I think Ricky Ponting is one of the luckiest player in the cricket world.That is why he was able to quit the world cup career with a fine and well remembered century in the Quarter-Final against India at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. Of course Ricky Ponting had a terrific century which geared them into a decent score of 260 and in return India started chasing the target with Sachin Tendulkar leading from the front with a fine half century.But it was all done by the imperous Yuvraj with an awesome innings and led India to a splendid semi final against Pakistan on next Wednesday (30-3-2011) at Mohali.
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| Punjabi se pankha math lein..... |
In the beginning Indian captain Dhoni lost the toss and were forced to field.As all expected Dhoi handed over the new ball to R.Aswin who did well with the new ball and also took the valuable wicket of dangerous Watson.Then came the "Punter".he was under immense pressure which was very clear from his face.But he did well to manage the temper with in himself, and played calmly with great patience.Actually he was the only player who tried to stick on the pitch and so he got the result to his hard work.Also he must be very much relieved as he made the century (104) in a very important match and that too after 18 months since he scored a century in ODI matches.Before him only Haddin gave him a good support and had little partnership with him.After that none of the Aussie batsmen could posted a good score.Only David Hussey showed some responsibility and scored some quick runs at the end.It's really interesting that he was there in the team instead of leg-spinner Steven Smith.All the bowlers from team India bowled well and all of them bowled well with Aswin,Zaheer and Yuvraj took two wickets each and helped India to restrict the mighty Australians at a defending total of 260.
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| Ooph...My century in vein.... |
In reply,team India started of well with Sehwag and Sachin in their usual manner.Sehwag as usual tried to hit the ball out of the rope in the first ball itself and he couldn't , but he fulfilled his aim in the very next ball itself.But as usual Sehwag was out after a fine start.But then Sachin and Gambhir led the Indian score towards the target by rotating the strike without much risk .But soon after the half century when Sachin was diving to his 100-th century , a loose ball outside the off stump from Shaun Tait touched the outside edge and rested in Haddin's gloves.Then came Kohli who also batted well till he got out from a loose full toss from David Hussey.From that Indian batsmen started showing some kind of hurry-bury as the India middle order began to choke.Dhoni and Gambhir threw away their wickets unnecessarily.But then Raina and Yuvarj led India to a flamboyant victory.
