay price for this one when Yuvi took on Stuart Broad to smashing him 6 sixes , first time in T20 world cup. What a classy and fearless batting display from Yuvi.

Unstoppable RP India must have to defeat host South Africa to reach semis. They are going with great guns until now and this is very crucial game for India. SA restricted India to a low score which is at par for them to reach semis. But, RP Singh had different Ideas. He bowled spell of his life, claiming 4 wickets to enable India to reach semis. He ranked 3rd in best bowler of tournament. Well done RP.

Outclass World Champions Yuvi and Shreeshant rattled World Champions Australia in semis. India was batting first and they needed some quick runs to reach a respectable total and who can provide them except Yuvraj. He came like a thunder and rattled Aussi all over park and scored 70 runs from just 30 balls. What a knock this had been. He absolutely crushed Aussi single handedly with his help India able to put up a huge score of 188 runs. But, Aussi also in mood to prove why they are World Champions. Gilly and Hayden started blazing their guns all over park, from first ball they made their intensions clear to attack. They took attack on Shreeshant, but this big hearted bowler came back with a surprise delivery to clean bowled Gilly. But, Hayden on other hand keeps ratting bowlers. He is in no mercy mood. When it looks like Aussi will easily win this game Dhoni brought Shree back for his final spell and here game turn around, when Shree out bowled Hayden to help India reach Finals.

Final IND Vs PAK you can imagine by reading only what a match this had been. Two arch rival taking one on one in First T20 final. India is playing without his master batsman Sehwag. Pakistan restricted India to low score of 157. When all wickets are falling Gambhir rose to occasion and played a classy innings. He along with Rohit Sharma's some quick runs India managed to put respectable score.

India started well with taking early wickets, but Imran Nazir is on song going with great guns. At that time Pakistan will easily win this cup. But, then comes a brilliant throw from Robin to run out Nazir and opened up doors for India. Then Pakistan loosed all crucial wickets and at a position of 70/6. From then onward Misbah Ul-Haq turn game for his side playing innings of his life. When in last over Pakistan needed just 13 runs from 6 balls, Dhoni played a master stroke with inviting Jogindar Sharma to bowl final over of tournament. Every body thought that was a mistake which might cost India a world cup. But, again destiny had something different in her mind. Sharma bowled first one wide, 2nd gone for six, now Pakistan Needs 6 runs in just 4 balls. Then comes a moment of life, on third ball Misbah got out to Joginder in trying to sweep him over third man and handed over a simple catch to Shreeshant, who is accepted this like a World Cup.

Wow what a journey this had been for India's new team. They outplayed every team in competition to win First World T20 Cup. Now second WT20 is going to begin in couple of hours in England. Form tomorrow warm up matches are being held, which you can see them on Star Cricket, Star Sports and ESPN. India is in Group A, along with Bangladesh and Ireland. We are bringing for you all actions from WT20 cup, so please don't forget to read Yorkkar......!!

Deccan Chargers the Winner of IPL2

IPL2: DC Vs RCB

Final: Overview

Man, what a gem of a game?? Came from no where RCB, has restricted DC for a song on 143 runs small total. Hoping this time they will able to chase it easily. But that’s the blessing in disguise. RCB could not able to handle crunch situation lost in end by 6 runs to Deccan Chargers.

When RCB started their run chase they just need over 7 RPO. Make a splash, Manish Pandey and SA veteran Jack Kallis started cautiously. But in 3rd over Kallis lost his cool and took attack to opposition and got out to Purple Cap holder of a tournament RP Singh. DC got their first blood of tonight.

Merve again came up order and his task this time very simple, get runs in no time and attack opposition. He showed its intentions right from first ball. While he is going after fast bowlers, Gilly decided to take of speed from ball. He invited his ace spinner Ohja right after restrictions are over, and this move turned out to be huge success as he immediately got rid of inform Manish Pandey.

Royal’s two big scoring guns back in hut. Now they are heavily dependent on India’s batting veteran, The Wall Rahul Dravid. But, this time he just needs to rotate strike and give opportunity to man of moment Merve. He is hitting ball really hard. He took attack on Harris. Lots of thing happenings in background. Situation is tense and Aussi sledging expert Symonds and Harris invoking Merve. And this strategy worked as he decided to go after Ohja, but, he did a trick and invited him to go after him and fall in trap which is waiting for him, stumped out to agile Gilly.

Getting runs are really difficult out their as DC just not in mood to give anything in free to Royals. Dravid and Taylor has to do all the required to get their side home. But, RCB middle order did not able to deliver this time and bog down under pressure. RP bowl excellent last over, to won match for Deccan Chargers by 6 runs.


Before this RCB won toss and invited DC to bat first, hoping that will repeat their last script. Again Anil Kumble decided to open bowling, and got same result as time got slaughter Gilly. By effect of this DC have lost momentum and advantage of fielder restrictions. Suman tried to lift run rate got out cheaply in process of doing so. Then all dependent on biggest striker of ball, Andrew Symonds. He took charge immediately and lift tempo of his team.

When Symonds and Gibbsy looking like taking game away from Royals, Kumble decided to lead from front, and, boy he delivered again sending dangerous Symonds. Royals back in game. Now its all up to Under 23 player of tournament and DC vice captain Rohit Sharma. He reconstructed innings with help of Gibbsy with lots of one and two’s. He just got out on 24 runs in 17th over in search of few big runs for his team again to Kumble. What a game Kumble id having. He leading form front when his team needed his most, that’s sign of great leader.

Gibbsy who is playing anchor role after Gilly got out in very first over of tournament. He played opposite innings to his well known character to score unbeaten 53 runs and helped his team to a respectable score of 143 runs.

THE GAME

Anil Kumble has been The Game with his electrifying spell of bowling with amazing figures if 4-0-16-4 in a batsman dominated game. He led from front. Whenever his team needs a wicket, he got that in fine style. Gilly, Symonds, Sharma and V. Rao among his wickets.

Challengers Came From No Where to Finale

IPL2: CSK Vs RCB

2nd Semi Final: Overview

In a dramatic turn around, under dogs RCB is taking on mighty CSK at Johannesburg. Since Anil Kumble took over captaincy, RCB have lost only one in his inspirational leadership. They have 100% wining record on this ground. While on other hand, even though CSK are in semis, they are not looking confident, as their winning track is not consistent, especially bowling is underperformed.

After winning toss, Kumble elected to bat second. Parthiv Patel and returning from injury Hayden, started innings with cautious approach. In fact this time Patel taken responsibility of scoring more than run a ball. They together put up a 61 runs partnership. Hayden was the first man to dismiss on 23 runs. Dhoni promoted himself up the order ahead of inform Raina, which he does often to steer team till end. But, Patel followed Hayden’s way out LBW to Kallis on 36 runs.

Dhoni and Raina try to rebuild CSK inning. Both are not looking comfortable, as ball is not coming on to bat and Kumble and Merwe balling tight line, not giving an inch to opposition. Raina, decided to go after balling. He just got out to his own state mate Praveen Kumar on 20 runs when looking dangerous. Dhoni soon followed Raina, got out on 28 runs in process to clear fence to Merve who bowled extremely well in this tournament so far.

CSK bottom order Morkel, Oram and Badrinath failed once again to score quick runs. RCB bowled superbly. In fact their last over just conceded 2 runs and a wicket. RCB able to restrict CSK under 150 mark.

Challenger, Opener Manish Pandey and Jack Kallis started chasing of 146 runs target. Kallis took attack on Gony, scored him back to back boundaries, got out in same over on 9 runs. CSK got their first wicket. Kumble, continued his last unsuccessful experiment, sent Merve up the order, to score some quick runs. But, this time too he fails to deliver; his own country men Morkel bowled him on beautiful yorker on just 2 runs.

Last time MOM, Manish Pandey had different plans, he took attack on opposition. He played some extremely elegant cricketing shot, to show his last inning is not a fluke. He along with Dravid, made a crucial partnership of 72 runs. Dravid also stand tall on a this big occasions with taking attack to opposition. Both looked to attack CSK despite of wickets fowling to maintain momentum.

Jakati got much needed break through in 13th over. He clean bowled Pandey on 48 runs when looking unstoppable. Murali, able to send Dravid soon after to dug out on 44 runs. This is turning out to be great battle between bat and ball. Murali on his peak of a spell. RCB facing little problems facing ace bowler. But they just needed 7 RPO to win, can afford to play comfortably with out taking risks. In the end Kohli decide to cut loose to take home his team along with Taylor both remain not unbeaten on 24 and 17 runs respectively.

What a turn around in this game, two outplayed teams in inauguration IPL, taking on each other on Grand Finale. Both teams are having some great inform players and both are picking up in just time, both got much needed momentum. Will be interesting to see to come up ace to lift trophy?? Don’t miss to read article on IPL2 DC Vs RCB final only on your only cricket blog YORKKAR….!!

THE GAME

Manish Pandey once again got MOM for his brilliant batting display, scored a classing inning of 48 runs. He looked like veteran in his temperament.

Gilly the Butcher onslaught Devils

IPL2: DDD Vs DC

1st Semi Final: Overview

SuperSport Park, Centurion hosting 1st IPL2 semi-final match between 3D and DC. Both teams are very confident about winning. Especially Sehwag is very confident about his inform bowling attack and middle order. On other hand DC is not so good on chasing big total, has to some find solution for this.

Gilly won toss and decided to bat second, in which they are not so good at. Sehwag is looking very happy to bat first on centurion wicket. Gambhir and Warner are on crease and 3D will be hopping, they will provide a perfect start for them. But, this remains a dream only, when Harris send back Gambhir and Warner in his first 2 wicket maiden over.

After loss on first 2 wickets in first over, attacking duo, Sehwag and Dilshan, trying to reconstruct inning. They have to make sure, that they will not lose more wickets trying to get runs. Both used their experience to put much needed partnership of 85 runs. In 11th over Sehwag got out to Symonds on 39 runs from 31 balls with 5x4.

Dilshan other hand, who continued his wonderful form throughout this season IPL, keep playing his strokes. AB supported him very well with his small inning of 26 runs from 21 balls, got out to RP Singh when he was just looking to clear fence. Karthik, Bhatia and Mishra not able to contribute much more. Dilshan, who alone keep on fighting till end, got out on 65 runs on 51 balls with 7x4, 1x6. Delhi, managed to put 153 runs on board, which looks like defendable with kind of blowing attack they have.

Gilly and Gibbsy will as usual start proceedings from DC. Delhi’s bowler of tournament Drik Nannes will bowl first over. Two countrymen Gilly and Nannes facing each other. But, Gilly has different plans this time. He took attack straight to Nannes rattling 21 runs from his first over. What a start an innings.

Next over, Nehra, clean bowled Gibbsy, given first break through to 3D. But, Gilly is in no mood to slow down. He kept on his slaughterer mood and rattled Delhi’s in form bowling attack all over park. He absolutely demolishes opposition with his powerful batting. When nothing looks working, Sehwag himself decide to bowl. Its Captain to Captain now, but, again Gilly out thought Sehwag hit 25 runs in his one over spell with 3 biggies.
He scored 85 runs from just 35 balls with 10x4, 5x6. He got out just before strategic time out, but at that time DC was on 102 runs wit loss of just 3 wickets.

Until Gilly was at the crease, Sehwag looks to clue less. He does not understanding what to do. Gilly outplayed all plans of opposition. Symonds and Co keeps on attacking Delhi after time out break, despite of having less than ball runs. Symonds played littlie cameo of 24 runs from 15 balls with 2x4, 1x6. Suman and Rohit Sharma completed reaming formalities to take their side into semis easily.

THE GAME

Unanimously, Gilchrist is the chosen one for MOM. His inning might be remembered in times to come. Aussi veteran displays awesome bating skills. He also now be the man to scored fastest 50 in IPL2.

Royals Defeated Chargers

IPL2: BRC Vs DC

Match 56: Overview

For both teams this is nothing but a practice match, as Punjab has already out of competition after got defeated from Chennai. So both team has no pressure of a result as, both of them are already qualified for semis.

Anil Kumble won toss and elected to bat first. He made only single change in opening slot bringing in Manish Pandey. But this move did not worked and Kallis got out on 5 runs in second over of Purple Cap holder RP Singh. Merwe promoted up the order, as Kumble seems to be in experiment mood. He showed some intent to score quick runs and try to give momentum which is required badly for RCB to score big total. He got out to Symonds on 23 runs (3x4, 1x6).Rahul Dravid and Ross Taylor are in mood of visitors, as both of them got out to Ojha without troubling score.

But, on other end Pandey, who is just spectator, did not bother about tumbling of wickets. He kept on playing big shots in the end got his maiden hundred. He along with handy knock form Kholi 19 runs from just 9 balls with two biggies took RCB at a respectable score of 170 runs. Manish Pandey, the only Indian batsman to score century in IPL, remain not out on 114 runs from just 73 balls.

Deccan Chargers fully charged opening duo Gilly and Gibbs, started proceeding. This time Kumble has decided to open bowling himself. Both Kumble and Gilly are rivals of each other from there International Cricketing carrier. Both of them started watchfully. In mean time Kallis has to go back because of injury and seems will not ball this evening, what a blow to RCB. Praveen Kumar comes in attack to replace Kallis. Now its Gibbs time, he joins the party with taking on more than 20 runs in a Kumar’s single over.

When it looks like DC will be able to chase target easily, Gilly got out to Akhil on 15 runs. T.Suman showed some intent to make runs, also failed on 12 runs. On the other side Gibbs are in good touch, played some excellent bottom hand shots and given signs of returning to his brutal form, got out on 60 runs from just 43 balls with 3x4, 4x6.

From Gibbs wicket onwards DC never able to come out, Symonds 18, R. Sharma 12 runs and V. Rao only managed to get 8 runs, failed to take team their team to a confidence booster victory before semis. On other side, Kumble leads from front, made decisive changes, rotated his blowers very well, got himself on when ever team needs break through. Over all a great come back for RCB. Hope they will continue their winning streak in semis also. If they able to get into final, then it will be terrific turnaround in this competition, and there owner will be on cloud 9.


Exiting Moments of Match

RP Sing drops a dolly when Manish Pandey on 2 runs on bowling of Harris. From there on Pandey never look behind and scored his maiden century, in fact first Indian, remain unbeaten on 114 runs.

THE GAME

Debutant Manish Pandey got MOM in his first IPL match, due to his brilliant batting show. He scored unbeaten 114 runs in just 73 balls with 10x4, 4x6.

Riders Outplayed Kings

IPL2: CSK Vs KKR

Match 51: Overview

IPL T20 as its best. KKR is playing their last game of this IPL season. So will they able to keep pride with last win is a question in every bodies mind. As per old adage “If end is good then everything is good”. And KKR is finally able to get their second win, in what a style, beating one of best sides in IPL2 by 7 wickets.

KKR started their mammoth chase of 184 runs with Ganguly and McCullum. This is certainly looks possible on Super Park, Centurions, good batting pitch. McCullum from first ball was in no mercy mood. He is absolutely in mood of sending every ball out of park. He rattled every CSK bowler except Murali.

After Ganguly back to hut, McCullum along with Hodge consolidate innings without loosing required run rate. Hodge keeps on rotating strike. On other hand McCullum is waging his tell. He got out dramatically on 81 from 48 balls with 12x4 and 3 massive sixes.

After McCullum, David Hussy also got run out courtesy Dhoni. Now, it’s up to Hodge who is being spectator on other end. Hodge played an innings of his life to take KKR at par along company of Saha.

Before this Dhoni as usually winning toss and elected to bat first. This time they are playing without Hayden. They got a good steady start. Patel and Bailey given them start they are looking for with out loosing an wicket. After they back to dug out, in form Raina carries his blistering form and score 52 runs. Dhoni supported him very well. He scored 40 runs along with Morkel 21 runs. Both remains not out till end after Suresh Raina got out. CSK has managed to put 18r runs on board.

Exciting Moments of the Match

It’s really difficult to pick up exiting moments, as whole match is so exiting and heart stopper. But, its un-doubted McCullum’s and in end Brad Hodge’s thrilling batting is surely the movements to watch out for. Both of them have played so effortlessly and given no chance to opposition. They are absolutely ruthless and smart at times, stealing ones and twos. Keeping their cool while Murali is bowling and did not try to take any chances against him. But, took on all other bowlers to achieve fascinating victory.

THE GAME

It’s quite difficult to choose between McCullum and Hodge. But in the end Brad Hodge has got MOM in te end. His unbeaten finishers knock of 71 runs in 44 balls (4x4, 4x6)