India eventually submitted to ICC and opened its gates to 20:20 cricket. This means that this format of the game would be played at the domestic level.
The format which has been formulated to spread the popularity of the game, has many features such as a 20 over restriction, 80 minutes for each side and curtailed fielding restrictions apart from other features.
What this means for the viewers and cricket fans in India is a feast for the eyes! With players like Virender Sehwag and Mahendra Singh Dhoni breaking into the international arena and making a making an impression due to the explosive nature of batting, this format of the game would unveil more players such as Sehwag and Dhoni.
But does this endanger the surfacing of players with test match temperament and technique? Nowadays, even test cricket is transforming and acquiring a more aggressive outlook. With players like Gilchrist, Afridi and Sehwag carrying the onus from One day internationals to test arena, this change is evident. What this has led to is the depletion of players with patience and rugged technique such as Rahul Dravid and Kallis.
So, is 20 :20 cricket going to do Indian cricket good? Speak out & post a comment!…
A series of blasts rocked Mumbai today evening killing over 137 people and leaving the city in a state of shock and awe. Mumbai has seen such condemnable acts of terror in the past and it is evident that these blasts are the mindwork of a large nexus as the nature reflects terrific planning and execution.
The people of Mumbai time and again have bounced back giving a beffiting reply to the intentions of anti social elements and terrorists who try to strike people in their hearts with terror.And again this time, the best possible way to reply back is by maintaining solidarity and showing resilience as mumbaikars have always done in the past.
A HORRENDOUS ACT of violence such as this needs to be condemned by all as no religion preaches killing innocent people to preach its teachings or cause. Its the deformed and twisted interpretations of texts by a few to derive mileage for their cause that leads to acts of violence such as this. As the saying goes, its the sin that needs to be condemned and not the sinner.
Though the causes of the blasts have not been disclosed, what ever they maybe, its the core that one needs to address to ensure that in future, Mumbaikars and people in other cities lead a life devoid of insecurities and fear.
As of now, India and every Indian stands by Mumbai and Mumbaikars, condoning these dastardly acts and extends its solidarity to the cause of the people of Mumbai.
Italy beat France and were crowned the world champions of football. In a match which was no less than a roller coaster ride, Italy defended terrifically and assisted by some stellar saves by the Italian goalkeeper Buffon kept the french attack in check.
The French began the scoring and who better than the man who was awarded the Golden Ball award… Zizou aka Zidane! and what a dramatic penalty shoot was that.. the ball hit the bar landed within the line and bounced out!…
What followed was attack and counter attack till Italy converted a terrific corner kick delivery and left the ever animadverous French goalkeeper Barthez at sea. Barthez never appeared any where close to saving the header and was left high and dry, to some extent due to the force in the header and to some extent by the awkward position he was in- low and unbalanced.
Ironically, if one sees the world cup final, one could say that it was a tale of two goalkeepers. While Buffon made a breathtaking save to a header from Zidane which would have crowned the Men in blue as champions, Barthez on the other failed to make an impression, drooling and looking at sea instead of standing tall !
Some rock solid defending by italy spearheaded by the captain Cannavaro himself, Italy made sure that the match was taken to stoppage time and eventually penalty shootout. An unfortunate incident saw Zindane being red carded, an incident which still needs lot of light to be thrown on it. This incident cost France Zizou and ultimately the cup, as France faltered in the shootout and Italy won.
It was a world cup which saw many ups and downs. From an all European finals to the exit of some of the greatest players of our generation such as Zidane and Figo.
But above all, it was a tournament which merged boundaries between countries and ultimately the game reigned supreme.
The second semi-final match between Portugal and France is going to be played today. The two teams have their share of strengths and weaknesses but even then the match will be a closely fought one!
Portugal in their arsenal has the likes of Luis Figo, the captain who has apart from his passing has a whole bag of tricks up his sleeve to baffle any opposition. Also spearheading the attack would be Christiano Ronaldo, Manchester United forward who would look to make a few inroads into the French defence.
The Portugal teams defence would be bolstered with the presence of Miguel and Valente who have kept the oppositions at bay till now. Deco and Tiago in the midfield would look to set up their forwards with some good scoring opportunities. With the acumen of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal would be a team to reckon.
The men in blue would have their task cut out against Portugal. Comprising of a mix of experienced campaigners and would class talent, the team on any day can upset its opposition. Magical Zidane, with his accurate passing and deft touches would look to breach Portugals. Quick silver Thierry Henrys antics would be one of the many noteworthy aspects of the game to watch out!
A good defence combined with solid defence makes France a very tough team to beat. Either ways, the viewers and fans all over the world are up for some feast for the eyes. Whats your pick.. France or Portugal? Post your comment!
A match which millions of fans watched….supporting and praying for their respective teams. But unfortunately there was to be a loser and a winner as is the nature of the game. And yesterday, it turned out to be Itlay who emerged victorious by defeating Germany, the hosts, by 2-0.
It could be said that the match was evenly poised to some extent as the score 0-0 till the end of the the two halves suggested. But it was in the second half of the extra time that Itlay surfaced by launching assauts with regularity and struck twice within a span of five minutes to leave the german fans crest fallen.
Italy lived up to its expectations of defending solidly throughout the match with the likes of Gattuso and Cannavaro. The two removed the sting from the German offence to a great extent. Although there were a few streaks of aggression from German side, the Itlalian formation of four midfielders and four defenders made sure that the threat to was minimal.
Germany on the other hand, tried their best but failed to convert the opportunities which came their way. Captain Ballack, had a few shots at the goal but was off target in the match as the shots went soaring over the bar. Klose was well marked and so was Podolski, who could not penetrate with the same ease into the Italian shooting circle.
Despite a twelve members in the side, Germany even with the twelfth member- the home advantage, failed to make it to the finals, leaving many a hearts broken and many to wait till the next World Cup.
