India's campaign started off shakily with a loss against arch-rivals Pakistan by 54 runs.Pakistan batted first and made a massive 302.Former skipper Shoiab Malik made a century.Intially,Malik started of slowly with his strike rate below 50,however,he recovered very well to make 128 off just 126 balls.He was well supported by Mohammed Yousuf who made a fluent 87 off 88 balls.Even though Indian pacers bowled well in first 15 overs,they gave away too many runs in the end.Harbhajan Singh had one of his worst days in ODIs giving away 71 in his 10 overs taking just 1 wicket.I have to admit that I am not a fan of Dhoni's captaincy,and his tactics looked anything but good to me.With two new batsmen in at around the 15 over mark,he gave bowling to part-timer Virat Kohli which allowed Yousuf and Malik the time to get settled.They went on to have a partnership of over 200 runs between them.Ashish Nehra picked 4 for 55.Ishant Sharma was impressive as he gave away just 39 in his 8 overs taking 2 wickets.The spell included 2 maiden overs.
India lost Sachin Tendulkar early in 5th over.Gautam Gambhir looked in prime touch en route his 57 off 46 balls.He was unfortunately run out.Rahul Dravid showed his superb temperament and class,doing the anchor's role perfectly.He held the Indian innings together making 76 off 103 balls.Suresh Raina played marvellously making 46 off just 41 balls.He smashed 2 huge sixes,however got a edgy LBW decision.Yusuf Pathan needed to support Rahul Dravid to take India home.However,Yusuf was out for just 5,leaving too much for Dravid alone.India needed close to 75 in the last 10 overs with the batting powerplay still available.But,India had lost too many wickets.Harbhajan Singh,with some horrible calling ran Dravid out,sealing the match for Pakistan.In the end,the tail enders did not add much as they made just 10 after Dravid's run out.Now,India is in must win position to make it to the semi finals.While,Pakistan is almost assured of the semifinal spot.
Name the cricketer.
ReplyDeleteHe was the manager of Indian touring sides to New Zealand, West Indies and Australia in the late 1970s. He was the chairman of the national selection committee between 1978 and 1982, Executive secretary of the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association Secretary. He wrote a book on cricket coaching and, for a time, he was the curator of the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962 and the C.K. Nayudu Trophy in 1998-99 for his contributions to the game.