Report
Tamil Nadu snatch opening day's honours
Tamil Nadu were in the box seat after bowling out Punjab for 258 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarter final match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today
Sankhya Krishnan
30-Mar-2000
Tamil Nadu were in the box seat after bowling out Punjab for 258 on
the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarter final match at the MA
Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today. The highlight of the Punjab
innings was an invasion of the outfield by a snake which held up play
for a few minutes before some intrepid members of the ground staff
ventured to drive it off the ground. In the nine overs that remained,
an enterprising run a minute opening wicket stand between S Ramesh and
S Sriram took Tamil Nadu to 40 without loss at stumps.
S Sharath won the toss and elected to field on a wicket having a tinge
of green and also providing a fair bit of bounce for their four
pronged medium pace attack (Kumaran, Mahesh, Gokulakrishnan and
Bhatia) to exploit. Robin Singh preferred to attend a video release in
Sharjah of Anil Kumble's ten wicket haul rather than give his
compatriots here a hand while Ravneet Ricky had to sit out because of
a finger injury sustained in the last Super League match against
Railways.
The Tamil Nadu attack was unable to make an early breakthrough as
Vikram Rathour and Reetinder Sodhi added 56 for the first wicket in
almost 16 overs. Rathour was fortunate to be grassed by Madanagopal at
second slip off Kumaran with his score on 12 while Sodhi too had an
awkward moment when he gloved one, that kicked more than he expected,
just short of forward short leg. Mahesh tried bouncing out Rathour by
employing two fielders in the deep behind the wicket on the leg side
but the batsman refused to jump to the bait. It was Rajat Bhatia who
struck first blood when he had Sodhi caught behind by the keeper
Reuben Paul for 22.
The contest hottened up when Aashish Kapoor was brought on to try and
dislodge his brother in law Vikram Rathour from the crease. Kapoor
tossed one up and Rathour drove him through the covers for four to
bring up his fifty. But in his next over Kapoor got his man as
Rathour, giving him the charge, failed to get hold of the ball and was
caught by Mahesh a few yards behind the bowler's head for 57. Punjab
went into lunch at 104/2 and off the first ball after resumption,
Dharmani was caught behind off Kapoor as he played forward. Yuvraj was
dealing only in boundaries, the pick of which was a backfoot drive
through extracover, and was caught down the leg side off Kumaran for
44, out of which 40 had come in boundary hits.
Full postLaxman's lone hand keeps Hyderabad afloat
A plucky century from Test discard VVS Laxman lifted Hyderabad to a modest 246/8 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarter final match against Uttar Pradesh at the Green Park in Kanpur
Sankhya Krishnan
30-Mar-2000
A plucky century from Test discard VVS Laxman lifted Hyderabad to a
modest 246/8 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarter final
match against Uttar Pradesh at the Green Park in Kanpur. Medium pacer
Ratnesh Mishra did the star turn for UP with a bag of four wickets for
23 runs that pulled the rug from under the Hyderabad lower middle
order. In the absence of Mohd. Azharuddin, who's made 605 runs for
Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy this season at an average of over 86, it
was down to Laxman to salvage Hyderabad's honour after the rest of the
batsmen around him failed to support his disciplined approach.
Opener Nandakishore was snapped up by Ashish Zaidi for 3 in the fifth
over and his partner Daniel Manohar was snared by Mishra for a
sparkling but ephemeral 28, inclusive of six boundaries, to leave the
score at 36/2. Laxman and Vanka Pratap then put on 56 for the third
wicket in just under 24 overs before Pratap was trapped in front of
the wicket by the 19 year old left arm seamer, Sallabh Srivastava.
Another partnership of 71 followed between Laxman and Vinay Kumar but
the latter was castled by Mohd. Kaif for 24 (62 balls, 5 fours) and
Hyderabad were now down to 163/5. UP captain Gyanendra Pandey then got
into the act, bowling Parth Satwalkar for 10 for his only wicket of
the innings. All the while, Laxman was playing a lone hand, reaching
his fifty from 123 balls with four fours. Hyderabad's 200 came up in
the 68th over but Ratnesh Mishra cleaned up the lower order, disposing
NA Yadav, wicket keeper R Sheikh and captain Venkatapahy Raju one
after the other.
Laxman posted his fourth century of the season from 187 balls and 301
minutes, with ten fours and a six. Hyderabad opening bowler NP Singh
was keeping Laxman company at stumps as the visitors limped to 246/8
in 90 overs with only Kanwaljit Singh still to bat. Laxman was
undefeated on 118 in 242 balls with 12 hits to the fence and one over
it to take his aggregate for the season to over 500 at an average of
close to three figures.
Full postPakistan end South African winning spree
Sharjah, March 28: One blistering over and it all made the difference
Viren Varma
29-Mar-2000
Sharjah, March 28: One blistering over and it all made the
difference. It doesn't happen so often. But on Tuesday it did. South
Africa were cruising when Shoaib Akhtar produced a telling burst to
swing the match in his team's favour from nowhere, leaving the
startled South Africans biting their nails in disbelief.
Three wickets in one over simply destroyed an under-strength South
Africa, who thereafter caved in under the intense pressure applied by
Pakistan. With India out of the way, the match was reduced to a dress
rehearsal for Friday's final. The only interest left was to see
whether Pakistan would be able to snap their 14-match losing streak
against South Africa.
They did and that too in style, unfolding their amazing fighting
qualities when things were loaded heavily against them. South Africa,
chasing 169 for victory, were 74 for one when Shoaib, bowling with
awesome speed and accuracy, began his sensational over - his fourth
and the team's 17th.
On his second ball he forced an edge from Mark Boucher, then clean
bowled Dale Benkenstein and Lance Klusener with his fourth and sixth
deliveries to bring the match alive.
Full postTour diary: Fairy-tale stuff at Sabina Park
Today belonged to Courtney Walsh and to the West Indies
Alistair Campbell
28-Mar-2000
Today belonged to Courtney Walsh and to the West Indies. Courtney Walsh became the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, surpassing the mark of 434 set by India's Kapil Dev. It was fairy-tale stuff at Sabina Park as Courtney Walsh ran in, one wicket to break the world record, and one Zimbabwean wicket to get. His home crowd of 10,000 people roared expectantly, and one could not
help but feel that this was meant to be. Henry Olonga was caught at short leg and the crowd went wild as did the West Indian players. History had been made. In true West Indian fashion it was celebrated, and after the day's play there was much pomp and ceremony.
No such celebration for us though, as we have managed again to relinquish a very good position. Day 3 started with us very buoyant and focused. We held the advantage and wanted to drive it home. Things were going swimmingly with the West Indies reduced to 171-7, due again to some very disciplined and very good bowling. We looked like taking a sizeable first innings lead - a must as the pitch was starting to deteriorate. there was lots of wear and the cracks were starting to open; they would play a major part later in the game.
However, what transpired was not according to plan as Jimmy Adams, showing stubborn defence punctuated with the odd aggressive drive and cut, and Franklin Rose, who played and missed 2 out of 3 balls early on and then had a swish which invariably went for 4, whittled away at our first innings 308. In three hours they had changed the course of the Test match, as well as set a new
West Indies 8th-wicket batting record.
Starting day 4 we were still in the game but not in control as we would have liked to have been. We got together and agreed that, if we could bowl them out relatively quickly, we were still in with a shout of winning, as the pitch would be a nightmare on the last day and anything above 200 would be a stern test. We did knock them over only 31 runs ahead only after Jimmy Adams had completed a very patient but very gutsy and important hundred.
Full postSouth Africa enter Sharjah Cup final
Sharjah, March 27: India came here with the reputation of being the favourites
Viren Varma
28-Mar-2000
Sharjah, March 27: India came here with the reputation of being the
favourites. But they did nothing special to justify all the hype. They
now face the prospects of returning home early. Only an extraordinary
twist to the Sharjah Cup script can delay their flight.
On Monday, India were bowled out for 164 - exactly the same score they
had made in the opening match against the Proteas - but the only
difference being they didn't lose by 10 wickets. This time the margin
was a bit better - six wickets with 7.2 overs to spare.
South Africa with three clean victories from as many matches have made
it to the final with ease and they take on Pakistan in the last match
of the double-league preliminaries on Tuesday. Even if Pakistan lose,
they might still qualify for the triangular series final since they
have a much better run-rate.
The only way India can date South Africa in the final if Pakistan lose
the match by more than 100 runs if they bat second. If South Africa
bat second than they have to achieve the target before 35 overs to
relegate Pakistan to the third place.
Full postSydney Grade: Bankstown through to final
Bankstown-Canterbury stormed into the Belvidere Cup final against arch rivals St
Bankstown-Canterbury Cricket Club
28-Mar-2000
Bankstown-Canterbury stormed into the Belvidere Cup final against arch rivals St. George after withstanding a determined Balmain fightback last weekend at Bankstown Oval. The Bankstown Sports Club sponsored Bulldogs held on grimly to save the match with 8-210 in reply to the Tigers' 5-250 and move a step closer to another title.
After winning the minor premiership by a huge margin Manly suffered a one run defeat at the hands of Balmain in the qualifying final to be relegated to fourth position for the semis. Consequently they had to win to progress to the final but were denied victory over Saint George by a mere three runs.
Similarly the Bulldogs need to beat Saints in the final as a draw would give the premiership to the Dragons. To compensate for this Bankstown will have the home ground advantage because Memorial Oval was once again named ground of the year and all local enthusiasts are urged to turn out and support the 'Dogs in what should be another thriller.
The final will start at 10 a.m. next Friday through to Sunday and ardent cricket fans are advised that full canteen facilities including drinks and the usual culinary delights will be available. Patrons are once again reminded that no charge is made for admission to the magnificent new Memorial Oval complex so come along and cheer the 'Doggies home.
Full postInconsistency has been the Indians' major problem
The Indians failed badly on the day of reckoning to be knocked out of the Coca-Cola Cup at Sharjah
Woorkheri Raman
28-Mar-2000
The Indians failed badly on the day of reckoning to be knocked out of the Coca-Cola Cup at Sharjah. The batsmen failed throughout the tournament with Azharuddin alone aggregating more than a hundred runs. As a matter of fact, nothing went right for the Indians after the euphoric victory in the one-dayers against South Africa at home. The highly accomplished top order batsmen found the going tough, as they were kept on a tight leash by the disciplined South Africans and the crafty Pakistanis.
Coming back to the game against South Africa, the Springboks' hunger to keep their record intact at Sharjah came to the fore. Their fielding was as usual top class and it gave one the impression that they were defending a target of 140. The back of the length stuff dished out by the South African medium pacers coupled with their magnificent fielding ensured that the Indians were kept under constant pressure. Cronje's job was made easier as his plans were not thwarted in the least by the Indians.
Hayward worked up good speed and he beat Ganguly with sheer pace and the promotion of Azharuddin was the right move as he is in form. Tendulkar was determined to play a long knock but his grit was corroded with some superb fielding in the inner circle. His timing was not the same as we are accustomed to seeing when he is on song. Azharuddin from the other end decided to go after anything pitched up which resulted in a few boundaries. As the singles were hard to come by, both Azharuddin and Tendulkar were not very sure in their calling and eventually Azharuddin called for a run and McKenzie from mid-on effected a crucial run out.
Tendulkar, sent back by Azharuddin on many earlier occasions, tried to sneak a sharp single but in his eagerness to rotate the strike, picked the wrong fielder - Herschelle Gibbs. He does not miss many opportunities and his direct hit rang the death knell for the Indian team. Dravid having lost Jadeja at the other end was trying his best to play freely but he seems to be stuck in a sort of a quicksand. The harder he tried to pierce the infield, the lesser he succeeded. Robin Singh hung around but the South Africans had put the lid on the Indians far too firmly by then. The total in the end was not too encouraging and only an extraordinary performance by the bowlers could have prevented the inevitable.
Full postPakistan win in stunning turnaround
Pakistan snatched an incredible 67 run win against South Africa at Sharjah today to end a run of 14 consecutive losses against the Proteas and go into the final on Friday holding the psychological whiphand
Sankhya Krishnan
28-Mar-2000
Pakistan snatched an incredible 67 run win against South Africa
at Sharjah today to end a run of 14 consecutive losses against
the Proteas and go into the final on Friday holding the
psychological whiphand. Shoaib Akhtar made the initial breach in
the South African wall with a three wicket burst in his fourth
over, and the 17th of the innings, and although he then walked
off with a groin injury his fellow quicks, Messrs. Akram, Younis
and Razzaq were good enough to complete the job. Earlier, Gary
Kirsten had been helped off the field after straining his back
but South Africa appeared to be breezing to victory on the back
of a run a ball second wicket partnership between Gibbs and
Boucher that took the score to 71/1 at the end of 15 overs.
A sensational 17th over from Shoaib turned the tide of the
match to such good effect that suddenly Pakistan were the hunters
and South Africa the hunted. Off the first ball Mark Boucher
tried to pull a short one that was suspiciously close to shoulder
height and got a top edge through to Boucher. The fourth ball of
the over knocked back Dale Benkenstein's off stump as the batsman
played inside the line. And the sixth ball pierced Lance
Klusener's defences as well, also for a duck, to leave South
Africa at 74/4.
Wasim Akram was immediately brought back and off the last ball of
the 18th over, he had Shaun Pollock pushing at one away from his
body and getting a nibble to Inzamam at second slip who showed
surprising agility for so bulky a man. Pollock was the third
successive duck in the middle order and Pieter Strydom joined
Gibbs with the score at 75. Shoaib then bowled a blinder that
went through Moin's gloves for four byes but after the third ball
his groin muscle began playing up and he walked off to let Abdur
Razzaq complete the over for him.
And incredibly Razzaq got a wicket in that half over when Peter
Manuel raised the finger to a ball that seemed to be swinging
down the leg side as it struck the unfortunate Strydom on the
pad. Another duck and at 80/6, for all practical purposes 80/7
with Gary Kirsten unlikely to resume his innings, the South
Africans were on the ropes. What a turnaround! Five wickets had
fallen in the space of 18 balls for the addition of six runs.
Herschelle Gibbs had watched all the drama from the other end and
duly completed his 50 from 62 balls in the 22nd over.
Full postRose turns it around
A week ago, Franklyn Rose was at the heart of the Miracle of Port-of-Spain, helping to scatter Zimbabwe for 63 with his pace and swing and conjure up the remarkable first Test victory
Tonmy Cozier
27-Mar-2000
A week ago, Franklyn Rose was at the heart of the Miracle of
Port-of-Spain, helping to scatter Zimbabwe for 63 with his pace and
swing and conjure up the remarkable first Test victory.
On the third day of the second Test yesterday, his role as saviour was
in his unusual and little regarded guise of batsman, joining his
single-minded captain, Jimmy Adams, in an unbroken, record
eighth-wicket partnership of 124 that restored the balance that was
distinctly tilting against the West Indies in a wildly fluctuating
match.
They finally found the correct accord between the ultracaution that
had handed the initiative to the Zimbabweans and the belligerence that
had been flagrantly missing. And their 14 000 fellow Jamaicans, who
filled Sabina Park to overflowing, celebrated the transformation as if
Bob Marley had been reincarnated and he and the Wailers were doing
their stuff in the middle.
Even against an attack sorely missing its injured spearhead, Heath
Streak, the pair scored at a mere 2-1/2 runs an over.
Full postSouth Africa beat India, do Pakistan a favour
South Africa made heavy weather of a modest target of 165 but held their nerve to win a third successive match in the Coca Cola Cup and their eighth in eight appearances at this venue
Sankhya Krishnan
27-Mar-2000
South Africa made heavy weather of a modest target of 165 but held
their nerve to win a third successive match in the Coca Cola Cup and
their eighth in eight appearances at this venue. An unbroken 71 run
partnership between Jacques Kallis and Hansie Cronje took them to a
six wicket victory over India, with 7.2 overs to spare, that confirmed
South Africa's place in the final and did Pakistan a favour by all but
putting the Indians out of the tournament. With India's net run rate
plunging even further to -1.01 as opposed to a healthy +0.31 for
Pakistan, the latter are virtually assured of making the final even if
they lose to South Africa tomorrow. Nantie Hayward won the MoM award
for his lethal spell of 4-31.
The South Africans reached 30 without loss after seven overs and it
looked as though the match was taking the pattern of the earlier
encounter between these two when, chasing an identical target, the
openers knocked it off on their own. But the drama began to unfold in
the eighth over when Gibbs gave Prasad the charge a trifle prematurely
and failed to clear Ganguly at mid on. Lance Klusener walked in,
presumably to strike a few blows and ease the pressure, but the
situation hardly merited such a response and when Prasad trapped him
first ball in front of the wicket, it left the Indians sniffing at an
outside chance of victory.
Anil Kumble was the ace up India's sleeve and he had Kirsten caught at
slip by Ganguly in his second over to leave South Africa at 50/3 and
the cat firmly among the pigeons. Kumble and Chopra then strangled the
run rate with some relentlessly accurate bowling that gave just 11
runs away in 7 overs. Neil McKenzie decided to hit his way out of
trouble and got two boundaries off Chopra in one over to seemingly
break the spell that had been cast on the batsmen.
But Chopra was not done with and foxed McKenzie in the flight as the
batsman miscued one into Jadeja's hands at cover. India missed a
golden opportunity to tighten the screws further when Kallis played
Agarkar low into and out of Jadeja's hands at square leg with the score at
100/4. The South Africans never looked back after that as Kallis
mauled Chopra for two sixes over long off in the 30th over to
virtually put India out of the sweepstakes. Cronje finished the match
with aplomb with two fours and a six from successive balls off Robin
Singh.
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