Pakistan reaches the semi-finals of ICC World Twenty20

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Tuesday, Oct. ) - The last Super Eight Round match between India and South Africa was still under process; when Pakistan sails through to the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20, as soon as South Africa gone past 121. 

Pakistan reaches the semi-finals of ICC World Twenty20

Faf du Plessis played an impressive knock of 65 off 38 balls. Although South Africa loses by 1 run but their brave effort gives lifeline to Pakistan, who were put on the edge by India thrashing them comprehensively this Sunday. 

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Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis led KKR through to the title of IPL 2012

CHENNAI, India (Mon, May 28) – Gambhir-led spirited Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerges as the champions in the fifth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) after thrashing the two0time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 5 wicket on their home ground on Sunday night.

Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis led KKR through to the title of IPL 2012

A once-in-a-lifetime innings of 89 off just 48 balls by Himachal Pradesh Ranji player Manvinder Bisla and an equally stirring 49-ball 69 by Jacques Kallis guided the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise to the title with a five-wicket win in the final.

Chasing a daunting task of 191 KKR lost their skipper and inform batsman in very first over of their innings’ but no body knows that it will be all-Bisla show later on, who was gracefully supported by veteran Jacques Kallis to lead their team to first ever IPL title.  

Manvinder Bisla took the charge after Gambhit fell to an in-cutter of Ben Hilfenhaus on the last ball of the first over. Bisla played an extraordinary innings to keep the required run rate under control at any point of time during their batting. He was very well supported by experienced Kallis. 

Continue reading and watch the photos of winning moments for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

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Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

CHENNAI, India (Sun, May 27) – The grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2012) is just hours away now and speculations, match previews and experts’ analysis are pouring on. 

Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) qualified in third consecutive IPL final beating Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) in ‘eliminator’ and second qualifier respectively. They produced extraordinary performances in both of these matches which hugely contrast their lethargic approach on the league stages, which led them on the brink of early elimination but Bangalore’s upset defeat in the hands of Deccan Chargers (DC) proved a lifeline for Chennai.

Chennai didn’t look back since then and bashed Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils to make their way into the grand finale and proved that they have the “X-Factor” for the big occasion.

History and the recent momentum of the Chennai Super Kings definitely points toward CSK’s victory that would not only seal a hat-trick of triumphs, but would also end a fairytale script – one that saw them in a precarious position, banking on other results for qualification into the play-offs. On the field of play, they will face the inspired Kolkata Knight Riders, who would do everything to stand between the home side and history.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will definitely rely upon their lethal spin attack led by the second top wicket-taker in this season, Sunil Narine, is tailor-made for this track. The skipper Gautam Gambhir will also have to play his role with the bat and will certainly need a support from veteran Brendon McCullum and Jacques Kallis in both batting and bowling field. Shakib Al Hassan will also be a key if KKR wants to be champion in this season.

Yusuf Pathan has struggled throughout the season and the performance in the first qualifier would do his confidence a world of good.

 Laxmi Ratan Shukla played a crucial knock and supported Pathan brilliantly. The duo would have to perform similar roles in the final and go for the kill when they get a bat.

 In case Gambhir gets out early, they may have to take on more responsibility as Kallis and McCullum aren’t in their best nick. Debabrata Das would also be a vital cog in their machinery.

 If one compares the two sides, Chennai are on balance, but Kolkata’s Narine and Gambhir can turn the game in their favor overcoming the ‘X-Factor’ of defending champs.

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Will Wankhede Stadium be no-go area for KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan..??

MUMBAI, India (Fri, May 18) – The owner of Kolkata Knight Riders/Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan may be banned to enter cricket stadium in Mumbai after a brawl with stadium security staff and officials during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Wednesday night.

Shahrukh Khan having spat with security officials at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is scheduled to hold a meeting today (Friday, May 18) to discuss a move to ban Shahrukh Khan from entering Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Vilasrao Deshmukh, the president of MCA, had said earlier that there was a suggestion before the association to ban Mr Khan from entering the stadium. Deshmukh will preside the MCA meeting today to decide on the issue.

 The MCA has indicted Shahrukh Khan of misbehaving during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the hosts Mumbai Indians on May 16. MCA officials have also lodged a police complaint against the Shahrukh Khan. 

Shahrukh has defended his actions saying he became angry after the security "manhandled" youngsters, including his own kids, accompanying him. 

Shahrukh Khan clarified his position saying that the stadium officials had been "very rude" to him. 

"They were extremely aggressive. Some of the things they said I don't even want to repeat. And yes I got angry," he told reporters on Thursday. 

Khan further told that he had not watched the match but gone to the stadium to pick up a group of 30 youngsters and his own children who had watched the match. 

Report Tags: Shahrukh Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, IPL, India, Cricket, Mumbai Cricket Association, MCA, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Wankhede Stadium, Kolkata Knight Riders, KKR,

Gautam Gambhir led KKR to win over KXIP in 22nd match of IPL 2012

Gautam Gambhir led by example as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) comprehensively by 8 wickets in the 22^nd match of IPL 2012 played yesterday night here at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Chandigarh.

Gautam Gambhir led KKR to win over KXIP in 22nd match of IPL 2012

KKR skipper played an unbeaten 66-run knock off just 44 balls to lead his team to the third victory in this season. Jacques Kallis also played his role contributing by 30 off 23 to ease up the target of 125 set by Punjab (KXIP).

KXIP won the toss and elected to bat first; but Adam Gilchrist (40 off 30) and Shaun Marsh (33 off 30) were the two main contributors to the total of 124/7. No other batsmen succeeded to get into double figure except David Hussey (10 off 14). KKR bowlers kept a very tight line to curtail the host’s batsmen silent throughout their batting. Brett Lee and Sunil Narine picked up 2 wickets each for KKR.

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VIDEO: Yuvraj Singh welcomed passionately by his fans at IGI Airport, New Delhi

New Delhi, India (Mon, April 09) – India’s ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in USA for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, returned to homeland today to a inspiring reception from loving fans.

Yuvi coming out of IGI Airport with his mother Shabnam

Yuvi flew back via British Airways today morning after spending few days in London to recover from the after-effects of the chemotherapy and was received by his mother Shabnam at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Yuvraj back in India after completion of cancer treatment and this is what he tweeted:

"Finally the day has come ! i am going home tomorrow ! cant wait , excited to see my friends and family ..see you India!! mera bharat mahan!"

His head, which went bald during the treatment, was covered by a red sports cap. Wearing a red T-shirt teamed with Khaki pants, Yuvraj made his way through hordes of fans and waiting media personnel after coming out from back gate of the airport.

Flashing a victory sign and a smile, the 30-year-old walked through patiently towards a white Audi SUV, which drove him to his home in North Indian city of Gurgaon from the airport.

"It (the cancer) is completely out of his system and he is better now," a friend who was with him London during the treatment said.

The Man of the Tournament from last year's World Cup, which India won after 28 years, had gone to the United States for treatment in January.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yuvraj-singh-arrives-delhi/1/183571.html

Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, won 6-year deal to broadcast Indian Cricket for whopping Rs 3851 Crore

MUMBAI, India (Mon, Apr 02) – Star TV India has won BCCI deal for domestic TV rights in India. Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, have won the right for a period of about 6 years from 2012-2018 for US$750 million (approximately Rs 3851 crore). The deal also includes internet and mobile rights of 96 matches to be played during this 6-year period.

Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, won 6-year deal to broadcast Indian Cricket for whopping Rs 3851 Crore

The bid will cost US$7.86 million (about 40 crore) per match to Star Group, which is US$1.48 million more than the previous broadcaster – Nimbus, paying US$6.38 per match.

The other major bidder in contention was Sony, which presently owns the rights to broadcast the India Premier League (IPL) matches. The recent bid won by Star Group include all international cricket in India, and domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy.

The BCCI has to issue a new tender after it discontinued its previous contract with Nimbus in December 2011, due to non-payment with respect to contract.

The matter has subsequently been referred for arbitration, with the Bombay High Court ruling that Nimbus must deposit Rs. 305 crores (approx US$60 million) with the court as security for the amount the BCCI claims it is owed by the company. Nimbus has also made a counter-claim of Rs. 600 crores (approx US$118 million) from the board.

The production rights, which were with Nimbus so far, have been scrapped by the BCCI. ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI might be thinking of owning the production rights itself instead of giving it to a private party. But a board official also made it clear that Star Group will have a far greater say in editorial matters compared to Nimbus. "They (Star) will not be taking things lying down like Nimbus. They have far greater experience in broadcasting and will want to have a bigger say in editorial matters," the board official told ESPNcricinfo.

The BCCI's marketing committee set the price for category A games at Rs. 31.25 crores per match (approx $6.1 million) plus Rs. 1 crore (approx $0.2 million) while category B games were set at Rs. 34 crores (approx $6.67 million) plus Rs. 1 crore. The contract with Nimbus had a base price of Rs. 31.25 crores (approx $6.1 million) per game for each of the three formats purely for the broadcast rights.

The board did attempt to sell the internet rights separately last year, but the tender found no takers at the initial base price of Rs. 3 crores (approx $0.6 million) or its subsequently reduced price of Rs. 2 crores (approx $0.4 million).

India not sure to play in final despite a thrilling win against Pakistan in Asia Cup

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Sun, Mar. 18) – Asia Cup 2012 (Pakistan v India) - Scores: Pakistan 329-6 in 50 overs (Nasir Jamshed 112, Mohammad Hafeez 105, Younus Khan 52) v India 330-4 in 47.5 overs (Virat Kohli 183, Rohit Sharma 68, Sachin Tendulkar 52)

Virat Kohli is pumped up after reaching his third hundred in four ODIs

© AFP

Not India but Virat Kohli beat Pakistan in a high-scoring affair here at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The match proved to be a thriller as expected always for the contest between these arch-rivals. 

India successfully chased 329 rather comfortably in the end. This is India's highest chase in ODIs, beating their Natwest final heroics in 2002. The very special innings by Virat Kohli was the essence of India’s victory. Kohli smashed 183 off 147 balls, hitting 22 boundaries and a towering sixer. He was named man of the match for his memorable innings. 

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Tendulkar's 100th ton wasted by poor bowling, capitalized by smart Bangla tigers

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Sat, Mar. 18) – Bangladesh vs India (Asia Cup 2012): What a match it was! Will be remembered for very long time for the thrilling victory of Bangladesh and might even longer for the milestone achieved by the Little Master Saching Tendulkar.

Tendulkar's 100th ton wasted by poor bowling, capitalized by smart Bangla tigers

The hosts of Asia Cup 2012 have certainly avoided the possible elimination from the tournament. Now all three teams except Pakistan, which have already qualified for final, have their chances to qualify for the final on March 22. 

Bangladesh victory was certainly proved to be a big shock for India; but it revitalizes the hopes of Sri Lanka to enter into final by beating the hosts in their final league match, scheduled on March 20.  

Right now, after upsetting defeat of India; there’s no big change on the points table as Pakistan still on top, followed by India and Bangladesh respectively. Both have four points, but India ahead in terms of NRR.

There are following possibilities in the remaining two league matches which can affect the second finalist to be decided…….

Continue reading below and see the updated points table/team positions.

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Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Smash Centuries to Help India Get a Winning Start in Asia Cup

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Wed, Mar. 14) – The second match of Asia Cup 2012 was played yesterday between India and Sri Lanka at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. India comprehensively beat Sri Lanka by 50 runs and leading the points table with a better net run rate (NRR).

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Samsh Centuries to Help India Get a Winning Start in Asia Cup

India’s cricketing reputation was on stake after the debacle in the recent series in Australia and they fought well to restore their pride to some extent. The all-round performance by the men in blue helped the team to get confidence back a bit.

Sri Lanka won the toss and invited India to bat first, the decision which proved even worse than the one taken by Mushfiqur Rahim in the match against Pakistan on Sunday.

Though, India lost little master Sachin Tendulkar on very early stages of the innings but Gautam Gambhir and man-in-form Virat Kohli played memorable innings to help india pile up a massive score of 304 on the cost of just three wickets. Both, Kohli and Gambhir, completed their centuries with a difference of just one ball; but could last long after they overcome the pressure of nervous nineties. 

See the updated points table and continue reading below:

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Australia won Perth Test -- Ben Hilfenhaus cleaned up the India tail with three wickets in five balls

India were outclassed by a huge margin of an innings and 37 runs in the third test against Australia just concluded at WACA, Perth. 

Ben Hilfenhaus cleaned up the India tail with three wickets in five balls

 The nightmarish run of men in blue continues in Australia as they crumbled for 171 in the second innings of the third test falling short of 37 runs from Australia’s first innings score of 369.

At lunch on day three in Perth, India were tottering at 165-6 in their second innings, still 43 away from Australia's first-innings total of 369. Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 69, with debutant Vinay Kumar on six.

The only resistance came from Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid; but once Dravid clean bowled by Harris, yet again, it looked like over for the tourists. Kohli was the highest runs getter in the second innings with his well-made 75, Dravid made 47 while no other batsmen succeeded to reach the double figure other than openers Gautam Gambhir (14) and Virender Sehwag (10).

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India piled up 418 as Sehwag stunned Windies with 219-run world record innings

INDORE, India (Dec. 08) – India finishes their brilliant batting innings piling up gigantic 418 runs for the loss of five wickets in the fourth ODI of the series against West Indies.

Virender Sehwag punishes West Indies with record-breaking ODI innings

Today is certainly a stunning and memorable day in the history of cricket as India's blazing opener Virender Sehwag played a historical ODI innings of 219 runs off just 149 balls. He broke the record (200 not out) of his own teammate, the little master Saching Tendulakar.

Earlier batting first after winning the toss; Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Guatam Gambhir gave the hosts a flying start in the fourth ODI gainst West Indies at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.

Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina also scored healthy knocks of 67 (67) and 55 (44). Rohit Sharma (27) and Virat Kohli (23) blazed in the last moments to lead India to get past 400-mark.

Yuvraj Singh under treatment for lungs tumour -- Mother hailed support from BCCI and team mates

NEW DELHI, India (Nov. 26) – India’s classy left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh suffering from "non-malignant tumour" in his left lung – the actual reason behind his requested exit from upcoming ODI series against West Indies. He is also likely to miss the Test series in Australia.

Yuvraj Singh Under Treatment for Lungs Tumour

Reportedly, Yuvraj Singh has only played one Test match against England since India won the ICC World Cup 2011 and has been dealing with health problems since then.

The initials reports and scans suggested that Singh was having some serious health issues due to a golf-ball-sized bulge was located over his left lung; which in medical terms is called an abnormal tumor called ‘lymphoma’. There were quite significant chances that the tumour could be malignant; but doctors advised to undergo even thorough diagnosis process.

The detailed scanning and biopsy reports, after returning back from England’s tour, although negated the seriousness of the issue and the tumor diagnosed finally as non-malignant and non-threatening that can be cured through proper medication and therapy.

“In medical terms, Yuvraj is now in a much better state and on his way to a full recovery,” Yuvraj's mother Shabnam said in a statement.

Shabnam further told that Yuvraj wasn’t in hurry at all for his return to the Indian team; therefore, he had notified the BCCI about his unavailability for the West Indies series.

"Now his entire focus is to re-gain full fitness. He is already preparing himself to play the one-day series in Australia. He doesn't want to rush things, he wants to be hundred percent fit before resuming his cricket for India," she said further in her statement.

Shabnam also appreciated the support of BCCI and Yuvraj's team-mates in this time of crisis.


Watch video report on Yuvi's health concerns below:


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