A Good Start Has Helped India Win Against Pakistan: Dhoni

India captain couldn't have asked for a better result against Pakistan in the World Cup semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday.

india beat Pakistan by 29 runs and will play Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

But, it was the good start that helped India get there and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni felt that way. "We got off to a fantastic start through Sehwag and Sachin," said Dhoni after the match.

Giving out the details of the match, he said, "As the game progressed the wicket got slower, and in the middle overs it was difficult to score."

"Shahid bowled really well, and it was important to just play the bowling with respect. 260 was a good score for this pitch. It was turning, we read the wicket wrong and that's why we went with three seamers, but in the end the seamers bowled really well too," Dhoni added.

Praising Zaheer Khan, the skipper said, "Zaheer did really well. Over the years with experience he's become smart. We've struggled at times in this tournament, but that's the beauty of this game."

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who won the Man-of-the-Match for his persistent 85, acknowledged the crowd support.

"I would like to thank everyone here for terrific support, without that this wouldn't have been possible, and not to forget the team's efforts. We just had to make sure we got to a decent, fighting total," he added.

“India offie, who finished with 2-43, said, "This was almost like a final.”

“Whenever India and Pakistan play each other the pressure is always doubled." 

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A Good Start Has Helped India Win Against Pakistan: Dhoni

India captain couldn't have asked for a better result against Pakistan in the World Cup semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday.

india beat Pakistan by 29 runs and will play Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

But, it was the good start that helped India get there and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni felt that way. "We got off to a fantastic start through Sehwag and Sachin," said Dhoni after the match.

Giving out the details of the match, he said, "As the game progressed the wicket got slower, and in the middle overs it was difficult to score."

"Shahid bowled really well, and it was important to just play the bowling with respect. 260 was a good score for this pitch. It was turning, we read the wicket wrong and that's why we went with three seamers, but in the end the seamers bowled really well too," Dhoni added.

Praising Zaheer Khan, the skipper said, "Zaheer did really well. Over the years with experience he's become smart. We've struggled at times in this tournament, but that's the beauty of this game."

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who won the Man-of-the-Match for his persistent 85, acknowledged the crowd support.

"I would like to thank everyone here for terrific support, without that this wouldn't have been possible, and not to forget the team's efforts. We just had to make sure we got to a decent, fighting total," he added.

“India offie, who finished with 2-43, said, "This was almost like a final.”

“Whenever India and Pakistan play each other the pressure is always doubled." 

Read more »

Wonderful Opportunity To Play Finals In Mumbai, Said Sachin Tendulkar

India's Sachin Tendulkar poses with his Man of the Match award after their win over Pakistan.

After leading India to the final of the World Cup with a shot worth 85, SachinTendulkar  just can not wait to play one of the biggest matches of his illustrious career at his home in Mumbai.

"It would be a great opportunity to play the final in Mumbai. All we want is to stay calm and focused and do the work," man-of-the-match against Pakistan said at the ceremony presentation after the match.

Someone who was a member of the team which won all five games of the World Cup in Pakistan, the legendary striker was quick to admit that it would be "remembered that he always loved."

Someone who has always put the team before individual performances lavished praises Tendulkar young Suresh Raina whose unbeaten 36 provided the necessary dynamism death overs.

"Raina played a special move. When we started hitting, I felt it was for the score of 310-315. But, as the spinners came on and stopped the ball coming. I thought 265-270 would be good score to defend" said Tendulkar.

He, Virender Sehwag blitzkrieg at the beginning and the other gave him that little bit extra time to verify how inning.

"Viru us out of the driver, but then we had to assess the situation. It 'was a difficult wicket with the bat and we need to put up with the best score. Full celebrate their bowlers put on a great show."

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni also spoke in the same order of ideas on how the window slowly increasingly difficult to bat on as the game progressed.

"If you remove the opening partnership, we find that the 260 was a good score on defense. It may be that we have 20-30 in the second act" was that the assessment of the commander.

The commander admitted that his reading of the ground was wrong, but the seamers did a good job.

"We have not played bad, but it is also our seams upset exceptionally well. That's why I did not need to use a melon sixth. We do not have a bowler who regularly make 140 more senior .

"We have players who can change the variations and plan accordingly. Ashish is a pace bowler and Zak (Zaheer) is really good with their variation. Even Munaf strength is bowling wicket-stop, because it became very smart after play in IPL. "

Dhoni has already led India to win World T20 in 2007, said his team is "ready for the final."

"It was important to peak at the right time. That's the beauty of this game. But it is important to do well on that day."

Dhoni's counterpart Shahid Afridi was a man down at the end of everything.

"I congratulate India for this victory and I wish them all the best for the final. But I must give credit to my boys for their performance. I am proud to lead this bunch of guys. "

He praised Wahab Riaz who grabbed five 46 "Wahab played really well."

But the boss was critical of his batsmen. "The key partnerships have been and we could not start. So we played a bit of the workload. Ultimately, they played better cricket than us," Afridi was straightforward in his assessment.

About the decision not to take up the final Powerplay, Afridi said: "We thought we were going to take the Powerplay Bhajji when had finished his spell."

Read more »

Wonderful Opportunity To Play Finals In Mumbai, Said Sachin Tendulkar

India's Sachin Tendulkar poses with his Man of the Match award after their win over Pakistan.

After leading India to the final of the World Cup with a shot worth 85, SachinTendulkar  just can not wait to play one of the biggest matches of his illustrious career at his home in Mumbai.

"It would be a great opportunity to play the final in Mumbai. All we want is to stay calm and focused and do the work," man-of-the-match against Pakistan said at the ceremony presentation after the match.

Someone who was a member of the team which won all five games of the World Cup in Pakistan, the legendary striker was quick to admit that it would be "remembered that he always loved."

Someone who has always put the team before individual performances lavished praises Tendulkar young Suresh Raina whose unbeaten 36 provided the necessary dynamism death overs.

"Raina played a special move. When we started hitting, I felt it was for the score of 310-315. But, as the spinners came on and stopped the ball coming. I thought 265-270 would be good score to defend" said Tendulkar.

He, Virender Sehwag blitzkrieg at the beginning and the other gave him that little bit extra time to verify how inning.

"Viru us out of the driver, but then we had to assess the situation. It 'was a difficult wicket with the bat and we need to put up with the best score. Full celebrate their bowlers put on a great show."

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni also spoke in the same order of ideas on how the window slowly increasingly difficult to bat on as the game progressed.

"If you remove the opening partnership, we find that the 260 was a good score on defense. It may be that we have 20-30 in the second act" was that the assessment of the commander.

The commander admitted that his reading of the ground was wrong, but the seamers did a good job.

"We have not played bad, but it is also our seams upset exceptionally well. That's why I did not need to use a melon sixth. We do not have a bowler who regularly make 140 more senior .

"We have players who can change the variations and plan accordingly. Ashish is a pace bowler and Zak (Zaheer) is really good with their variation. Even Munaf strength is bowling wicket-stop, because it became very smart after play in IPL. "

Dhoni has already led India to win World T20 in 2007, said his team is "ready for the final."

"It was important to peak at the right time. That's the beauty of this game. But it is important to do well on that day."

Dhoni's counterpart Shahid Afridi was a man down at the end of everything.

"I congratulate India for this victory and I wish them all the best for the final. But I must give credit to my boys for their performance. I am proud to lead this bunch of guys. "

He praised Wahab Riaz who grabbed five 46 "Wahab played really well."

But the boss was critical of his batsmen. "The key partnerships have been and we could not start. So we played a bit of the workload. Ultimately, they played better cricket than us," Afridi was straightforward in his assessment.

About the decision not to take up the final Powerplay, Afridi said: "We thought we were going to take the Powerplay Bhajji when had finished his spell."

Read more »

Murali signs off home career with wicket

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Muralitharan had Scott Styris lbw off the final ball of his 10th over to finish with 2 for 42 © AFP

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan celebrated his last ball in international cricket on home soil with a wicket in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.

Muralitharan had Scott Styris lbw off the final ball of his 10th over to finish with 2-42 after earlier dismissing Jesse Ryder for 19.

He has so far taken 534 wickets in 349 matches to add to his 800 Test wickets -- another world record.

The 38-year-old will retire after the World Cup, the final of which takes place in Mumbai on Saturday.

Read more »

Murali signs off home career with wicket

---

Muralitharan had Scott Styris lbw off the final ball of his 10th over to finish with 2 for 42 © AFP

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan celebrated his last ball in international cricket on home soil with a wicket in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.

Muralitharan had Scott Styris lbw off the final ball of his 10th over to finish with 2-42 after earlier dismissing Jesse Ryder for 19.

He has so far taken 534 wickets in 349 matches to add to his 800 Test wickets -- another world record.

The 38-year-old will retire after the World Cup, the final of which takes place in Mumbai on Saturday.

Read more »

Police taste food to protect India, Pakistan

Two policemen are working as official food tasters to protect the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams ahead of the World Cup semi-final clash, the Times of India reported Tuesday.

Assistant sub-inspector Rakesh Rasella and sub-inspector Ramphal, who only uses one name, have been eating three lavish meals a day at the luxury Taj hotel in Chandigarh to check for poisoning or other hygiene problems.

"I have tasted more than 18 different dishes before they were consumed by cricketers and I hadn't eaten many of them ever (before)," Rasella told the Times ahead of Wednesday's match.

The Taj hotel offers three restaurants, including the Black Lotus that serves "the choicest Schezwan" fare, the Indian-theme Dera, and international cuisine at the "smart-casual" Cafe 17.

Security is on high alert ahead of the game in Mohali, outside Chandigarh city in the Indian state of Punjab.

The two countries have a fractious relationship, and India is still highly sensitive after ten Pakistan-based Islamist gunmen killed 166 people in Mumbai in 2008.

At least 2,000 police and paramilitaries -- reportedly armed with anti-aircraft guns and missiles -- are guarding around the venue.

Hotel rooms have been inspected in the middle of the night to weed out suspicious visitors, with police squads demanding guests to allow them to scan their luggage.

Read more »

Police taste food to protect India, Pakistan

Two policemen are working as official food tasters to protect the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams ahead of the World Cup semi-final clash, the Times of India reported Tuesday.

Assistant sub-inspector Rakesh Rasella and sub-inspector Ramphal, who only uses one name, have been eating three lavish meals a day at the luxury Taj hotel in Chandigarh to check for poisoning or other hygiene problems.

"I have tasted more than 18 different dishes before they were consumed by cricketers and I hadn't eaten many of them ever (before)," Rasella told the Times ahead of Wednesday's match.

The Taj hotel offers three restaurants, including the Black Lotus that serves "the choicest Schezwan" fare, the Indian-theme Dera, and international cuisine at the "smart-casual" Cafe 17.

Security is on high alert ahead of the game in Mohali, outside Chandigarh city in the Indian state of Punjab.

The two countries have a fractious relationship, and India is still highly sensitive after ten Pakistan-based Islamist gunmen killed 166 people in Mumbai in 2008.

At least 2,000 police and paramilitaries -- reportedly armed with anti-aircraft guns and missiles -- are guarding around the venue.

Hotel rooms have been inspected in the middle of the night to weed out suspicious visitors, with police squads demanding guests to allow them to scan their luggage.

Read more »

Pakistan debate Shoaib Akhtar recall against India

Pakistan's maverick paceman Shoaib Akhtar, seen here in February 2011, whos...

Mohali: Pakistan continues to debate recall of the retiring fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in its line-up for the high-voltage World Cup semi-final clash against India here Wednesday.
Experts, including Imran Khan - Pakistan's only World Cup winning captain - are backing him to play against India. The bowler himself is also very keen to have a crack against the home team. But so far the signs are not very heartening for Akhtar.

After including him in their 15-man World Cup squad, Pakistan have used him in just three matches, overlooking him for their last four games, including the quarter-final against West Indies in Dhaka.
Indian focus on Yuvraj as he reaches home ground

Akhtar, 35, completed his full quota of ten overs in just one of those three games - against Sri Lanka when he played an important role in Pakistan's 11-run triumph over the Cup co-hosts.

But against New Zealand, he gave away 70 off nine overs, including a 28-run over that forced the team management to keep him out of the playing eleven. Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 110 runs.

Even Akhtar's emotional announcement to retire after the ongoing World Cup failed to make the officials change their mind.

But despite repeated snubs to him, Akhtar remains one of the main talking points in the lead up to the eagerly-awaited clash.

Indian media's obsession with Akhtar is on all-time high and the headline says it all: Whether Pakistan will recall him for the big game against India?

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expects Akhtar to regain his fighting spirit.

'Shoaib is one of our key players and we all expect that he will bounce back,' said Afridi.

The skipper, however, was non-committal on whether Pakistan will field Akhtar against India.

'There are still two days left and we will consider all our options before picking our playing eleven for the semi-final,' Afridi said.

Akhtar, meanwhile, received a vote of confidence from fellow fast bowler Umar Gul here Monday.

'Shoaib Akhtar is our top fast bowler and if he plays, it would take a lot of pressure off me,' Gul said.

Read more »

Pakistan debate Shoaib Akhtar recall against India

Pakistan's maverick paceman Shoaib Akhtar, seen here in February 2011, whos...

Mohali: Pakistan continues to debate recall of the retiring fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in its line-up for the high-voltage World Cup semi-final clash against India here Wednesday.
Experts, including Imran Khan - Pakistan's only World Cup winning captain - are backing him to play against India. The bowler himself is also very keen to have a crack against the home team. But so far the signs are not very heartening for Akhtar.

After including him in their 15-man World Cup squad, Pakistan have used him in just three matches, overlooking him for their last four games, including the quarter-final against West Indies in Dhaka.
Indian focus on Yuvraj as he reaches home ground

Akhtar, 35, completed his full quota of ten overs in just one of those three games - against Sri Lanka when he played an important role in Pakistan's 11-run triumph over the Cup co-hosts.

But against New Zealand, he gave away 70 off nine overs, including a 28-run over that forced the team management to keep him out of the playing eleven. Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 110 runs.

Even Akhtar's emotional announcement to retire after the ongoing World Cup failed to make the officials change their mind.

But despite repeated snubs to him, Akhtar remains one of the main talking points in the lead up to the eagerly-awaited clash.

Indian media's obsession with Akhtar is on all-time high and the headline says it all: Whether Pakistan will recall him for the big game against India?

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expects Akhtar to regain his fighting spirit.

'Shoaib is one of our key players and we all expect that he will bounce back,' said Afridi.

The skipper, however, was non-committal on whether Pakistan will field Akhtar against India.

'There are still two days left and we will consider all our options before picking our playing eleven for the semi-final,' Afridi said.

Akhtar, meanwhile, received a vote of confidence from fellow fast bowler Umar Gul here Monday.

'Shoaib Akhtar is our top fast bowler and if he plays, it would take a lot of pressure off me,' Gul said.

Read more »

Dhoni demands more runs from Indian openers

 Dhoni demands more runs from Indian openers. Dhoni wants the World Cup openers, two of the world's best batsmen, to produce bigger partnerships at the World Cup.

   Dhoni told reporters Friday that he wants India to get "bigger opening partnerships so that the middle order and the lower middle-order can use its explosive power well" in coming games.

Read more »

Dhoni demands more runs from Indian openers

 Dhoni demands more runs from Indian openers. Dhoni wants the World Cup openers, two of the world's best batsmen, to produce bigger partnerships at the World Cup.

   Dhoni told reporters Friday that he wants India to get "bigger opening partnerships so that the middle order and the lower middle-order can use its explosive power well" in coming games.

Read more »

Misbah backs Akhtar factor against India

 MOHALI: Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq believes fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has a key role to play in the World Cup semi-final against India -- even if the paceman doesn't take the field.

The 35-year-old Akhtar has said he will retire after the World Cup and has only featured in three matches at the tournament to date.

But he remains capable of working up fearsome speed and may have one last shot at India when Pakistan face their arch-rivals on Wednesday.

"Shoaib Akhtar is a class bowler," said Misbah on Sunday.

"He has performed for Pakistan on a number of occasions including the 1999
World Cup (when the team lost to Australia in the final)."

And Misbah said that, at the very least, he would help Pakistan's batsmen get ready for the challenge of facing India's seamers.

"Batsmen get to prepare well against pace bowling when they face him at the nets. If he does play in the coming matches, I feel it will give us a psychological advantage."

When it comes to India-Pakistan matches, Misbah is currently associated with the 2007 World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg.

The now 36-year-old Misbah rescued Pakistan from the depths of 77 for six and his 43 almost guided Pakistan to victory in the first World Twenty20 final.

With three balls left, and six runs needed to win, he was last man out when he tried to lap Joginder Sharma over short fine leg and was caught by Shanthakumaran Sreesanth.

Asked if he wanted to put that right, Misbah said: "Every game is a new game and it's not because of that, that this is a special game.

"This is a World Cup semi-final, I really want to play well."

Misbah, one of two former captains in the side along with Younis Khan, praised skipper Shahid Afridi for the way he'd led the side to the semi-finals.

Leg-spinner Afridi is the tournament's leading bowler with 21 wickets and Misbah said: "I think the important thing is his aggression and the other thing is that he has led the team by example.

"He is performing really well, just taking wickets at the right time, so that really helps the team when the captain is performing like that. Everybody is standing behind him at the World Cup."

There were concerns that having two ex-captains in a Pakistan team traditionally renowned for its volatility could prove divisive but Misbah insisted: "I think there are always differences in opinion but we always talk to the captain about what he thinks. He's really good at that.

"He listens to the players, especially the senior players and the coaches, we just decide everything with a good co-ordination, and that's why everything is going well and the team is performing well."

Misbah added it was also good to have veteran manager Intikhab Alam, the former Pakistan captain, on board given his experience in helping the team win the 1992 World Cup in Australia and the 2009 World Twenty20 in England.

"That's a positive thing we have, the last two World Cups, 50 overs and 20 overs, we've won when he was with the team so he has a good experience of how to perform in pressure situations."

No Pakistan batsman has yet made a hundred this tournament with Misbah's unbeaten 83 in the 11-run win over Sri Lanka, who face New Zealand in the other semi-final, their highest individual score.

"Our batsmen not making big scores is not a concern because we are winning. We will be happy if we win the World Cup without a single individual hundred," Misbah insisted. (AFP)

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Misbah backs Akhtar factor against India

 MOHALI: Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq believes fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has a key role to play in the World Cup semi-final against India -- even if the paceman doesn't take the field.

The 35-year-old Akhtar has said he will retire after the World Cup and has only featured in three matches at the tournament to date.

But he remains capable of working up fearsome speed and may have one last shot at India when Pakistan face their arch-rivals on Wednesday.

"Shoaib Akhtar is a class bowler," said Misbah on Sunday.

"He has performed for Pakistan on a number of occasions including the 1999
World Cup (when the team lost to Australia in the final)."

And Misbah said that, at the very least, he would help Pakistan's batsmen get ready for the challenge of facing India's seamers.

"Batsmen get to prepare well against pace bowling when they face him at the nets. If he does play in the coming matches, I feel it will give us a psychological advantage."

When it comes to India-Pakistan matches, Misbah is currently associated with the 2007 World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg.

The now 36-year-old Misbah rescued Pakistan from the depths of 77 for six and his 43 almost guided Pakistan to victory in the first World Twenty20 final.

With three balls left, and six runs needed to win, he was last man out when he tried to lap Joginder Sharma over short fine leg and was caught by Shanthakumaran Sreesanth.

Asked if he wanted to put that right, Misbah said: "Every game is a new game and it's not because of that, that this is a special game.

"This is a World Cup semi-final, I really want to play well."

Misbah, one of two former captains in the side along with Younis Khan, praised skipper Shahid Afridi for the way he'd led the side to the semi-finals.

Leg-spinner Afridi is the tournament's leading bowler with 21 wickets and Misbah said: "I think the important thing is his aggression and the other thing is that he has led the team by example.

"He is performing really well, just taking wickets at the right time, so that really helps the team when the captain is performing like that. Everybody is standing behind him at the World Cup."

There were concerns that having two ex-captains in a Pakistan team traditionally renowned for its volatility could prove divisive but Misbah insisted: "I think there are always differences in opinion but we always talk to the captain about what he thinks. He's really good at that.

"He listens to the players, especially the senior players and the coaches, we just decide everything with a good co-ordination, and that's why everything is going well and the team is performing well."

Misbah added it was also good to have veteran manager Intikhab Alam, the former Pakistan captain, on board given his experience in helping the team win the 1992 World Cup in Australia and the 2009 World Twenty20 in England.

"That's a positive thing we have, the last two World Cups, 50 overs and 20 overs, we've won when he was with the team so he has a good experience of how to perform in pressure situations."

No Pakistan batsman has yet made a hundred this tournament with Misbah's unbeaten 83 in the 11-run win over Sri Lanka, who face New Zealand in the other semi-final, their highest individual score.

"Our batsmen not making big scores is not a concern because we are winning. We will be happy if we win the World Cup without a single individual hundred," Misbah insisted. (AFP)

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Cricket-Afridi has brought Pakistan team together, says Misbah

(Reuters) - Captain Shahid Afridi has brought aggression and leadership to the Pakistan team at just the right time, senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq said on Sunday.

The 1992 world champions have been unable to play international matches at home since the 2009 armed attack on the Sri Lanka cricketers in Lahore, and the recent spot-fixing scandal raised doubts about their players' integrity. The scandal deprived them of the services of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, and there were few prepared to bet on Pakistan winning the World Cup for the second time.

But under Afridi they topped their group and then made short work of West Indies in the quarter-final to set up Wednesday's semi-final against rivals India in Mohali.

"What we needed was aggression, and Afridi, I feel, has shown enough aggression on the field. Most importantly, he leads by example," Misbah told reporters.

"He is taking wickets and coming out at the right moment to do what the team needs. He also stands by a player and encourages him to perform better."

Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 21 scalps from seven matches.

Pakistan have shown plenty of discipline and teamwork despite the presence of a couple of former captains.

"There is difference of opinion at times but we finally go by what the captain says," said Misbah, who led Pakistan in the last test series against New Zealand.

"At the same time, the captain discusses things with the coach and senior players before taking a major decision. There is a good coordination among us.

"We are a well-knit unit and everyone is chipping in at the right moment and every player is fulfilling his role in the side."

The World Cup final takes place on April 2 in Mumbai.

Read more »

Cricket-Afridi has brought Pakistan team together, says Misbah

(Reuters) - Captain Shahid Afridi has brought aggression and leadership to the Pakistan team at just the right time, senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq said on Sunday.

The 1992 world champions have been unable to play international matches at home since the 2009 armed attack on the Sri Lanka cricketers in Lahore, and the recent spot-fixing scandal raised doubts about their players' integrity. The scandal deprived them of the services of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, and there were few prepared to bet on Pakistan winning the World Cup for the second time.

But under Afridi they topped their group and then made short work of West Indies in the quarter-final to set up Wednesday's semi-final against rivals India in Mohali.

"What we needed was aggression, and Afridi, I feel, has shown enough aggression on the field. Most importantly, he leads by example," Misbah told reporters.

"He is taking wickets and coming out at the right moment to do what the team needs. He also stands by a player and encourages him to perform better."

Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 21 scalps from seven matches.

Pakistan have shown plenty of discipline and teamwork despite the presence of a couple of former captains.

"There is difference of opinion at times but we finally go by what the captain says," said Misbah, who led Pakistan in the last test series against New Zealand.

"At the same time, the captain discusses things with the coach and senior players before taking a major decision. There is a good coordination among us.

"We are a well-knit unit and everyone is chipping in at the right moment and every player is fulfilling his role in the side."

The World Cup final takes place on April 2 in Mumbai.

Read more »

Ind vs Pak: Taufel, Gould to umpire (semifinal umpire)

Australian Simon Taufel, a winner of five consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards, and England's Ian Gould were today appointed as the on-field officials for the high-voltage India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Ranjan Madugalle has been named the match referee with New Zealand's Billy Bowden and Australian Rod Tucker being the third and fourth umpires respectively.

For the first semi-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Colombo, Steve Davis and Aleem Dar will oversee the on-field proceedings with Chris Broad acting as match referee, the ICC said in a statement.

Marais Erasmus (third umpire), Billy Doctrove (fourth umpire) are the other two officials for the Sri Lanka-New Zealand clash.

Appointments for the final will be made later.

Read more »

Ind vs Pak: Taufel, Gould to umpire (semifinal umpire)

Australian Simon Taufel, a winner of five consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards, and England's Ian Gould were today appointed as the on-field officials for the high-voltage India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Ranjan Madugalle has been named the match referee with New Zealand's Billy Bowden and Australian Rod Tucker being the third and fourth umpires respectively.

For the first semi-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Colombo, Steve Davis and Aleem Dar will oversee the on-field proceedings with Chris Broad acting as match referee, the ICC said in a statement.

Marais Erasmus (third umpire), Billy Doctrove (fourth umpire) are the other two officials for the Sri Lanka-New Zealand clash.

Appointments for the final will be made later.

Read more »

*India vs Pakistan Semi Final of World Cup 2011 in Mohali*

Chak De India......

The 2nd Semi Final match number 49th of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match will be play between India & Pakistan. Both teams are playing well cricket in this world cup 2011.  India-Pakistan is a dream game. Here is the schedule of the 2nd Semi Final match between Pakistan vs India. 


Pakistan vs India : Match Schedule / Fixture 
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Wed Mar 30, 2011
09:00 GMT | 14:30 local
14:00 PKT 2nd Semi Final - Pakistan v India
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh
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Pakistan Cricket Team Squad :-
---------------------------------------------
Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq , Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Younis Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal

India Cricket Team Squad  :-
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Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, Srisanth, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh.

We all know every time a Pakistan Vs India match played in a World Cup, India had the better advantage. India has managed to win almost all the important World Cup matches against Pakistan. The all important quarterfinal match in 1996 is a prime example of how crucial a Pakistan Vs India match can be in a World Cup.


You can follow live match on any Tvs channels including Star Sport, Rupavahini Corporation, Star Cricket, ESPN, Geo Super, Sky Sport, PTV, Bangladesh Television, DD National, DirecTvs etc.

Post your suggestion or comments about this 2nd Semi Final match between India vs Pakistan.

Read more »

*India vs Pakistan Semi Final of World Cup 2011 in Mohali*

Chak De India......

The 2nd Semi Final match number 49th of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match will be play between India & Pakistan. Both teams are playing well cricket in this world cup 2011.  India-Pakistan is a dream game. Here is the schedule of the 2nd Semi Final match between Pakistan vs India. 


Pakistan vs India : Match Schedule / Fixture 
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Wed Mar 30, 2011
09:00 GMT | 14:30 local
14:00 PKT 2nd Semi Final - Pakistan v India
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh
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Pakistan Cricket Team Squad :-
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Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq , Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Younis Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal

India Cricket Team Squad  :-
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Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, Srisanth, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh.

We all know every time a Pakistan Vs India match played in a World Cup, India had the better advantage. India has managed to win almost all the important World Cup matches against Pakistan. The all important quarterfinal match in 1996 is a prime example of how crucial a Pakistan Vs India match can be in a World Cup.


You can follow live match on any Tvs channels including Star Sport, Rupavahini Corporation, Star Cricket, ESPN, Geo Super, Sky Sport, PTV, Bangladesh Television, DD National, DirecTvs etc.

Post your suggestion or comments about this 2nd Semi Final match between India vs Pakistan.

Read more »