Mother of All Battles

Posted on March 24, 2011 by shamsnwags

The mother of all battle is here. The heat is on and so is the intensity. Entire nation is waiting for the big match that’s going to be played in Prince’s palace where the in-form Indians will take on Pakistan. Afridi has already started making statements that his team will not allow the Men in Blue to go all the way to Mumbai.
The Pathan has come to the party and is playing like a true leader, but he should be well rooted on the ground. Is he forgetting the fact that he is going to play against the men in blue who are equally well equipped as they are? Going by the records, India has never lost to Pakistan in the world cup encounters and Indian’s will definitely see to it that they maintain the record.
Yuvi is playing innings of his life and even the Master blaster is on the roll. The difference will be the bowling. If India bowls to its potentials, which they surely will, there’s no stopping for them to go ahead at Wankhede for the finals.
The Indians are likely to play the same XI who won us the match against the Aussies. On the other hand, Pakistan will be tempted to play Shoaib Akthar to add to the pace.
Can the Men in Blue gift the World Cup to the batting maestro is the phenomenon to be seen and worth to wait for. Till then let’s enjoy the rest of the matches and chant India India!

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V For Victory

Posted on February 19, 2011 by shamsnwags

Virender  Sehwag started the World Cup 2011 with a bang and saying that it was revenge time for India. The Indians started the new campaign of 2011 with a huge victory. In came the slaughtering pair in form of Sachin and Sehwag. The Bangladesh bowling opening pair sprayed it all over the park resulting to a flying start for the Indians. Sachin looked in a good touch stroking the ball nicely. Gambhir was as solid as ever, playing his part with Sehwag. India made a blitzkrieg 369 in the allotted over’s. India won by 87 run.
The flavor of the day besides Sehwag was yet another Delhiete Virat Kohli.  Like his name, he played a solid innings. He and Sehwag added 203 runs amongst themselves. While Sehwag was at his slaughtering best, Kohli took his time to settle down to play a magnificent innings. Once he was set, he started playing his shorts. Kohli in his Debut World Cup match went on to make an unbeaten century. And as Dada Sourav Gangully would say-“ A century is a century, be it against any nation”. Virat Kohli is the batsman to be watched out. He is a superb asset to the team and he is a good fielder as well.
Bangladesh gave a good fight back making 285. Openers Tamim Iqbal andImrul Kyes played some magnificent shots. Tamim Iqbal was again a thorn in the arms of the Indians. Sreesanth could not justify his place in spite of getting a chance to play. He didn’t have control over line and length resulting a big dent on his economy rate.Skipper Shakib Al Hassan made a fire fighting half century.  Zak bowled tight spell. It was Munaf who broke the back of Bangladesh team by taking 4 wickets.
It’s good to start the competition with a bang. India has a great chance to win this World Cup. Batting is the great strength. Fielding is a huge cause of concern yet. Hope it gets tightened and we see India winning the competition.

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Vir Century

Posted on February 19, 2011 by shamsnwags

Getting the non striker run out and then making a century is quiet an imposssible task. Sachin Tendulkar was playing beautifully till the 10th over untill he got run out. Confusion between Sachin and Sehwag costed wicket of Sachin. It becomes very demotaviting running the non striker out. Taking on from there and scoring a century is really a commendable task.Virender Sehwag became te first person to score Century in the World Cup 2011 match and that too on the opening day itself. He played his natural innings.
No one can stop Sehwag once he gets going. His 94 ball century has already set things right for India forthe opening match.

Stay tuned for more..

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Opening Match World Cup 2011

Posted on February 19, 2011 by shamsnwags
The action has already begun with India taking on the Bangladesh in the first match. Captain Dhoni lost the toss Bangladesh caption has elected to field first.

India has got  off to a flier.So far India has scored 60 runs with out any loss of wicket  in 10 overs
Team Composition is as follows:
India:
Sachin Tendulkar,Virender Sehwag,Gautam Gambhir,Virat Kohli, YuvrajSingh,MS Dhoni†*, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan,Munaf Patel,Sreesanth

Bangladesh:

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mushfiqur Rahim†, Shakib Al Hasan*, Raqibul Hasan, Naeem Islam, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.

The excitement has just begun… Keep reading more. 

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World At Your Feet

Posted on January 31, 2011 by shamsnwags
With 60 over format, white traditional costume & red cherry, the biggest colloseum of cricket started on 7th June 1975 in England. Yes the Cricket World Cup. The Cricket World Cup is an international One Day International (ODI) competition in men’s cricket. Organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the tournament has taken place every four years since it was first held in 1975 in England.For the first three editions it was called as Prudential Cup which was consequently played in England.
History Of World Cup:
1975

West Indies tasted the Glory of the First WC in 1975, continuing the trend in second edition as well in 1979. 

The 1975 world cup final was played between West Indies and Australia. Under the leadership of Clive Lloyd, WI won the finals by 17 runs. 

1979

 In 1979, again under the leadership of Clive Lloyd, West Indies reached the finals. This time, they defeated the host England by 92 runs.

1983

 In 1983, a new rule of field circle with in 30 yards away from stumps  was introduced. It was mandatory to have 4 fieldsmen inside the circle at all times. Basking in the glory of victory for the first two Wc finals, WI entered the finals of third edition. To spoil their party and shatter their dream run, Kapil’s Devils gave a big jolt to Clive Llyod & co. We clearly remember the sight of Joel Garner falling flat on the ground and weeping following the defeat.


1987
By 1987, Reliance group had grown big time world wide. This was for the first time,the tournament was played outside England and moved to Indian Subcontinent and was called Reliance Cup.
Considering the sub continental conditions, the format was reduced to a 50 over format. It was Australia who defeated England with a close margin of 7 runs.

1992
The popularity of WC was immensely increasing. Considering that, 1992  event  saw lots of changes in the format. It was from 1992 WC in Australia/NZ we (Shams&Wags ) started following the game closely as we were of the age where we started understanding all aspects of game. The traditional whites made way to colored clothing. The red cherry was replaced by the white balls. Day & Night matches came into picture. South Africa was allowed to participate in the event following the end of the ban on them due to racism. Out of no where; Pakistan rose to the occasion and defeated England by 22 runs. To England’s plight, it was their third time defeat in the Finals.

1996
In 1996, the cup came back to the subcontinent. Under an inspirational leadership of Ranatunga, Srilanka emerged with flying colors due to their attacking cricket by flamboyant opening pair of Jayasuriya & Kaluwitharana and awesome Aravinda D’silva. They defeated Australia by 7 wickets in Finals at Lahore.
1999
In 1999 the event was hosted by England, with some matches also being held in Scotland, Ireland, Wales. Australia entered the Semifinals.
There were many anxious moments in the match. The most famous incidence was when Herscelle Gibbs dropped a easy catch of Steve Waugh. Waugh was quick enough to tell him “You have dropped the World Cup Mate’ . In the final, Australia dismissed Pakistan for 132 and then reached the target in less than 20 overs, with eight wickets in hand. 
2003

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya hosted the 2003 World Cup. Australia again featured in the finals. This time against India. This was for the first time after 1983 when India featured in finals of World cup. Australia made  a quick fire 359 runs for the loss of two wickets, the largest ever total in a final, defeating India by 125 runs. It was at Wanderers where Ricky Ponting   played a super attacking innings scoring an unbeatable 140 runs

2007

In 2007 the tournament was hosted by the West Indies. This cup saw some serious and shameful defeats for India and Pakistan. Bangladesh defeated India and entered to the second round for the first time and they later went on to defeat South Africa in the second round.  Pakistan faced similar shameful defeat by the minnows Ireland. Following the defeat against Ireland, the Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room; it was later found out that he died of heart failure. Australia defeated Sri Lanka in the final by 53 runs (D/L), extending their undefeated run in the World Cup to 29 matches and winning three straight World Cups. 

ICC Trophy
Trophy Design:
The current trophy is made of Silver and gold. The Golden Globe is held up by 3 Silver Columns. These columns are in shape of Stumps& Bails that represent 3 fundamentals of cricket ie, Batting, Bowling and fielding. The Globe characterizes cricket ball. It stands 60 cm tall & weighs approximately 11 kgs. The names of winners of previous editions are engraved on the base of the trophy. The original trophy is kept by ICC and a replica is awarded to the winning team
Prior to 1999, different trophies were designed for each world cup. In 1999, the ICC world Cup trophy was created. It was designed in London by a team of craftsman from Garrard & Co in over 2 months.
Individual Performances:
Swashbuckling Master blaster from India Sachin Tendulkar holds a bouquet of individual records in the World . Tendulkar has made more scores over fifty, hit more centuries and scored more runs than any other cricketer in World Cup history. In his 36 appearance in World Cup, he has  4 centuries, 13 half centuries against his name. In the bowling department, Australian Glenn McGrath(Pegion) dominates the individual bowling records, having featured for his country in four World Cups. He has taken more wickets at a higher strike rate with a better economy rate than any other bowler, and has the best individual bowling figures in the history of the tournament.7/15 is his best record and in his 39 appearance, he hs taken 79 wickets. 
Australians Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist lead the individual fielding records. Ponting is the leading fielder in terms of catches made, in both an individual World Cup tournament and in the competition’s history. Wicketkeeper Gilchrist has made the most dismissals in a single match, an individual tournament and in World Cup history. Australia hold several team records, including those for the most wins, the highest win percentage, the most consecutive wins and are the current holders; they were undefeated in the 2007 Cricket World Cup campaign.
Let’s wait and watch whats in store for every one in this world cup that will be held in the Subcontinent again. The opening ceremony will be held in Bangladesh and the Final match will be played at Mumbai’s very own Wankhade.
Till then lets keep our fingers crossed.
Categories: cricket | 3 Comments

Winners of Dream XI Contest!

Posted on January 3, 2011 by shamsnwags



As expected, we got a very good response on the small contest run by us.There was double joy or us . Firstly due to contest and second, most importantly,after loosing the first test in SA, the our Indian Kings  ruled the roost in  Kingsmead.( We will never go off track  as far as the cricket updates are concerned)


Here’s the eagerly awaited Shams N Wags Dream XI.
Shams N Wags XI
Sachin Tendulkar 
Saeed Anwar  
Michael Bevan 
Vivian Richards 
Aravinda D’silva  
Jacques Kallis 
Adam Gilchrist 
Wasim Akram  
Glen McGrath 
Allan Donald  
Shane Warne  


While selecting the winner, we matched the total number of the players out of the XI of each contestants against our dream XI. Further after shortlisting, we matched it according to the players in each category. The ones whose category wise players matched accordingly to our team were shortlisted.


As far as first criteria goes, the following contestants were shortlisted:
Mithun Aditya, Rohan, Ketan and Shikha.


But finally after considering the second criteria, we have joint winners for the contest. And the winners are:
Rohan and Shikha.


Congratulations  to both of you.


Please contact us to get your prize


Last but not the least, we thank you all for participating.
There will be many more contests coming up in the near future( WC is round the corner)


Shams N Wags

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What’s Your Dream XI?

Posted on December 24, 2010 by shamsnwags
We are yet to believe that it has been a short yet sweet journey of 3 years of converting our passion into serious writing and sharing our views with the world.
Yes it has  been 3 years of blogging for Shams&Wags.
Thank you all for your support and love and valuable comments and suggestions that you all have given us.Its time for us to make it more interesting.It’s a small contest for all our readers.
Pick up your Dream XI from the list of players mentioned below.
Rule is very simple. Players names have been mentioned in all categories and number of players to be chosen  from each category is also indicated.
If your dream XI matches with the dream XI or comes close to the one chosen by Shams n Wags, you stand a chance to win a Sports  T-Shirt.
All you have to do is list your playing XI in the comments section.
Winner will be announced on 3rd Of January.
Until then Keep reading www.shamsnwags.com
Dream XI: List Of Players
Opening (2)

Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virendra Sehwag (Ind), Saeed Anwar(Pak), Gorden Greenidge (WI), Matthew Hayden, Mark Waugh (Aus), Sanath Jayasuriya (SL)

Middle Order (3)
Ricky Ponting, Michael Bevan (Aus), Vivian Richards, Brian Lara (WI), Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh (Ind), Martin Crowe (NZ), Aravinda D’silva (SL), Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Javed Miandad (Pak)

All Rounder (1)
Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff (Eng), Kapil Dev (Ind), Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi (Pak), Jacques Kallis (SA), Chris Cairns (NZ)

Wicket Keeper (1)
Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist (Aus), MS Dhoni (Ind), Moin Khan (Pak), Mark Boucher (SA), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Kumar Sangakkara (SL), Andy Flower (Zim), Alec Stewart (Eng)
  
Bowlers (3)
Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis (Pak), Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose (WI), Denis Lillie, Glen McGrath, Brett Lee (Aus), Richard Hadlee (NZ), Alan Donald (SA)

Spinner (1)
Shane Warne (Aus), Mutthiah Muralidharan (SL), Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh (Ind), Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmed (Pak)


Categories: cricket | 21 Comments

Hail The Master Blaster!

Posted on December 19, 2010 by shamsnwags
With a lovely drive on the off side, the Swash Buckling Master Blaster became the first person to score 50 Test Hundreds.The century against South Africa at Centurion.With the ton, the tally of scores has crossed 14500 test runs.Sachin made his test debut in the year 1989 as a 16 year old kid against Pakistan.
Lets have a look at the Test Milestones.

List of Test Centuries:

  • 1st  Century: Against England at Old Trafford – Aug 1990
  • 10th Century: Against Engl;and at Trent Bridge- July 1996
  • 20th Century: Against New Zealand at Mohali- October 1999
  • 30th Century:Against Enland at Headingely- August 2002
  • 40th Century:Against Australia at Nagpur- November 2008
  • 50th Century:Against South Africa at Centurion- December 2010
By the time the Master Blaster hangs his boots, there will be many milestones achieved by him.
Hail the Master Blaster! 
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Serious Test Business

Posted on November 26, 2010 by shamsnwags

It’s the Test Cricket season at the moment. With 3 test series and The Ashes started yesterday, looks like we have serious stuff to witness.

India vs New Zealand – Retaining #1 position
Before the start of the battle it was considered to be a series of dominance and survival. Dominance from the Indians as they were high after recent series win against Aussies and survival for Kiwis as they had embarrassing tour of Bangladesh. But as it says Cricket is unpredictable game. With the return of Brendon Mccullum as specialist batsmen and promising character of McIntosh and new players Kiwis had different plans for India tour. Though first test in Ahmedabad went into a draw with Harbhajan Singh showing his batting skill on final day and scoring his maiden test century, the match was mostly controlled by the Kiwis. McIntosh scored his debut test century while Chris Martin displayed wonderful spell in India’s second innings taking first 4 wickets for just 10 runs and finishing 5-15. This was an alarm bell for the Indians not to be complacent.
Second test in Hyderabad had almost same story with Kiwis again showing their determination while batting first and scoring 350. Indians started of well with opening partnership of 160 runs with Sehwag missing his ton by 4 runs and some relief for Gautam Gambhir to be back in action after last 8 innings failure. Though the middle order collapsed, thanks to Harbhajan Singh who bailed out India by with his second test century and importantly getting a lead of more than 100 runs for his team. But the Kiwis stood still and Mccullum smashed brilliant double century with shots all over the ground and tearing Indian bowling attack apart.
Third and final test in Nagpur proved why India is #1 Test side in the world. Right from day 1 Indians dominated the match and finished off on 4th day second session to win series 1-0. Batting first The kiwis lost half of their side for 80 odd runs with Indian pace duo Sreesanth & Ishant bowling good line and length. The kiwis were  restricted to 193 in 1st inning on day 2 and were  outclassed by Indian batting line up who scored massive 576-8 (dec) taking healthy lead of 373 at the close of third day.The Kiwis were bowled out for 198 in second innings and lost the match by innings and 198 runs. The main highlight of the match was that the  Indian bowlers got  back in action and brilliant 191 runs by “The Wall” Rahul Dravid in first inning.
ODI series between two countries will start from 28th November’10 in Guwahati with senior players – Sachin, Dhoni, Sehwag, Zaheer & Harbhajan rested. Gautam Gambhir will lead the side with Riddhiman Saha as wicket keeper and return of Yuvraj Singh & Yusuf Pathan in middle order.

South Africa vs Pakistan
The other test series between South Africa and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi ended 0-0 with both test match draw. It seems problems and controversy will never go away from Pakistan Cricket with players involved in match fixing probe and the team playing home away from home series (Dubai & Abu Dhabi destination) to finish off their Calender schedule. The series saw some great performance by Kallis and Amla fro SA side while Younis Khan and Misbah holding the battle and ensuring safe draw from Pakistan side.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies

West Indies on the other hand is touring Sri Lanka with rain affected 2 test ended in draw. The main highlight of 1st match was 333 runs by Chris Gayle displaying strokes all over the ground. The second test in Colombo has 3 days till now with rain taking away most of the day’s play and some batting practice for skipper Sangakkara hitting century followed by Samarweera scoring half century.


The Ashes
There’s so much to say and write about The Ashes.

The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. It is international cricket’s most celebrated rivalry and dates back to 1882. It is currently played biennially, alternately in the United Kingdom and Australia. The series is named after a satirical obituary published in a British newspaper, The Sporting Times, in 1882 after a match at The Oval in which Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time. The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. The English media dubbed the next English tour to Australia (1882–83) as the quest to regain The Ashes. * source Wikipedia & Cricinfo.England currently holds The Ashes, after defeating Australia 2–1 to regain them in the 2009 Ashes series which took place in England and, for the first time, Wales.

The 1st test started yesterday 25th Nov’10 in Gabba, Brisbane. England batting first was restricted to 260 on day 1 with some brilliant performance by Aussie’s pace attack. Peter Siddle became 9th bowler to take hat trick in The Ashes history, claiming wickets of Alistair Cook, Matt Prior and Chris Broad. He finished with total 6 wickets in the innings. Day 2 ended earlier due to bad light having Australia on 220/5, Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin on crease.

Full list of previous Ashes hat-tricks                                                 
FR Spofforth

Aus
Melbourne
1878-79
W Bates

Eng
Melbourne
1882-83
J Briggs

Eng
Sydney
1891-92
JT Hearne

Eng
Leeds
1899
H Trumble

Aus
Melbourne
1901-02
H Trumble

Aus
Melbourne
1903-04
SK Warne

Aus
Melbourne
1994-95
D Gough

Eng
Sydney
1998-99

With so much of test cricketing action along with ODI’s,  Shams n Wags promises to bring you all the insights and happenings.

*source Daily mail UK
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Kangaroos Canned, Time For Kiwi Polish.

Posted on November 3, 2010 by shamsnwags
After sending the Kangaroos hopping back with no victory against their name both in the Test and the ODIs, its now time for their neighbor to get a similar treatment. The Kiwis are not in the best of their forms as they have faced a shameful defeat against Bangladesh. With the current form of the Indian players and the home conditions, its yet another chance for the Indians to send the Kiwi bird flying high in the air and then havesome Kiwi Shine on the Shoes!
We are sure that our boys wont be complacent and Danny’s men would fight hard to gain some respect and thats expected. It will be a treat to watch even as some of the key milestones will be arrived at. The one the entire world is looking forward is 50th Test Century for the Little Master Blaster Swash Buckling God- Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. 
Categories: cricket | 2 Comments