Well in this edition of the tournament, the Chennai Super Kings are showing a down to earth performance with them losing the plot in the matches they played. They had a lucky run against the Kolkata Knight Riders where they secured a 2 run victory over the trouble torn team lacking in confidence but are seem to be coming up in this edition. That was followed by a win against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and a loss to Kings XI Punjab. The Chennai Super Kings could not defend a total of 188 against the Punjab team. This time it was Kochi who tamed Chennai.
Though the match was trimmed to just 17 overs, a total of 131 by the Chennai Super Kings was below par compared to what was expected off them. The run-rate of the Chennai Super Kings happened to be just over 7.0 runs an over when something less than 9 runs an over is just unacceptable. But, this should have been a winning total keeping in mind the winning record of the Chennai Super Kings in the three editions they have played so far. At the end of the day, the Chennai Super Kings had another loss to their kitty which was a mess.
On the other hand, the Kochi Tuskers Kerala maintained a run-rate of exactly 9.0 runs an over aided by a series of double figure scores starting from 47 by Brendon McCullum and ending with Ravindra Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 16 from six balls with two sixes. As a rarity, the team work of both Chennai and Kochi stands undisputed for, regarding both the teams out there, it was not a one man show like it happens in most games. There was only one lucky player in Suresh Raina who scored a half century. But, as a suggestion, it would have been wise for Chennai to go for big ones.
As it goes in a T20 game, if the match is viewed from the number of sixes scored perspective, then still the Chennai Super Kings lose it all with their batsmen being able to make it only on three occasions. Instead, the Kochi Tuskers had more than twice of what the Chennai team could manage when they had 7 hits out of the ground. But, needless to be said, it is the target which needs to be defended or chased that would a decide who the winner of the match is. Towards the end of the post, one thing that needs to be asked after Chennai's 2nd loss is whether Chennai have taken over from Kolkata?
Showing posts with label Brendon McCullum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brendon McCullum. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Monday, 14 March 2011
Canada shows a class
Well it would be no prizes for guessing the result of yesterday's match between the Kiwis and Canada with New Zealand wrapping off the game in style by 97 runs. But, though the match was all over for Canada, they showed all guts when they didn't lose all their ten wickets and were able to cross the 250 run mark when they winded their innings at 261 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. This was the fourth team that New Zealand beat after Kenya, Zimbabwe and Pakistan had thrashings. But, the real test for New Zealand would be against Sri Lanka.
A total of 358 runs on the board piled up by the New Zealand batsmen would no doubt have put the Canadians running for cover but surprisingly, the Canadian batsmen showed no signs of fear because, not that they were confident of winning but was the other way round. They were sure to lose that match and that would have been just another loss for them with them already having lost to Pakistan, Australia and Zimbabwe. A loss against New Zealand would not bring up any eyebrows and neither would there be any fan expecting Canada to win the game against New Zealand.
In case they win any encounter against any team, that would be welcome but a loss will no way be cursed by anyone. Instead, they should have won the game against Pakistan when they had the opposition all out for a score less than 200. Still, that does not show the bowling caliber of Canada and instead shows that the pitch was a bowler's paradise. That was the reason for some part-time bowler Shahid Afridi to scalp 5 wickets for yet another time in this world cup. That apart, this was the last chance for the Kiwis to showcase their skills.
Next, they would be facing the Sri Lankans at Mumbai some 4 days later where their true caliber will be tested. They have lost the match to the Aussies and though they managed a win against Pakistan, it was one man show with Ross Taylor stitching it for New Zealand at the fag end of the New Zealand innings. Else, they would have been left with just four wins that was worth nothing. They were lucky not to have teamed with Bangladesh which would otherwise been a major upset (may be). Still, they enter the quarter-finals and one should wait and see what happens there.
A total of 358 runs on the board piled up by the New Zealand batsmen would no doubt have put the Canadians running for cover but surprisingly, the Canadian batsmen showed no signs of fear because, not that they were confident of winning but was the other way round. They were sure to lose that match and that would have been just another loss for them with them already having lost to Pakistan, Australia and Zimbabwe. A loss against New Zealand would not bring up any eyebrows and neither would there be any fan expecting Canada to win the game against New Zealand.
In case they win any encounter against any team, that would be welcome but a loss will no way be cursed by anyone. Instead, they should have won the game against Pakistan when they had the opposition all out for a score less than 200. Still, that does not show the bowling caliber of Canada and instead shows that the pitch was a bowler's paradise. That was the reason for some part-time bowler Shahid Afridi to scalp 5 wickets for yet another time in this world cup. That apart, this was the last chance for the Kiwis to showcase their skills.
Next, they would be facing the Sri Lankans at Mumbai some 4 days later where their true caliber will be tested. They have lost the match to the Aussies and though they managed a win against Pakistan, it was one man show with Ross Taylor stitching it for New Zealand at the fag end of the New Zealand innings. Else, they would have been left with just four wins that was worth nothing. They were lucky not to have teamed with Bangladesh which would otherwise been a major upset (may be). Still, they enter the quarter-finals and one should wait and see what happens there.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
As long as the minnows exist
Well in the 1st encounter, Bangladesh did everything well but at the end lost its way to India en route to a failed chase of 371 runs on the board. Since then, if not for the match between England and Ireland, no other minnow team has ever been able to stand up to the occasion and show their guts. One need not highlight their new entry or lack of cricketing standards to be the reason behind this. Every player has a first time in his life and here it is an entire team that is facing a first time in world cups.
There are teams which have been playing world cup games since more than a decade or so but unable to produce the epected results. Instead, expectations are needed to be changed regarding these teams. Kenya have been playing cricket since the 1996 world cup. One need not cite their victory against West Indies in 1996 and against Sri Lanka in 2003 for it was the other team's loss rather than a Kenyan win. They lost all their four games in 1999 world cup to India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe though nothing different was expected from them, that was obviously not the one.
This is the fourth world cup for Holland since 1996 and Holland have so far won just 2 games out of 14. They won their game against Namibia in 2003 and a game against Scotland in 2007. Of course, no one expectes them to beat teams like South Africa or India but, they can have an upperhand against say Zimbabwe or Kenya. Yesterday as well, New Zealand recorded their 10 wicket win against Zimbabwe adding to another such feat when they can not even ask for a run for their money against other strong teams. New Zealand are yet to win a crunch game in this world cup.
Zimbabwe's hunt was a well justified one when they amassed 162 runs on the board unlike some Kenya or Canada who couldn't get something past a hundred. A ten wicket win for any team brings in a lot of satisfaction but if the opposition is given a closer look at, neither will the team nor the star player be worthy of any praise when the same team or player happens to be a flop against strong nations. One thing that needs to be applauded is that New Zealand didn't go in for the kill right away and instead took time to settle down and have some practice.
There are teams which have been playing world cup games since more than a decade or so but unable to produce the epected results. Instead, expectations are needed to be changed regarding these teams. Kenya have been playing cricket since the 1996 world cup. One need not cite their victory against West Indies in 1996 and against Sri Lanka in 2003 for it was the other team's loss rather than a Kenyan win. They lost all their four games in 1999 world cup to India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe though nothing different was expected from them, that was obviously not the one.
This is the fourth world cup for Holland since 1996 and Holland have so far won just 2 games out of 14. They won their game against Namibia in 2003 and a game against Scotland in 2007. Of course, no one expectes them to beat teams like South Africa or India but, they can have an upperhand against say Zimbabwe or Kenya. Yesterday as well, New Zealand recorded their 10 wicket win against Zimbabwe adding to another such feat when they can not even ask for a run for their money against other strong teams. New Zealand are yet to win a crunch game in this world cup.
Zimbabwe's hunt was a well justified one when they amassed 162 runs on the board unlike some Kenya or Canada who couldn't get something past a hundred. A ten wicket win for any team brings in a lot of satisfaction but if the opposition is given a closer look at, neither will the team nor the star player be worthy of any praise when the same team or player happens to be a flop against strong nations. One thing that needs to be applauded is that New Zealand didn't go in for the kill right away and instead took time to settle down and have some practice.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Back to the pavilion
Well this happens every year after the Indian Premier League gets over. The duration of close to two months which hosted the Indian Premier League not only was successful in showing a spectacular cricketing action on the field but was also responsible in showing the Indian sub continent as a world rather than as a country like it is after the IPL got over. In these two months of cricket's calender, most of the international players played just for one country nevermind that they played for different Indian cities but as a country it was India for which everyone was found playing.
Now, three days after the finals of the tournament which happened to be between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Superkings the players will have to go back to their respective teams to serve their international duties. Players like Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist who were seen picking up the willow even after their retirement from international cricket a couple of years back will now have to either play for their domestic team or else get back to some stuff like commentating or coaching young legs but would rarely be seen playing for any team or coming in front of the world for what they are known and have been known in their playing days.
The Mumbai crowd who would have cheered Sachin Tendulkar for his mind blowing batting will now have to dream "had Sachin Tendulkar been around in the upcoming T20 world cup" and worse come be contented with that. So would be the fans of Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble. And, players like Robin Uttappa, Virender Sehwag and Ambati Rayudu will have to be seen next year only with the selection committee picking Piyush Chawla for reason not evident to common man and is restricted only to the BCCI. In a way, players will also be losing a lot as said above.
And, finally the Chennai crowd who would have in the two months cheered the Sri Lankan off spinner - Muttiah Muralitharan will now have to make up their mind that he gets belted by some Yuvraj Singh or Rohit Sharma when India play Sri Lanka. So would be the case regarding Australia's Shane Watson, whom the Rajasthan Royals would now want to go back without scoring when he picks up his bat against India. Other such players who'd be rejoiced after being done so for their good performance until now will be New Zealand's Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond to name a few.
Now, three days after the finals of the tournament which happened to be between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Superkings the players will have to go back to their respective teams to serve their international duties. Players like Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist who were seen picking up the willow even after their retirement from international cricket a couple of years back will now have to either play for their domestic team or else get back to some stuff like commentating or coaching young legs but would rarely be seen playing for any team or coming in front of the world for what they are known and have been known in their playing days.
The Mumbai crowd who would have cheered Sachin Tendulkar for his mind blowing batting will now have to dream "had Sachin Tendulkar been around in the upcoming T20 world cup" and worse come be contented with that. So would be the fans of Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble. And, players like Robin Uttappa, Virender Sehwag and Ambati Rayudu will have to be seen next year only with the selection committee picking Piyush Chawla for reason not evident to common man and is restricted only to the BCCI. In a way, players will also be losing a lot as said above.
And, finally the Chennai crowd who would have in the two months cheered the Sri Lankan off spinner - Muttiah Muralitharan will now have to make up their mind that he gets belted by some Yuvraj Singh or Rohit Sharma when India play Sri Lanka. So would be the case regarding Australia's Shane Watson, whom the Rajasthan Royals would now want to go back without scoring when he picks up his bat against India. Other such players who'd be rejoiced after being done so for their good performance until now will be New Zealand's Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond to name a few.
Friday, 19 February 2010
For the 2nd time NZ score 258/5 in a day
Well Bangladesh enjoyed each and every moment in the first and the only test match that they played against New Zealand here in Hamilton. First, some sort of underestimation from the New Zealand side sees them making fools out of themselves after they lose 5 quick wickets for a score of just 158 on the board. And then, some late firing from Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill sees New Zealand piling up a total in excess of 500 in their first innings. And then, Bangladesh also follows suit when they hammer 400+ and in the process avoid follow on and with it the innings defeat.
Now, on the 4th day's play, New Zealand take no chances and do what they are supposed to. They go in for a quickfire scoring when they end their second innings after declaring with the scoreboard reading 258/5. This is the same total that the New Zealand batsmen were found putting up in their first innings of the match on day 1. However, their batting was not that bad like they had in the first innings. Though New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals, their body language very well showed that they had full control of the match and going wrong by any chance was completely ruled out.
Out of the 5 New Zealand wickets that fell in the second innings, three of them were run outs and moreover were set up by the Kiwi batsmen themselves. It was their hurry to keep the scoreboard ticking which saw them lose the battle with the stumps. The Bangladeshi bowlers could not stop McIntosh from striking 3 huge ones out of the ground. It was a bonus for Bangladesh to have had 5 Kiwi batsmen back in the pavilion. This once again shows that Bangladesh can cash out only from the mistakes that the opponent does and not by its own effort tame the same.
And later on, the New Zealand bowlers also followed suit which saw them bag 5 wickets with the scoreboard reading 88 runs. With an innings win out of question for the kiwis in the match, atleast a huge margin in terms of runs would be satisfactory for them I suppose. With still 317 runs needed for Bangladesh for an unlikely victory, New Zealand would have hoped for another test match in the tournament so that they undo the mistake they were found doing in the first and the lone test match at Hamilton. And, Bangladesh should stop hoping for the opposition to fare badly which they can cash out.
Now, on the 4th day's play, New Zealand take no chances and do what they are supposed to. They go in for a quickfire scoring when they end their second innings after declaring with the scoreboard reading 258/5. This is the same total that the New Zealand batsmen were found putting up in their first innings of the match on day 1. However, their batting was not that bad like they had in the first innings. Though New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals, their body language very well showed that they had full control of the match and going wrong by any chance was completely ruled out.
Out of the 5 New Zealand wickets that fell in the second innings, three of them were run outs and moreover were set up by the Kiwi batsmen themselves. It was their hurry to keep the scoreboard ticking which saw them lose the battle with the stumps. The Bangladeshi bowlers could not stop McIntosh from striking 3 huge ones out of the ground. It was a bonus for Bangladesh to have had 5 Kiwi batsmen back in the pavilion. This once again shows that Bangladesh can cash out only from the mistakes that the opponent does and not by its own effort tame the same.
And later on, the New Zealand bowlers also followed suit which saw them bag 5 wickets with the scoreboard reading 88 runs. With an innings win out of question for the kiwis in the match, atleast a huge margin in terms of runs would be satisfactory for them I suppose. With still 317 runs needed for Bangladesh for an unlikely victory, New Zealand would have hoped for another test match in the tournament so that they undo the mistake they were found doing in the first and the lone test match at Hamilton. And, Bangladesh should stop hoping for the opposition to fare badly which they can cash out.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
New Zealand get back into the game
By the end of the 1st day's play at Hamilton, New Zealand were 5 down with a not so decent total on the board. New Zealand ended the first day's play with 258 runs on the board, which at one stage saw them reeling at 158/5. Following this, New Zealand was left with just 2 batsmen who could rewrite their fortunes in Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill. And, this could have well been anticipated to be done by a team that is facing Bangladesh on its home ground. This does not make a difference where the match is played, for even at Bangladesh the result would have been no different.
The batsmen who could promise were Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum who did exactly what they were entitled to and expected to do. Both the batsmen put up a 339 run partnership for the 6th wicket which can now guarantee a win for New Zealand. And, in case fortunes swing for New Zealand, they can even expect an innings win. The duo's score accounted for almost 68 percent of the total score of 553 put up on the board by New Zealand. All that the Bangladeshi fielders could do was to see the ball hovering over the ropes continuously as a mute spectator.
Finally, New Zealand didn't take any chances and declared after both Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum left the crease, realizing the fact that further delay can only add more to the number of wickets that have fallen and may be with a handful of runs that can in no better way be of any difference to the match. Darryl Tuffey and Jeetan Patel batted as though they were ending a limited overs game in its slog overs. Tuffey and Patel ended up scoring 31 and 24 respectively, with strike rates of 81 and 100 respectively. However, I wish New Zealand should have betted for a few more overs that could have seen Tuffey going past 50 runs.
And, after the Bangladeshi innings started, may be that the Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori might have kicked himself for declaring the innings which was a batsmen's paradise. The Bangladeshi innings was also no less when it came to some good scoring and free hitting. Bangladesh ended their day by putting up 87 runs on the board for the loss of just 1 wicket with Tamim Iqbal remaining not out on 56. All has to be blamed on the first day's play where New Zealand were found underestimating the Bangladeshi bowlers and took them seriously only after half the side was washed out.
The batsmen who could promise were Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum who did exactly what they were entitled to and expected to do. Both the batsmen put up a 339 run partnership for the 6th wicket which can now guarantee a win for New Zealand. And, in case fortunes swing for New Zealand, they can even expect an innings win. The duo's score accounted for almost 68 percent of the total score of 553 put up on the board by New Zealand. All that the Bangladeshi fielders could do was to see the ball hovering over the ropes continuously as a mute spectator.
Finally, New Zealand didn't take any chances and declared after both Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum left the crease, realizing the fact that further delay can only add more to the number of wickets that have fallen and may be with a handful of runs that can in no better way be of any difference to the match. Darryl Tuffey and Jeetan Patel batted as though they were ending a limited overs game in its slog overs. Tuffey and Patel ended up scoring 31 and 24 respectively, with strike rates of 81 and 100 respectively. However, I wish New Zealand should have betted for a few more overs that could have seen Tuffey going past 50 runs.
And, after the Bangladeshi innings started, may be that the Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori might have kicked himself for declaring the innings which was a batsmen's paradise. The Bangladeshi innings was also no less when it came to some good scoring and free hitting. Bangladesh ended their day by putting up 87 runs on the board for the loss of just 1 wicket with Tamim Iqbal remaining not out on 56. All has to be blamed on the first day's play where New Zealand were found underestimating the Bangladeshi bowlers and took them seriously only after half the side was washed out.
Saturday, 13 June 2009
New Zealand Unfit For T20?
Well last night, I had written a post regarding Sri Lanka's advance to the semis at the cost of Ireland and Pakistan (may be), with New Zealand being the other team to get qualify to the semi finals, given their good run rate and the unpredictable cricket from Pakistan side. But, after yesterday's match between Pakistan and New Zealand, it is almost confirmed that New Zealand can no more hope to go to the finals of the tournament. Perhaps! A win against Sri Lanka can grant them a place in the semis provided conditions apply. First of all, Sri Lanka should win against Ireland with a bad NRR and lose against New Zealand as well.
It has been a long way back since New Zealand has beaten Sri Lanka in any international tournament sponsored by the ICC, be it the world cup, T20 Championship or even the ICC Champions Trophy. I remember New Zealand last beating Sri Lanka in a mega event in the Benson & Hedges world 1992 played in Hamilton. After that, the two teams met in the Champions trophy 1998 where Arjuna Ranatunga's men made the better off New Zealand (probably under Adam Parore). There were no contests between New Zealand & Sri Lanka in the 1996 or 1999 WC. Then in 2003 WC, Sri Lanka beat NZ by 47 runs and later in 2007, SL beat NZ twice.
Likewise, even Sri Lanka had never beaten Pakistan in any major ICC event. Perhaps! Sri Lanka had never faced Pakistan after the 1992 world cup until 2007. However Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the CT 2006 and then in the T20 world cup in 2007. Anyway, coming to the match between Pakistan and New Zealand, New Zealand were found to be in the game only in the first over of their batting, where Brendon McCullum blasted 16 runs aided with twi hits to the fence. And the rest of the match, especially the New Zealand's batting is all about Umar Gul. who devastated the New Zealand batting returning with figures of 5/6. Such figures are available only in the matches involving a minnow and a test playing nation barring Bangladesh.
This is I guess the lowest total in a T20 world cup by a test playing nation after Bangladesh were bowled out for 83 in the inconsequential match against Sri Lanka. It was amazing to see only three batsmen crossing the double digit mark in a match that could prove too costly for New Zealand. On the other hand, Pakistan chased the total of 99 in 13 overs. C'mon how could this be such a one sided affair? In the beginning, New Zealand threatened to steal the show after blasting 16 runs. Then, gradually the run rate dropped to 8.0 in the third with the loss of 1st wicket and finally, neither could New Zealand cross the 100 run mark nor could they play their full quota of 20 over nor could they maintain a run a ball run rate.
I wish the ICC make norms for a team to qualify for T20s like it has been done for the tests. Just kidding!!!
It has been a long way back since New Zealand has beaten Sri Lanka in any international tournament sponsored by the ICC, be it the world cup, T20 Championship or even the ICC Champions Trophy. I remember New Zealand last beating Sri Lanka in a mega event in the Benson & Hedges world 1992 played in Hamilton. After that, the two teams met in the Champions trophy 1998 where Arjuna Ranatunga's men made the better off New Zealand (probably under Adam Parore). There were no contests between New Zealand & Sri Lanka in the 1996 or 1999 WC. Then in 2003 WC, Sri Lanka beat NZ by 47 runs and later in 2007, SL beat NZ twice.
Likewise, even Sri Lanka had never beaten Pakistan in any major ICC event. Perhaps! Sri Lanka had never faced Pakistan after the 1992 world cup until 2007. However Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the CT 2006 and then in the T20 world cup in 2007. Anyway, coming to the match between Pakistan and New Zealand, New Zealand were found to be in the game only in the first over of their batting, where Brendon McCullum blasted 16 runs aided with twi hits to the fence. And the rest of the match, especially the New Zealand's batting is all about Umar Gul. who devastated the New Zealand batting returning with figures of 5/6. Such figures are available only in the matches involving a minnow and a test playing nation barring Bangladesh.
This is I guess the lowest total in a T20 world cup by a test playing nation after Bangladesh were bowled out for 83 in the inconsequential match against Sri Lanka. It was amazing to see only three batsmen crossing the double digit mark in a match that could prove too costly for New Zealand. On the other hand, Pakistan chased the total of 99 in 13 overs. C'mon how could this be such a one sided affair? In the beginning, New Zealand threatened to steal the show after blasting 16 runs. Then, gradually the run rate dropped to 8.0 in the third with the loss of 1st wicket and finally, neither could New Zealand cross the 100 run mark nor could they play their full quota of 20 over nor could they maintain a run a ball run rate.
I wish the ICC make norms for a team to qualify for T20s like it has been done for the tests. Just kidding!!!
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
All Is Black For The Kolkata Knight Riders
Despite failing to make it to the top four of the second edition o the Indian Premier League, the Kolkata Knight Riders had every reason to win the remaining matches to prove their franchisee that even they are a part of this show and also to their fans that the killer instinct is still alive in them and can entertain their fans by winning the remaining matches rather than going completely dejected at the end of the first round. Until now, the color of the Kolkata Knight Riders' T-Shirt was black. But, after their performance in both the editions of the IPL and this one in particular, it looks like everything is black for them.
Some consolation regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders was that they could make use of their batsmen well by posting a decent total of 173 on the board. Even this time the Kolkata Knight Riders side lost just 4 wickets before winding up their innings. But, for a change this time the batsmen who preserved their wickets didn't fail to deliver. The captain Brendon McCullum as all of us are aware of, scored an unbeaten 84 runs off 64 balls which was thought to be a defendable one. But, that was just their illusion. Kolkata Knight Riders' bowlers never seemed to compromise with losing.
Probably, I guess this is the highest run chase in the current edition of the Indian Premier League. Until now, the Kolkata Knight Riders used to lose either by putting on a modest total on the board that the opposition never had any trouble chasing the same or by giving away too many runs that the opposition had no problems defending. But, this time the Kolkata Knight Riders went a step further and put on a mammoth score of 173 that was chased down effortlessly by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The fans of the Kolkata Knight Riders might have felt comfortable to watch the Kolkata Knight Riders blasting the bowlers.
But, one to be mentioned is that by losing matches against teams like the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians, they are making way for those teams to make it to the next round for either a loss or a win would make no difference to the Kolkata Knight Riders. But, a loss or a win would be the difference between getting eliminated and passing themselves to the next round for three teams viz the RCB, MI and KXIP. The situation now gives us a hint that even the Mumbai Indians are following the footsteps of the Kolkata Knight Riders to get eliminated from the tournament. But, the difference being that the Mumbai Indians have fought it well by beating some teams atleast. After all, only 4 teams can land in the semis.
Some consolation regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders was that they could make use of their batsmen well by posting a decent total of 173 on the board. Even this time the Kolkata Knight Riders side lost just 4 wickets before winding up their innings. But, for a change this time the batsmen who preserved their wickets didn't fail to deliver. The captain Brendon McCullum as all of us are aware of, scored an unbeaten 84 runs off 64 balls which was thought to be a defendable one. But, that was just their illusion. Kolkata Knight Riders' bowlers never seemed to compromise with losing.
Probably, I guess this is the highest run chase in the current edition of the Indian Premier League. Until now, the Kolkata Knight Riders used to lose either by putting on a modest total on the board that the opposition never had any trouble chasing the same or by giving away too many runs that the opposition had no problems defending. But, this time the Kolkata Knight Riders went a step further and put on a mammoth score of 173 that was chased down effortlessly by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The fans of the Kolkata Knight Riders might have felt comfortable to watch the Kolkata Knight Riders blasting the bowlers.
But, one to be mentioned is that by losing matches against teams like the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians, they are making way for those teams to make it to the next round for either a loss or a win would make no difference to the Kolkata Knight Riders. But, a loss or a win would be the difference between getting eliminated and passing themselves to the next round for three teams viz the RCB, MI and KXIP. The situation now gives us a hint that even the Mumbai Indians are following the footsteps of the Kolkata Knight Riders to get eliminated from the tournament. But, the difference being that the Mumbai Indians have fought it well by beating some teams atleast. After all, only 4 teams can land in the semis.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
KKR Just Not Willing To Learn To Learn From Their Mistakes
I have cited this point a number of times in more or less every post that I write on this blog regarding the batsmen willing to take risks and in the process either throw his wicket away like Shahid Afridi usually does or else if luck is in favor put some extra runs on board that could be the difference between a win and a defeat. This could also be the difference between getting qualified to the next round and getting eliminated fro the tournament once for all and thus playing the remaining matches just for the sake of it. But, I wounder whether there is anyone out there to tell the Kolkata Knight Riders' players.
Atleast, the Kolkata Knight Riders' coach John Buchanan should have realized this point if not anybody else. In the eitire quota of their 20 overs, the Kolkata Knight Riders lost just three wickets, with the scoreboard reading 58/1 from the first 6 overs at more than 9.0 an over, and then 98/2 in the 14th over at just over 7.0 an over. The third wicket fell just 4 balls prior to winding up the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings which finished at 154. The third wicket fell when the score was 147. Due to this, the KKR could not utilize the precense of Sourav Ganguly and Ajith Agarkar-two decent hitters of the ball.
I wonder as to what made the team owner go in for Brendon McCullum as a skipper, when McCullum has hardly captained his national side? On the other hand, Sourav Ganguly had done a fabulous job as a captain for team India only to be sacked as a skipper by the KKR team owner. So far, the Kolkata Knight Riders could win just one game and that was against the Kings XI Punjab which was intervened by Duckworth Lewis and the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings lasting just 8 overs. Despite repeated failures by the Kolkata team, it is a surprise that both the team owner as well as the coach have maintained silence over the same.
This is found happening only with the Kolkata Knight Riders and no other team. And another important fact regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders when it comes to their bowling is that their main strike bowlers viz Ishanth Sharma, Murali Karthik and Henriques who bowled their full quota of 4 overs were the maximum run donors returning with bowling figures of 10.75, 4.50 and 9.0 respectively. The other bowlers might not have done a fab job but, a thorough check is needed by the team manager and coach for repeated failures whatsoever. After this match between the Delhi Daredevils and the Knight Riders, the former team has popped to the top most position and the latter has dropped to the bottom most one. What a gesture!!!!
Atleast, the Kolkata Knight Riders' coach John Buchanan should have realized this point if not anybody else. In the eitire quota of their 20 overs, the Kolkata Knight Riders lost just three wickets, with the scoreboard reading 58/1 from the first 6 overs at more than 9.0 an over, and then 98/2 in the 14th over at just over 7.0 an over. The third wicket fell just 4 balls prior to winding up the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings which finished at 154. The third wicket fell when the score was 147. Due to this, the KKR could not utilize the precense of Sourav Ganguly and Ajith Agarkar-two decent hitters of the ball.
I wonder as to what made the team owner go in for Brendon McCullum as a skipper, when McCullum has hardly captained his national side? On the other hand, Sourav Ganguly had done a fabulous job as a captain for team India only to be sacked as a skipper by the KKR team owner. So far, the Kolkata Knight Riders could win just one game and that was against the Kings XI Punjab which was intervened by Duckworth Lewis and the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings lasting just 8 overs. Despite repeated failures by the Kolkata team, it is a surprise that both the team owner as well as the coach have maintained silence over the same.
This is found happening only with the Kolkata Knight Riders and no other team. And another important fact regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders when it comes to their bowling is that their main strike bowlers viz Ishanth Sharma, Murali Karthik and Henriques who bowled their full quota of 4 overs were the maximum run donors returning with bowling figures of 10.75, 4.50 and 9.0 respectively. The other bowlers might not have done a fab job but, a thorough check is needed by the team manager and coach for repeated failures whatsoever. After this match between the Delhi Daredevils and the Knight Riders, the former team has popped to the top most position and the latter has dropped to the bottom most one. What a gesture!!!!
Thursday, 7 May 2009
A Successful Captain Replaced By A Non Aggresive One!!!
Well the second edition of the Indian Premier League has witnessed a lot of twists and turns not only on the field but also off the field as well. For, most of the teams that ended at the bottom of the points table in the first edition in 2008 went in for a change in captain. The list includes the Royal Challengers Bangalore-who changed their captain from Rahul Dravid to Kevin Pietersen and now the inevitable choice being Anil Kumble. Then comes the Kolkata Knight Riders whose captaincy was handed over to New Zealand's Brendon McCullum. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the Deccan Chargers having Gilchrist as captain instead of VVS Laxman.
For that matter, even Sachin Tendulkar is not found doing a good job for his team as a captain despite some decent wins this season. It looked as though Brendon McCullum was still in his player mood and not in the captaincy one as it was witnessed in the match against the Kings XI Punjab. Four drop catches at a crucial stage in that match never moved the KKR captain whatsoever. This just showed that the degree of aggressiveness of McCullum was nothing greater zero. The Kolkata Knight Riders once again showed as to why they deserve to be at the bottom of the points table.
If not for the last over that fetched 22 runs for the KKR, none of the other bats if not for Brad Hodge really showed some momentum. I wonder as to whether it was really McCullum who scored the highest individual score of the tournament in the firt edition where he scored an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls which stands unbroken even today? As I always keep on mentioning, the batsmen have to go in for some risky shots when the situation demands. There was no point in preserving wickets when the game hardly lasts 20 overs. The Kolkata Knight Riders lost just three wickets if one goes by the scoreboard.
A big hitter like McCullum to have consumed 31 precious deliveries to score 19 runs showed the lack of motivation by the skipper himself. Keeping this fact in mind, one can draw a conclusion regarding the motivation that the remaining players can bring in. Big hitters like Ajith Agarkar, Laxmi Ratan Sukla and Saha never got a chance to get into the crease owing to the spoilsport played by the rest. I wonder as to what made the KKR to have 7 wickets in hand when 20 overs were fast approaching?the KKR innings saw just three sixes. Anyway, it is not the number of sixes that is the difference between a win and a loss.
But, a sense of selfishness can be found in the Kolkata Knight Riders who never want to take a risk that could add a lot more to the total. The KKR batsmen just wanted to maintain their individual average by staying in the crease. For that matter, the bowlers did a fair job by bringing the Kings XI Punjab innings until the last ball. However, fielding department is once again to be blamed for this mishap. Better luck in the next tournament KKR.
For that matter, even Sachin Tendulkar is not found doing a good job for his team as a captain despite some decent wins this season. It looked as though Brendon McCullum was still in his player mood and not in the captaincy one as it was witnessed in the match against the Kings XI Punjab. Four drop catches at a crucial stage in that match never moved the KKR captain whatsoever. This just showed that the degree of aggressiveness of McCullum was nothing greater zero. The Kolkata Knight Riders once again showed as to why they deserve to be at the bottom of the points table.
If not for the last over that fetched 22 runs for the KKR, none of the other bats if not for Brad Hodge really showed some momentum. I wonder as to whether it was really McCullum who scored the highest individual score of the tournament in the firt edition where he scored an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls which stands unbroken even today? As I always keep on mentioning, the batsmen have to go in for some risky shots when the situation demands. There was no point in preserving wickets when the game hardly lasts 20 overs. The Kolkata Knight Riders lost just three wickets if one goes by the scoreboard.
A big hitter like McCullum to have consumed 31 precious deliveries to score 19 runs showed the lack of motivation by the skipper himself. Keeping this fact in mind, one can draw a conclusion regarding the motivation that the remaining players can bring in. Big hitters like Ajith Agarkar, Laxmi Ratan Sukla and Saha never got a chance to get into the crease owing to the spoilsport played by the rest. I wonder as to what made the KKR to have 7 wickets in hand when 20 overs were fast approaching?the KKR innings saw just three sixes. Anyway, it is not the number of sixes that is the difference between a win and a loss.
But, a sense of selfishness can be found in the Kolkata Knight Riders who never want to take a risk that could add a lot more to the total. The KKR batsmen just wanted to maintain their individual average by staying in the crease. For that matter, the bowlers did a fair job by bringing the Kings XI Punjab innings until the last ball. However, fielding department is once again to be blamed for this mishap. Better luck in the next tournament KKR.
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