Hits and Misses - ICC World T20 2012, Team New Zealand

New Zealand

Hits

1. New Zealand started the tournament with self doubts about playing Bangladeshi spinners in their opening game but Brendan Mc Cullum waltzed his way to a sublime 123 and New Zealand were up and running in an ICC tournament once again!!

2. New Zealand were placed in the group of death with Pakistan and Bangladesh but they easily made it through to the Super Eights.

3. They once again punched well above their weight in a big tournament and dragged both the eventual finalists, Sri Lanka and West Indies, into a super over during their super eight clashes. Unfortunately they lost both of them.

4. The bowling of Tim Southee and the batting of their captain Ross Taylor were among the few plus points for the Kiwis.

Misses

1. They fluffed a chance to beat Pakistan in the group match as Ross Taylor came in so late to bat that the game had probably slipped away from their grasp by that time.

2. They did drag Sri Lanka and West Indies to the Super over during their Super eight clashes but failed to win either of them. While they found Malinga too hot to handle against the Lankans, Tim Southee completely lost the plot against Gayle and Samuels.

3. Managed to win just a single game during the World T20 and that was against Bangladesh.

4. Daniel Vettori came out of retirement to play the World Cup and help New Zealand but he was largely ineffective and looked a pale shadow of the best left arm spinner that he once was. He was ruled out with an Achilles Tendon injury in their last game.


See the previous post in Hits and Misses, Team South Africa

Hits and Misses - ICC World T20 2012, Team South Africa

Starting today, I will be reviewing the top 8 teams performances during the ICC World T20 2012 held in Sri Lanka in a series called - "Hits and Misses"

South Africa

Hits

1. The near perfect demolitions of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka (although it was a 7-7 over lottery) in the group matches were probably the only genuine hits for the South African team in this edition of the World T20 in Sri Lanka.

2. Among the ruins of 3 Super Eight losses, the repeated stellar performances of the quicks Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel was heart warming to witness.

3. Probably knocking out India was one high that they experienced but they lost even that game by one run.

Misses

1. The biggest miss for the South Africans was probably the loss to Pakistan from a seemingly winning position. The bowlers were trashed around by Umar Gul and the South Africans started the Super Eights with a heart shattering loss.

2. The big hitting Richard Levi was in woeful form all through the tournament and he was duly dropped for the last game but it was a decision taken too late as the Africans were already out of the tournament by then.

3. It is said that a teams best batsman must face the maximum number of balls, more so in the shortest form of the game where every ball is a premium. But their best batsman, AB De Villiers often came in too late in the order to make any significant effect on the game.

My Childhood Memories of Cricket

This Guest Post comes from the wonderfully talented writer who prefers to be known as 'The Fool'. He writes at - Lucifer House Inc. In the following post he shares his trysts with cricket during his formative years.

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Bernard Shaw is known for his saying “Cricket is a game played by eleven fools and watched by eleven thousand fools”. When I call myself “The Fool”, obviously I would be one of the eleven fools or eleven thousand fools. Wouldn’t I? If you were to see me hold the bat, you can be sure I wouldn’t be one of the eleven fools even in my wildest dreams. So one of the eleven thousand at least I had to be, right? I started off about where it all began right at the beginning like Oliver Twist – the cricket cards and stuff. If you are collecting cards having pictures of cricket players on the front and their statistics on the back, isn’t it conceivable that you will take interest in the actual players themselves and their statistics? That is exactly how it happened with me.

Having managed to collect most of the cards, my interest began to fade. I found it a better idea to make the cards myself rather than depend on the limited cards that come free with bubble gums. So I began to take interest in collecting pictures of cricket players and the statistics. Obviously how can you not see the matches where the players whose pictures you are collecting are creating the statistics live? The first series I really watched with interest was 1992 World Cup. Some of the memories of the things I distinctly remember are Martin Crowe’s captaincy, Inzamam’s batting and the altercation between Kiran More and Javed Miandad. It was also a series where I saw the fading of the only star I had idolized during my hitherto days of indifference to cricket: Krishnamachari Srikanth.

For the next 4 years there was not a single match I missed. I tried playing cricket too. But it was too late an age to begin. Already many of my peers were batting prodigies while I was a batting comedy. So obviously I would be sent last down and hardly ever get a chance to improve my batting. Bowling or wicket keeping obviously no one wanted to give to a neophyte. They sent me to field at the boundaries. Standing alone at the boundary where nothing happens can be really boring and you tend to get contemplative. And when you are contemplating on finer things in life, can you be blamed for missing the rare catch that comes your way? But the boys thought differently. The net result was I decided playing cricket was not my cup of tea and gladly renounced the game.

So my interest in the game remained confined to hero worship and compilation of statistics. Due to my lack of success in playing the game, I never really got on to the technical aspects of the game. I was happy as long as my favorite players got the half centuries, centuries and the 5 wicket hauls and the scoreboards kept ticking. So following the matches on radio or newspaper worked as well as seeing the matches on television. I followed almost the entire South African tour of India on our ancient family radio that was a year older than me. It was a disappointment in terms of India’s performance. But I found a new hero to worship: Pravin Amre. And there were no cards of him available too. Then there was the England’s tour of India which revived India’s fortunes. Vinod Kambli’s double century delighted the statistician in me.

Very soon I moved from cards to a diary which was more convenient to maintain the photos and statistics. I had a page for every player and religiously maintained the statistics. In fact it was cricket that inculcated the habit of reading the newspaper in me. In those days there was no internet. Nor was there cable television. The newspaper was the only way of following international matches. I used to religiously cut the scorecard of every international match that was played and compile them series wise. For the pictures, I had to depend on sport star as I preferred color photos to black and white photos from the newspapers. But when I did not get color photos of a player I would make do with the black and white photos as well. We were financially not too well off as such. So I could not afford new Sport Stars. So one of the most exciting activities for me during those days was going to the waste paper man with my father and buying old second hand Sports Stars. As soon as I come home I would finish reading all the cricket articles and then get to work with my scissors. I did not limit myself to recent statistics. I also bought and read a few books on cricket history. Hindu used to publish an annual edition of cricket year book. That was a favorite with me.

Every activity has an initial start up phase, then a peak period and then a decline. So it was with my interest in cricket as well. The four years were my peak period from 1992-1996. From then on the decline started. I became busy with academics as I had my board exams and IIT JEE preparations.  Also in 1996, we got cable TV in our house for the first time. That brought a new range of entertainment at my disposal. My new school had a library with a good fiction collection and I began to return to my old love – reading books. So my new love – the cricket diary and cards were neglected. One fine day I gave away the cards to a boy in the neighborhood and my diary to my cousin. I still continued to watch matches. But the old passion was no longer there.

There were still a few highs for me in the years to follow. I went to watch a Ranji trophy match and watched Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath in live action in flesh and blood. I watched India chase down an impossible 300+ target against Pakistan  in a crowded college hostel common room. I watched the emergence of Ganguly, Dravid and Laxman. I discovered a cricket card collection from my father’s childhood days in my grandparents’ home. But there were also the bad moments. The conviction of Azharuddin and Hansie Cronje was one of them. Decline of the English and West Indies teams was another. With the details of the match fixing emerging, all the statistics I had been collecting began to look meaningless. So slowly I began to drift away from cricket. The old passion gave way to new ones: reading, trekking, martial arts. Soon it came to pass that at one stage I totally stopped watching cricket. From following all 5 days of a test match on an old transistor, I have still not seen a complete 20-20 match to date. Then that’s how infatuation is, right? You never know when it comes. You never know when it goes.

World T20 2012 - Loking Forward to the Super 8's

A Special Guest Post from my friend Leo (Vinay) who writes wonderful poems, stories and haikus at his space - I Rhyme Without Reason and is an ardent cricket fan...

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Halfway through the tournament now, and the headlines around the week have been mostly watery, literally. It’s been either the rain or some cricketers catching a stomach bug due to drinking water (or so the papers say anyways.)

Coming to the cricket, it hasn’t really been extraordinary, but there has been entertainment. I feel in general, the expectation has been met. The so-called “strong teams” have advanced to the super eights, and the “minnows” have bowed out. There has been a decent crowd in the ground to support the teams, but I think it should improve for the super eights. Non Sri Lanka matches haven’t been sold out yet, but with some big matches on the cards, I believe that would change.

I do wish the Sri Lanka and South Africa match wasn’t rain curtailed. I think it’d have been a much closer affair hadn’t the rain taken a toll, and made it a 7 over hit-out. That apart, the cricket has been good. Warner and de Villiers have shown that they can clobber the cricket ball, as has Imran Nazir. Watson’s all round skills have got him two man-of-the-match awards so far, and at the head, Australia also seems to be in form. With Australia set to clash with India, South Africa and Pakistan in what seems to be an ominous group, India’s inability to finish strongly might come back to bite them.

Yes, there was a superb performance against England, but the fact that Afghanistan pushed them to the end means there is still things to sort out in the Indian camp, where Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the returning Harbhajan and Yuvraj have been standout performers so far. The form of the Indian openers, both in batting and bowling are a worry. Sehwag, Gambhir and Zaheer have all struggled, and the Dinda experiment seems to have backfired, even in the one game. Going forward, I wonder if that means India are going for an all spin attack, with Ashwin, Chawla and Harbhajan, and Irfan being the lone pacer. A line-up as Sehwag, Gambhir, Kohli, Raina/Sharma, Dhoni, Yuvraj, Irfan, Ashwin, Harbhajan, Chawla and Zaheer/Balaji seems the most likely in the current scenario.

I think most people would agree that I mention Ireland. They’ve bowed out, but a fair bit of luck has gone against them. The Colombo weather got the match v/s the West Indies canceled, which they might have won if Duckworth Lewis got a chance. Even if they had managed to hold off the Aussies for another 4 balls, they’d have got through on NRR. With their ability, I think it’s about time ICC gave them full membership. Or at the least, ICC should organize tournaments where the affiliates play against the bigger teams. Only that experience would help develop these nations quicker, not once in 4 years playing v/s the bigger teams. For that, ICC should look past the monetary outcome of the match I guess.

Players to watch out for in the Super 8s

Virat Kohli: in-form and the strong point of the Indian top-order. He can change the game, and I’m sure MSD and Duncan Fletcher would be looking for that form to continue.

Harbhajan: back with a bang, and sure to play against Australia. Bhajji loves the Aussies, so he’ll either put them out, or be put out of the team again by the Aussies. A battle to look forward to.

Shane Watson: all round abilities, opening the batting and bowling as well, means there’s more man-of-the-match opportunities should he continue to be the rock at the helm.

Hafeez/Nazir: a solid partnership at the top. They showed v/s Bangla what a solid partnership can do to change an innings. More such partnerships can steer Pakistan to the semis for sure.

Saeed Ajmal: took a bit of stick v/s Bangla, but the world’s #1 T20 bowler rattled the Kiwis and can do so to other opposition too.

Richard Levi: big hitting ability can turn a match, even if Duckworth Lewis comes to play.

AB de Villiers: same like Levi, but sound captaincy has helped South Africa come forward.

Dale Steyn: super stingy, and deadly accurate, a bowler that batsmen look to play out, rather than hit out.

Brendan McCullum: has already exploded onto the scene. But remains to be seen if there’s any fire left.

Ross Taylor: New Zealand have not reached a final of a big tournament. RT can guide them there.

Chris Gayle: with Windies at the Pallekelle batting paradise, this man is a threat.

Sunil Narine: a spinner with tact and control. A game-changer.

Alex Hales: youthful, energetic, solid at the top. His partnership with Kieswetter and Wright would be tantamount to England’s title-defense.

Thissara Perera: it was expected to be his World Cup, with him being a form player for the side. Can he step up his game in the next round?

Six days of quality, top of the world action starts tomorrow. 

Team India's Schedule of Super Matches at the World T20 2012, Sri Lanka

India v/s Australia on Friday, 28th September

India v/s Pakistan on Sunday, 30th September

India v/s South Africa on Tuesday, 2nd October

If India and Pakistan can see out Australia and South Africa at this stage, a repeat of the  mouth watering 2007 T20 WC final seems on the cards.

Here’s to some wonderful matches, and a prayer that rain, rain go away!

The Biggest T20 World Cup Yet?

A Special Guest Post from my friend Leo (Vinay) who writes wonderful poems, stories and haikus at his space - I Rhyme Without Reason and is an ardent cricket fan...

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We’re just one day away from what the broadcasters claim will be the biggest World Cup T20 yet. I wonder if it will be so. In my mind, my heart, the first World T20 in South Africa, in 2007 was the best edition, and it would remain so. Not because India won, but because what transpired. Neither the second edition that took place in England, nor the third one that took place in the Caribbean have had that much excitement to be frank. India and Pakistan were in one group, there was a bowl-out needed to separate the two Asian Goliaths in a match, for the first time in T20 a bowler was smashed out of the park for six times in a single over, the previously proclaimed dominance of the Australian team was challenged and conquered, and the single most fierce rivalry in World cricket as we know it was played out in the finals as well. Hell, the stadium at Kingsmead was almost like a second Eden Gardens to the national team. We did it all, and it was the biggest spectacle possible. How, I ask, can India and the world top that in Sri Lanka over the next three weeks?

ARE THERE FAVORITES THIS TIME?

No. That’s the right answer any unbiased mind can tell. None of the teams are in any particularly excellent T20 form. Even in the warm-up games. India wins a game against Sri Lanka, and then goes on and loses to Pakistan. Zimbabwe, though a full member nation of the ICC lost their game against Ireland and also against Bangladesh; likewise New Zealand have also lost both warm-up matches. Agreed, the format is such that luck also plays a very big part in the result, but still, no team can be called favorites for the title. England will miss the explosive KP in their title-defense, and he is a vital cog, having been the best player when they won the title in the Caribbean. In my eyes, the only team in a good consistent form is Ireland. I hope they do well in the games, and get that Test Cricket status that they deserve.

INDIA – STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The biggest strength of the Men in Blue I feel are the opening 10 overs, be it while bowling or while batting. They are the most explosive in that period, and not many teams can match that. It was on display today, when they played Pakistan. Having watched the match from the start, I think they do lack that bite in the death overs. They play themselves to get a bigger target on board to defend, and lose the focus in the last three or four overs, and end up getting 10 or 20 runs less. In saying so, it’d be an injustice if I fail to mention the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that actually got India to that decent total of 185. Without that camaraderie, I doubt the Men in Blue would have got to 150. Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal were especially brilliant for Pakistan in that death overs, and it’s that excellence that I feel India can take a leaf out of. All bowlers except for the impressive Ravichandran Ashwin were taken to the cleaners, and if fingers are to be pointed, I am sure the first person they’d go at would be Balaji. He bowled his first two overs for just 9 runs, and then lost the plot, gave away 32 runs in his last two, which proved to be India’s undoing. If India were to get past England and Afghanistan, both of whom cannot be taken lightly in this format, they need to sort out their death bowling options.

THE OPPOSITION

Not looking very far ahead, India’s opposition in the group games are England and Afghanistan. In a usual scenario, India might be given the favorites tag, but even without KP, England have an assortment of power hitters and all rounders who can change the game. Players like Kieswetter, Hales, Wright and Morgan, and a batting depth that goes till Stuart Broad at #8, and if included, Samit Patel at #9. That’s firepower India cannot afford to take lightly. Afghanistan are the dark horses. They have talent, and more importantly, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They’re not after T20 rankings, or world reputations, so they will play their hearts out. If Ireland can win against England, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the like in 50 overs format, then the Afghans can defeat any team if they put their minds to it. If people are looking for a scenario in the future rounds where India can face Pakistan only in the finals, then first step would be to hope both India and Pakistan are top ranked in their group fixtures so they avoid each other in the Super 8s.
I still have my doubts as to this being the biggest T20 yet. I’ve never seen many empty seats during an India Pakistan game, even during a warm-up encounter. Today, there were many. Is the rivalry dwindling? No idea. But one thing was proven today. Warm-up, or not, Pakistan can beat India on the World’s biggest stage for cricket.

Melbourne Calling

I reluctantly opened my eyes in my lavish hotel room situated in Melbourne. Four days had flown by as if only a few minutes had elapsed. It all seemed like one beautiful dream to me. There were still a couple of hours to go for the start of the final days play of the Boxing Day Test that was going on between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the 'G' as we cricket crazy fans call it!! Sunshine was filtering in through the blinds and I felt like reliving my past four days all over again. I closed my eyes.

Day 1

My first day in the beautiful city of Melbourne. The first time I had stepped on foreign soil. I made my way from the airport to the hotel that I had booked for myself. I quickly dumped my bags in the room and freshened up. Made my way to the reception and collected my Boxing Day Test Tickets from the dude behind the reception desk who said, "Good Day Sir but Australia will win!!" I thanked him for the tickets and replied, "Mate, we will see" and I walked off contemplating if the Indian team was as gung-ho as me about the result. I walked around and had a great breakfast in one of the many Cafe's that will catch your attention in Melbourne.

After filling up my tummy I caught a cab and made my way to the place where I was to take my Hot Air Balloon Flight. As the sun slowly rose, I too in the hot air balloon rose high up in the air. It was a thrilling experience to view the G from the sky. Another favorite of mine was witnessing the Eureka tower. Overall, viewing the city from high up there in a moving balloon was a once in the lifetime experience for me. It was a perfect start to my Melbourne trip and set my heart racing!

The Hot Air Balloon Ride over Melbourne

After the exhilarating ride, I made my way to the MCG. Ah!! What a place it was, I felt dwarfed as I stepped into the stadium. The toss was just minutes away as I found my seat. I was, luckily, in a part of the stadium where the Indian fans seemed more in number as compared to the Aussie supporters. The stadium was already brimming and it was intimidating to be there. As Clarke won the toss and elected to Bat first there was a deafening  roar of approval from the crowd. No wonder the Australians held the first match of the season here, the ground seemed like a Colosseum with the spectators baying for the visiting teams blood!! I settled in my seat and started enjoying the match. After an early wicket, the Indian bowlers toiled hard without any reward. Australia were 108/1 at lunch. It was fun interacting with a couple of Aussie fans (they are not as bad as they seem on the television!!!) and we shared quite a few stories on cricket. The remainder of the day also breezed by with the first day ending with Australia at 356/6. Michael Clarke had hit a sublime century and was unbeaten on 121.

Next up, in the evening, for me was the Eureka Sky Deck 88!! From the time I saw it from my morning hot air balloon I was itching to visit it. It was nearly dark as I reached there. I purchased my tickets and like a small child waited eagerly for my turn to ascend 88 floors! Finally I was up there, 88 floors up in the sky. The city shone like a newly wed bride in all its finest jewelery!! To step in the glass cube which slid out was a heart stopping moment. It was yet another unforgettable experience as the city of Melbourne was under me, my eyes craved for more. The neon lights buzzed in every direction creating myriad patterns. The views were just something which will stay in the mind for life.

The Eureka Skydeck

As I descended, my heart felt content at a day spent well. I was now looking forward to the second day.

Day 2

I decided to give the first session a miss as I knew it fully well that the Aussie tail will frustrate the Indians for an hour or so in all probability. I  have always been fascinated by aquariums since my childhood and I remember pestering my parents to take me to the Machlighar (Aquarium) situated in Mumbai. They would take me there at least two times a year and I would get immense joy at watching all those different fishes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Hence I was eagerly looking forward to my visit to the Melbourne Aquarium and it was probably the only thing that would have caused me miss cricket!!

The Melbourne Aquarium

I was amazed when I got there and I saw it all there. Sharks, Stingrays... I even took an underwater sojourn in the 360 degree Oceanarium!!! Yes, I swam with those menacing sharks and stingrays!!! The Melbourne Aquarium has won several awards and is one of the premier tourist destinations in Melbourne!! If not for the Cricket and a burning desire to watch Sachin bat at the G, I would have happily spent the whole day with the fishes!!!

When I reached The G finally, I got to know that the Aussie's had been bundled out for 439 with the tail indeed frustrating the Indians!! India were 25/1 when I took seat. Soon India lost another wicket and out strode Sachin. The moment had arrived, of which I had dreamed of all along. What a rousing welcome did the little master receive, what Indians and what Australians... 100,000 people rose as one to welcome Sachin to the crease!! A trademark straight drive got him going and He along with Pujara started to take total control of the proceedings. The day ended with India at 278/6, Sachin hitting a masterly 156. Rest of the batting though disappointed and the end was almost near in the first innings for the Indians.

The evening was spent loitering around the famous Federation Square. I saw some film shootings going on, a couple of live performances were being held and the whole place was buzzing with activity and energy. I grabbed a hot espresso and filled up my tummy with the delicious fare available in plenty at the square! Then came some shopping for family and friends. I had a wonderful time there, it was just so much fun.

Federation Square jam packed with people

The second day had also come to an end now and I headed to my hotel room, tired and eagerly wanting a rest but the mind was already dreaming of the third day!!

Day 3

I decided to start my third day with a Melbourne River Cruise. Stepping on to a boat and seeing the great city from the cruise was an altogether different experience then observing it from the ground. The beauty of the city seemed accentuated and we meandered through the Yarra River. Tall skyscrapers, bridges  and gardens made beautiful reflections in the calm water. The hour long cruise ended and it gave me a perfect start for my day.

The Cruise along the Yarra River

I then made my way towards the G again but today I had decided to see the National Sports Museum first. The National Sports Museum houses Australia's most comprehensive sporting collection, showcasing more than 3500 objects related to the greatest moments in Australian sporting history. It was fascinating to know about the sports rich country, Australia. The story of MCG made for an interesting session too. If its Australia sport cannot be far off, the people of Australia are of a naturally sporting attitude. This tour provided a rare glimpse into the golden sporting accomplishments of Australia.

National Sports Museum at MCG

I was back to watching cricket as the tea break beckoned. The Indians were shot for 321 earlier in the day and Australia were 86/4 in the second innings. The day ended with the Indians finally showing some spunk in the field as the Australians ended day three at 137/5. It was turning into a fascinating test match and I was feeling a bit guilty at missing chunks of action.

Nevertheless, I made my way towards Melbourne Zoo next!! Normally the Zoo closes at 5 pm but on special days it is open till 9.30 pm and today was one of the lucky days!! Visiting the Zoo is another one of my childhood fantasies. Hence I was looking forward to coming in contact with the wildlife. The best part about the Melbourne Zoo was that the animals are kept in landscaped settings. Rain forests which had tigers roaming, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and also koalas, platypus, kangaroos... There was even a Wild Sea section which had among other exhibits Victoria's iconic Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals.

Koala at the Melbourne Zoo

I had an absolute ball at the Zoo and then made my way towards the St Patrick's Cathedral. It was a place seeped in silence and absolute beauty. The tranquility of the place was like a soothing balm after 3 days of exhausting travel. The altar mosaics, spires, gargoyles and the exquisite brass items were the main things to look out for at the home of God!!

St Pats Cathedral

Before finally returning to my hotel room I visited the Flinders Street Station and stood under those clocks of the iconic Melbourne Station!!

Iconic Flinders Street Station

Day 4

With the Test Match standing at such a delicate situation, I was never ever going to miss the 4th day for anything else!! The day was a bit overcast and I hoped it would turn into a wonderful day for cricket as the day wore on with glorious sunshine bathing the G! The overnight not out Aussie batsmen, Mr. Cricket and Wade, took to the crease as the Indian fielders took their respective positions in the field. The first ball swung wildly down the leg side but it became clear that the clouds would help swing and seam movement and if the bowlers bowled with control then the rewards would automatically follow. The tussle between the bat and the ball was fascinating with the capacity crowd enjoying every little bit of it. After the first hour Australia were struggling at 177/8. They were soon bowled out for 185 which set up the match perfectly leaving India with a target of 303 with about 5 sessions remaining. Lunch was taken with India at 14/0.

By the time the post lunch session started the Sun decided it was time for him to watch some of the action as well. With the Sun on their backs, the Indian batsmen felt more comfortable and the pitch lost the zip and the venom it seemed to possess in the morning. Sehwag and Gambhir went about the job fairly untroubled other than on few rare occasions. Sehwag soon launched a full frontal attack and raced to his century in the session. The Indian score stood at 142/3 with Sachin and Kohli at the crease. Tea was taken.

MCG bathed in sunshine during the lunch interval

After tea the Indians were a lot more circumspect, it was only expected after the fall of Sehwag, with Sachin and Kohli both, only occasionally unfurling full blooded shots. As Kohli fell with the score on 199 and Raina once again was out fending ungainly at a vicious short ball from the rising Australian Pat Cummins, the score was 201/5. Out walked the Indian skipper Dhoni as he joined Sachin in the middle. The last recognized pair were now out and India were still 100 away from the target. The day finally ended with India at 228/7 with Sachin still available to take guard the next day.

It would be a cracker on the 5th day. India needed 75 to win a historic match while Aussie's required 3 more wickets to seal the match. Sachin stood like a rock between a victory and a defeat. I knew I would barely be able to sleep that day.

Day 5

"Why is he not up, yet? Yesterday night, he was jumping up and down about the match situation." I heard the faint voice of my Dad in the background. I jumped up with a start in horror. I just hoped and wished that I had not missed the last days play. It was 6.15 am as I quickly switched on the TV. I had actually got up at 4 am and then probably slept at around 5 am as there was still half an hour for the start of the 5th day. But what a dream I had just had!!! A dream in a dream!!

India were 259/8 with Sachin still holding fort. India were still 44 adrift. My Dad joined me as we watched the enthralling match unfold. Every dot ball was met with a sigh, every run with unbridled joy as we both put all our weight behind India. India finally won the cliffhanger by the skin of their teeth, by a solitary wicket. Sachin had silenced critics that he does not take India to victory often in big pressure matches. He was calm though amidst all the screams all around him... the helmet came off, grabbed a stump and looked upwards towards the sky while saying a silent prayer. I jumped in joy and there was a huge roar heard. Surely many people were watching the match within the confines of their homes. Sachin won the Man of the Match for making tons in both the innings.

I then narrated to my Dad the dream that I had dreamed of in my dream!!! I told him about my Australia adventure. He told me with a huge smile that maybe, the next time India play Australia at MCG on Boxing day, we might just plan a trip down under. He was serious as he said to me, ‘…it's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!’ I just gave him the widest smile I could muster, hugged him and replied, ‘…it's OUR time to visit Melbourne NOW!’

PS - The post is written for the '…it's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!' contest held at Indiblogger and sponsored by the good folks of Tourism Victoria. Check out all the attractions of Melbourne at - Visit Melbourne

PPS - All the images used in the post are taken from http://www.visitmelbourne.com/in

If you like my post you can vote for it here - Melbourne Calling

India Vs Sri Lanka, Only T-20 - Pallekele

Both teams head into the only T-20 fixture to learn a thing or two before finalizing their squads for the World T 20 to be held in Sri Lanka in September. Indian team is on a high after defeating the Lankan Tigers in their own den but then T 20 is something which is more of a lottery!!

For Sri Lanka, Mahela will open the innings which will be a boost for the Lankan team. India are without Sehwag and Zaheer for this tie. Eyes will also be on Rohit after a horrendous run of form in the 5 ODI's.

Key Players

India

M S Dhoni

His tactics will, like always have a say in the scheme of things. As will his Luck!!!

Gautam Gambhir

How he starts always has an effect on how the rest of the team plays.

Irfan Pathan

How can we ignore him after his performance in the ODI series!!

Sri Lanka

Mahela Jayawardene

The captain of Sri Lanka is a totally different player when he open the innings. All class and elegance.

Tillakeratne Dilshan

The dasher can get Sri Lanka off to a flying start and can tear apart the already fragile Indian attack.

Thisara Perera

The Big All Rounder can single handedly win matches either with his bowling or batting.

Keeping the post short just like the T-20 game!!!