Indian team all set for India vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2011 final

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THIS SATURDAY on April 2 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Indian team under the guidance of coach Gary Kirsten and leadership of captain MS Dhoni will take on co-hosts Sri Lanka to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 tournament for the second time in the history.

India has played two finals of the Cricket World Cup and won the trophy in 1983. Kapil Dev was the captain of Cricket World Cup winning squad in 1983. In 2003, under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, India appeared second time in the World Cup final.

In 2011, Indian team is looking perfect and capable of winning the title. In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 464 runs in eight matches, is the second highest run getters among the batsmen and bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan is in the second spot with 19 wickets among the top wicket takers.

Here are the records of Indian ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 squads

 

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Player	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	100	50	Wickets	BBM	Ct/Stump
Virender Sehwag	7	7	0	380	175	54.29	1	1
Sachin Tendulkar	8	8	0	464	120	58	2	2
Gautam Gambhir	8	8	0	296	69	37	0	3
Virat Kohli	8	8	1	247	100*	35.29	1	1
Yuvraj Singh	8	7	3	341	113	85.25	1	4	13	31/5
MS Dhoni	8	7	2	150	34	30	0	0			6/3
Suresh Raina	3	3	2	74	36*	74	0	0	1	12/1
Yusuf Pathan	6	6	1	74	30*	14.8	0	0	1	49/1
Harbhajan Singh	8	4	0	18	12	4.5	0	0	8	53/3
Zaheer Khan	8	4	0	18	9	4.5	0	0	19	20/3
Munaf Patel	7	4	1	1	1	0.33	0	0	11	48/4
Ravichandran Ashwin	2	1	1	10	10*		0	0	4	41/2
Ashish Nehra	3	2	0	1	1	0. 5	0	0	3	33/2
Piyush Chawla	3	1	0	2	2	2	0	0	4	47/2
Sreesanth	1	0	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	0	NA

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India vs Pakistan semi final: The road to Mumbai is clear

THE PRESSURE was mounting on both sides when Pakistan came to batting in the second half of the World Cup semi-final against India to chase a not so huge great target of 261runs. Since, their bowling had been good, they didn’t allow India to set a high target.

Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez came to open for Pakistan. But, in the ninth over, Akmal was sent to the pavilion by Zaheer Khan. Since then wickets kept falling within every couple of overs, Pakistan could not get partnerships. Hafeez scored well but was dismissed after making 43 runs. Asad Shafiq scored a decent 30 on 39. By then, it was evident that the Pakistani team was going way behind the average run rate required. But, somehow they managed to keep the momentum and score with a run rate of 4.6 runs.

The momentum broke when Yuvraj took the third and fourth wickets within three overs. Later, Umar Akmal managed to increase run rate by scoring 29 runs in 24 balls. His batting brought Pakistan back into the game but then Harbhajan Singh drowned the hopes of Pakistan making it to the finals. Even Afridi couldn’t surprise the crowd and went back to the pavilion with 19 in 17 balls. But the Pakistani team fought till the end and went all out in 49.5 overs.

The Indian bowling was good. The trio of Zaheer , Munaf and Nehra worked for the team and for the captain. The otherwise underperformers, Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra, managed to take two wickets each without giving away too much runs.

Yuvraj turned out to be the first spinner for India. He gave 57 runs, bowled a maiden over and took two crucial wickets at a crucial time. Harbhajan and Zaheer also took two wickets each.

The Indian fielding was good; Virat Kohli, Raina and Yuvraj did exceptionally well along with other players. India managed to get two maiden overs. Ashish Nehra gave away just 33 runs for which he shares the credit with fielders. Sachin Tendulkar appeared tense on the field since Pakistan was giving a good fight.

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India vs Pakistan semi final: India manages to scrape through

THE AMAZING and delightful performance by Virender Sehwag in the initial overs of India vs Pakistan match on Wednesday had raised hopes of all the Indians that the team would be setting a target of nothing less than 300 runs.

After Sehwag got out with 38 runs in 25 balls in the 6th over, the run rate of more than 9 crumbled down to slightly above 7. However with Gambhir, Sachin picking up the momentum they brought the run rate to 8.5.

Later, Gambhir went down and Virat Kohli scored less and wasted more balls. The 5th batsman to arrive got out on duck and he was none other than Yuvraj Singh, who has been the World cup’s star performer so far, but couldn’t play a yorker by Wahab Riaz.

The next was the turn of Master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, who managed to score 85 runs in 115 balls, but his innings wasn’t a glorious one. It was Sachin’s pure luck that he stayed on the pitch. Firstly, he was given benefit of doubt when the Pakistani team appealed against him, being stumped out. Secondly, the Pakistani fielders missed three catches offered by him.

MS Dhoni had a long partnership with Sachin, he went for 25 runs in 42 balls in the 42nd over. Suresh Raina came out as a saviour for India in the last overs. He scored 36 runs for 39 balls without losing his wicket. The rest of the batting order showed no wonders. Harbhajan scored 12 in 15 balls, Zaheer scored 9 in 10 balls, Nehra scored 1 in 2 balls and Munaf Patel did not face any ball.

The Pakistani bowling was let down with Umar Gul giving 21 runs in his second over, Afridi didn’t even give the senior bowler 10 complete overs, and he had to finish up with 8 overs. On other hand Wahab Raiz showed some great bowling by taking 5 wickets in 10 overs and giving 46 runs. He could be called Pakistan’s saviour for the day. Saeed Ajmal took 2 wickets for 44 runs.

Pakistan fielded badly and it looked like as if they had soaked their hands in butter. But, they managed to break the momentum of Indian team in the middle overs. However in the last 5 overs their fielding revived and Pakistan managed to save a lot of runs.

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India vs Sri Lanka final match, can Sachin hold the trophy

AFTER ONE of the most exciting matches at PCA stadium in Mohali between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, March 30, all eyes are set on Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, where two host nations will take on each other in the grand final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

It is about 51 hours to go to start the biggest match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai between India and Sri Lanka. Fans of both the teams are excited about the match and pitching for their countries to win the historic trophy. Both the teams have won the world cup once and they are seeking to repeat history. However, for the Indian fans, there is a special attraction to the final as all of them want their beloved Sachin Tendulkar, who is playing his last world cup to hold this trophy as a winner.

It would be one of the greatest gifts to the Little Master if the Indian team manages to win the world cup in Sachin's home town.

The two finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India and Sri Lanka won against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively in their semi final matches. In the first semi final match of the Cricket World Cup 2011, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by five wickets on Tuesday, March 29. On Wednesday, March 30 in the second semi final match, India beat Pakistan by 29 runs.

In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, both Indian and Sri Lankan openers, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sachin Tendulkar are the top two run getters so far. In the eight matches, Tillakaratne Dilshan has scored 467 runs with an average of 66.71 runs and strike rate of 93.02 and Sachin Tendulkar has scored 464 runs in the same number of matches with an average of 58 and strike rate of 90.98.

Among the top five wicket takers of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Indian bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan and Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan are in the second and fifth spot with 19 wickets and 15 wickets each in eight matches

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India vs Pakistan Semi Final, Sachin completes 50, Live Updates

India reached the 100 mark in the 16th over of the match in the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against Pakistan at Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, this afternoon. According to the latest score, Sachin Tendulkar completed his 93rd ODI fifty.
Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar opened the Indian inning. Before leaving the crease Sehwag played some good strokes. He was out for 38 runs in 25 balls. Next man Gautam Gambhir scored 27 runs in 32 balls with two fours.
Earlier, Indian captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
Indian captain has made one change in the playing XI from the quarter final match against Australia. He included left-hand medium pacer Ashish Nehra in place of spinner R. Ashwin.
Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has retained the same team, who won against West Indies in the quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who announced his retirement from the International Cricket, once again watching the match from dressing room.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha speaker, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan are among the important dignitaries, who are watching India vs Pakistan semi final at PCA Stadium, Mohali.
Here are the playing XI of India and Pakistan in the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:
India: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (capt, wk), Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel.
Pakistan: Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (capt), Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal.

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India Vs Pakistan ICC world cup semi final: Epic battle on

IS IT merely hype or the contest between the two archrivals, India and Pakistan, in the ICC cricket world cup semi final deserves such an attention? The epic battle between India and Pakistan has been billed as clash of titans, some have gone further by terming it as the mother of all cricketing encounters.        
Today in Mohali, the second India vs Pakistan world cup semifinal will witness all sorts of events, emotions will run high, players will be pouring their hearts out to see their team attain triumph in the epic battle.

The environment across the country is euphoric, people are absolutely drowned in the cricket fever in the anticipation of India Vs Pakistan world cup semifinal match being played in Mohali. Media too is adding fuel to the excitement as there are persistent discussions, reports about the huge Indo-Pak cricket contest every day.    

Former war horses too have plunged into the war between India and Pakistan in world cup semifinal. Players such as Saurav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Imran Khan, Inzmam, Waseem Akram, Javed Miandad and Rameez Raza are seen in print and electronic media offering their advice and expert opinion on the all important battle.  

Schools, colleges, offices everywhere its cricket, cricket and cricket. At many places cricket frenzied people have organised worships, rallies in support of Men in Blue playing the India Vs Pakistan world cup semifinal match in Mohali today.
Amid sizzling cricket environment, Indian prime minister has invited his Pakistani counterpart, Yusuf Raza Gillani to watch the match. The meeting against the backdrop of cricket has been termed as cricket diplomacy. It remains to be seen whether this cricket diplomacy will bear any fruit or is it a mere photo opportunity to grab media coverage and keep in shade millions of people from both side of the borders.
Speculations were rife that Pakistani pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar might get a chance to display his might once again at the start of the match; however, they were all doused as Pakistan fielded an unchanged side that had whitewashed West Indies in the quarter final.

Indian team too surprised everybody by leaving emerging spinner, R. Ashwin from the squad. Tried and tested, Ashish Nehra has been preferred over the rookie spinner.   
The team that will hold its nerves in crunch situation is bound to clinch the battle.                                    
Team India 

V Sehwag, SR Tendulkar, G Gambhir, V Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, SK Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, MM Patel, A Nehra                                  

Team Pakistan

Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi*, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal

Lets hope India’s star studded batting line up proves its worth today with flying colors and takes team India to the ICC cricket world cup final. The winner of today’s match will face Sri Lanka in the final to be held on Saturday on April 2 in Mumbai.

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Preview: India vs Pakistan semi final match 2011

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Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali is all set to ready to host the second semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 between two traditional opponents, India and Pakistan on Wednesday, on March 30.

The India vs Pakistan semi final match will be the overall 120th match to be played between these two countries. In 119 matches played between these two countries, India has won 46 matches and lost 69 matches, whereas four matches ended without result.

Last time India and Pakistan have played with other in the Asia Cup 2010 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. India won that match against Pakistan by three wickets. In World Cups matches, India and Pakistan have played four times and the result is in favour of India by 4-0.

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India marched to the semi final with five wins, one loss and a tied match against England, whereas Pakistan reached the semi final with five victories and a lost against New Zealand.
Pakistan's journey to the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

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23 Feb	vs Kenya	International Stadium, Hambantota	Pakistan won by 205 runs
26 Feb	vs Sri Lanka	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 11 runs
3 Mar	vs Canada	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 46 runs
8 Mar	vs New Zealand	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	New Zealand won by 110 runs
14 Mar	vs Zimbabwe	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	Pakistan won by 7 wickets (D/L)
19 Mar	vs Australia	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 4 wickets
23 Mar	vs West Indies	Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur	Pakistan won by 10 wickets

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India's Journey to the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

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23 Feb	vs Kenya	International Stadium, Hambantota	Pakistan won by 205 runs
26 Feb	vs Sri Lanka	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 11 runs
3 Mar	vs Canada	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 46 runs
8 Mar	vs New Zealand	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	New Zealand won by 110 runs
14 Mar	vs Zimbabwe	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	Pakistan won by 7 wickets (D/L)
19 Mar	vs Australia	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Pakistan won by 4 wickets
23 Mar	vs West Indies	Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur	Pakistan won by 10 wickets

In the India vs Pakistan semi final match, the toss will play a crucial role for both the captains MS Dhoni and Shahid Afridi. It is expected that due to the dew factor captain will likely to opt bat first after winning the toss at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday, March 30.

It is also likely that Dhoni may pick Ashish Nehra as the second fast bowler in the playing XI in place of Munaf Patel against Pakistan in the second semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. However, Afridi may pick Shoaib Akhtar in the playing XI.

Here are the probables of the India vs Pakistan semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

India (probable): MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra.

Pakistan (probable): Shahid Afridi (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal (wk), Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal.

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Ind vs Pak: Not bat and ball but nerves

MADAN LAL, who was part of the 1983 World Cup winning Indian squad, said that no one is a clear favourite in the semi final between India and Pakistan that takes place on March 30 in Mohali.

“The semi final will be a pressure situation for both teams. The advantage is with Dhoni as he’s the captain in all three formats for India, and has more experience than Afridi who is captain only in the shorter format,” said Lal. “The team that will bowl well will win,” added Lal.

What will really make things complicated for Pakistan is if Indian bowlers manage to choke the Pakistanis during partnerships. The moment this happens Pakistani batsmen will start to worry about the formidable Indian batting line up and commit errors in trying to improve the run rate. The worst nightmare for Pakistan, therefore, will be if both bowling and batting fire on all cylinders for India.

Ajay Jadeja, former tough-nut opening and middle order batsman for India, concurred, saying that, “Every time India and Pakistan have played against each other, the encounter has produced performers who were not the usual suspects such as Tendulkar and Afridi. This match will be a match of state of minds and of nerves.”

“Also, there’s no point in playing Harbhajan with a ‘cool head’. He is best when he is aggressive. In fact, he’s of no use when he is ‘cool’,” said Jadeja, who himself blew hot and cold in his playing days.

Akash Chopra, former Indian Test opener, who still plays, and commentates, said that the match between India and Pakistan will be a “clash of equals. Indian batting is superior to that of Pakistan but the latter’s bowling on paper is better than India’s. There’s going to be a lot pressure for both teams.”

Chopra feels that the match might throw up an unusual performer from an already star-studded star cast of cricketers on both sides.

“For India the expected performers would be Tendulkar, Sehwag, Yuvraj, and Zaheer and for Pakistan the Akmal brothers, Afridi and Gul. Though I think this could very well be a match in which Gautam Gambhir will outshine others,” and said that a competitive total on the current Mohali pitch will be in the region of 270-280 runs.

While the pitch is expected to be flattish and non-controversial, Atul Wassan, former Indian medium-pacer, thinks that the pitch will not play that important a role.

“India are favourites though Pakistan have done well and clicked together in the last couple of games. Head to head India is a better team. The Indian team is combining well,” said Wassan.

Wassan, though, has a suggestion for Dhoni. “Dhoni should play Ashish Nehra and combine him with Harbhajan.”

Correctly calling an India-Pakistan match will put anybody in a fix – pun unintended – but this is how Jadeja, Wassan, Lal, and Chopra rated as India’s chances against Pakistan on Wednesday.

Jadeja - 100 per cent that India will win
Wassan - 70:30 in favour of India. The dew factor will come into play for the team batting second.
Chopra - 70:30 in favour of India, and if India bats first it will be 80:20 in favour of India.
Lal - 50:50
Whatever pundits and punters (Ricky has already put his vote in India’s favour) might say, there are two X or 'ex-' factors that may become decisive factors – the inclusion of a fired-up Shoib Akhtar, dying to avenge all previous maulings, and the steel in the eyes of Sachin Tendulkar who has set his eyes on the Cup that he will want to raise to toast his team’s vistory.

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India vs Pakistan semi final, 'Cricket ka Maha Muqabla'

THERE ARE only two days to go for the most anticipated match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. All eyes of cricket lovers from across the globe are on India vs Pakistan semi final match of the Cricket World Cup on Wednesday, March 30, at Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Both Indian and Pakistani cricketers know very well the importance of the semi final match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup. All cricketers will have to perform double their potential to beat their opponents.

Captains of both sides will have to maintain calm from toss to the last ball of the match. Both, Dhoni and Afridi, should pick a playing XI according to their performances and the PCA stadium wicket.

In the maha muqabala a sinister element has been added. This is becasue prior to the India vs Pakistan semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has warned his Pakistani team not to indulge in any spot-fixing. He also said that he is keeping a close watch on this aspect.

India vs Pakistan semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is being describing as the "mother of all Indo-Pak matches" Indian and Pakistani cricket-mad fans are in no mood to listen to any negative result about their country. They want only one thing that their country wins at any cost against their estranged neighbour.

Indian fans are claiming to have Sachin, Sahwag, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Zaheer as their crunch situation performers. The overall record is also in India's favour.

Then there's the massive expectation of Sachin scoring his hundredth international hundred against arch-rival Pakistan. For Indian fans and cricket lovers around the world the icing on the cake would be sachin making a dashing century and leading the country to a good win.

But Pakistan is not going to sit on their hanuches and let India dictate proceedings on the field. Players like Afridi, Gul, the Akmal brothers, and their shrewd spinners are going to throw everything they have in their loaded arsenal at the famed Indian batting line-up.

It seems everything is set for the maha muqabla to begin - talent, revenge, pressure, patriotism, landmarks, past record, the setting in Mohali, the distinguished audience, expectation of fans in respective countries and those in tens of other countries - and of course, a place in the final of the ICC 2011 World Cup.

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India vs Pakistan semi final: Bookies favour Dhoni

THIS MATCH has everything going for it as it offers the prospects of top class cricket, a great cricket ground, lakhs of fans rooting for two teams and the traditional India-Pakistan rivalry on the field and off it.

In addition, cricket diplomacy has added an extra sheen of political power play to an already glamourised 'match of matches' between India and Pakistan.

India has been given top ratings by the bookmakers as it was also the pre-tournament favourite to lift the ICC cricket world cup 2011 trophy.

Despite captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team not playing in the usual flamboyant style as is expected of potential winners, it has come out with some outstanding performances to prove a threat to other teams. India despite having a weak bowling and a jittery fielding side has won the confidence of bookmakers, who are offering 2.6 dollars for every dollar put on India.

In comparison to India, for every dollar put on Pakistan, the bookmakers are offering 5.25 dollars. This is despite the fact that Pakistan has been the most consistent team in the ongoing ICC cricket world cup with captain Shahid Afridi going great guns with the ball.

Pakistani bowlers have delivered during the tournment and it would be a sight to watch as to how Indian greats such as Tendulkar and Sehwag handle the fire and fury of this young side.

This being possibly the last world cup of the little master, a lot of emotions are also accompanying this match as most of cricket lovers want India to win the world cup as a tribute to the master blaster.

Indian team's performance on Wednesday would depend a lot on Sachin as to how he deconstructs the Pakistan attack as he has done it so many times in the past.

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ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: Be wary of first-time finalist

ICC CRICKET World Cup 2011 has now reached its last week. Three matches to go to decide who among four captains MS Dhoni of India, Shahid Afridi of Pakistan, Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka and Daniel Vettori of New Zealand, will lift the glittering trophy of the tenth edition of the Cricket World Cup on April 2 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Out of the two semi final matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, first semi final will be played between Sri Lanka vs New Zealand on Tuesday, March 29 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and the second semi final match will be played between India vs Pakistan at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday, March 30.
Out of the four semi finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India has played four semi finals in 1983, 1987, 1996, 2003 and two finals in 1983, 2003. India won the trophy in 1983 under the leadership of Kapil Dev. Pakistan has played five semi finals in 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992 and 1999 and finals in 1992 and 1999.

In 1992 Cricket World Cup Pakistan emerged as the winner under the captaincy of Imran Khan.
The other two semi finalists of the Cricket World Cup 2011, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, have played three and five semi finals of the Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka has played semi finals in 1996, 2003, 2007, whereas the Lankans reached in final two times in 1996 and 2007. In 1996, Arjuna Ranatunga became the third Asian captain who lifted the Cricket World Cup trophy.
Out of the four semi finalists, New Zealand is the only team that has reached the semi finals of the Cricket World Cup on five occasions in 1975, 1979, 1992, 1999 and 2007. But it has never played in the final of the biggest cricketing event.

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India vs Pak semi-final: Mixing diplomacy and cricket is unfair

CRICKET FEVER is at its peak in the sub-continent and with arch-rivals India and Pakistan all set to take on each other at Mohali on Wednesday, the atmosphere is all charged up with emotions running high and people are making sure that they don’t miss this game wherever they are in the World as the mother of all games will decide who is going to the finals of the World Cup 2011 to be held in Mumbai on April 2.

The two teams have already reached Chandigarh and with all hotels booked to capacity, there are no rooms left for visitors from Pakistan, who are now travelling to nearby cities to get accommodation.

All roads lead to Mohali and with Indian players in great form, India hopes to get to the finals if diplomacy does not come to interfere in the match.

The recent invitation sent to Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to watch the semi-final match between India and Pakistan at Mohali, has put many minds in clouds of uncertainty as all have been reminded of an earlier invitation sent to the then Pakistan’s president Pervez Musharraf in 2005 to watch the India-Pakistan one day match at Feroz Shah Kotla.

During that match India literally gifted that series to Pakistan, Indian captain Saurav Ganguly looked completely dejected but could not utter a word, after which we all come across the term “cricket diplomacy.”

The India-Pakistan cricket match is mother of all matches. It is not less than a war of emotions and excitement goes high with entire nation coming to a halt to watch this game of cricket. I personally feel politicians should stay away and instead of sacrificing the spirit of game for diplomacy, better they watch it on their TV sets rather than going to stadium and putting unnecessary pressure on the players.

Many of us still are not able to understand what is the compulsion to invite Pakistan leaders to India to watch cricket matches, and what benefit will this move give in solving pending disputes between the two nations? Earlier also we have seen Zia ul Haq and Pervez Musarraf coming to India for cricket diplomacy but without an result? The disputes are still lingering on and we still stand on the losing side.

Let the diplomacy be limited to New Delhi only and Mohali be allowed to have a free and fair game. If diplomacy is going to take the driver’s seat then India is going to gift this match to Pakistan under  pressure. Better we allow the players to play their natural game and let the best team win the match.

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India vs Pakistan: results in major tournaments show even match

TWO ARCH-rivals in the cricket field, India and Pakistan, will meet in the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday, March 30. During the Cricket World cup, both teams have met four times.

Other than the Cricket World Cup matches, India and Pakistan have met several times in cricket tournaments so far since 1984. Pakistan's winning record is far better than India's in big-league tournaments in which at least three countries have participated.

Here are the results of tournament matches, where the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi finalists India and Pakistan have played with each other:

Tournament: Asia Cup Winner India 1984
Result: India by 54 runs

Tournament: Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket 1985
Result: India won by 6 wickets in league match
Result: India won by 8 wickets in final

Tournament: Rothmans Four-Nations Cup 1984/85
Result: India won by 38 runs

Tournament: Austral-Asia Cup 1986
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket in final

Tournament: Champions Trophy Cricket 1986
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets in final

Tournament: Champions Trophy Cricket 1988
Result: Pakistan won by 34 runs

Tournament: Asia Cup 1988
Result: India won by 4 wickets

Tournament: Champions Trophy 1989
Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs
Result: Pakistan won by 38 runs

Tournament: Nehru Cup Cricket 1989
Result: Pakistan won by 77 runs

Tournament: Austral-Asia Cup 1989
Pakistan won by 26 runs

Tournament: Wills Trophy 1991
Result: India won by 60 runs
Result: Pakistan won by 4 runs
Result: Pakistan won by 72 runs

Tournament: Austral-Asia Cup Cricket 1994
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets

Tournament: Singer World Series Cricket 1994
Result: Match abandoned

Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 1995
Result: Pakistan won by 97 runs

Tournament: Singer World Series Cricket 1996
Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets

Tournament: Sharjah Cup 1996
Result: Pakistan won by 38 runs
Result: India won by 28 runs

Tournament: Independence Cup 1997
Result: Pakistan won by 35 runs

Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 1997
Result: Match abandoned

Tournament: Independence Cup cricket 1998
Result: India won by 18 runs
Result: Final 1: India won by 8 wickets
Result: Final 2: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Result: Final 3: India won by 3 wickets

Tournament: Pepsi Cup cricket 1999
Result: Pakistan won by 143 runs
Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets
Result: Pakistan won by 123 runs in final

Tournament: Coca-Cola Cup 2000
Result: India won by 5 wickets
Result: Pakistan won by 98 runs

Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 2000
Result: Pakistan won by 44 runs

Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 2004
Result: Pakistan won by 59 runs

Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 2008
Result: India won by 6 wickets

Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets
Tournament: Asia Cup Cricket 2010
Result: India won by 3 wickets

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India vs Pak semifinal match is just a game not war

FORMER PAKISTAN cricketer and current manager of Pakistan cricket team, Intikhab Alam has said that the India-Pakistan ICC world cup semifinal match was just another game of cricket. Alam said this against the backdrop of media reports, which have been describing this India Pakistan semifinal match as ‘mother of all matches’ or ‘final before final’.

Despite Alam’s caution, it is clear that fans in both these countries are expecting the India versus Pakistan ICC cricket world cup semifinal match to be a high voltage encounter and none of the sides would want to lose against their arch rivals.

The winners of the semifinal in Mohali on March 30 would enter the ICC cricket world cup final and would remain just a match away from becoming world cup champions.

Speaking to the media, the Pakistan manager admitted that this would be an emotional encounter for both the fans and the teams but it was not a war between the two nations. He also told reporters to let this cricket match be a match and the players should not be made to feel as if they are participating in a war.

Alam also said that hype should not be created as it would put more pressure on the players. He said one of the teams will win, while other will lose and this should happen gracefully and cricket should come out as a winner.

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Its time to end cricketing diplomacy with Pakistan

EVERY INDIA vs Pakistan cricket match is traditionally seen as a sort of ‘war’ amongst citizens of India and Pakistan. As such, it is indeed a wrong move to give too much importance on an official level to the World Cup semi-final that will be played at Mohali between India and Pakistan on March 30 2011.

Even Indian Prime Minister, who avoided his presence in the recently held 34th National Games at Ranchi, should have avoided going to see Mohali cricket-match to take the event as normal one.

Likewise, playing diplomatic by inviting President and Prime Minister of Pakistan by Dr Manmohan Singh was uncalled for. Although dignitaries like the then President Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf had come over to India on the invitation of Rajiv Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh respectively, it did not bring any peace in their political agendas.

However, in President Musharraf's book, In The Line of Fire, he had clearly mentioned that the visit had begun on a very informal note but ended in a "very positive joint declaration".

Any likely defeat of Indian cricket team in presence of Pakistani dignitaries can be taken as a deliberate or sponsored one by people of India as part of diplomatic gesture-gift to Pakistani leaders if they accept invitation of Indian Prime Minister to be part of the ‘warring’ event of World Cup cricket semi-final.

It will be advisable that Dr Manmohan Singh cancels his visit to Mohali on 30th March 2011 in name of ‘urgent’ work like he did for not going to Ranchi for National Games.

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World Cup 2011 registers record viewership of 162 million

NAIL-BITING matches in the league stage, and now some come-from-behind performances by teams at crucial stages in the quarter finals has led the World Cup 2011 to reach the highest viewership in the history of cricketing tournament.

According to the data released by a television audience measurement agency, the initial 40 matches has recorded viewership of 162 million viewers, which is a lot higher than the combined viewership that was recorded for IPL 3 in 2010.

As per data, IPL 3 in 2010 generated 143.6 million viewers in total. Whereas, in World Cup 2011 the first 40 matches drew 161.9 million viewers. The data has been recorded for cable and satellite homes for viewers aged above four in urban and semi-urban centres.

Compared to the last ICC World cup 2007 played in West Indies, the number of viewers for the first 40 matches was only 109.5 million viewers; whereas this year in its first 40 matches the number stood at 161.9 million - thus registering a growth of 48 per cent when compared with that of the 2007 World Cup.

Aloke Malik, managing director, ESPN Software India added that they have leveraged the broadcast, digital and mobile platforms to screen the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The response has been good and they also expect the traction to build as the tournament progresses.

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India vs Pakistan semi final match, fans already in a frenzy

BATTLE GROUND in Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is ready for the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, March 30. However, the war between these two cricket loving nations will spread peace and unity among the cricket fans - such is the nature of the great game of cricket.

This is the first time India and Pakistan will meet with each other in the semi final of the Cricket World Cup since 1975. Both Indian and Pakistani cricket-mad fans are really excited for this encounter.

An Indian fan in Delhi said, "India vs Pakistan semi final match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is going to be the mother of all cricket matches so far. However, I'm supporting India, but wish that the match is entertaining and thrilling. Both India and Pakistan deserve to win the Cricket World Cup."

One more Indian fan in Mumbai said, "I don't know about the teams but we as followers of the game are sure as hell nervous. There's also excitement. Everytime India and Pakistan play one just can't predict the result. Both seem equally matched, though I would say India are playing at home and this makes them favourites."

In Hyderabad, Venkatesh Kumar said, "ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 should go to either India or Pakistan. None other than these two countries can hold the biggest trophy."

A group of students told in Lucknow, "the second semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will bring peace, happiness, prosperity and friendship among the people of India and Pakistan. It doesn't matter who will win, but the team who deserves, should win."

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also invited Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch the India vs Pakistan semi final match on March 30.

Yes it is true, it doesn't matter who will win the second semi final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in Mohali on March 30 between India and Pakistan. It is certain that sports-loving nations will become witnesses to history being made.

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Can Sri Lanka defeat England today to recreate the 1996 magic?

AFTER TWO big names and top contenders of World Cup 2011 viz Australia and South Africa were sent back from the tournament in two consecutive days, it's time to find out who is going to be the fourth team to qualify for semifinals. Is it going to be everyone’s favorite Sri Lanka or England, which is yet to show its reall mettle in the world cup 2011.

In the fourth quarterfinals at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo, one-time champion Sri Lanka will take on England, who till date has never won the coveted cup. Going by past records, Sri Lanka's performances in the league matches have been outstanding, which was followed by Australia and New Zealand.

England, on the other hand, has received much press and attention related to issues such as injuries, and a player opting out of the tournament due to depression.

Although they have played some exceptional cricket, losing to Bangladesh and Ireland was a dark patch for them in the tournament but their fight against India was truly commendable. Their win over South Africa was a stunner as at one time the Porteas were the clear favourites to win the match. With this fighting spirit England managed to make their way to quarter finals.

Fifteen years back in the same month of 1996, it was Sri Lanka against England in the quarter finals. In the match, not only did Sri Lanka defeat England but also ended up taking home the coveted trophy.

Now, at what is being looked at as another 1996 kind of encounter, the larger part of the responsibility falls on English shoulders if they want to avenge the 1996 loss.

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ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 South Africa vs New Zealand Quarter Final, Live Score Card

IN THE third quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa.

The winner of the third quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will play against the winner of the fourth quarter final, between Sri Lanka and England, in the first semi-final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on March 29.

South African captain Graeme Smith has replaced three players in the World Cup Cricket 2011 quarter final match against New Zealand from the last match against Bangladesh. AB de Villiers will play as wicket keeper in place of Morne van Wyk.

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have come into the playing XI - replacing Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

New Zealand made couple of changes in the do-or-die match against South Africa. Captain Daniel Vettori is once again back in the playing XI along with the left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock. They replaced James Franklin and Hamish Bennett. In the last match Ross Taylor was the stand-in captain.

In the head-to-head record between these two countries in the Cricket World Cup since 1992, both South Africa and New Zealand have met at every World Cup and the record is in favour of New Zealand by 3-2.

Here are the playing XI of New Zealand and South Africa in the third quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (wk), Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Kane Williamson, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori (capt), Jacob Oram, Luke Woodcock,Tim Southee.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Francois du Plessis, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.

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Shabash Yuvraj! India vs Pakistan semi final match in Mohali

IF THERE's a man with a midas touch in the Indian team it has to be Yuvraj Singh. The burly all-rounder, for that's his latest avatar, was in the thick of things in the high-voltage encounter against the mighty Aussies. He bowled brilliantly, caught every thing, fielded like a man possessed, and of course, literally swatted Australia back to Kangroo land.

When the Indian score was 187, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni departed to the pavilion as the fifth Indian wicket fell. India still needed 74 runs to win against Australia in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Motera's Sardar Patel Stadium to secure their berth for the semi final against arch rival Pakistan.
It was at this crucial juncture that Yuvraj, already batting fluently, stood firm, and ensured that India crossed the finishing line. But while the battle ensued on the slow turning track at Motera, hearts of Indian fans were beating nervously.

What will happen next? Will we be able to play against Pakistan in the semi final or not? All Indian cricket fans around the world were praying for an Indian victory. But they were also optimistic that the "Yuvraj of Indian team" was in the middle.
For the sixth wicket Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina played a sensible and matured cricket in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against defending champion Australia. This pair added an unbeaten 74 runs and scripted the Indian victory.
Suresh Raina, who was playing in place of Yusuf Pathan, scored 34 runs in 28 deliveries with two fours and a six. Indian hero Yuvraj Singh scored his fourth fifty in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. During his 90-minute inning, he scored 57 runs in 65 balls with eight boundaries. He was declared the man-of-the-match for the fourth time in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2011.

So its lots of shabash to Yuvraj, and the nation will pray that his golden form continues, and that he is able to shred the famed Pakistani bolwing attack in Mohali. Come on India!

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Astrology predictions favour Indian victory against Australia

COUNT DOWN to the toughest match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has now started. Two best ODI teams of the world, Australia and India, are ready for battle.

The tough contest between world's two best cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting is about to start. And the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, is all set to stage the match between the world champion vs pre-tournament favourites.
Many astrologers are predicting about this much hyped match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Famous astrologer Ganesha feels India will win the toss and India may win the match by a narrow margin.
According to another prediction, Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag and Zaheer Khan would be the key players for India, and Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson would be the key players for Australia in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.   
A numerological prediction doing the rounds is that 24 March, 2+4= 6, is lucky for India. Thursday, the day of lord Vishnu, is also lucky for India.
All the Indian Cricket fans are praying for an Indian victory against Australia in the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and are saying "Chak De! India".

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Ponting quashes reports of retirement or captaining a county

AUSTRALIAN SKIPPER Ricky Ponting has quelled all rumours of him retiring after the World Cup 2011. Ponting who had captained Australia in the last two consecutive World cup wins, plans to lead the Aussies to make a hat-trick of world cup wins.

If Australia manages to grab the cup this year, Australia's world cup count will go up to five. However, Ponting has quashed all reports by saying that he has no intention of retiring or giving up his captaincy.

On Wednesday, one of the leading dailies in the U.K. had reported that Ponting would retire after WC 2011, and was hoping to say good bye to his career by captaining an English county side this year.

The 36-year-old batsman has not been in his usual good form over the past few months and Australia’s current performance in the World Cup 2011 has allowed every cricket expert to talk about him and his way of captaincy.

His performance in world cup 2011 has not been at par. He has not made any big scores, and some his way of dismissals, being soft ones or controversial, have been in news for weeks.

His altercation with the Pakistani team after getting out despite being given out by the UDRS system was not appreciated by the spectators and cricket experts.

Even the Australian media has been commenting that all good things must come to an end so is the case with Ricky Ponting. His era as one of the most successful captains is over, and he should hand his captaincy to some new talent in the team. Micheal Clarke can take over from Ponting once he bids goodbye.

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India vs Australia Cricket World Cup 2011: Good luck India

SARDAR PATEL Stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad will host the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 between the world's top two ODI teams, Australia and India on Thursday, March 23.

This match has been pegged as a "Battle of revenge".

Since March 23, 2003, the two cricket champs will meet for first time in a Cricket World Cup match on March 24, 2011. In the final of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, played at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Ricky Ponting and his men defeated India by 125 runs.

However, in the last eight years, Australia team have been changed. In the ongoing Cricket World Cup Australians are without Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. From the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final, only Ponting and Brett Lee are playing for the Australian side.

The other side from the 2003 finals, Indians still have the same opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sahwag. In the middle Yuvraj Singh is there and leading bowlers Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh are serving the country in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Even as the second quarter final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 between India and Australia that will be played tomorrow from 2:30 PM IST, millions of Indian cricket crazy fans have started praying for an Indian victory against the Australians. Good luck India!

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