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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What’s an unbeatable score?

It’s about time for the teams to think that what’s going to be an unbeatable score.Gone are the days when teams used to relax had they scored in excess of 300 runs. In recent past, 300 plus scores have been chased easily. The match played between India and Sri Lanka was an absolute beauty. 

Even after scoring a mammoth score of 414, the match went down to the wire. It was only in the last ball that victory was confirmed by India. The match could have rolled in the favor of SriLanka had they held their nerves till the last moment.

The ODI’s have now gone to the level where even a score in excess of 500 runs cannot be treated as an unbeatable score. The teams can’t be complacent even after scoring a big total. We won’t be surprised if a double century will be scored in ODI in some time to come. ShamsnWags reckon that it will be the
Nawab of Najafgarh who will achieve this feat.

Most of the cricket boards some how favored the fast format of cricket to earn more revenue and it’s universally known that BCCI is one of the richest board in the world who has, in recent past, approved a lot of ODI’s and T20 tournaments.

Looking at India’s 2010 schedule, we will play only 5 test matches in the entire calendar year, while there will be lot of ODI and T-20 series in addition to IPL season 3.

From players view point, many of them will opt for series of ODI and T20 followed by IPL. rather than showing more interest in Test Matches. It’s also about reaching fame and earning some quick fat moolah.We are no one to question the credibility of the players and board towards their nation, but then there has to be a proper balance in all formats of games while schedules are made.

Please share your views  on 'What's an unbeatable score'

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

लंका दहन






जिस प्रकार भगवन श्री राम और उनकी वानर सेना ने रावण की लंका का दहन कर विजय प्राप्त की थी ठीक उसी प्रकार  तीसरे टेस्ट मैच में धोनी और  उनकी सेना ने श्री लंका को पराजित कर श्रंखला २-० से जीत ली तथाICC Test Ranking में पहले पायेदान पर विराजमान हुए!



 मुंबई के Brabourne Stadium में ३६ साल बाद कोई टेस्ट मैच खेला गया जो ऐतिहासिक बन गया! लंका दहन के महा -नायक अगर हनुमान थे तोह Brabourne में जीत के हीरो वीरेंदर सहवाग रहे! हालांकि वे अपने तिहरे शतक से वंचित हुए परन्तु उनकी २९४ रन की शानदार  पारी ने भारत की जीत की नीव राखी भारत ने ये मैच पारी और २४ रन से जीता और टेस्ट मैचेस की ICC Ranking में पहले स्थान पर कब्ज़ा किया! भारत ने १९३२ में टेस्ट मैचेस में पर्दार्पण (debut) किया था, इस प्रकार ७७ वर्षों के करियर में पहली बार टीम इस स्थान पर पहुंची है! श्रीलंका के साथ २ T-20 मत्चेस और ५ODI अभी खेलना बाकीहै! T-20 का पहला मैच आज ९ दिसम्बर’०९ को  नागपुर में खेला जायेगा! शैम्स n  वैग्स की तरफ से पूरी टीम को जीत की बधाईJJ


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

मामला गंभीर है!!

हमारे देश में क्रिकेट एक खेल न हो के जूनून है और ये जूनून उस वक़्त सर चढ़ के बोलता है जब टीम निरंतर विजय प्राप्त कर रही होती है!क्रिकेट के असली स्वरुप टेस्ट मैचो में पिछले कुछ समय में भारतीय टीम का प्रदर्शनसराहनीय रहा है! लम्बे अरसे से टीम में सलामी जोड़ी की आवश्यकता महसूस की जा रही थी,जो की वीरेंदर सहवाग और गौतम गंभीर के आने से लगभग पूर्ण हुई है! खेल के तीनो प्रारूप में इस जोड़ी ने धमाल मचाया है! हम सभी सहवाग और गौती की बल्लेबाजी शैली(style) बखूबी पहचानते हैं! सहवाग अगर आक्रामक हैं\ तोह गंभीर ने अपनी एक अलग पहचान बना राखी है! व्हो परिस्थिति के मुताबिक़ अपने खेल को ढाल लेते हैं जो की एक अच्चा बल्लेबाज़ ख़ास तौर पर एक सलामी बल्लेबाज़ के लिए बेहद आवयशक है! गंभीर की गंभीरता का परिचय इस बात से लगाया जा सकता है की पिछले ८ टेस्ट मैचेस में उन्होंने ४ शतक बनाये हैं औरहाल ही मैं कानपूर टेस्ट में उनकी सहवाग के साथ साझेदारी ने टीम को विशाल स्कोर करने में मुख्या भूमिका निभाई थी! गंभीर को हाल ही में ICC 'टेस्ट प्लयेर ऑफ़ धी इयर' का खिताब दिया गया था जो की उनकी टेस्ट मैचेस में खेली गयी शानदार पारियों और साझेदारियों का परिचायक है! इस सब को देख के वाकई लगता है“मामला गंभीर है!!!!”

शैम्स

Sunday, November 29, 2009

शतकवीर

हैरान होने की आवशकता नहीं है!ये ShamsnWags  का ब्लॉग ही है! हमें बहुत से पाठकों ने लिखा की एक लेख हिंदी में भी होना चाहिए! तो प्रस्तुत है ये लेख जो भारत की १०० वि  टेस्ट मैच विजय के उपलक्ष में है! कानपूर के ग्रीन पार्क  स्तादियम में खेले जा रहे है श्रेंखला के दुसरे टेस्ट मैच के४ दिन भारत ने श्रीलंका पे शानदार विजय प्राप्त करते हुए पारी और १४४ रन से जीत दर्ज की! ये जीत भारत की टेस्ट मत्चेस में सौवीं जीत है! सही मायनों में पूरी टीम ने इस जीत में योगदान किया परन्तु पहली पारी में  सलामी जोड़ी की\ शानदार पारी थी जिसके फल्स्वरोप भारत ने विशाल\ स्कोर किया और बाद में गेंदबाजों ने श्रीलंका की दोनों\ पारियों को ध्वस्त किया! भारत ने टस जीत कर पहली  बल्लेबाजी का निर्णय लिया जो की पिट्च को देख कर स्वाभाविक था! सहवाग और गंभीर ने भारत को ठोस शुरुवात दी तथा मध्य क्रम  ने ज़बरदस्त जुझारूपन दिखाते हुए पहली पारी में ६४२ का स्कोर खड़ा किया! श्रीलंका की पहली पारी की शुरुवात ख़राब रही जिसके फलस्वरूप पूरी टीम २२९ पे अल आउट हुई और उन्हें फोल्लोओंन खेलना पड़ा! दूसरी\ पारी का हाल भी यही था और पूरी श्रीलंका टीम २६९ भी बिखर गयी! मैच के मुख्या आकर्षण प्रज्ञान ओझा का टेस्ट मत्चेस में पर्दार्पण (debut) तथा स्रीशंत की शानदार वापसी थी! तीसरा और अंतिम टेस्ट मुंबई में २-६ दिसम्बर’०९ को खेला जायेगा! पूरी भारतीय टीम को ShamsnWags की तरफ से बधाई! जय हो!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

David Shepherd Out for 68!!




Who  would jump on the Nelson figure? The world of cricket is at a loss of great umpire David Shepherd. Chubby and jovial is how every one remembers him as. He was the most respected umpire amongst all the players and officials. 'Play Gentleman' would be his words even as he would indicate the players to get ready for the action.
Shepherd was a right handed batsman from Devon. He played county cricket for Gloucestershire from 1965-1979.  Sheps made his international debut as umpire in 1983 World cup. He officiated for the final time in 2005 in a Test Match in Kingston. He would always wish luck to the umpire at the other end. He earned respect from all the cricketers and his decisions were impeccable. If some time he erred in the decision, he would take it too seriously and feel bad about it.
Sound of timber is the death rattle for the batsmen for the innings; same is the case with this great umpire David Shepherd as he reached the end of his innings as he succumbed to cancer at the age of 68.
May Sheps soul rest in peace!!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Orange Aussie Squash


Nagpur is famous for its Oranges, and now people will remember it for the Orange Aussie Squash. The way the Men in Blue  brutally murdered the Aussie attack was absolutely outstanding. Lethal and ruthless was the approach of the Indian’s on the field.Loss in the first match at Vadodara  had made a huge dent and people had already started writing off the Indian’s. Due credit goes to  Dhoni & Co, they got back with vengeance and slaughtered the Aussies. MS displayed his skills and played all the ‘lactose power’. Gautam Gambhir, who continues to be in a good form along with Raina & Sehwag supported the skipper with valuable knocks.
The Ton in this pressure match would now silent Dhoni’s critics. All he had to do is to let his blade do the talking and he obliged.357 is India’s highest against Australia and Dhoni’s 124 run is the highest made by any captain against Australia (Previous best Sanath Jayasurya 122) The mammoth total of 357 was too much for an ask for the Aussie as they were reduced for 45/3 in the first 11th over.
India won with a huge margin of 99 runs.
Time to remind Brett Lee that his wish of 7-0 has already been shattered.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Huma Akram Left Heavenly Abode




Cricketer’s life is full of shocks, both on the field and off the field.
Wasim Akram- got one such shock when his wife Huma Akram left for heavenly abode.
She died at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on 26th October 09. As per the sources, she was struggling and battling for life for past 5 days
Huma died of multiple organ failure. In Wasimbhai’s own words” She has been a rock to me in so many ways, not least in getting me mentally strong for challenges on the field"


Shams N Wags  deeply regret the loss of Wasimbhai’s wife. May her soul rest in Peace!!


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tame the Sledging Kangaroos

"Aussie Sucks Aussie Sucks" will be the buzz in the ground at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara where the Kangaroos will clashing the Indian Tigers for the first match. Playing mind game has always been the trait of the Australians and sledging has been a part of their hygiene. The Indians are no less when it comes to giving it back Although the Australians are on the high after crushing England 6-1 in the ODI and also the T20 World Cup triumph, they can’t breathe easily as they are up against the Indians in their backyard. The ground and weather conditions in India are very different to the situations that they are used to. It’s altogether a different leather hunt when it comes to the conditions in the subcontinent. The attendance in the ground is always in huge numbers and the cheering sound can be deafening for the visitors. I am sure these conditions are no alien for the Aussie, but still they have to hold a hard grip in case they don’t want themselves to be slaughtered as the top guns of the Indian squad are back with vengeance after injury.
With Viru back in top along side Gambhir, Yuvi to patrol the middle order, it’s going to be good competition in the making. Not to forget our swashbuckling master blaster Tendulkar who can adapt to any situation as the team demands. Indian bowling attack seems to look weak at the moment with Zak still out of contention. The ‘Men in Blue’ have to play to their potential well as a unit to beat the Aussie.Bhajji factor always work well against the Australians, lets see if he is able to cast a magical web on the Kangaroos.

There’s loads of excitement as the last match is scheduled in Mumbai at the DY Patil Stadium, a wonder full stadium in Nerul-Navi Mumbai and we are looking forward for that. Things can’t get any better if the last match becomes the decider.

Rest assured for some exciting moments, both cricketing and non cricketing action.
Lets wait and watch how the Indian Tigers tame the Kangaroos!!
Till then good bye from Shams N Wags.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Kudos - South African Dwarf

Even as India is out of the ICC Championship tournament, the only resentment for Nicholas Nicolaides would be that he won’t be singing the Indian National Anthem for some time to come. Nicholas comes across as vertically challenged South African who spell bounded every one by a distinct quality. He sung Indian National Anthem' Jana Gana Mana' with out any mistakes,with proper pronunciation and that too live before the start of the match. This is first time in the history of the cricket event that a local guy has sung the national anthem of different countries live.
Nicholas is an avid cricket fan, and if not for singing, he would have been a cricketer.
Two decades of singing , he is still going strong. In his own words, “There was no part of the Indian National Anthem that was more difficult than the rest to perfect. But I understood the meaning of what I am singing. The words have a powerful meaning”
I am  very much impressed by Nicholas because as it is,our National Anthem brings goose bumps to me, but this time  listening to the National Anthem by a foreigner left me with moist eyes and a lump in my throat. Kudos Nicholas!!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Big Saturday- India Vs Pakistan!!

With Yuvraj down and out of the contention, it’s going to be a tough task for the Indians as they take on their arch rivals Pakistan on Saturday at Centurion. It’s an intense competition as Pakistan is still basking in the Glory of the Victory in T20 World Cup. Right time to catch the opposition napping. Off late Dhoni has been a touch unlucky. First Sehwag and now Yuvraj out of the tournament without playing a single ball. They are the kind of blokes who take away the match from the jaws of the opposition single handed, be it with bat or ball. Yet Dhoni does not have to worry as Indian team is not deprived of the talent. Even if the strikers and hitters are not available, we have our very own swashbuckling master blaster Sachin Tendulkar who can fire all cylinders and can make the opposition look pedestrians. The Wall of India (Rahul Dravid) is standing as tall as ever. Just about time for India to pull up their socks and concentrate on the fielding which will help to pull out a victory out of the hat.

Shams N Wags are already looking forward for a Big Saturday! Are you??

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Victorious Lankans!!

The Champions trophy started off style with the Lankans scoring 300+ runs against the Proteas. Dilshan has been Mr. Dependable for Sri Lanka and yet again he proved it by scoring a century at the Centurion. Sri Lanka won the first match of the league under Duckworth Lewis and they will play their next match against England on 25th September.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka:319/8
South Africa 206/7
Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 55 runs (D/L method)
Player of the Match: T. Dilshan.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Champions Trophy 2009


We are inching towards the last debacle of World cricket calendar for the year.
Yes we are talking about the Champions Trophy. With 8 teams playing for the title and the top four team desperate to retain the top position, it’s going to have some exhilarating contests between the teams.Champions Trophy is also referred as 'Mini World Cup' and it’s played once in every two years.

The teams have been divided in 2 groups. Each team will be playing a match against the same group.
The group structure is as follows
Group A: Australia, India, Pakistan and WI
Group B: England, New Zealand, SA and SriLanka.
India is placed in one of the toughest group as it has the likes of Australia, Pakistan and West Indies. The Champions Trophy will kick start on 22nd September between SA and SL at the Centurion.India will take on Pakistan on 26th September at the same venue and believe us, its going to be as good as a final match. India has never lost to Pakistan in any World cup format and we hope that record remains intact.
Let’s hope to see some wonderful matches in this 50 over format which is talked about losing it's interest over the T20 format.

Posted by: Shams N Wags.
Photo source: livesports-streaming.com

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Compaq Win


After 11 years,Team India finally won a series in Sri-Lanka.Last victory was in the year 1998 in a tri-series. It was a collective effort from the team with both bat and ball. After winning toss MS Dhoni elected to Bat first and the openers responded well by putting 100 run partnership for first wicket. Sachin blasted his 44th century by scoring 138 of 133 balls supported well by half centuries from Dhoni who promoted himself to no.3 and Yuvraj finding quick runs in the end. India went on to make 319/5 in 50 over to set a target of 320 for the hosts on somewhat predictable R Premadassa pitch cracking up in 2nd innings.
The hosts though couldn’t have asked for a better start than this one with Dilshan and Jayasuriya blasting early. It seemed to be a close contest with Indian fielding looking pedestrian and the Lankans converting 1’s into 2’s. Robin Singh - fielding coach, need to work really hard to make this team look like No.1 especially in fielding department.
Lankans were sailing through easily with 6 plus run rate until Bhajji shattered Dilshan’s off stump and making foundation for wickets to follow. By 125 on board Sri-Lanka lost 5 wickets. Captain Sangakkara and Kandamby showed some courage by holding innings and making score pass 200. Sangakkara though found himself unlucky to get out Hit-wicket on RP Singh’s delivery leaving Kandamby as sole warrior to fight. Kapugedera supported Kandamby well with his little knock before nicking one to wicket-keeper.
With 82 runs needed in 60 balls things look difficult and Bhajji made it even more difficult in his second spell by picking 2 wickets in 2 balls getting Kandamby clean bold followed by lollypop C&B from Malinga.
Sri-Lanka was bowled out on 273 giving team India 46 runs win in tri-series. Sachin was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant knock and also Man of the Series for scoring 211 runs in three matches. Bhajji got stylish player award for his 5-56.
With Champions trophy to start from 22nd September in South Africa this win will boost up moral of the team to enter contest on a winning note.
Shams & Wags wishes team India all the very best and promises to bring all updates from Champions trophy.
Jai Ho!!!!!!!!
Posted by Shams N Wags

Friday, September 11, 2009

New ODI Cricket Champions- India!!

By hitting the final nail in the Kiwi’s coffin, India moved to the Number One position in the ICC rankings. First time ever in the history, India has reached number one position. By saying so, India has to keep winning to retain the position. The champions are called champions if they are able to retain the position and the real challenge now lies ahead of India to retain the title. It’s a moment of pride and honor for India.

Coming back to the match, it was a superb bowling effort by Ashish Nehra Ishant Sharma and Yuvraj Singh. It’s good to see Nehra back amongst the wickets. He is now a member of 100 wicket club. For a long time, he was stuck on 94 wickets. 6 wickets in 2 matches made him reach the landmark.
There seems to be something wrong with Jesse Ryder. He is known to be a smashing hitter of the cricket ball. Forget smashing balls out of the park, he is not being able to sustain for more than an over. In both the matches, he got out for a duck with out troubling the scorer. The scorer seems to be his friend; hence he does not want him to trouble him at all.
The Compaq cup is now a contest between India and Sri Lanka and our sincere wishes for India to win the Series and retain the title.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Victorious-Thilan-Lanka!!


With Daryl Tuffey and Shane Bond back in the New Zealand side, the visitors did quiet well to restrict the Sri Lankans for a small total of 216. New Zealand heavily relies on Jesse Ryder who is a great opening batsman. But he didnt bother the scorers as he got out for a duck.The New Zealanders had knocked out the top order of Srilanka very cheaply. In came Thilan Samaraweera and anchored the boat with a steady innings along with Angelo Mathews and spoiled the party for New Zealanders.
Thilan scored his maiden century, and Angelo supported with a Half century.
Even the lankans bowled superbly with Lasith Malinga striking thrice in an over ensing up with figured of 6.0 overs, 28 runs and 4 wickets.
Sri Lanka won by 97 runs and Samaraweera was rightly adjudged as the man of the match.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Cricketing Actions for Indians!!

Finally after a long break there's some cricketing action to begin for the Indians.
To start with, we have the Tri Series to be played in Sri Lanka starting 8th September.It's a small series between Srilanka, New Zealand and India.Then we have the Champoins Trophy with 8 participating countries to be held in South Africa. Now this is the biggest tournament as far as the year 2009 is concerned.
Hope we keep winning the matches that come in our way and grap the Numeber 1 position in the ODI rankings.
Untill then, lets sit back and enjoy the beauty of cricket.

Monday, August 3, 2009

When Tigers Roar!!



They entered International cricket arena as Bangladesh Tigers but were considered as minnows. Time has changed and as we say that its an unpredictable game and whoever perform better on field can change the table, same has happened with Bangladesh team as well. Time and again they have shown their skills and have upset giants of the game.
Who will forget their victory against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup? “We lost to our brothers “were the words of the Pakistan captain. Be it Pakistan, India, West Indies or Australia for that matter, they have always displayed their skill and have won ODIs against them.
To add to the victory list, in the recently concluded series, Bangladesh won both the ODI and Test series by 2-0.
The new captain Shakibul Hasan took the charge and performed with both bat and ball to lead his team in historic win in Carribean. He was adjudged “Man of the series” for his all round performance.
Shams & Wags wish Bangladesh team all the best for their future series and hope to see good contest in time to come.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Big Brother Not Happy!!



Big brother does not like it. Yusuf is very unhappy over the non selection of younger brother Irfan Pathan for the Challanger series."Other than cricketing reasons" is what he feels that has kept Irfan on the side lines. He feels that Irfan has not performed below par and that he has been playing well.
Well as far as we have followed cricket, Irfan has not been performing to his potentials. He was king of swing when he had walked into the arena, who can forget the reverse swinging yorker that got rid of Adam Gilchrist in the test series down under from where he was reckoned as King of Swing.
What is required from Irfan is to constantly perform better as a bowler and contribute with the bat.
So big brother Yusuf, please don't mention in the media that he has not been picked due to non cricketing reasons.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Sach Ka Saamna

After watching both the episodes of the show Sach Ka Saamna on Star plus, we realized that there was nothing bad that Kambli spoke bad about the maestro.
The media had already blown Kambli-Tendulkar relation out of proportion days before the show was being aired and that had increased the curiosity level for every one to watch the episode.To gain TRP's media companies can do anything.
Anyways we are happy that their relation is like taht of Jai& Veeru as it was earlier.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tainting Masters Image- Kambli Boy!!

It was way back in Feb1988 the duo of Vinod Ganpat Kambli and Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar started playing together for Sharda Ashram and went on making a record partnership of 664 runs. Kambli had a very promising career ahead and was rated far better than Sachin. He also scored 2 double centuries very early in the career.
Discipline and Dedication are the two D’s that sets apart one from the other. Kambli could not latch on to the D’s. A little stardom and he was on top of the world.No one remembers Kambli as a good cricketer. We all remember him as Sachin’s chum. The little Master has earned whatever he is known for mainly due to the D’s. Look at the way he has handled the celebrity status. Absolutely down to earth attitude and letting the bat talk rather than his mouth. One way he knows to silence his critics is letting his willow talk for which is highly regarded for.
The allegation of Sachin not helping him out is a real shame from Kambli’s side. Kambli made numerous come back in to the Indian National side and Sachin has supported him lots as well. Beyond that if a person fails to perform, even god can’t help it. One can support only till the extent if things are right , but once it goes in a wrong direction, no one will support. If a person has skills and he lets the world know what he is meant for by displaying his skills, why would he require anyone’s support? He can come up himself rather than depending on anyone else. Kambli’s remarks are difficult to digest but we are very sure that there would be very less amount of reaction from the Master blaster.
While he has quoted that it’s due to his caste he has to suffer the discrimination, one has to clearly understand that cricket does not see any religion. Cricket itself is a big religion and it treats every one equally. Once Mohammed Azharuddin had commented during the post match presentation that he belonged to Minority community …..so on and so forth. He had faced huge amount of criticism for making such statement that he had to apologies for the same.
We think that to drive mileage, he is attempting to adopt the Aussie way of fiddling with the image of the Indian cricketers.
Vinod’s bad luck is that he has chosen Sachin and we won’t be surprised that he will have to bear a heavy toll.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Calypso Dance




It was a power-packed weekend for sports. Roger Federer created history by winning 6th Wimbledon title and became the only player to win 15 Grand slam titles surpassing the great Pete Sampras (Sham’s all time favorite tennis player) and with last ODI washed out due to rains,India clinched 4 matches one day series by 2-1. This is after a long gap of 7 years that India has won ODI series in Carribean.
After an early exist from T20 world cup Dhoni & Co. toured WI as wounded tigers and certainly wanted to turn the table in their favour this time as WI was one of the side who played spoilt sport for their exist from T20 WC.
With opening pair failed to fire, it was all on middle order especially Dhoni & Yuvraj to shoulder responsibility and they did it with perfection. Yuvraj blasted 131 in first ODI to make India reach a score of 329 to defend and finally won the match, while Dhoni played a fighting knock of 95 in second ODI after India batting collapsed at was struggling at 78-7. He once again showed power with the bat promoting himself at number three in 3rd ODI where it was close win after D/L revised scores.
Dhoni declared Man of the Series.
If people talk of records then this is India’s 5th series win in a row while Dhoni hit 6 (six series wins).

Friday, June 26, 2009

Indian curry in Caribbean


In the midst of the Swine flue where the chances of the tour being called off was a possibility, we head towards Sabina Park-Kingston for a wonderful ODI series between India and West Indies.
There is news about the sad demise of king of Pop Michael Jackson.Our sincere tribute to MJ.

India would be playing with out some of the star players yet Gayle has his apprehensions against the Indians as he strongly believes that on a given day, any player can change the course of the play for India. Hope that our player creates havoc for Gayle and Co.
It has been sorts of comeback for Aashish Nehra afer a long time courtesy injury to Zaheer.
While we have a look at one of the videos where Dhoni had dropped a sitter on Nehra’s bowling, there was a serious piece of thought being given by Nehra to Dhoni. MS was mere a wicketkeeper that time around. If one were to see that video again, Nehra getting picked in the Indian squad would be a far off possibility as Ms is now a captain.
Strangely, Nehra has never been dropped due to bad performance. His inability to stay fit through out the series has always worked against him, resulting into bring dropped.

Good time for Abhishek Nayar to show his skills as he had demonstrated while playing for Mumbai Indians. He is a classic left hander who can do both job attack and hold the fort when ever required.

Apart from the Calypso king Gayle, the player to be watched out is Dwayne Bravo.
If one bravo was not enough, there’s one more to join the party, yes Darren Bravo, Dwayne’s brother. We haven’t seen the exploits of the debutant Darren yet, so let’s see what he has got under his head.

So let’s enjoy in the series in Calypso style – Ho la la la la lu le yo!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Enter The Final!!

Second time in a row Pakistan have stormed into the finals of the T-20 World Cup.
Last time around it was agaist India that they lost the nail biting finals.Time and again they have proved that they are the most unpredictable team.
Losing big matches has been the fate of South Africa, and this translates into a fact that they are not the big match players.They are not just able to enter the final of any format of the world cup.

Out of all the test playing nations,Pakistan was the only team that did not participate in the IPL T20.May be that colud be the reason that the players are hungry and raring to go for the final.

So it colud be against West Indies or Srilanka that the Pakistan will have to give their final shot on this Great Sunday!!
Which team are you supporting??

Out Goes Johnnie Boy- John Buchanan

The after effects of the IPL T20 saw the men blue struggle to get a place in Semi finals of the ICC T20 world cup. yet another such after effect is the Ouster of the Kolkata Knight Riders coach John Buchanan.
The KKR team fared very bad in the IPL. The owner of the the franchise was very much frustrated with the teams performance. Sacking of John Buchanan is the out come of the frustration.
The theory of having seperate captains for Test and ODI's was his peace of mind. It could be said it was a good idea, but some would think otherwise.

One point of consideration is that the coach can only show the vision, he cant actually be on the ground and take things forward. So blaming the coach for teams bad perfoamance and sacking is the bad idea.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

ICC-T20 World Cup

The current ICC-T20 has not been as interesting as one would have thought to be.
Australia could not make to the Super 8's.India is already out of the tournament.
Pakistan made a late back door entry by playing some superb cricket.
South Africa and WEst nidies could be the eventual winners.
The indian team has showed some dismal performance in the tournamemt which has proved to be very costly.
The Indians started as favorites as the players were in top form during the IPL-T20.
The success and fame in the IPL-T20 has a major role towards such bad performance in the T20. The players got carried away. Big moolah is in the minds rather than cricket.
Buck up Indians- What if we could not do better in ICC- T20 World Cup, we have the West Indies Tour ahead.. Make amends Men In Blue!!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Aane De!!


After days of having a go at each others team, we are back united to support our ‘Men in Blue’ as we inch closer towards the second edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in England.

The irony of the fact is that none of the top senior player of Indian Team would feature in the T20 World Cup even though they played instrumental role in the season 2 of IPL.
This holds true in case of Australia as well as both Haydos and Gilly, the top run getters in the IPL have already retired.

It was mixed bag for us as far as practice matches goes with one win and one loss. Strange fact is that India hasn’t won any T20 game against New Zealand while against Pakistan hasn’t lost any world cup match (all formats).

It’s going to be a happy headache for the selectors to pick the team as the bench strength is very strong and all youngsters raring to go. Rohit, Gambhir, Jadeja has shown their shine with bat in practice matches while Ishant, RP and Ojha need to carry their form with ball from IPL to this tournament.

With India playing as defending champions..there’s nothing to defend. “Yeh Cup Kahin Nahin Jayega.”

So what are we waiting for, Aane de!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

God Of Cricket Turns 36

A very Happy Birthday to our very dear swashbuckling master blaster Sachin from Shams & Wags.
The Master turns 36 today, long live the pride of India, long live the symbol of cricket.
Shams was watching a cricket program this morning on a News channel in which Sachin said “It still feels to be a 16 year old. Same enthusiasm, same energy only the side locks greyed and years on calendar changed”.
There’s no point in discussing his records and stats here. He was, is and will always remain as the best player the game has ever seen.
Shams clearly remember a small quote on a billboard in Sydney cricket Ground which says “Go and commit sin while Sachin bat, coz even God watches him play”.
So all of you readers please log in and share your wishes or any thoughts with us on Sachin.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

It’s Shams Vs Wags….. not Shams n Wags

Before any of you conclude that we’ve set apart, let us clarify, this is for 1st IPL match to be held in Cape Town on 18th April’09.
In our earlier post we’ve mentioned our favourite teams for the tournament – Shams cheering for Chennai Super Kings and Wags backing Mumbai Indians.
Yes, the very first clash of IPL season 2 will begin with an exciting match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
With some of world class players in Mumbai Indians like blaster Jayasuriya, pace icon Zak backed by his captain one and only our Master Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians want to turn this season in their favour.
It's going to be a terrific match and the Saturday is going to be really entertaining . all the top guns would be restless to unleash themselves and fire all cylinders.









On the other hand last year’s runner up Chennai Super Kings have charismatic Captain Dhoni with his warriors like Haydo, Raina, Murli, Ntini and Balaji to blast this season also and conquer final frontier.






So sit back and enjoy and exciting clash to come – Shams vs Wags.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Mumbai Indians Video

HI Guys,

Here's last years video of my personal favorite team Mumbai Indians.
Enjoy it till the time we upload the latest video.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Windia In Kiwiland!!


It took 41 years for Indian's to conquer the Kiwis in their own back yard. The current team is on the high with Zak as the supreme star in the bowling attack while a solid Gambhir adding assault in the opening slot. The middle order is some thing that has always been a threat to the opponents as worlds most experienced players are marshalling the slot.


With Sachin Tendulkar in supreme form, Dravid in his vintage disciplined form and VVS in his classic touch, it was Dhoni who batted well whenever required and the Harbhajan Singh and Zak adding value to their wicket by dropping anchor by scoring half centuries lower down the order.

We could well have won the test series 2-0 had the rain god not interrupted.Nevertheless 1-0 is still better as long as the series is in our hands,
Jesse Ryder was solely the outstanding player from Kiwi and we are quiet impressed with his Rugby Player like physique. His failure in both the innings of the last test clearly brought down slightest hopes of winning the last test match for the Kiwis.
The Indians have raised the bar and improved their game tremendously. Every time we visit the foreign soils, we are winning at least one test match. The series win would mean a lot to the team as they have been playing consistently well.
Do voice your opinion on your favorite player from the India-New Zealand series.

So here’s Shams n Wags leave from the test matches and just about time to gear up for the biggest entertaining edition of the IPL to begin.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Riding India's Back- Jesse Ryder!!


As India take on the kiwis in the Test Match at Hamilton, it didn't take a while to knock of the top order.The kiwis were reduced to a mere 60/6. But as they say, test match is the test of character, in came Jesse Ryder and captain Vettori and stabled the Kiwi innings.
Right from the start of the tour, Jesse Ryder has been playing some good cricket against India in all the formats. He played good innings in the T20's, attacked in the ODIs and when it came to the test matches, his form was no different. He was the last man to get out, but not before scoring a wonderful century. The very look of this big man gives a feeling that he might be a lazy chap, but boy when he strikes the ball, he really strikes it hard and attacks from the word go.
He is a classy left hander, reminds me of the former captain Stephen Flemings, to which most of you all will agree.

Daniel Vettori played an outstanding innings scoring a tests century. He is the key man for Kiwis as he is the only strike spinner in the team and on top, he scored a great innings saving century. Way to go Danny boy!!
At the end of the innings, NewZealand scored 279 for the loss of 10 wickets.
It was a good sight to see Dravid and Laxman in the side and of course in their favorite slip cordon area.
Believe me, its going to e a good test match and would be wonderful to see our Indian batsmen scoring some good runs as we resume after 29/0 in 7 overs.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Classy Lefthanders!!

When we say left handed batsman, the word classy naturally gets associated with it.
They look so elegant while they bat. The very first person that comes on the tip of my tongue is our very own Dada- Saurav Ganguly. He was once quoted as “Besides god, the next best on the off side is Ganguly”.

From the current Indian side, we have classy Yuvi, Suresh Raina and Gambhir.
No matter even if the right hander plays the similar looking shot, it does not look as elegant as the left hander s shot. By saying this, there’s no offence meant to the Right hander. We all know Sachin Tendulkar is right on the top!!

The current player from New Zealand Jesse Ryder, although looks like a rugby player, is as elegant as Stephen Fleming and some of his cover drives looks very similar to Flemings style of playing

Who are your favorite left handed players? Do post in your comments and let us know about them. Until then Shams n Wags signing off!!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Black Tuesday


While one would have viewed great cricketing action in all formats of the game, the incident in Pakistan on 3rd March 09 has shattered the slightest amount of peace that was still prevailing in the minds of both the players and fans.

The Sri Lankan team was attacked in Pakistan some hours before the start of the Second Test Match at the Gadaffi stadium. The Lankan’s had shown a courageous move by agreeing to play cricket in Pakistan despite the fact that most of the countries had already backed out. The incident has been highly condemned by the cricketing bodies and the fans across the globe. More than 6 of the Lankan players got injured and chances are their carrier would be in stake. The question has already being raised to ban Pakistan as a venue from the international arena.
The attack by some filthy anti social elements translates a fact that Pakistan is no longer a safe venue for cricket. Similar sort of incident had happened while New Zealand had toured Pakistan in May 2002. There was an explosion in front of the hotel where the New Zealand Players were accommodated. Time and again such incidents dent the psyche of the players as well as the fans. Cricket is loosing its beauty due to such kind of incidents.

The IPL which is supposed to start in April 09 is under a cover as security will be a major concern in minds of every cricket players.

Steps taken by England Players of continuing the tour despite attack in Mumbai recently could be stated as ‘Courageous’, but we are very much sure that such moves will now be reduced to be termed as ‘Stupid Move’ rather than ‘Courageous’ .

We were all set to view cricket’s greatest debacle of the World cup in 2011 that was supposed to be hosted in the Asian countries. The recent attack has already raised question over the venue of the World Cup and our dream to watch the World Cup Finals at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai is now completely shattered!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Time for a change

Hello to every one of you.
As they say change is necessary, so here's time for us to change the look and feel of the website.
Do post yout review and comments on the new look of the site.

Regards,
Shams n Wags.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Time for Bunji Jumping

Men in blue with their new warrior Jersey is all geared up for NZ tour.
With back to back win in series against Australia, England and Sri Lanka team India is eyeing to tame kiwis at their backyard.
New Zealand one of the dream tourist destinations in the world, and is also famous for Bunji Jumping with beautiful mountain ranges and waterfalls. Their cricket team and fans are waiting eagerly for upcoming series against India, so does millions of cricket fans across world to see Men in Blue continue their winning streak.
India will play 2 T-20, 5 ODI’s and 3 Test on a 45 day tour of New Zealand from 25Feb’09 to 7th April’09. The battle begins with T-20 game on 25th Feb.
So sit back and enjoy some fantastic cricket to come with all updates and lots more.
Here’s ShamsnWags signing off. 

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Deadly Duo- Pathan Bros!!


As they say its all in the family, this time it was a dream come true for Mehmood Khan Pathan. Yes both his son playing for the nation and in the cracking form that they snatched victory from the jaws of the Lankan’s was commendable.

It was Yusuf who started off with his exploits in the bowling.

And while he came to the crease to bat, there was enough pressure on him. Attack is the best thing he knows as he smacked Bhandara all over the park. At the other end, he was joined by his younger brother Irfan. Young Pathan justified the tag of All-rounder given to him. The Pathan brothers applied themselves and played sensibly. It was Yusuf who kick started while Irfan was rotating the strike. And in the concluding overs, it was Irfan who started to demolish the Lankan’s. The duo clobbered the Lankan’s attack and helped India retain the tag of the T-20 champions as they finally won with 4 balls to spare. Dilhara Fernando was the weakest link in the Sri Lankan bowling attack and wonder what was going in the mind of Dilshan as he could have given one more over to Sanath Jayasurya who was bowling a tight line on the other end.

Suddenly with the Pathan Bros striking together, we realized that India bat really deep and we have good finishers in some players.

I (Wags) have the privilege of meeting the Pathan brothers. It was in March 2004, while Irfan had just returned from his Down under and Pakistan tour where he became the super star. That time, Yusuf was playing only at the domestic level. He was standing on the gates of the Mosque where they used to live and would not let mob enter to meet Irfan. Some how I sneaked in at the night at 12 and finally met Irfan Pathan and congratulated him and guess what?

I have treasured the Cricket Ball with Irfan Pathan’ signature with me.

Kudos to the rising star Yusuf Pathan who was given the man of the match award and the Duo have loads of opportunities to exhibit their exploits both with the bat and ball.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Princely Buthcered!!



The Prince and the Sultan together butchered the Lankans in a deadly style, allowing the men in blue to register their eighth straight win.

Yuvi has once again shown the power of his willow which he had during ODI series with England. He has been in some terrific form.

For Sultan of Multan- Viru, the only way to play game is Attack.

Poor Ajanta Mendis was hit all over the park and he would have reached Ellora as a result..

Both of them were in immaculate touch and one record after the other. Yuvi became the first batsman to score a century in Srilanka after 10 years, some moments, Viru became the second one.

Every cricket fan in India should remember that fantastic moment when Yuvi punched his fist in air and signaled toward Sachin in Pavilion balcony indicating “This one is for you buddy who’ve been victim of wrong LBW decisions.

It’s always said before start of match that on paper India’s batting is strongest in world, but with their running Juggernaut it seems justifying.

The present Indian side is properly balanced as we have some great playing guns in the side with the likes of explosive batsman in Viru, Yuvi, Gambhir, Dhoni, Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan and of course the Master Blaster. India’s bowling attack seems to be in great shape with Zak & Ishant in form of their life and well supported by leggie Ojha and medium pacer Praveen Kumar.

With the men in blue in supreme touch, and series win in their kitty, eying the top position in the ICC ranking is not far away. It’s a healthy competition amongst three teams India, South Africa and Australia.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Number Uno!!



Even if it's for a day or two, South Africa is now No.1 in ODI Ranking.There is a neck to neck fight for the spot as Australia will be playing their next game against arch rival NewZealand on Sunday and they can again retain their number 1 position provided they are in the mood for winning.
Beating Australia comprehensively by 4-1 in Commonwealth Bank series, The Proteas have shown their utter determination which they started at the beginning of test series.Oz’s could only managed to win second game of the series by 5 runs and undoubtedly been surpassed in all aspect of the game by them.
All round performances from Albie Morkel and new sensation of SA “Duminy” once again carried battle on their shoulders with greats like Kallis, Boucher and captain smith missing in the side. Standing captain Johan Botha made it very clear from the word go to keep up the good work that team had done in test series.
The other front runners are “Men in blue” yes Team India who currently are on their juggernaut with 6 consecutive ODI win. They still have 4 games to play against Sri-Lanka.
Shams & Wags will come with another update on India vs SriLanka series after second game to be played on 31st Jan’09 at Premadas Stadium(D/N). Stay tuned!!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Prasad Vs Sohail

Here's some thing from the yesteryears and am very sure every single cricket lover would have had registered deep in the memories.
Have a look, sit back and enjoy.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Stepping down the wicket


Stepping down the track would be very much associated with Haydos, but stepping down and out from the wicket is his latest call. Matthew Lawrence Hayden, the 37 years old smashing Oz’s southpaw, who along with Justin Langer use to make a deadly opening pair has finally decided to call it quits. After a year long bad patch and struggling to collect runs, it was about time for him to make way for the others.
He was in a very pedestrian form against the Indians when they toured India. All eyes were set over him to see him play the magical innings that he had once played in 2001 to mark his classical come back. But that was not to be the case this time around in 2008.
Be it home or away, Hayden had a tremendous record .He had broken Lara’s record of 375 runs in Test by scoring 380 against Bangladesh.
Undoubtedly he will always be remembered as a player who could dominate in both form of game and could even charge down the wicket to the fast bowlers. Many cricket fans know the way he used to sit on wicket way before start of play (guess that’s one of his strategy to dominate wicket unlike bowlers). It was like yoga for him.
For our readers to know he was also a right arm medium pace bowler who bowled 9 over in test and an over in ODI (can any of our reader guess against which country he bowled an ODI over – no prizes) but with no success in terms of wickets.
He is a veteran of 103 & 161Test and ODI matches respectively. Amassing a total of 8625 test runs and 6133 ODI runs, with 59 tons( 30 in Test, 29 in ODI) and no one can forget his highest test score of 380 runs against Bangladesh.

While a few days back he was all over the news stating that so far he has not considered his retirement, suddenly his retirement plan has been a jolt for the Australian cricket (I won’t be surprised if they already wanted it to happen).
Other than his exploits with the bat , he will also be remembered over this strong words – Obnoxious Weed

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Proteas Smittened!!

Time and again we have seen this happening and this makes every cricket fan proud, no matter of which ever country he belongs. In comes Graeme Smith with a broken finger walking towards the pitch at the Sydney Cricket ground where the celebrations had already begun thinking that Australia had won as Smith won’t come into bat.


Survival of the last wicket was the need of the hour. He was playing with a loose bottom hand as he broke his finger in the first innings of the last match, and he was virtually out of the match until he had to come to bat. Walking in at number 11 was probably the first and the last time he would have had come to bat. Makhaya Ntini gave a good support at the other end.

11 balls to survive was the last equation. Inside edge of the bat and sound of the timber made the Australians cry out of joy as they won the match of the already lost series. Magical moment for Mitchell Johnson one can say as he as able to convert the most certain draw into a victory.

All praises for the captain Smith as it takes lots of courage to bat with a broken finger as one can understand the pain one has to go through in the case of such injuries. No pain is greater when it comes to play for the country.

If we refresh our memories, same courage of the sorts was shown by our former cricket captain who retired in the series against the Aussies. Yes Anil Kumble had come to bowl with the broken Jaw and took the priced wicket of Brian Lara.

While such thing happens on the cricket field, there is a thick layer of pride that floats in the air and the result of the match if it goes in the direction that’s not desired (a loss) seldom hurts.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Time to check your cricket knowledge

It becomes real exciting to solve the crossword. nd it becomes all the more exciting when it come to solve the cricketing crossword.
Here's an effort to refresh the memory and check out the cricketing knowledge on remembering the names.
Try solving this puzzle and do let us know your views in forms of posting comment.

Labels

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