T20 back to the subcontinent: Pakistan

On the 3rd of March the world witnessed terror take over Cricket in the subcontinent when the Sri Lankan players were attacked in Lahore, the incident had left Pakistan in shame and the game seemed to have died in the country which had produced some of the finest cricketers in the world. After 3 months and 17 days, the Pakistan Cricket Team under the captaincy of Younis Khan has an opportunity to win back the pride and respect for the nation and send a message back to the terrorists that no matter what they do; cricket will remain a passion for Pakistan. The opponent that the Pakistan Cricket team faces at the Mecca of Cricket (Lords) is the Sri Lankan Cricket team which had been attacked by the terrorists in Lahore. It is indeed the two teams who have lifted their spirits and outplayed all their opponents to settle down to the final at the Mecca.
No matter which team wins the T20 Cup is coming back to the subcontinent for the second consecutive year (India winning it in 2007), but Pakistan would be desperate to taste victory this time as they were denied victory in the last world cup. While Sri Lankan Team which has remained un-beatable in this tournament would want to keep their performance updated and also spoil Pakistan’s party.
While writing the blog, I am also watching the match at the same time, it seems that the match would be very close, though Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to a total of 138, which is an achievable target but it would certainly not be a cake walk for them, well all we need to do is sit back and watch. While you take a good watch on the match I will get my popcorn :):). Well with their two professional batsmen at the crease (i.e. Afridi and Shoaib Malik) it seems that it would be Pakistan who would be smiling at the match’s end, Sangakara needs to put on his thinking cap and bring an end to this partnership. Sri Lankan’s star batsman Dilshan failed to fire today and Pakistan’s late entry strike player Adul Razzaq did his homework well at the ICL to help Pakistan reach a comfortable position, well only minutes will decide whether Razzaq’s efforts has been paid off or not.
While the match approaches its end, the pressure can be seen on the players’ faces and anxiety among the spectators is getting them restless, the match is getting tighter every ball. Well it seems that Afridi is there to do the job which Misbah ul Haq failed to do last world cup. Well Afridi has finally done it for Pakistan he has played a magnificent innings and finally we all get to see him in his best again. Hats off to Pakistan they needed to lift the trophy to win the pride for their nation and Younis Khan would be a proud captain.

The trophy is back to the subcontinent and that too in style the last world cup runners up have finally tasted victory in the final and they can be proud of themselves as they proved to be the best in this format of the game. So this is to all the terrorists, party hard and drink to the victory of Pakistan for they have gained their pride and respect which you all had ruined it on 3rd March 2009 at Lahore….

The world Twenty20 cup

With just a few hours remaining from the second T20 world cup which will be hosted by the Country which has been “The Motherland of Cricket”- England.
Since South Africa and England were the early adopters of this format of cricket, therefore these two nations were given the privilege to host the first two tournaments; South Africa hosted the T20 World Cup in 2007 and now it is England to play host to the tournament. The tournament scheduled to begin from the 5th June 2009- 21st June 2009, promises to provide all the cricket fans a 17 days package of an exciting and thrilling cricket.
The tournament is played in a format of Group Stage and Knockout. This year the tournament would be played among 12 teams (9 test playing nations and 3 qualifiers). The teams would be placed into 4 groups (two seeds and a qualifier). Two top teams from each group would move into the second leg- the “Super 8s” where the qualified eight teams are placed into two groups; three games per team. The group winners of Super 8s will play the runners up of the groups of Super 8s in the Semifinals. The winners of the semifinals go on to play the Final of the tournament. A total of 27 matches would be played at three venues, namely:
• Lords, London- 8 matches (includes the inaugural and the final)
• The Oval, London- 9 matches.
• Trent Bridge, Nottingham- 10 matches.
The T20 format of Cricket has created a new whim of excitement among all the cricket fans, where the spectators enjoy watching the ball fly into the stands rather than players running between the wickets. This fast version of cricket where 120 balls an inning has not just pumped the adenine into the spectators but players as well.
This T20 world cup has lots to offer to its fans- while the Indian cricket team would be all pumped up to defend its title, Sri Lankan players would try to forget the terror attack and bring themselves up to their potential, Pakistan would want to win back its respect, while Australia would want to prove that they are still the best side in the world, England would try to take advantage of the home ground and the crowd; meanwhile the three qualifiers Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland would be making their strategy to spoil the party of the big boys. So, people sit tight as the T20 World Cup 2009 promises to provide you an exciting and entertaining month of June.

Champions of Europe - FC Barcelona

If u are a Manchester United fan; you would not have been able too digest what you saw at Stadio Olimpico, and if you are a Barcelona fan than- you would be too excited with joy to sleep. Well the entire world witnessed a splendid game of football by FC Barcelona which crushed Sir Alex Ferguson’s and his crew’s dream to be the only side to retain the title in 17 yrs. Pep Guardiola has proved to be lucky for his side and his hopes and beliefs has led him to achieve the dominance over Europe on his debut and also making him the youngest coach to have steer a team to win the title.
Having lost to Manchester United in the semi final last season, FC Barcelona had to demonstrate a superior game and strategy to settle score with United as they knew the fact that Sir Ferguson’s side is one of the toughest to beat. What we all witnessed at Stadio Olimpico has showcased Barcelona’s true potential and quality of its players that it possesses.
Manchester United took off with Ronaldo’s attack on the Barcelona’s defense; but eventually Primera Liga champions tamed the Premier League champions and kept them quiet. The Spanish style of possession football proved to be stupendous before the English style of direct attack; it did leave the entire United’s crew clueless.
Though Barcelona had lost Daniel Alves, Eric Abidal and Rafael Marquez due to suspensions and injury respectively, but it seemed that they did not miss them much as Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Eto’o and others were too good for Manchester United. Ronaldo and Rooney were kept quiet and well tamed by Puyol, Pique and Toure while Messi’s game proved to be much superior to theirs and the Barca’s midfielder did score his first goal against an English side.
The frustration and pressure were reflected in United’s game, while Guardiola’s crew kept their heads cool and played their possession football to win their third Champions League crown. While Manchester United would go back home with a shattered dream but they need to be proud of their achievements this season and take this defeat positively; they need to admit that Barcelona were a better side and played an outstanding game.
Over all we have a new champion of Europe- FC Barcelona; thanks to Eto’o and Messi for their spectacular goals and the entire Barcelona crew for a wonderful 90 minutes of entrainment which I am sure every football spectator must have enjoyed.
All in all - “A quality game from a quality team against a quality opponent.”

DLF IPL-2 '09

The month of April ’09 brought along the initial summer heats, election fever and the desirably awaited event of the Indian cricket circuit, The Indian Premier League-2. This event made its heat felt in the previous year and this year it promised all its spectators much more entertainment. But the organizers had a tough job at hand due to the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan players in Pakistan and the election in the country forced and the security reasons forced the organizers to arrange the event out shore. The Indian fans were disappointed as their own event was shipped away from their soil, but their spirits were not shattered and they supported their teams with passion and enthusiasm. 37 days of entertainment saw the Indian fans enjoy every bit of cricket; the journey from 18th April to 24th April had just been astonishing (though there were election results as well).South Africa played a perfect host for this year’s IPL. Initially the weather did have plans to spoil the party but it seemed that even the Almighty was keen to have a little entertainment from the tournament.
This year’s IPL saw lots of changes in the team strategy such as Team Knight Riders and Royal Challengers replaced their captain; a new bollywood face Shilpa Shetty went on to take over the defending champions Rajasthan Royals. The Pakistan players were not part of the IPL and also the late arrival of the Australian players gave few teams a little hiccup on their performance. The brand endorsement and the media advertisements were at great peak and no stones were left unturned to make this event a success.
The event took off with the oldies performing to their potential and making a statement that they too can be a part this format. The teams fought their way to dominate the league and make themselves secure for the top four spots. While Rajasthan Royals were playing to defend their title, last year’s bottom team Deccan Chargers was playing to gain their respect. This year’s IPL saw a close battle for the semifinal spot and the surprise element of the event was Royal Challengers who came back under the captaincy of Anil Kumble (Jumbo) to take the semifinal berth and also make it to the finals of the event though eventually facing a defeat to the Deccan Chargers.
Once again an Australian captain Adam Gilchrist taking command of Deccan Chargers accomplishment the mission IPL’09 for his team, (last year it was Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals, hopefully next is Hayden’s turn). The old guns have fired again and have set records, (Hayden- the highest run getter and Gilchrist – fastest 50 runs). No matter how the teams may have performed this year but IPL did get a global recognition and next year this event is promises to be even better and entraining.
Well, 5th June brings us the T20 world cup, so watch out for the Indian Squad which will come on the field to defend its tiltle……… See u all in England.