Rajasthan Royals stunned Hyderabad IPL in a thriller

Unforgettable match! What a performance! Andrew Symond’s powerful century failed to save Hyderabad Deccan Chargers in a high scoring T20 IPL cricket match at Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad. Shane Warne hit 2 sixers and 1 four to score a sensational victory over favourite Hyderaabd. Collective scintillating batting performance by Rajasthan Royals stunned Hyderabad IPL in a high scoring tense match. Graeme Smith, Yusuf Pathan and Mohammad Kaif played sensible knocks to chase a huge target of 215 set by Deccan Chargers. With this defeat, Hyderabad is almost out of semi-finals of Indian Premier League.

Rajasthan Royals defeated Hyderabad IPL by 3 wickets. Despite wonderful bounce back by Hyderabad in the last overs, Shane Warne’s cameo sealed the result in Jaipur’s favour.

Verdict: Best match in the Indian Premier League. This tense match tested the leadership skills of both captains but Laxman falters at crucial point of time. Ironically Warne shines in that period. Australians dominance over IPL is continuing.

IPL T20 Cricket Score Board:

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers: 214/5 in 20 overs.
Rajasthan Royals: 217/7 in 19.5 overs.
IPL Cricket Match result: Jaipur won by 3 wickets.

Man of the Match: Yusuf Pathan.

IPL T20 Cricket match review:

Hyderabad innings key moments:

1. Adam Gilchrist, VVS Laxman and Shahid Afridi once again failed for Deccan Chargers.

2. Andrew Symonds rescued Hyderabad by hitting 117 runs in just 53 balls. He scored century in just 47 balls. He hit 11 fours and 7 sixers.

3. Robin Sharma provided crucial support to Andrew Symonds (36 runs in 30 balls).

4. Andrew Symonds won the war against Shane Warne.

5. Australians are dominating almost every game in Indian Premier League. Mathew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds single handily won matches for their teams. Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne chipped in with ball. Gilchrist and Brett Lee still need to fire for their teams.

Jaipur innings key moments:

1. Yusuf Pathan and Graeme Smith hit Vaas for 22 runs in his second over despite loss of Kamran Akmal early.

2. Yusuf Pathan scored sensational half century in just 21 balls. He provided ideal platform for Jaipur batsmen to chase big target.

3. Rajasthan Royals reached Hundred in just 8.3 overs by losing just 1 wicket. Smith and Pathan are giving scant respect to Hyderabad bowlers.

4. Andhra Ranji pacer Kalyankrishna took the crucial wicket of Yusuf Pathan at a crucial period of match. Last match hero Shane Watson joined Graeme Smith in middle. These two wickets are crucial for Jaipur to chase big total.

5. Yusuf Pathan scored 61 runs in 28 balls. He hit 4 fours and 6 sixers. Good statistics.

6. Shane Watson fell cheaply to Shahid Afridi. Man of the match heroes like Brendon McCullum, Shane Watson and Michael Hussey failed in their next matches.

7. Mohammad Kaif hit 3 sixers in the bowling Andrew Symonds in the 15th over.

8. Shahid Afridi is once again saviour for Hyderabad. He took vital wicket of Mohammad Kaif who scored a cameo knock of 34 runs in 16 balls. Afridi also took the important wicket of Graeme Smith in the same over. What will happen? Ravinder Jadeja is still at crease.

9. Graeme Smith scored 71 runs in 45 balls but he fell at crucial time. Can Hyderabad charge from now onwards?

10. Kalyankrishna dropped easy catch of Ravinder Jadeja. Did he drop match?

11. Jaipur needs to score 23 runs in 12 balls. Another tense match. It is moving on similar lines of yesterday’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

12. Advantage Hyderabad. Jadeja fell cheaply to RP Singh for 1 run.

13. As he did in Twenty20 cricket world cup in South Africa, RP Singh bowled a wonderful over in dying minutes.

14. Rajasthan needs to score 17 runs in the last over. Laxman gave ball to Andrew Symonds.

Jaipur captain Warne scored 2 sixers and 1 four in the last 3 balls to stun Hyderabad in an unforgettable sensational match at Uppal stadium in Hyderabad.

IPL Cricket match final analysis:

Sensational stuff from Shane Warne, Jaipur captain. Poor captaincy from Hyderabad’s VVS Laxman. Shane Warne capitalised on Laxman’s mistake (of giving final over to Symons) and produced a breath taking batting performance. Hats off to inspirational leadership from Shane Warne. Hyderabad need to win all the remaining four matches to enter into semi-finals.

Shane Warne, the coach, the captain and the Guru, has silenced critics like me with fine performances in the last 2 matches.

Lessons from IPL T20 teams

Indian Premier League already witnessed some exciting contests and wonderful performances from world cricket stars. But teams like Hyderabad surprisingly lost both matches due to lack of proper planning. Everyone can learn cricket/real life lessons from these IPL T20 matches.

Lessons from Indian Premier League cricket matches:

1. Hyderabad Deccan Chargers: This is a classic case of fall from grace.
A. You need a motivational leader to win a contest. A weak leader like Laxman is a minus point.
B. You need proper planning and unbiased selection to win in any sport.
C. You need a team which is strong in all departments. Hyderabad bought 4 hard hitters and forgot about other departments.
D. You need bench strength in case of emergency. What will they do when Symonds will not available in the last weeks of May?

2. Kolkata Knight Riders:
A. It has exciting passionate owner like Shahrukh Khan (He is like Mark Cuban of NBA).
B. It has inspirational leader like Sourav Ganguly who will not settle for second place.

3. Jaipur IPL: Shane Warne is doing magic both on and off the field with his bowling, inspiring captaincy and tactical coaching. A genius leader like Warne can spot ability in young cricketers and raise their game level.

4. Delhi Daredevils: They believed in true world class players but not bits and pieces. Bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif are giving superb starts with their accurate bowling. Class is permanent.

5. Bangalore Royal Challengers: They too believed in world class bowlers like Dale Steyn, Anil Kumble, Nathan Bracken and Zaheer Khan. True all-rounder like Praveen kumar is an additional bonus. But they picked world class test batsmen for Twenty20 cricket games.

6. Mohali IPL: They picked players for advertisement needs. Yuvraj picked wayward bowler like Sreesanth because of friendship which cost them both matches.

7. Mumbai Indians: When a real icon like Sachin Tendulkar will not play, their game plans will not work and team members will miss that “some thing”. But they tried their best in both matches. Return of Sachin will change the fortunes of Mumbai Indians.

8. Chennai Super Kings: What you will need when you have a cool, glamorous and inspiring captain like Dhoni in your team? What you will need when you have talented and committed players like Hayden and Hussey in your ranks?

Most awaited matches:

1. Chennai Super Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders.
2. Delhi Dare Devils Vs Chennai
3. Kolkata Vs Delhi IPL.

We will learn new lessons after seeing the results of above match. Mathew Hayden will miss Man of the tournament award due to Australia's tour of West Indies.

IPL T20 Preview: Deccan Chargers Vs Rajasthan Royals

Hyderabad will play against rejuvenated Jaipur IPL at Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad. This is a match between two of the weakest teams in Indian Premier League. Hyderabad unexpectedly lost first two matches despite strong squad due to poor team selection. Rajasthan Royals rose to the occasion against Mohali under inspirational Shane Warne leadership. South African Captain Graeme Smith will play in this match which is good news for weak Jaipur team.

Hyderabad is the most disorganised team in the Indian Premier League cricket. It is “Valencia” of Indian Premier League. Can this completely demoralised team bounce back on home ground against weak Jaipur team? Virender Sehwag brutally exposed weak Hyderabad attack; can Graeme Smith play that role for Jaipur?

Interesting battle:

1. Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds Vs Shane Warne. Who will win will decide match result.

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers:

Hyderabad which was hampered by “4 foreign player” rule did nothing to overcome that deficit. They need to pick ideal T20 batsmen from young generation. Currently its bits and pieces bowlers will not help them much going forward in bowling department.

Team strengths:

1. Big hitting foreign batsmen.
2. Rohit Sharma – Fine knock against Delhi.

Weak points:

1. Poor team selection and lack of planning in batting order.
2. Uninspiring captaincy from VVS Laxman and is becoming a big burden in batting.
3. Selection politics.
4. When will Symonds and Gilchrist fire?
5. Lack of good bowlers.
6. Absence of ideal T20 batsmen.

Probable IPL Squad: VVS Laxman, Adam Gilchrist, Ravi Teja, Andrew Symonds, Rohit Sharma, Shahid Afridi, Chaminda Vaas, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Sanjay Bangar. I am unable to find another Twenty20 batsman in this team. So they will pick Arjun Yadav.

Rajasthan Royals:

Jaipur batting is strengthened by addition of Kamran Akmal and Graeme Smith. But poor form of Kaif is a big worry along with fielding. Graeme Smith will strengthen the weak top order of Jaipur.

Key players:

1. Shane Warne – Inspirational captain and intelligent coach.
2. Shane Watson – Good T20 all rounder.
3. Graeme Smith.
4. Ravinder Jadeja – Young hope.

Probable squad: Shane Warne, Shane Watson, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Kaif, Taruwar Kohli, Pankaj Singh, Munaf Patel, Yusuf Pathan, Siddharth Trivedi, Dinesh Salunkhe and Graeme Smith.

Verdict: Result will depend on how well one exploits the weaknesses of opposition. Change in batting lineup may change the fortunes of Hyderabad. Hyderabad's foreign players need to justify their price tag. Can they justify?

Delhi decimated Hyderabad IPL

Delhi captain Virender Sehwag destroyed Hyderabad bowling attack to seal an emphatic victory for Delhi Daredevils. Delhi defeated Hyderabad by 9 wickets in a one sided match with 7 overs to spare at Uppal stadium in Hyderabad. Shikhar Dhawan once again played good supporting role to decimate Hyderabad in just 13 overs. This is a clinical and brutal knock from Delhi captain. Hyderabad’s fall from grace is unbelievable.

Hyderabad didn’t learn any lesson from Kolkata match. Once again they selected accumulators and recommendation candidates. What can one expect from a team like this one? It is waste to write about their management. Glenn McGrath- Mohammad Asif troubled Hyderabad Deccan chargers with their accurate bowling. Except Rohit Sharma, no one looked comfortable at crease. Despite losing Gautam Gambhir early, Delhi never looked uncomfortable in chasing this small target. Delhi along with Chennai and Kolkata are looking as hot favourites to win inaugural IPL T20 tournament.

Toss: Hyderabad won the toss and chooses to bat first on the flat batting surface.

IPL T20 Cricket match scorecard:

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers: 142/5 in 20 overs.
Delhi Daredevils: 143/1 in 13 overs.

Match Result: Delhi Daredevils won by 9 wickets.

Man of the match: Virender Sehwag (first by an Indian player).

IPL T20 Cricket Records:

1. Sehwag scored highest runs in a single over. He hit 30 runs (3 sixers and 3 fours) in Symond’s over. He broke the Rohit sharma’s record who earlier scored 26 runs in Maharoof’s over.

2. Virender Sehwag is the first man to win the Man of the match award in Indian Premier League.

3. Virender Sehwag missed the fastest century in Indian premier League by 6 runs. He scored 94 runs in 41 balls. Captain’s knock.

4. Delhi Daredevils won both their matches by 9 wickets. World class bowling attack is their big strength.

Highlights of Hyderabad Innings:

1. Glenn McGrath bowled first over maiden. Is it really Twenty20 cricket?

2. Mohammad Asif took the crucial wicket of Adam Gilchrist in his first over. Genuine bowlers can succeed in any form of cricket. He also took Laxman’s wicket. Laxman is becoming a big burden for Hyderabad team as he is not an ideal T20 player.

3. Now it is Symonds Vs McGrath. Symonds hit 2 successive fours in McGrath’s bowling. Can Symonds save Deccan Chargers?

4. Painful innings of Venugopala Rao finally ended. He scored 14 runs in 22 balls.

5. Maharoof took the crucial wicket of Andrew Symonds with a beauty.

6. Hyderabad is in deep trouble. Poor selection of players. They didn’t learn any lessons from Kolkata match. Hyderabad is the most over rated team in IPL.

7. Shahid Afridi disappointed Hyderabad crowds. He scored just 2 runs in 7 balls. Rohit Sharma is waging a lone battle. Hyderabad is now 60/5. Deep trouble.

8. Congrats to Rohit Sharma who scored 66 runs in 36 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixers. He created new IPL record by scoring 26 runs in a single over of Maharoof.

9. Why did you select Arjun Yadav? He came at no. 8. Management has no belief in this “Recommendation” candidate. But still they are playing him. Why? Only God will save Hyderabad IPL.

10. Hyderabad scored 52 runs in the last 3 overs. Thank to Rohit Sharma’s cameo knock.

Highlights of Delhi innings:

1. Delhi opening pair Gautam Gambhir and Sehwag started well by scoring 14 runs in RP Singh’s over.

2. Pragyan Ojha dropped Sehwag on 13. Costly mistake. He dropped match.

3. RP Singh took the crucial wicket of in-form Gautam Gambhir. Sharp bounce back from RP Singh.

4. Sehwag and Shikhar Dhawan are going strong in cool and composed manner. Hyderabad needs a couple of wickets. Cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Ravinder Jadeja and Shikhar Dhawan are future hopes of Indian Cricket.

5. Delhi crossed 50 runs in 6.1 overs. Hyderabad is in deep trouble on home ground. From strong favourites to weak team – what a transition? Weak captain and worst selection.

6. Virender Sehwag scored 30 runs in Andrew Symonds over – 3 fours and 3 sixers. Delhi won this match by 9 wickets in just 13 overs.

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers Squad: VVS Laxman, Adam Gilchrist, Venugopala Rao, Andrew Symonds, Rohit Sharma, Shahid Afridi, Arjun Yadav, Sanjay Bangar, RP Singh, Chaminda Vaas and Pragyan Ojha.

Delhi Daredevils Squad: Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan, Shoaib Malik, Dinesh Karthik, Manoj Tiwary, Rajat Bhatia, Glenn McGrath, Mahesh, Maharoof and Mohammad Asif.

Things I can’t able to understand:

1. Why Hyderabad is selecting an accumulator like Venugopala Rao? It is almost a suicidal decision. Laxman and Venugopala Rao are spoiling the tempo of Hyderabad innings in the initial overs and are wasting crucial power plays with their dogged play. Bad captaincy and worst team selection.

2. Hyderabad can do well without VVS Laxman, Arjun Yadav and Venugopala Rao. But is it possible?

Hyderabad will need to do massive changes to their squad. They don’t have depth in the bowling to defend small totals. They should discard players like Arjun Yadav, VVS Laxman (!?) and Venugopala Rao and bring in talented young players like Ravi Teja to change their fortunes.

Top 10 T20 Cricket stars of IPL in first week

Indian Premier League grabbed the attention of Indian cricket lovers in the first week itself. Brendon McCullum and Mike Hussey helped to raise awareness about IPL with fine centuries. IPL grabbed more TRP ratings than family soaps in the prime time, according to latest TV ratings. Whether cricket purists like it or not, IPL is here to stay and will expand to new cities. More International players will play in the coming years and may announce retirements if ICC will not accomodate IPL in the futire calendar.

Twenty20 cricket is mainly a batsmen game. So my top 10 cricket stars list mostly comprising of batsmen. Bangalore showed strong bounce back after a demoralising loss against Kolkata in the initial match. Kolkata won the both matches and is showing fine all-round performance. Foreign players (Australian and South African cricketers) shined in the first week of IPL T20 cricket tournament. Keepers like Brendon McCullum and Mark Boucher played match winning knocks in the first week. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are big disappointments in the first week. Despite Yuvraj’s brilliant batting, Mohali lost both matches.


First week IPL stats:

1. Happiest man: Shahrukh Khan.
2. Top team: Kolkata Knight Riders.
3. Best batsman: Brendon McCullum.
4. Innings of character: David Hussey.
5. Best brothers: Michael Hussey & David Hussey.
6. Worst pitch: Eden Gardens.
7. Big disappointment: Ricky Ponting and MS Dhoni.
8. Some things never change: McGrath’s accurate bowling and Sreesanth’s way ward bowling.
9. Worst organisation: Cricket Association of Bengal.
10. No. Of Man of the match awards won by Indian Cricketers: Zero.

Top 10 T20 Cricket Stars in the first week:

1. Brendon McCullum: Unforgettable innings in the first match.
2. Michael Hussey: Silenced critics who doubted his skills in T20 cricket.
3. David Hussey: Best innings in terms of character.
4. Gautam Gambhir: Lone Indian hope.
5. Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina: Young Indian heroes.
6. Mark Boucher: Crucial match winning knock against Mumbai.
7. Yuvraj Singh: Captaincy knock but team falters.
8. Ishant Sharma: India at last found a real fast bowler.
9. Andrew Symonds: Patient innings on a difficult pitch. Can any one stop him on a batting pitch? 10. Praveen Kumar: Real all-rounder and only positive thing for Bangalore in the first match.

Please share your picks. I hope Indian cricketers will play well in the coming weeks.

Can Deccan Chargers bounce back to beat Delhi?

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers who lost the thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders will try to prove their mettle against Delhi Daredevils. It is a match between world class batting line up of Hyderabad Deccan Chargers and superb bowling attack of Delhi daredevils. This match under floodlights will surely entertain 40,000+ Hyderabad crowd with run feast by batting giants.
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. Team who wins the toss will bat first. Any score below 200 can be easily achievable. Hyderabad team with many big hitters has slight advantage.

IPL T20 Match live: From 8 PM onwards on Set Max.

Watch live streaming on web at www.iplt20.com (Offical website of Indian Premier League)

www.stickcricket.info (Unofficial live streaming).

Favourite: Hyderabad Deccan Chargers.

Crucial players:

1. Andrew Symonds who played patient knock in testing conditions at Eden Gardens will explode on this batting track.

2. Gautam Gambhir: He is the best Indian cricketer in T20 and One day matches from Twenty20 Cricket world cup. He is scintillating form.

3. Shahid Afridi: How many sixers will he hit? Count on. He can change match course with both bat and ball.

4. Mohammad Asif: His combination with Glenn McGrath is a nightmare for any batting lineup. We have to see how Gilchrist will attack them on batting paradise?

Hyderabad IPL squad analysis:

New players available: Shahid Afridi and Herschelle Gibbs.

Strong points:

1. Adam Gilchrist & Andrew Symonds – Good form.

2. Big hitters like Gibbs and Shahid Afridi. Afridi will also strengthen bowling Attack.

3. Ravi Teja is to Hyderabad what Shikhar Dhawan is to Delhi.

4. Home ground and audience support.

Weaknesses:

1. Weak bowling attack.

2. Lack of world class spinner. Shahid Afridi may help in this regard.

3. Selection politics.

4. Rohit Sharma – poor form.

Probable squad:

VVS Laxman (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Raviteja, Andrew Symonds, Shahid Afridi, Sanjay Bangar, RP Singh, Rohit Sharma, Chaminda Vaas/Kalyan Krishna, Pragyan Ojha and Gibbs/Styris/Venugopala Rao.

Coach: Robin Singh.

Delhi Daredevils:

New players available: Md. Asif, Shoaib Malik and Abdur Razaaq.

Strong points:

1. Glenn McGrath – Superb nagging spell against Jaipur.

2. Shikhar Dhawan – Attacking underrated batsman.

3. Virender Sehwag – Match winner on his day.

4. Daniel Vettori – World class spinner and useful batsman.

5. Shoaib Malik in the middle order – cool customer.

6. Maharoof – Man of the match against Rajasthan Royals.

Weaknesses:

1. Absence of big hitters in the middle and late order.

Probable Squad:

Virender Sehwag (Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan, Shoaib Malik/Mohammad Asif, Maharoof, Dinesh Karthik, Daniel Vettori, Glenn McGrath, Manoj Tiwary, Rajat Bhatia and Mithun Manhas.

Coach: Gregg Shipperd.

Hyderabad is looking strong in batting while Delhi has world class bowling attack. Match result will depend on how Hyderabad big hitters will tackle Glenn McGrath, Asif and Daniel Vettori. Hyderabad management should not indulge “selection politics” to win this match and need to play their best local players. Hyderabad should open with Gilchrist- Raviteja to build a solid platform while Delhi’s hopes will depend on Sehwag-Gambhir opening pair

Shanes stunned Mohali IPL

“Shanes” did it! Underdog Jaipur squad stunned Punjab Kings in an IPL T20 match at Sawai Man Singh stadium in Jaipur. Mohali IPL suffered their second successive defeat despite having so many international stars in their squad. Shane Warne and Shane Watson steered Jaipur to a comfortable victory. Rajasthan Royals defeated Punjab Kings by 6 wickets with 11 balls to spare. Both captains played well in this match but Yuvraj was not supported by teammates. This is a shocking loss to confident Mohali.

Toss: Yuvraj won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat batting paradise.

Jaipur coach and captain Shane Warne bowled a superb spell by giving just 19 runs in his 4 overs and took 3 crucial wickets of Yuvraj Singh, Kumara Sangakkara and James Hopes. He guided inexperienced Jaipur bowling attack in restricting Mohali to comfortable 165 runs. Munaf Patel and Shane Watson chipped in well with a sharp piece of medium pace.

Shane Watson scored 76 runs 49 balls with 5 fours and 5 sixers. Ravinder Jadeja played a cameo knock in the end by hitting crucial 36 runs in 25 balls under stressful conditions. Their partnership of 69 runs in 43 balls turned this tight match into a one sided one. I can’t understand why Mohali picked Sreesanth and Piyush Chawla who are not ideal T20 bowlers. Yuvraj should stop selecting his friend Sreesanth for the team's cause. Wayward bowlers will be brutally exposed by batsmen in twenty20 games. Irfan Pathan escaped the onslaught of Rajasthan Royals with an intelligent bowling.

Earlier, Yuvraj Singh helped Punjab to reach 165/8 by hitting 57 runs in just 34 balls. Shane Warne took crucial wickets at vital point of time. Quick loss of wickets in the middle overs of the Mohali innings changed the course of the match.

IPL T20 Cricket match score card:

Punjab Kings Eleven: 166/8 in 20 overs.
Rajasthan Royals: 168/4 in 18.1 overs.
IPL Match result: Jaipur defeated Mohali by 6 wickets.

Man of the match: Shane Watson.

Highlights:

1. Irfan Pathan dropped his brother Yusuf Pathan.

2. This is the sixth successive IPL T20 match where foreign players won the man of the match award. Only God knows when Indian Players win this award.

3. Share Warne (Bowling) and Shane Watson (Batting) are the architects behind this win.

4. Ravinder Jadeja is the young Indian hope who played sensible innings at a crucial point of time.

5. Piyush Chawla helped Punjab with bat with a cameo knock of 24 runs in 11 balls.

6. Rajasthan Royals dropped 2 simple catches. Kaif and Lehman are the culprits.

7. Kamran Akmal played in this match but showed little impact.

8. Shane Warne once again exhibited his genius qualities – Wonderful captaincy, cool bowling and inspirational coaching.

9. Strong Mohali squad is suddenly looking as a weak team after two successive defeats. It will be very difficult for them to reach semi-finals now.

10. Jaipur’s victory will help to spread IPL story in to new markets. Anything can happen in twenty crickets.

Do you know that IPL architect Lalith Modi belongs to Rajasthan?

This T20 match once again prove that Twenty20 cricket is not about brutal onslaught but it is all about sensible cricket in a short period of time.

Bangalore bounced back to beat Mumbai

What a wonderful match! Contrary to Kolkata match, this IPL match is a wonderful exhibition of fine skills by cricket superstars. Bangalore IPL registered a sensational victory by defeating Mumbai Indians in a thrilling encounter at Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai. Bangalore won by 5 wickets with 2 balls to spare. Undoubtedly, this is the best match of IPL tournament. This is what IPL needs to attract more audience. Mumbai audience have tasted the "T20 Mazaa".

South African pair, Kallis-Boucher steered Bangalore Royal Challengers in cool manner in a nerve wrenching thriller. Mark Boucher came when Bangalore needs 9 runs per over. He scored 39 vital runs in just 19 balls to register a sensational victory against favourites Mumbai Indians. This is a sharp bounce back by Royal Challengers after devastating defeat by Kolkata Knight riders.

Toss: Mumbai won the toss and wanted to bat first.

Man of the match: Mark Boucher.

Special player: Shaun Pollock who scored 28 runs in just 12 balls and gave just 17 runs in 4 overs. Pollock is a real all-rounder.

IPL Cricket scorecard:

Mumbai Indians: 165/6 in 20 overs.
Bangalore Royal Challengers: 166/5 in 19.4 overs.

Highlights of the match:

1. Zaheer Khan terrorised Mumbai Indians with his sharp incisive bowling. There is still place for talented bowlers in T20 format. He gave just 17 runs in his 4 overs.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya and Robin Uthappa helped to build Mumbai Innings to respectable 165.

3. Shaun Pollock hit superb shots to score 28 in 12 balls.

4. Kallis is the most expensive bowler for Bangalore who gave 43 runs in 3 overs. No place for slow medium pacers and part time spinners in Twenty20 format.

5. Ashish Nehra is the major culprit for Mumbai loss who gave 45 runs in his 4 overs. Why Mumbai picked Nehra who is in poor form?

6. All the Bangalore batsmen played crucial roles in this win. Top order gave stability and middle order completed formalities.

7. South African cricketers overshadowed others in this match. Zahher Khan and Uthappa are exception.

8. Mumbai batsman Thornley was severely injured by Zaheer Khan’s short ball. This is a nasty injury on eye brow. Thornley is the first batsman to be retired hurt in IPL tournament.

9. Praveen kumar once again bowled a superb spell in the initial overs to contain Mumbai’s top order.

10. Congrats to Bangalore team for proving my pre-match analysis wrong. Class players like Dravid, Chanderpaul and Kallis chipped in with useful knocks.

If Dale Steyn and Misbah-Ul-Haq joins this squad, Bangalore Royal Challengers will emerge as favourites to win IPL 2008 Twenty20 cricket tournament. Mumbai got their selection wrong like Deccan Chargers at Eden Gardens.

Even Lalit Modi may not have expected this range of success for Indian Premier League in such a short span of time. Massive city patriotism is already seen developing in cities like Kolkata.

BCCI should allow IPL teams to play 5-6 foreign players to increase the quality of the games. ICC should accomodate IPL in its future programme calendar there by players from more countries can play in Indian Premier League.

Knight Riders defeated Deccan Chargers in a thriller

Pitches win you matches. Kolkata defeated Hyderabad IPL by 5 wickets in a poorly organised tight match at Eden Gardens dusty track in Kolkata. David Hussey produced a match winning knock (38 crucial runs in 43 balls) under difficult conditions without losing concentration. Failure to win the toss came as a blessing disguise for Sourav Ganguly.

Hyderabad lost this match due to lack of world class spinner. Part time bowlers like Symonds and Styris were exposed in this tight match by Sourav Ganguly and David Hussey.

First they prepared worst pitch then flood Lights were off in the middle of Kolkata innings. All these things are whether due to poor administration or voluntary actions from the unsatisfied CAB members. BCCI should take serious action on the culprits who want to destroy the spirit of the game. These are unforgivable acts from Bengal Cricket Association members. They are doing their best to disrupt the Kolkata IPL image.

IPL T20 cricket match review:

Toss: Laxman won the toss and choose to bat on his favourite ground.

Pitch: Kolkata failed to prepare good pitch for this match. Why curator prepared a sluggish dusty pitch like this for a twenty20 match?

IPL T20 Match result: Kolkata won by 5 wickets against Hyderabad. Kolkata IPL is now leading table.

Man of the match: David Hussey.

IPL match Scores:

Hyderabad IPL: 110/10 in 18.4 overs.
Kolkata IPL: 112/5 in 19 overs.

Highlights of Hyderabad innings:

1. Hyderabad started innings in slow fashion. I can’t understand why it picked a batsman like Venugopala Rao for T20 match.

2. Kolkata bowlers Ishant Sharma and Dinda ideally utilised bad pitch conditions to trouble Hyderabad batsmen.

3. As I said in the last article, Ajit Agarkar was exploited by Adam Gilchrist to score 16 runs in his first over (2 sixers and 1 four).

4. Twenty20 cricket is not for players like Laxman, Dravid and Jaffer. It is better for them to stay away from Indian Premier League and T20 Cricket. Dhoniji, you are right!

5. Adam Gilchrist fell to Murali Karthik by scoring 23 runs in 23 balls. Rohit Sharma failed miserably. He scored zero runs in 3 balls. Hyderabad is in deep trouble. Can Andrew Symonds save this match?

6. Can you believe it? Andrew Symonds is on 8 by facing 20 balls. Hyderabad lost 5th wicket (Scott Styris). Score is 58/5. Symonds is playing patient game.

7. Everyone knew why Arjun Yadav was picked ahead of talented players like Ravi Teja. IPL is no exception for cricket politics. Deccan Chronicle franchise may be paying gratitude by picking this Yadav ahead of others. If you want get cooperation from authorities, pick their sons and relatives. These “Yadavs” have spoiled the careers of good cricketers like Ambati Rayudu.

8. Ajit Agarkar took the crucial wicket of Andrew Symonds to limit the damage in the end overs. Vital wicket for Kolkata Knight Riders. Symonds hit 32 runs in 39 balls.

9. Murali Karthik and Ishant Sharma bowled superbly utilising pitch conditions to their advantage. Shahrukh Khan is the happiest man on earth.

Kolkata innings highlights:

1. Bangalore hero McCullum and Australian Captain Ricky Ponting failed. Ricky Ponting was out for golden duck.

2. David Hussey and Sourav Ganguly tried to resurrect innings with their 47 run partnership in the difficult conditions.

3. Poor Hyderabad spinners failed to capitalise suitable pitch conditions.

4. Hyderabad IPL overspent on batsmen. This lack of depth in their bowling will cost them dear in the coming matches.

5. Andrew Symonds gave 20 runs in his first 2 overs at a crucial period which changed the match course.

6. Pragyan Ojha took the crucial wicket of Sourav Ganguly but much was expected from him on this dust bowl.

7. David Hussey emulated his brother Michael Hussey by playing a match winning knock under difficult conditions in front of 90,000 passionate crowd. Hatsoff to Hussey family for bringing so much joy to us.

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers squad:

VVS Laxman (Captain), Adam Gilchrist (Vice-Captain), Andrew Symonds, Rohit Sharma, Scott Styris, Arjun Yadav, Y. Venugopala Rao, RP Singh, Vaas, Pragyan Ojha and Sanjay Bangar.

Kolkata Knight Riders squad:

Sourav Ganguly (Captain), Brendon McCullum, Ricky Ponting, David Hussey, Dinda, Karthik, Mohammad Hafeez, Shukla, Saha, Ajit Agarkar and Ishant Sharma.

Note: BCCI should investigate whether there is any conspiracy behind this “dust bowl” pitch. Dissatisfied CAB officials may do these types of nasty things. BCCI should take serious action on the curator of Eden Gardens. Sunday crowd at Eden Gardens expected fireworks from both sides but they got dust bowl. Anything can happen in Kolkata.

Why Hyderabad lost this match?

1. They failed to read the pitch properly.

2. Lack of good bowling attack to save small total.

3. Not opening with Gilchrist- Raviteja combination.

4. Robin Sharma's duckout at crucial period.

5. David Hussey's cool composure.

6. They selected accumulators like Styris and Venugopala Rao which a fatal error in a Twenty20 match.

MATCH4: KOLKATA KONIGHT RIDERS VS HYDERABAD

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MATCH 5: MUMBAI INDIANS VS ROYAL CHALLENGERS HIGHLIGHTS

IPL Jaysurya's RunOut

IPL Wow what a Catch

ZAHER KHAN CATCH

MATCH5: MUMBAI INDIANS VS ROYAL CHALLENGERS

CAPTAIN:

SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR NOT IN THE TEAM;

HARBAJAN SINGH IS THE CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM

PITCH REPORT:
1ST BATTING TEAM CAN SCORE NEARLY 180...AND HARE TO CHASE IT.

TOSS:
HARABAJAN TOOSESS AND WON THE TOSS....N LOOKING TO BAT FIRST

MATCH REFREE:
JAVAKAL SREENATH

match4:Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan Chargers, IPL

Kolkata's 2nd Win in a Row......

Last Over & Celebration @ Kolkata v Deccan Chargers

Kolkata's 2nd Win in a Row

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings Highlights [ 0.1 - 16.4 Ovrs ]

Kolkata Knight Riders Full Innings [16.4 - 19.0 Ovrs ]

Deccan Chargers Innings Highlights [20/04/08] [ IPL ]


Wicket @ Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan Chargers, IPL

DC Wickets Highlights @Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan

Laxman Wicket - 4th Match IPL - Kolkata vs Deccan

First Wicket @ Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan Chargers, IPL

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3rd Match Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals

IPL 3rd Match Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals Highlights

IPL: 3rd Match Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals 1 inning

IPL: 3rd Match Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals 2 inning

Rajasthan Royals Innings Highlights [19/04/08] [ IPL ]

IPL: Delhi vs Rajasthan - Presentation

IPL 3rd Match - Delhi vs Rajasthan - Presentation Cermony

match 2: chennai super kings vs punjab XI

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chennai sup. kings vs kings of punjab highlits 1st innings

Hussey 100 Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings, IPL, Mohal

19th over chennai vs punjab

IPL chennai vs punjab last over

IPL T20 Chennai SK vs Kings XI punjab match highlights1

IPL: 2nd Match - Kings XI v Super Kings Highlights - Part2/2

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IPL 1st Game Kolkata Knight Riders Innings McCullum's 158*

Hyderabad takes on Kolkata Knight Riders

This is the most awaited match between two strong IPL teams. Hot favourite Hyderabad Deccan Chargers will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Hyderabad is hampered by 4- foreign player rule while Kolkata IPL is on high after decimating Bangalore Royal Challengers in the opening match. But Knight Riders will have to play at their best to win against Deccan Chargers.

Both teams are looking weak in bowling department. Ishant Sharma is crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders. If Adam Gilchrist nullify Ishant Sharma’s factor, Kolkata will be in trouble. Shahrukh Khan is once again betting big on “Bangalore match hero” Brendon McCullum. We have to see how Hyderabad control McCullum in this match and win match.

Crucial players:

1. Andrew Symonds – who can destruct any bowling attack and can bowl and field. Real T20 all-rounder.

2. Adam Gilchrist: If he is still at crease after 5 overs, Hyderabad wins the match.

3. Brendon McCullum: Can you forget his Bangalore innings.

4. Ishant Sharma: He should take Gilchrist's wicket in his first 2 overs.

Match timings: 5 PM onwards.

Stadium: Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Hyderabad needs to face 1 lakh passionate Kolkata fans. Kolkata fans resemble Liverpool fans that create great atmosphere and vehemently support their home team. IPL cricket needs this type of audience. Kolkata audience will view scintillating knocks in this match. Eden Gardens is the "Anfield of Indian Premier League".

Must watch: Shahrukh Khan provides full scale entertainment to the Kolkata viewers at Eden Gardens.

1. Rani Mukherjee dance.
2. Bipasha Basu entertainment. John Abraham may also come.
3. Kareena- Saif Ali Khan couple.
4. Possession from Hatibagan to Eden Gardens.

Good news: West Bengal Government waived entertainment tax for Kolkata Knight Riders. Good times for Bollywood “Badshaw” Shahrukh Khan. He is now "Khan of Good Times".

IPL Match preview:

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers:

Coach: Robin Singh.

Strong points:

1. Presence of Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds. Fearsome batting lineup.
2. Laxman’s intelligence captaincy.
3. Cool Rohit Sharma in the middle order.
4. R.P. Singh and Chaminda Vaas – ideal bowlers for 20-20 format.
5. Watch out for Ravi Teja, Hyderabad Ranji player.

Weak Points:

1. Only 4 foreign players per match rule.
2. Absence of world class spinner. Pragyan Ojha may face Piyush Chawla’s fate.
3. Shahid Afridi and Gibbs are not available for this match.
4. Hyderabad lacks depth in bowling attack due to lack of strong support bolwers.

Hyderabad IPL Team:

VVS Laxman (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Ravi Teja, Sanjay Bangar, Rohit Sharma, Chamara Silva, Scott Styris, RP Singh, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Pragyan Ojha, Sarvesh Kumar, Kalyanakrishna, Vijay Kumar, Arjun Yadav and Venugopala Rao.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Coach: John Buchanan.

Strengths:

1. Ishant Sharma is in superb form.
2. Brendon McCullum- what can I write about him?
3. Ideal team spirit.
4. We should not underestimate David Hussey who may expose Hyderabad support bowlers like Ojha.

Weaknesses:

1. Chris Gayle is not available due to groin injury.
2. Salman Butt and Umar Gul are not available. Salman Butt is in scintillating form.
3. Poor form of Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting.
4. Symonds and Gilchrist may exploit bowlers like Agarkar.

Kolkata IPL Team:

Sourav Ganguly (Captain), Brendon McCullum, Ricky Ponting, Ashok Dinda, David hussy, Ishant Sharma, Ajit Agarkar, Murali Kartik, Mohammad Hafeez, Taibu, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Siddarth Kaul, Cheteswar Pujara, Debabrata Das, Yashpal Singh and Prasanta Saha.

Verdict: Hyderabad Deccan Chargers is marginally ahead due to strong batting lineup. So many match winners in the Hyderabad team may change the match course within a few balls. Match result depends on how Kolkata bowlers control Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds. If Ponting and Ganguly regain their full form, Hyderabad will be in trouble. Kolkata has home advantage due to vintage audience.

Note: Delhi Daredevils crushed Rajasthan Royals in a one sided match. Some readers questioned my negative views on Jaipur IPL team. My opinion is IPL authorities should remove franchise owners who have neither passion for game nor guts. Only Shahrukh and Preity Zinta have passion for IPL cricket and India Cements and Deccan Chronicle owners have guts to build great teams. Anil Ambani should buy Jaipur IPL and build it from scratch. Players like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly should voluntarily withdraw their iconic status like Laxman for team’s cause. IPL is here to stay with minor changes.

Chennai IPL defeated Punjab Kings at Mohali

Michael Hussey’s wonderful century helped Chennai super kings to defeat Mohali Kings eleven in a superb match at PCA ground in Mohali. Chennai IPL defeated Punjab Superkings by 33 runs. Michael Hussey in partnerships with Suresh Raina and Badrinath helped Chennai to reach a mammoth total of 240/5. But Mohali responded in a fighting manner and scored 63 runs in just 6 overs. But they gradually lost wickets in order to increase run rate. Mohali opener James Hopes scored 71 runs in 33 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixers. Yuvraj Singh scored quick fire 23 runs in 13 balls while Sangakkara scored half century in 29 balls but failed to save the match.

Unlike Bangalore match, Both IPL teams entertained weekend crowds with fours and sixers. Only Brett Lee and Muralidharan recorded economy rates below 9 per over. It is complete “Cricketainment” to the Mohali crowds. Only genuine bowlers like Brett Lee and Muralidharan withstood batsman onslaught in T20 cricket. No place for part time bowlers and inexperienced spinners.

IPL started in a grand fashion and Indians are gradually adjusting to the City patriotism. IPL is here to stay forever. ICC should change future programme calendar to accommodate Indian Premier League. BCCI should allow IPL teams to include at least 6 players to raise quality of tournament.

Turning point: Fall of James Hopes wicket changed the course of the match.

Man of the Match: Michael Hussey (Chennai Superkings).

Toss: Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first.

IPL Cricket Scores:

Chennai Superkings: 240/5 in 20 overs.
Punjab Kings Eleven: 207/4 in 20 overs.

Highlights of Chennai IPL innings:

1. Mathew Hayden and Michael Hussey played comfortably against Brett Lee. Sreesanth disappointed Mohali fans with wayward bowling in the initial overs. Brett Lee bowled a wonderful ball to send Parthiv Patel back to pavilion.

2. Wilkin Mota dropped Hayden (when he is on 11 runs) in the bowling of James Hopes. This is Hope’s first ball in IPL tournament. Irfan Pathan reduced damage by taking Hayden’s wicket in the next over.

3. Dhoni disappointed cricket lovers by scoring just 1 run in 3 balls. Twenty20 cricket always threw surprises.

4. Suresh Raina was named as one of the future cricket stars by Wisden magazine and he was rated very highly by Greg Chappell. He scored some stunning shots in this match. Indian Cricket needs players like him. Coached need to groom players like him.

5. Michael Hussey – Suresh Raina combination stabilized Chennai innings after initial hiccups. They brutally exposed Piyush Chawla in his first over by scoring 19 runs (2 sixers and 1 four). They scored 20 runs in Karan Goel’s next over (2 sixers and 1 four). 39 runs in those 2 overs. Brutal assault. Chennai superkings scored 127 runs in the first 12 overs.

6. Wilkin Mota gave Mohali much needed break by taking the wicket of Suresh Raina. Suresh Raina scored 32 runs in just 13 balls. He is a great fielder and good T20 batsman.

7. Jacob Oram disappointed fans by scoring just 11 runs in 10 balls. Chennai expected McCullum act from Oram.

8. Sreesanth is not a suitable bowler for Twenty20 cricket. Line and Length is crucial in this format. He completely failed to utilize Mohali pitch. Mohali overpaid for this bowler. They paid for his flamboyancy and advertisement needs. Irfan Pathan’s medium pace failed to contain runs. He gave 42 runs in his 4 overs.

9. Michael Hussey gave cricket lesson to those who think that T2O cricket is not real cricket. He beautifully built his innings as he does in tests and one day matches. He is the most reliable batsman in the current international cricket. He scored fastest century in IPL tournament by hitting 100 runs in just 50 balls.

IPL Cricket records:

1. Michael Hussey scored fastest century in Indian Premier League. He scored century in just 50 balls by hitting 7 fours and 8 sixers. He spared no bowler in his magnificent innings. Brendon McCullum scored century in 53 balls yesterday.

2. Chennai Superkings scored highest runs in a single innings. They scored 240 runs in 20 overs.

3. James Hopes gave 25 runs in a single over. An IPL Cricket record.

4. Michael Hussey scored second highest number of sixers in IPL tournament (10 sixers).

5. Both teams crossed 200 mark.

IPL Teams:

Chennai Superkings:

M.S. Dhoni (Captain), Mathew Hayden, Parthiv Patel, Suresh Raina, Michael Hussey, Jacob Oram, S. Badrinath, Manpreet Gony, P. Amaranath, Joginder Sharma and Muttiah muralidharan.

Punjab Kings Eleven:

Yuvraj Singh (Captain), James Hopes, Karan Goel, Simon Katich, Kumara Sangakkara, Irfan Pathan, Brett Lee, Pankaj Dharmani, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla and Wilkin Mota

Opinion: Chennai superkings emerged as hot favourite to win inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament after their superb all-round performance in this match.

IPL Cricket preview: Delhi IPL Vs Jaipur Royals

Delhi Daredevils IPL team will take on Jaipur’s Rajasthan Royals at Kotla cricket ground in Delhi. Jaipur is weakened by absence of South African and Pakistan players. Delhi Daredevils team is the strong favourite to win this match. Jaipur’s young players may surprise cricket analysts if they maintain cool composure under stressful conditions.

Match timings: From 8:30 PM onwards. Match is live on Set Max.

Stadium: Ferozeshaw Kotla grounds, New Delhi. Stadium is renovated for IPL tournament.
Pitch: It may help slow bowlers especially in the second innings. Team batting first will have some advantage. Shane Warne and Daniel Vettori will enjoy the favourable conditions.

Interesting duels:

1. Shane Warne and Shane Watson Vs Glenn McGrath.
2. Sehwag and Gambhir Vs Munaf Patel.

Curious point: How Glenn McGrath will bowl in this match after retirement? Will he and Shane Warne remind us about eternal slogan “Class is permanent and form is temporary”!

Delhi Dare devils IPL team:

Positive strengths:

1. Gautam Gambhir in superb form
2. Virender Sehwag – He is simply unpredictable.
3. Home pitch and audience support.
4. Daniel Vettori experience and all-round capabilities.
5. Weak opposition.

Minus Point:

1. Absence of Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Malik.

Coach: Greg Shipard.

Bowling Consultant: Dennis Lillee

Franchise: GMR Holdings.

Brand Ambassador: Akshay kumar.

Players not available: Md. Asif, Shoaib Malik, AB de Villiers and Dilshan.

Team members:

Virender Sehwag (Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan, Manoj Tiwary, Mithun Manhas, Rajat Bhatia, Glenn McGrath, Dinesh Karthik, Daniel Vettori, Tejaswi Yadav, Maharoof, Mayank Tehlan, Sangwan, Mahesh, Amit Mishra, Brett Geeves, Yogesh Nagar.

Rajasthan Royals IPL Team:

Positive points:

1. Presence of too many unknown youngsters is its plus and minus point.
2. Shane Warne is a dangerous bowler and fighting character.
3. Superb fielding side.
4. Big hitters like Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan.

Minus points:

1. Absence of Graeme Smith and Kamran Akmal.
2. Weak batting and bowling side.

Coach and captain: Shane Warne.

Players not available: Graeme Smith, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal, Morne Morkel, Sohail Tanvir and Mascarenhas.

Team members:

Shane Warne (Captain), Md. Kaif, Shane Watson, Ravindra Jadeja, Justin Langer, Darren Lehman, Yusuf Pathan, Siddarth Trivedi, Anup Revandkar, Jaydev Shah, Neeraj Patel, Munaf Patel, Mahesh Rawat, Dinesh Salunkhe, Sumit khatri, Parag More, Aditya Angle, Pankaj Singh, Swapnil Asnodkar and Taruwar kohli.

My verdict: Delhi IPL can easily defeat Jaipur IPL team in a one sided match due to absence of important cricketers like Graeme Smith, Morkel and Kamran Akmal in the Rajasthan Royals squad.

Chennai SuperKings take on Punjab Kings

Chennai Superkings IPL team will take on Punjab kings eleven IPL team at PCA ground in Mohali. This is a twenty20 IPL match between kings of same strength. Unlike Bangalore IPL match, this match will go to last over to decide winner. I am routing for youthful vibrancy of Mohali IPL team. Chennai’s lack of world class fast bowlers will become its major Achilles heel. If Brett Lee fails, Mohali will succumb to big defeat. Pitch: It helps fast bowlers. It is interesting to see how Mathew Hayden will tackle Brett Lee on this fast track. Mohali may elect to field if it wins the toss.

Stadium: Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) ground, Mohali.

Match timing: From 5 PM live on Set Max channel.

Must watch:

1. Bhangra dance by Punjab dance group.
2. Preity Zinta.

Strange thing: Punjab Ranji fast bowler Manpreet Gony is playing for Chennai IPL team.

Interesting battles:

1. Muralidharan Vs Sangakkara and Jayawardene.

2. Brett Lee Vs Mathew Hayden and Michael Hussey.

3. Mahendra Singh Dhoni Vs Yuvraj Singh

Chennai Super Kings IPL Team:

Strengths:

1. Most balanced outfit.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni- cool captain and big hitter.
3. Jacob Oram is the most dangerous all-rounder in International cricket.
4. Mathew Hayden is the highest scorer in the twenty20 cricket world cup.
5. Muralidharan’s spin magic.

Weaknesses:

1. Makhaya Ntini and Morkel are not available for this match due to domestic obligations.
2. Balaji will miss this match due to lack of fitness.
3. Absence of world class fast bowlers.
4. Absence of all-rounder Morkel is a serious blow to Chennai chances.

Coach: Kepler Wessels.

Franchise: India Cements.

Chief selector: V.B. Chandrasekhar.

Brand Ambassadors: Vijay and Nayantara.

Team probables: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Parthiv Patel (Wicketkeeper), Mathew Hayden, Jacob Oram, Suresh Raina, Michael Hussey, Stephen Fleming, Muttaih Muralidharan, Joginder Sharma, Abhinav Mukund, V. Sivaramakrishnan, Arun Karthik, Anirudha Srikanth, R. Ashwin, P. Amaranath, S. Badrinath and M. Gony.

Punjab Kings Eleven IPL team:

Strengths:

1. Yuvraj Singh is the ideal batsman for 20-20 cricket.
2. Home ground advantage.
3. World number one fast bowler Brett Lee
4. Irfan Pathan all-round capabilities.
5. Young team and good fielding side.
6. Simon Katich’s experience in the twenty20 cricket.

Weaknesses:

1. Piyush Chawla lacks experience in the twenty20 format.
2. Absence of big hitters in the middle order.

Coach: Tom Moody.

Franchise: Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia.

Team: Yuvraj Singh (Captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Simon Katich, Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Pankaj Dharmani, Irfan Pathan, Brett Lee, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, James Hopes, VRV Singh, Romesh Powar, Kylie Mills, Luke Pamarbach and Tanmay Srivatsava.

Verdict: Punjab kings eleven will start as favourite team as Chennai is missing Ntini and Morkel on this fast track. Can Dhoni, Oram and Hayden save Chennai? It depends on how they bat against Brett Lee.

Kolkata IPL crushed Bangalore IPL

Kolkata team vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (test team) in a one sided twenty20 match at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore. Kolkata defeated Bangalore by a big margin of 140 runs. Batting first, Kolkata IPL scored 222/3 in 20 overs thanks to magnificent 158 not out by Brendon McCullum. But Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly failed to entertain the crowds. In response, Bangalore IPL was all out for 82 runs in 15.1 overs. Bangalore people may find it difficult to digest their team’s lack of fighting spirit. Except all-rounder Praveen kumar, not even a single Bangalore batsman has shown minimum fighting spirit and application in facing Kolkata Knight Riders. Shahrukh Khan is the happiest man on earth after seeing the wonderful all-round performance by his team. Kolkata IPL outclassed Bangalore IPL in batting, bowling and fielding.

Bangalore challengers started their innings in horrible way by losing 4 wickets for 24 runs in 6 overs. Test stars like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Wasim Jaffer failed miserably along with Indian under-19 captain Virat Kohli. India young sensation, Ishant Sharma terrorised Dravid, Kallis and Jaffer in his initial overs. Even experienced hard hitter Mark Boucher fell cheaply to Kolkata captain Sourav Ganguly.

IPL started in a spectacular fashion at Chinnaswamy stadium which was well attended by famous cricket dignitaries. Music show by Shankar Mahadevan and Laser show enthralled the Bangalore crowds. But McCullum innings overshadowed all these things.

IPL Match analysis:

Toss: Bangalore Royal Challengers won the toss and elected to field.

Highlights of the match:

1. Brendon McCullum gave sensational start to this prestigious tournament by hitting 18 runs in the Zaheer Khan’s over. He hit 10 fours and 13 sixers in his memorable innings.

2. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid clearly struggled in their brief stay at crease and these icons are big burden for their franchisees (That’s why Dhoni doesn’t like these seniors).

3. Bangalore cricket lovers may find it difficult to forget wonderful century by Brendon McCullum.

4. Praveen Kumar is the only Bangalore batsman to reach double digits in their innings. He is the only bangalore bowler who troubled Kolkata batsmen in his first spell.

IPL Records:

1. This twenty20 match will be remembered forever as the first game of Indian premier League Cricket tournament.

2. Brendon McCullum scored first century of IPL cricket tournament.

3. McCullum’s 158 is highest ever score in the twenty20 cricket history.

4. McCullum hit highest number of sixers (13 sixers) in a single 20-20 innings.

5. Cameroon White gave 24 runs in a single over. IPL record.

IPL Scores:

Kolkata Knight Riders: 222/3 in 20 overs.
Bangalore Royal Challengers: 82 all out in 15.1 overs.

IPL Teams:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Sourav Ganguly (Captain), Brendon McCullum (Wicket keeper), Ricky Ponting, Mohammad Hafeez, David Hussey, Debabrata Das, W. Saha, Ajit Agarkar, Ishant Sharma, Murali Karthik and Laxmi Ratan Shukla.

Bangalore Royal Challengers:

Rahul Dravid (Captain), Mark Boucher (Wicket Keeper), Cameroon White, Jacques Kallis, Wasim Jaffer, B. Akhil, Virat Kohli, Ashley Noffke, Zaheer Khan, Sunil Joshi and Praveen Kumar.

My opinion: Rahul Dravid and other managers misguided energetic Vijay Mallya in selecting ideal twenty20 team for Royal Challengers. They picked wonderful test team. Vijay Mallya was deceived by these cricket brains. Dravid should learn lessons from Laxman (Laxman sacrificed his iconic status for the benefit of his team). Mallya learned a big cricket lesson in the best possible way.

IPL authorities may have felt happy after seeing superb century by Brendon McCullum but unhappy after seeing worst performance by Bangalore IPL team.

Please share your opinion on this match.

IPL Official website is now live

Official website of Indian Premier League (iplt20.com) is launched by Live Current Media who also maintains bcci.tv. They want to present this site in the mould of English Premier League football club sites where you can view match videos, interact with fellow fans and shop for cricket merchandise. Live Current Media also owns cricket.com.

Live Current Media Inc. will work in association with Indian Premier League in maintaining the official website of IPL. They are paying $ 50 million to BCCI over 10 years as part of deal. As per agreement, popular cricket websites like Cricinfo and Cricket365 can’t able to provide live updates and commentary of IPL cricket games but TV news channels can broadcast short clips during news time.

From now onwards, IPLT20.com is the official online portal for Indian Premier League.

Highlights of the website:

1. Comprehensive multimedia section comprising of Audio, Video and photographs.

2. Live scorecards of IPL twenty20 matches.

3. Analysis (Previews and Reviews) of IPL Cricket matches.

4. Fantasy cricket game application for facebook users.

5. Profiles and interviews of IPL Cricketers and teams.

6. Schedule and results of Indian Premier League matches.

7. Tickets availability information.

8. IPL Contests and polls for interactivity.

9. Email newsletter with latest IPL news updates.

10. Records and other statistical information of Indian Premier League.

11. You can shop for cricket merchandise on iplt20.com

Improvements needed:

1. No live streaming of IPL cricket matches.

2. You need to pay to download videos and pictures.

My Rating: 4/5.

Click here to visit the official website of Indian Premier League.

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