It's Here

The father of all the matches is here. Yea, India plays Pakistan in the Semi Final of the 10th Cricket World Cup. As an Indian, I'm so excited that i can't even sleep. It feels exactly like the day before picnic in school. I used to be so excited that i would always have the nightmare of missing my school bus. But, thank god, that never happened and hoping this time too, the nightmare won't come true.

Another reason which makes this particular game so important and much awaited for me is that I'll be watching this game with all of my colleagues at work. My firm has decided to arrange an big projector so that all of us can gather and enjoy the game. I haven't seen a match with this many people sitting in the same room. Though i have seen a match at the stadium but this will be completely different. This time I'm neither carrying any banners nor i'll be painting my face.

Well, that's the update for the day or till next time.

See, No Knee Caps !!!!

It’s been more than a month now and finally, I’m off my physiotherapy sessions and can take my knee caps off. Past one month was the best of my life as I was denied to play or run, which I found, how much I liked/loved.

The injury goes back to 30th of December 2010. We had a company outing. I was excited to be on this trip unlike many others as they had been to these trips earlier. Me being the new one in the company and the team wanted to know more and most of the people and these outings are really a great chance to know the who’s who of the company.

Moving on, as soon as we reached the place, I was able to find a cricket pitch with all the equipments. It’s like a moth to the flame. I automatically find them. J

However, it’s wasn’t the best of outing on the ground for me as I got injured or ruptured on of the cartilage in my knee. It would have been less painful if I hadn’t ignored it. But, I do get out of control on the field. I thought of it as a minor pain which will get over in moments but it didn’t. After the game, I wasn’t even able to bend my knee and it was really painful and thus, I ruined my outing.


Eventually, I had to take an off the other day which clubbed to be a three day off which helped a lot. But, still it wasn’t enough. I consulted to an Orthopedic, who told me that I had a ruptured cartilage which has swollen and started the painful days. Although, I wasn’t suggested a complete bed rest but think that would have been much better. For the next one month, till the physiotherapy lasted, I couldn’t take stairs or if had to, then had to climb one step at a time.

But, at the end (hoping this is the end), I can now again run, be not dependent on elevators and most importantly, I can play again. Even though, I’m not a professional in this game, but I surely love it a lot.

And this is it, I’m done with the medication and exercises and life is back to normal.

Hey, by the way, the Cricket World Cup is starting by next week 19th Feb 2011. I’m going to be glued to the TV. What’s your plan?

The Contenders - New Zealand

The Black cap/ Kiwis have never been rated as the world champions but they have proved to be the dark horse of the cricketing world, time and again. Who can forget their thumping win over India in the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. The Kiwis may be underrated but can never be taken as a soft target. I always felt that Kiwis have been missing a superstar from their team. Whenever, the black caps won, it was always a team effort. But now, it has changed. Ross Taylor is their biggest superstar in the current line up and capable of winning games single handedly.

Batting

Captain Ross Taylor

I think the Kiwis should be most relaxed about their batting other then their inconstancy. They have Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder and Brandon McCullum, the most explosive batters of the world, who can tear any bowling line up in to pieces. Then, Jamie How and Kane Williamson, the new recruits, would play a crucial role in the Kiwis world cup campaign as they are the one who would be required to solidate and build innings. Martin Guptill will also be an important player in their line up as his experience and power, could at any point of time in match, can change gears of black caps innings.
Scott Styris and Jacob Oram both provide strength to Kiwi’s batting and bowling. Both are immensely talented and experienced who have seen the up’s and down’s of the many innings and have pulled their side. Something similar would be expected from both of them this time too.

Bowling

James Franklin

NZ side is full of bowlers who can stand up and deliver in the batting department. Kyle Mills and James Franklin both are more than handy with batting. However, bowling will be a concern for the Kiwis. Kyle Mills will be the pick of the bowlers in the fast bowling department because he bowls really good slower bowls which would be very helpful on Sub continental flat pitches. James Franklin is the new allrounder they have now. His performance with bat in India and then, at home against Pakistan was better than many of the batsman in the Kiwi side.
Tim Southee is another bowler I like in their line up. He may not have the experience but he puts a lot of effort and hard work in his bowling and that’s what count many a times. Then, the Kiwi side is blessed with Daniel Vettori, possibly one of the best spinners playing this world cup. He has done well in the sub continent and his kind of experience can raise the Kiwi team to a different level. Nathan McCullum, the off spinner of the side and another all rounder, who could bring that extra spinner option and as Jeetan patel not being picked, Nathan McCullum would be important for the team composition.
Hamish Bennett also made the cut and also the last minute call went to Luke Woodcock too.

Fielding

Brendon McCullam

The kiwi’s have always been a good fielding side. Nathan McCullum, Taylor, Guptill and Kane Williamson are the better ones in the side and will be responsible for motivating others too.

Kiwi’s haven’t been in the best of forms recently. They lost all of their ODI’s in Bangladeshs to the Bangla Tigers and then another win less tour of India. But they managed to perform well against Pakistan in their home series. But, the records will be written from scratch at this world cup.
My three picks from this Kiwi side are Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and James Franklin.


Daniel Vettori,
Hamish Bennett,
James Franklin,
Martin Guptill,
Jamie How,
Brendon McCullum,
Nathan McCullum,
Kyle Mills,
Jacob Oram,
Jesse Ryder,
Tim Southee,
Scott Styris,
Ross Taylor,
Kane Williamson,
Luke Woodcock

Image Source: - topnews.in (Special Thanks)

The Contenders - Pakistan

 Pakistan is the team who no one believes. They even surprise themselves by their performances. Someday, they behave as if they are the kings of world but then the next moment they can are thumped by the minnows of the world cricket. Then, Pakistan's cricket is more of politics than anything else. I believe they have a more crappy political cricket board than their Indian counterpart. Then, there players aren't relief either. I haven't forgot the recent English tour where they were accused of and guilty of match fixing. This may not have come up as a surprise because it wasn't the first time Pakistani players were surrounded by controversies. I really hope Pakistani players may rise to the occasion and perform to their potential.

Batting

Pakistani batting line is one gun which can fire from both ends. If, they perform, then, you may get to relieve the matches like the recent one when they beat South Africa by one wicket or else, you may expect them getting thumped by minnows like what Bangladesh and Ireland have done. 

Umar Akmal

I wished they had included Md. Yousuf in the team, then, it wasn't me who picked the team. Moving on, i like the line up. Hoping, Kamran Akmal will be opening with Mohammad Hafeez. Kamran is an explosive opener but really low on confidence these days. On the other hand, Hafeez is in fine knock these days. Then, Younis khan and Misbah would be providing the solidity in the middle order. Then, they have Umar Akmal (he's my fav from the lot) who is one exceptional talent and will make it big in the Pakistani cricketing future. Umar Akaml will be followed by two of the most destructing lower middle order all rounders plus sloggers who can easily prove to be the difference between a win and loss.

Ahmed Shehzad and Asad Shafiq, well i feel they may be used to fill someone shoes or won't make it to the playing eleven.

Bowling

Saeed Ajmal

Pakistani bowling makes them a vulnerable side. Umar Gul will the pick of the bowler as i don't expect Shoaib Akhtar bowling longer spells. Then, they will be very much dependent on their all rounder to chip in. Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Md Hafeez will be required more than usual. Sohail Tanvir is also back in the side, however, being away from the international circuit may make him vulnerable. Saeed Ajmal, the specialist spinner, will be the spine of  their bowling inning. His role will be important in the middle overs. Wahab Riaz is another seamer in the side. He's been in good form and may get picked over Sohail Tanvir.

Fielding

Pakistani side isn't the best or even the good fielding sides of the world cricket. I'm not expecting anything spectacular from them on the field but it would be good to see them just doing the basics right.

Abdul Razzaq

My three favorite picks from Pakistani Team are Umar Akmal, Abdur Razzaq


Shahid Afridi (Captain)
Younis Khan 
Misbah-ul-Haq 
Mohammad Hafeez 
Kamran Akmal (Wicketkeeper)
Umar Akmal 
Asad Shafiq 
Abdul Razzaq  
Abdur Rehman 
Saeed Ajmal  
Shoaib Akhtar 
Umar Gul 
Wahab Riaz 
Sohail Tanvir 
Ahmed Shehzad

The Contenders - Australia

Australia will be playing this world cup to extend their unbeaten streak at world cup. Ricky Ponting have had many lows in his career especially as a captain like losing Ashes under his captaincy 3 times which is a notorious feat not touched by any Aussie captain. 

After the recent loss to England in Ashes series, Australia wouldn't be in the best of mood and under immense pressure to live up to the expectation of the Aussie fans and their World Cup Winner's reputation.

Batting

Aussie batting have been very inconsistent in last couple of years which have lead to the downfall in their performances. The only player scoring consistently, with the bat and bowl, is Shane Watson and Aussies will be heavily depending on him to score as he have been exceptional in the sub continent. Other than him the Hussy(Michael and David) brothers will be the most dependable players. Both the Hussy brothers have performed especially in the important matches and they have the ability to bat down the order and take the team to good totals and the best thing about both of them is that they can play with the lower order batters very well.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke will also have to contribute as they have been due since a long time now. Ricky Ponting will also been one of those legendary players who won't be playing the next world cup, so this does becomes an important world cup for him for obvious reasons.

Tim Paine and Brad Haddin, both wicket keepers, so won't be expecting both of them to be part of the playing eleven. However, i think who ever makes it, chances of Haddin are better, will be opening the batting with Watson. Steven Smith is the all rounder they'll be carrying and will be playing an important role as a regular leg spinner and batter down the order.

Cameron White would also be an X factor if Australia wins this world cup. The big hitting middle order batsman is a big asset to the team and have been performing pretty good recently.


Bowling

Aussie bowling may looking a bit weak but you can never predict them. Doug Bollinger is my fav pick among the bowlers especially after his performance during the last year's IPL while playing for CSK. He has done good in the sub continent compared to any other Aussie bowler. Then, Mitchell Johnson is another player who's been inconsistent in the recent past and was also dropped from one of the Ashes match but made a great return. Then, we also have Brett Lee coming back in to the side after a long time. He has performed well in the recent matches he has played but i would still have picked Peter Siddle. Any who, moving on. John Hasting's inclusion was also a surprise especially with Ryan Harris sitting on the side lines. Another any who, moving on. Shaun Tait is also another fast, really fast bowler who can be lethal on the day when he hits the correct line because usually he is not.

Nathan Hauritz will be commanding the slow bowling department and again i have nothing to say. It's not because he is a bad bowler but his inclusion in the side feels like Aussies don't have any bench strength in the spin bowling department. Nathan Hauritz had a horrible tour of India last year. Steven Smith and David Hussy will his spin bowling partners.


Fielding

Aussies have always been a good fielding side. This Aussie side is also a good fielding side with Ricky Ponting, Clarke et. al. It's hard to find a bad fielder from this side. May be John Hasting but i'm only giving his name because i haven't seen much of him.

My three fav picks from this Aussie side are: - Shane Watson, Cameron White and Doug Bollinger

Ricky Ponting (Captain)   
Doug Bollinger
John Hastings   
David Hussey    
Mitchell Johnson
Tim Paine
Shaun Tait    
Cameron White
Michael Clarke (Vive Captain)
Brad Haddin (Wicket Keeper)
Nathan Hauritz    
Michael Hussey    
Brett Lee
Steven Smith    
Shane Watson 

The Contenders - Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one team who will be competing in this world cup to prove themselves. Till now, they have always been rated as the minnow's of the cricketing world but this time, especially being in good form and home conditions, they can surely turn the tables around. They have shown, many a times, that they are capable of winning matches against the best of the world. However, their biggest worry would be about performing in front of their home crowd.

Batting

Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh is a good batting side who can chase formidable totals of 300 odd runs. They rely on Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Ul Hasan heavily in the batting department, however, they do have players like Md. Ashraful who balances the team with his kind of experience and abilities to stand up against the best of the bowlers. Then, the young team members Imrul Kayes, Mushfique Rahim, Mahmudulla and Shahriar Nafees who provides that young energy to the batting brigade. I have especially been impressed by Mahmudulla's performance at number 5-6 in the ODIs. Rating the Bangaladeshi team, i would say they are better in the batting department than compared to others, so their batters will really need work hard and put maximum effort if they want to make a reputation in this world cup.

Bowling

Abdur Razzak

Bangladeshi team will surely miss Mashrafe Mortaza, their premier fast bowler, who'll be missing the world cup due to injury. Even though, they have a good spin bowling attack but they lack a good fast bowler. I'm not taking anything away from their current fast bowlers, however, the fast bowling attack haven't been able to click for the Bangladeshi's. However, its good to see some new faces in the fast bowling department who can prove to be a surprise to their competitors.

Other than fast bowling, Bangladeshi spin bowling attack can be marked as one of the best in their own conditions. Abdur Razzak and Shakid ul Hasan have done it earlier and can beat the bats of the best again in their home conditions.

Fielding

Bangladeshi team's fielding has certainly improved in last couple of years, especially, because of the young cricketers they have been pulling up. Tamin Iqbal and Shakib ul Hasan would have to lead by examples in these departments too.


Summing it up, Bangladesh is not the side someone would rate less especially in a One dayer and in their home conditions. Bangladesh, for me, have good chances of making it through to the knockout round as they will be playing all of their league matches on their home grounds. Tamim Iqbal, Shakib ul Hasan and Abdur Razzak are my favorite picks from this team.

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan(captain),
Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain),
Mushfiqur Rahim (wk),
Md Ashraful,
Imrul Kayes,
Shahriar Nafees,
Juaneed Siddiqui,
Roquibul Hasan,
Mahmudullah Riyad,
Naeem Islam,
Abdur Razzak,
Suhrawardi Shuvo,
Shafiul Islam,
Nazmul Hossain,
Rubel Hossain.