Match State: Match start scheduled for 0830 GMT (14:30 local)
Hello and welcome to a crucial, crucial game of this ICC Champions
Trophy, an India-England tie that will determine the fourth semi-
finalist to play against South Africa next week.
Over the past few months, India and England have faced off probably
more times than they care to recall, but few of those games could
be considered as crucial as this one.
Last meeting in the final of the NatWest Trophy, England set a huge
target, only to watch with dismay as India's young brigade led the
charge determinedly to overhaul the total.
Both captains have said that this is no grudge game, with Nasser
Hussain even going so far as saying that he is just approaching it
as another game.
But the public knows better, and all eyes will be at the Premadasa
Stadium today as yet another episode - and the final one for some
time to come - in 2002's India-England epic unfolds.
Nasser Hussain won the toss this afternoon and had little
hesitation in opting to bat. England have replaced Jeremy Snape -
out with a rib injury - with left-arm spinner Ashley Giles.
For India, VVS Laxman comes in for Dinesh Mongia.
Teams:
India: Sourav Ganguly (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag,
Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer
Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Ashish Nehra
England: Nasser Hussain (captain), Marcus Trescothick, Nick Knight,
Ronnie Irani, Ian Blackwell, Owais Shah, Alec Stewart, Dominic
Cork, Ashley Giles, Andy Caddick, Matthew Hoggard
Despite the win in the NatWest final, India have not traditionally
been comfortable chasing, especially under lights.
England will thus count themselves lucky to win the toss, but
India's recent resurgence as a cohesive unit means that the game
is by no means won with just the toss.
And the batsmen are walking out, so let's get straight into the
action.
The Umpires are Steve Bucknow and Russell Tiffin, who is in his
50th one-day game.
0.1 Khan to Trescothick, no run, on target right away, just on off
stump, and the batsman gets forward and defends.
0.2 Khan to Trescothick, no run, a beaut! just outside off stump,
moving a shade away from the southpaw and bouncing more than
expected, and Trescothick has a little flirt with it.
0.3 Khan to Trescothick, no run, further outside the off but still
moving away a shade, and Trescothick - feet going absolutely
nowhere - wafts at it again languidly.
0.4 Khan to Trescothick, no run, outside off again and bouncing
energetically, and Trescothick tries a shot completely not in the
textbook, the feet stuck in cement in the crease. The intended
cut, of course, goes nowhere.
0.5 Khan to Trescothick, no run, this time the batsman leaves th eball
alone at the very last moment as it swings away at the wicket.
0.6 Khan to Trescothick, no run, and the line impeccable again,
Trescothick having a dart at the ball just before it moves away. A
fantastic over from Zaheer Khan!
End of over 1 (maiden) England 0/0 (RR: 0.00)
Z Khan 1-1-0-0 - Khetterama End
NV Knight 0* (0b) ME Trescothick 0* (6b)
1.1 Nehra to Knight, no run, on target as well like Zaheer, but Knight
exhibits better footwork, foot nicely forward to the pitch and
steering it to point.
1.2 Nehra to Knight, no run, on off stump, played away to the offside,
and Knight sets off for a run, but Trescothick sees Kaif speeding
in and sends him back.
1.3 Nehra to Knight, no run, outside the off stump, seaming away wider
fro Knight, and the cut just scythes through air.
1.4 Nehra to Knight, no run, on middle and off, just short of a driving
length, and Knight dabs it away to th eoffside. Again Knight wants
the run, and again Trescothick send shim back.
1.5 Nehra to Knight, one run, the first runs for England, half volley
just outside off, and Knight gets his front foot to the pitch and
steers it away to third man.
1.6 Nehra to Trescothick, no run, down the track, perhaps in
frustration, and the ball nips in and defeats the sot, Dravid
collecting nicely behind the stumps.
End of over 2 (1 run) England 1/0 (RR: 0.50)
A Nehra 1-0-1-0 - Khetterama End
NV Knight 1* (5b) ME Trescothick 0* (7b)
2.1 Khan to Knight, no run, Knight gets a step forward and tries the
off drive, but the ball moves into th ebatsman thsi time, off the
seam, defeating the insdie edge and beating Knight all ends up.
2.2 Khan to Knight, no run, middle of the bat this time, front foot
defence sending the ball bouncing away to point.
2.3 Khan to Knight, no run, Knight hanging the bat at tb eball on the
front foot, and yet again Zaheer Khan beats the bat, this time
with movement away fro Knight.
2.4 Khan to Knight, no run, on middle stump and no movement from this
ball, and Knight has little problem in negotiating it, playing it
straight back to the bowler.
2.5 Khan to Knight, no run, steered away square on the offside, Knight
showing more confidence than Trescothick here.
2.6 Khan to Knight, no run, played away to backward point. Zaheer Khan
is really on fire here, bowling good line and length to the left
handers.
End of over 3 (maiden) England 1/0 (RR: 0.33)
Z Khan 2-2-0-0 - Scoreboard End
ME Trescothick 0* (7b) NV Knight 1* (11b)
3.1 Nehra to Trescothick, wide: no run, and the first sign of
indiscipline from the Indians, the ball sliding down leg and
beating Trescothick's bat.
3.1 Nehra to Trescothick, OUT: superb delivery! just on off stump,
drawing Trescothick into the shot again without any footwork, and
the ball gets bounce and movement to catch the upper outside edge
of th ebat. VVS Laxman at second slip takes a wonderful catch,
diving in
England 2/1, Partnership of 2
ME Trescothick c Laxman b Nehra 0 (8b 0x4 0x6)
NV Knight 1* (11b) A Nehra 1.1-0-2-1 (1w)
And the man coming off two consecutive centuries, one of them
against India, goes for a duck today.
Nasser Hussain comes to the wicket.
3.2 Nehra to Hussain, no run, on off stump to the right hander, the
line adjusted really well, and Hussain dabs it down to point and
refuses the single.
3.3 Nehra to Hussain, no run, angling outside the off to the right-
hander, and Nasser Hussain is content to leave it alone, heaind
away to Dravid behind the stumps.
3.4 Nehra to Hussain, no run, just on off, and Hussain - no footwork
for this man either - flirts with a drive. Teh ball takes the edge
and Dravid, moving to his right, drops the catch, a real dollty
behind the stumps with the big gloves.
3.5 Nehra to Hussain, legbye: one run, padding up with bat and pad
close together, and a loud apeal for leg before, but there is
meanwhile a mix-up, and Harbhajan on the offside has a throw at
the striker's end and misses.
3.6 Nehra to Knight, one run, turned to square leg for a single.
End of over 4 (3 runs) England 4/1 (RR: 1.00)
A Nehra 2-0-3-1 (1w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 2* (12b) N Hussain 0* (4b)
4.1 Khan to Knight, one run, played to third man for one, the first
runs off Zaheer Khan this match.
4.2 Khan to Hussain, no run, again Hussain si rapped on the pads, and
it looks to be pitching just outside leg, Bucknor npt referring it
to the third umpire for that reason.
4.3 Khan to Hussain, no run, again bang on target, Hussain on the front
foot defending quietly.
4.4 Khan to Hussain, no run, down the track, Hussain trying to take the
attack to the bowler, and the ball is only played straight back to
Zaheer. A nice verbose exchange of civilities between the batsman
and the bowler follow.
4.5 Khan to Hussain, no run, down the track again, and Hussain tries a
front foot pull a quarter of a way down the pitch! He misses, of
course, but the aggression is there on both sides.
4.6 Khan to Hussain, (noball) no run, overstepping, but what a good
ball! yorker-lengh, right up in the blockhole, and Hussain manages
to dig it out - just.
4.6 Khan to Hussain, no run, short delivery and Hussain tries the pull
again but the ball bobbles straight up in the air. Zaheer charges
for th eball, but it falls to earth before he can get there.
End of over 5 (2 runs) England 6/1 (RR: 1.20)
Z Khan 3-2-2-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 3* (13b) N Hussain 1* (10b)
5.1 Nehra to Knight, one run, walking down the track to essay the
inside out drive over the cover infield, but the ball gets the
bottom edge of the bat and slides away to third man for a single.
5.2 Nehra to Hussain, OUT: short again, on leg stump, and Hussain
flashes into the pull - a most, most injudicious shot for the
moment. The ball gets the top edge and flies up and away to fine
leg, where Dravid runs around for the catch.
England 7/2, Partnership of 5
N Hussain c Dravid b Nehra 1 (11b 0x4 0x6)
NV Knight 4* (14b) A Nehra 2.2-0-4-2 (1w)
Hussain's intention of taking the attack back to the bowlers
backfiring completely here.
5.3 Nehra to Knight, no run, defended away nicely into the covers.
5.4 Nehra to Knight, no run, right on off stump, and Knight gets nicely
on top of the ball, steering away to point. But the runs are not
coming here.
5.5 Nehra to Knight, no run, on middle and leg, and Knight turns it awy
to the onside, but Sehwag at square leg fields and restricts the
batsman to no run.
5.6 Nehra to Knight, one run, just outside the off, patted away to
third man for the single.
End of over 6 (2 runs) England 8/2 (RR: 1.33)
A Nehra 3-0-5-2 (1w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 5* (18b) RC Irani 0* (0b)
6.1 Khan to Knight, no run, on off stump, just short of driving length,
and Knight plays it back to the bowler.
6.2 Khan to Knight, one run, again on off, and this time Knight uses
the pace of Zaheer to glide it to third man, playing sensibly.
Ronnie Irani is at the crease at the other end, although one would
think that Alec Stewart's experience may have helped more at this
point.
6.3 Khan to Irani, no run, a shuffle outside off from Irani and th
ebatsman plays it back to the bowler. Zaheer - full of what the
Indians call 'josh' - dives full-length to his left to field the
ball.
6.4 Khan to Irani, one run, again the shuffle, dangerous against a
swinging ball, but this time Irani plays the ball to leg for a
single.
6.5 Khan to Knight, no run, full toss, swinging into the left hander,
and Knight plays the attempted yorker back onto his pads.
6.6 Khan to Knight, no run, again the full toss, but Knight cannot put
it away, only managing to play it to mid-on.
End of over 7 (2 runs) England 10/2 (RR: 1.43)
Z Khan 4-2-4-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
RC Irani 1* (2b) NV Knight 6* (22b)
7.1 Nehra to Irani, no run, on off stump, and Irani's shuffle gets him
right behind the ball, playing it to leg.
7.2 Nehra to Irani, one run, played into the covers off the back foot.
7.3 Nehra to Knight, FOUR, Knight goes for the pull, but the ball is
much too short for the fornt-foot pull. But he has flashed hard,
and the ball gets the top edge and flies away behind the wicke-
keeper for four, the first boundary - as accidental as it was - of
the innings.
7.4 Nehra to Knight, two runs, more convincing this time, turned from
middle stump to the onside for a brace.
7.5 Nehra to Knight, no run, driven straight to extra-cover.
7.6 Nehra to Knight, no run, played back to the bowler, Nehra and
Zaeher keeping things tight within the first 15 overs.
End of over 8 (7 runs) England 17/2 (RR: 2.12)
A Nehra 4-0-12-2 (1w) - Khetterama End
RC Irani 2* (4b) NV Knight 12* (26b 1x4)
8.1 Khan to Irani, no run, short and on the leg stump, Zaheer noticing
Irani's shuffle to off, and Irani, flashing into the pull, mises
completely, the ball flying through to Dravid.
8.2 Khan to Irani, FOUR, on leg stump, and Irani is ready for it,
flicking it away fine off his pads to the fine leg fence for four,
his first boundary of the innings.
8.3 Khan to Irani, no run, on middle stump, turned to short midwicket
straight to the fielder stationed there.
8.4 Khan to Irani, no run, on the back foot and patted back to the
bowler.
8.5 Khan to Irani, no run, tonked to the mid-on fielder.
Dark clouds moving over Premadasa from teh west, a slight drizzle
starting up here.
8.6 Khan to Irani, no run, played back to Zaheer, and that completes
yet another tidy over.
End of over 9 (4 runs) England 21/2 (RR: 2.33)
Z Khan 5-2-8-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 12* (26b 1x4) RC Irani 6* (10b 1x4)
9.1 Nehra to Knight, one run
9.2 Nehra to Irani, no run
9.3 Nehra to Irani, no run
9.4 Nehra to Irani, one run, on off stump, and Irani back-foot-thumps
it to mid-off and scampers the single, calling well in advance and
getting the run.
9.5 Nehra to Knight, no run, full and sliding down leg, and Knight
tries the clip off his toes, but the ball goes straight to the
short midwicket fielder.
9.6 Nehra to Knight, no run, on off stump, and Knight tries the pull to
the short ball, but he doesn't get hold of it as well as he would
have liked to, and the ball just dribbles away on the legside.
End of over 10 (2 runs) England 23/2 (RR: 2.30)
A Nehra 5-0-14-2 (1w) - Khetterama End
RC Irani 7* (13b 1x4) NV Knight 13* (29b 1x4)
Anil Kumble comes into the attack now, after Zaheer Khan's five
over spell.
10.1 Kumble to Irani, three runs, full and just outside the off, and
Irani immediately tries to distubr the spinner's rhythm, slog-
sweeping it to deep midwicket for three.
10.2 Kumble to Knight, no run, flighted nicely on the off and middle,
anmd Knight gets onto the front foot and plays it back straight to
Kumble.
10.3 Kumble to Knight, bye: FOUR, full and Knight tries the adventuruous
reverse sweep ti Kumble. The ball misses the bat, Dravid misses
the ball, but the ball does no't miss the ropes, heading straight
for them for four byes.
10.4 Kumble to Knight, one run, the more orthodox sweep this time, to
square leg for a signel.
10.5 Kumble to Irani, no run, dragged down short but the line is still
good, and Irani on the back foot cannot play it anywhere but to
the short midwicket fielder.
10.6 Kumble to Irani, one run, driven to mid-on, a little deep, fr a
single.
End of over 11 (9 runs) England 32/2 (RR: 2.91)
A Kumble 1-0-5-0 - Scoreboard End
RC Irani 11* (16b 1x4) NV Knight 14* (32b 1x4)
11.1 Nehra to Irani, (noball) no run, on middle and off, and Irani
steers it away to point.
11.1 Nehra to Irani, no run, short and on the leg, and Irani goes for
the pull. The ball flies through behind to Dravid, who juggles for
a couple of times. The third umpire shows a definite sound, and
the ball could have only kissed glove, but the benefit is given.
11.2 Nehra to Irani, no run, played to the offside fielder.
11.3 Nehra to Irani, three runs, picked away from outside the off to the
onside, the shuffle and the streong bottom hand sending him to
deep midwicket for three more.
11.4 Nehra to Knight, one run, outside the off and Knight glides it to
third man, the batsman milking that area for all it is worth.
11.5 Nehra to Irani, no run, worked away to the square leg fielder, and
tIrani declines the ofer of a single.
11.6 Nehra to Irani, no run, played away to the offside.
End of over 12 (5 runs) England 37/2 (RR: 3.08)
A Nehra 6-0-19-2 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 15* (33b 1x4) RC Irani 14* (22b 1x4)
12.1 Kumble to Knight, one run, flighted on middle stump, and Knight
sweeps it away to the legside, but the square leg means they can
only get a single.
12.2 Kumble to Irani, two runs, again hit away to square leg, this time
by Irani, but a little fumble gets the batsman two.
12.3 Kumble to Irani, FOUR, no fielders there! Irani gest his left foot
out of the way and gives the half volley the treatment, hitting
him right dwon the ground for four.
12.4 Kumble to Irani, no run, flatter this time, and Irani plays it back
to Kumble.
12.5 Kumble to Irani, FOUR, Irani pulls the reverse-sweep out and
actually does rather well, the bat covering the line nicely and
giving it maximum surface. The ball beats the third man inside the
circle and runs away for four.
12.6 Kumble to Irani, no run
End of over 13 (11 runs) England 48/2 (RR: 3.69)
A Kumble 2-0-16-0 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 16* (34b 1x4) RC Irani 24* (27b 3x4)
Harbhajan Singh on now, spin from both ends.
13.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, well bowled, a little drift into
the left hander.
13.2 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, Knight tries to flick it to leg
and misses, the ball takes boot and runs away to the offside. The
batsman rush the single, but a direct hit prompts a call for the
third umpire. But Irani is safe.
Match State: Drinks
13.3 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, one run
13.4 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, Knight goes for the sweep, but
he misses and is rapped on the pads. The appeal is turned down
because the ball pitched on middle stump and doing too much to be
given.
13.5 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, two runs, swept away this time nicely,
and the batsman gets two to square leg.
13.6 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, FOUR, the reverse wsweep again, and this
time Knight does well with the shot, sending the ball all along
the ground to the fence at point.
End of over 14 (8 runs) England 56/2 (RR: 4.00)
Harbhajan Singh 1-0-8-0 - Khetterama End
RC Irani 25* (28b 3x4) NV Knight 23* (39b 2x4)
14.1 Ganguly to Irani, FOUR, and Ganguly is getting a nice welcome to
the bowling crease from Irani, who hits nicely over the infield to
the midwicket fence for four.
14.2 Ganguly to Irani, FOUR, amnd again! outside off stump, and the ball
does not have enough pace on it. Sitting up to be hit, and Irani
obliges, hitting down the ground to the fence again.
14.3 Ganguly to Irani, one run, slower ball to an Irani moving outside
leg, and Irani spots it, turning it away to the legside for a
quick single.
14.4 Ganguly to Knight, one run, on legs tump, turned off his hips for a
single to the empty square leg region.
14.5 Ganguly to Irani, no run, played straight to the cover fielder.
14.6 Ganguly to Irani, no run, again moving outside leg, again the
slower ball, and Irani spots it and plays to the offside this
time, the cover fielder coming into the action again.
End of over 15 (10 runs) England 66/2 (RR: 4.40)
SC Ganguly 1-0-10-0 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 23* (40b 2x4) RC Irani 34* (33b 5x4)
The field spreading out now.
15.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, wide: one run, a wide is a wide, whether
the field is spread or not, and the batsman take the extra run as
Dravid mses the take down leg.
15.1 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, no run, cautiously played to the off.
15.2 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, no run, flighted and Irani has to make a
couple of movements before he plays the ball to mid-on.
15.3 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, one run, outside the off, and Irani
cleverly plays it between gully and point for a single, soft hands
giving the single.
15.4 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, mid-off is deep, so a stroke in
that area gives them the single right away.
15.5 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, no run, tossed up outside the off, and
Irani shuffles across and turns to fine leg.
15.6 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, no run
End of over 16 (4 runs) England 70/2 (RR: 4.38)
Harbhajan Singh 2-0-11-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 24* (41b 2x4) RC Irani 35* (38b 5x4)
16.1 Kumble to Knight, three runs, flighted outside the off, and Knight
gets forward and opens the face to glide the ball fine to third
man. Harbhajan inside the circle runs after it.
16.2 Kumble to Irani, no run, outside the off, and Irani moves to cover
the turna dn plays it back to the bowler.
16.3 Kumble to Irani, no run
16.4 Kumble to Irani, no run, steered to the offside.
16.5 Kumble to Irani, no run, flighted on middle and leg, and Irani
plays it away to leg.
16.6 Kumble to Irani, no run, full toss on middle stump, hit to mid-on.
End of over 17 (3 runs) England 73/2 (RR: 4.29)
A Kumble 3-0-19-0 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 27* (42b 2x4) RC Irani 35* (43b 5x4)
17.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, wide: no run
17.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, on leg stump, and Knight steers
it away to point for a single.
17.2 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, no run, Irani goes for the sweep and mis-
times, th eball bobbling away to the legside.
17.3 Harbhajan Singh to Irani, one run, down the wicket and Harbhajan
instantly changes the line, pushing it flatter and straighter to
force him to play to the off.
17.4 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, right back at Harbhajan.
17.5 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run
17.6 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, played away to the offside, and
the batsmen go for the single. Dravid is behind the stumps to
collect the throw, but he fumbles it, and Irani could have been
struggling if the ball had been in the gloves.
End of over 18 (4 runs) England 77/2 (RR: 4.28)
Harbhajan Singh 3-0-15-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 29* (46b 2x4) RC Irani 36* (45b 5x4)
18.1 Kumble to Knight, one run, on off stump, turned with the spin to
leg, just wide of the short midwicket fielder for a single.
18.2 Kumble to Irani, one run, punched away into the deep on the
offside.
18.3 Kumble to Knight, one run, on middle stump and flatter, and Knight
picks it away with th esweep to the square leg region .
18.4 Kumble to Irani, OUT: Irani is some way down the track and is
struck on the front pad. A loud appeal, and just when the fielders
give up - and the batsmen even complete a run! - umpire Bucknor
decides to end the suspense and gives him out.
England 80/3, Partnership of 73
RC Irani lbw b Kumble 37 (47b 5x4 0x6)
NV Knight 31* (48b 2x4) A Kumble 3.4-0-22-1
Owais Shah at the wicket.
18.5 Kumble to Shah, two runs, turned off middle stump to fine legf or a
couple.
18.6 Kumble to Shah, FOUR, short and wide outside the off and Shah
having an easy first couple of deliveries from Kumble when he
should have felt pressured. He just cuts way to the backward point
fence for four.
End of over 19 (9 runs) England 86/3 (RR: 4.53)
A Kumble 4-0-28-1 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 31* (48b 2x4) OA Shah 6* (2b 1x4)
19.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, around the wicket now, and
Knight plays to the offside.
19.2 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, two runs, played to the deep on the
offside for two more.
19.3 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, tossed up and Knight - who must
now bat through almost 50 overs to give England a shot - plays to
long off for one.
19.4 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run, on th eback foot in defence.
19.5 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run, tossed up and this is the
straighter one, Shah's attempted turn to leg defeated.
19.6 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run
End of over 20 (3 runs) England 89/3 (RR: 4.45)
Harbhajan Singh 4-0-18-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 34* (51b 2x4) OA Shah 6* (5b 1x4)
20.1 Kumble to Knight, three runs, the orthodox sweep, played well, the
bat angled enough to get the ball fine and get three runs.
20.2 Kumble to Shah, no run, on the front foot, stout defence from Shah.
20.3 Kumble to Shah, no run, on the back foot and played to point.
20.4 Kumble to Shah, no run, Shah gets on the front foot and then leaves
the ball alone outside off.
20.5 Kumble to Shah, no run, on the front foot, defended to the legside.
20.6 Kumble to Shah, no run, on the front foot, and the ball is
marginally faster, the batsman almost playing it straight back to
KUmble.
End of over 21 (3 runs) England 92/3 (RR: 4.38)
A Kumble 5-0-31-1 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 37* (52b 2x4) OA Shah 6* (10b 1x4)
21.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, played to long off, and Shah
waits for th eball to clear the infield before running the single.
21.2 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run, sharp turn outside the off, and
Shah cuts down on th eball just in time to run it to third man
inside the circle.
21.3 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run, down the wicket, leading edge that
dribbles the ball back to th ebowler.
21.4 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, no run, swept to fine leg insdie the
circle.
21.5 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, legbye: one run, another attempted sweep,
but the batsmen run the le bye.
21.6 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, swept nicely to the deep
midwicket area, Knight getting the front foot nicely forward to
cover the line.
End of over 22 (3 runs) England 95/3 (RR: 4.32)
Harbhajan Singh 5-0-20-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
NV Knight 39* (54b 2x4) OA Shah 6* (14b 1x4)
22.1 Kumble to Knight, one run, tossed up, turned to square leg, where a
fumble allows the run.
22.2 Kumble to Shah, one run, swept uppishly to fine leg for a single,
Shah resorting to the sweep perhaps a bit to often but getting the
strike rotating.
22.3 Kumble to Knight, no run, played to point.
22.4 Kumble to Knight, one run, reverse swept powerfully straight to
Harbhajan at fine leg, who gets a hand to it, slows it down, and
prevents the four.
22.5 Kumble to Shah, no run
22.6 Kumble to Shah, no run, quicker through the air, forcing Shah onto
th eback foot.
End of over 23 (3 runs) England 98/3 (RR: 4.26)
A Kumble 6-0-34-1 - Scoreboard End
NV Knight 41* (57b 2x4) OA Shah 7* (17b 1x4)
23.1 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, cut to Yuvraj Singh at point.
23.2 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run, thrashed off the front foot,
straight to Kaif in the covers.
23.3 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run
23.4 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, one run, flighted on the off stump,
coming into the left hander with the arm, and Knight cuts it away
to the deep for a single.
23.5 Harbhajan Singh to Shah, one run, swept fine to bring up England's
100 in the 24th over.
23.6 Harbhajan Singh to Knight, no run
End of over 24 (2 runs) England 100/3 (RR: 4.17)
Harbhajan Singh 6-0-22-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
OA Shah 8* (18b 1x4) NV Knight 42* (62b 2x4)
Tendulkar into the attack now to bowl his liquorice all-sorts.
24.1 Tendulkar to Shah, no run, starts off with an off-break, not much
turn in that one for him.
24.2 Tendulkar to Shah, FOUR, spanked down the track by Shah, the ball
hurrying to the long-off fence for four, Shah not willing to let
the bowler dictate terms.
24.3 Tendulkar to Shah, no run
24.4 Tendulkar to Shah, no run
24.5 Tendulkar to Shah, one run, turned to th elegside for a single.
24.6 Tendulkar to Knight, FOUR, drifting down leg, and it is almost a
wide, but Knight gets a tickele on it, and the ball runs away to
fine leg for four more.
End of over 25 (9 runs) England 109/3 (RR: 4.36)
SR Tendulkar 1-0-9-0 - Scoreboard End
OA Shah 13* (23b 2x4) NV Knight 46* (63b 3x4)
25.1 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, FOUR, and just as Shah took the attack to
Tendulkar in his first over, he does the same to Yuvraj Singh,
hitting through the line over the infield to the cover fence for
four.
25.2 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, no run, puhsed wide ousside the off stump,
almost flirting with a wide call.
25.3 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, one run, cut away to the deep on th eoffside.
25.4 Yuvraj Singh to Knight, no run, flighted, turned away to the leg
for no run.
25.5 Yuvraj Singh to Knight, one run
25.6 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, no run, down the track, played away to the
offside.
End of over 26 (6 runs) England 115/3 (RR: 4.42)
Yuvraj Singh 1-0-6-0 - Khetterama End
NV Knight 47* (65b 3x4) OA Shah 18* (27b 3x4)
Ganguly ringing the changes here, Sehwag coming into the attack.
26.1 Sehwag to Knight, one run, cut away to point and the batsmen set
out for the single, but Yuvraj has a shy at the non-striker's end,
and in the end it is quite tight- a direct hit and Knight could
have been back home.
26.2 Sehwag to Shah, one run, turned away to the square leg area for a
single.
26.3 Sehwag to Knight, one run, driven down the ground to long-on.
26.4 Sehwag to Shah, FOUR, down the track, chipped in the air on th
eonside, just over the infield, and the ball runs away to
midwicket for four. Nice wristy shot with great timing.
26.5 Sehwag to Shah, no run, down the track again, but this time
straighto short midwicket.
26.6 Sehwag to Shah, wide: no run
26.6 Sehwag to Shah, legbye: one run, off the pads, to fine leg for a
leg bye.
End of over 27 (9 runs) England 124/3 (RR: 4.59)
V Sehwag 1-0-8-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
OA Shah 23* (31b 4x4) NV Knight 49* (67b 3x4)
27.1 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, one run, drifting down leg, worked easily to
square leg.
27.2 Yuvraj Singh to Knight, one run, again a single to the offside,
played with soft hands, and that is fifty for Nick Knight.
27.3 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, one run, played to long-on, Shah doing a nice
job of rotating the strike.
27.4 Yuvraj Singh to Knight, no run, outside the off, and Knight tries
to run it to third man and misses th eball.
27.5 Yuvraj Singh to Knight, OUT: a light shuffle down the track and
Knight launches into one from Yuvraj, but he does not time it well
enough, and Harbhajan Singh at long-on hardly has to move a few
steps to pouch the catch.
England 127/4, Partnership of 47
NV Knight c Harbhajan Singh b Yuvraj Singh 50 (70b 3x4 0x6)
OA Shah 25* (33b 4x4) Yuvraj Singh 1.5-0-9-1
27.6 Yuvraj Singh to Shah, no run, played to the offside.
End of over 28 (3 runs) England 127/4 (RR: 4.54)
Yuvraj Singh 2-0-9-1 - Khetterama End
ID Blackwell 0* (0b) OA Shah 25* (34b 4x4)
28.1 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run, played to point.
28.2 Sehwag to Blackwell, one run, stroked away to the offside, and the
batsmen run a quick single.
28.3 Sehwag to Shah, no run, hit back to the bowler.
28.4 Sehwag to Shah, no run, down the track, but only playing it to mid-
on.
28.5 Sehwag to Shah, one run, turned to the legside, and the batsmen run
one, Dravi gives chase but cannot prevent the run.
28.6 Sehwag to Blackwell, one run, chipped in the air on the offside,
over th einfield for a single.
End of over 29 (3 runs) England 130/4 (RR: 4.48)
V Sehwag 2-0-11-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
ID Blackwell 2* (3b) OA Shah 26* (37b 4x4)
29.1 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, no run
29.2 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, no run, turned to square leg for one.
29.3 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, two runs, Blackwell tries the sweep, and
although he top-edges it, it falls safely in fine leg for a s
brace.
29.4 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, SIX, huge, huge hit! a few steps down
the track and Blackwell winds up and lets it go, heaving the ball
straight back down the ground over the ropes for maximum!! Big hit
from Blackwell.
29.5 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, no run
29.6 Yuvraj Singh to Blackwell, one run, played to long on.
End of over 30 (9 runs) England 139/4 (RR: 4.63)
Yuvraj Singh 3-0-18-1 - Khetterama End
ID Blackwell 11* (9b 1x6) OA Shah 26* (37b 4x4)
30.1 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run, around the wicket now, and Knight
plays and misses outside the off.
30.2 Sehwag to Blackwell, one run, played down the ground to long off
for a single by Blackwell.
30.3 Sehwag to Shah, no run, a loud appeal for caught behind as Shah
tries to glide the ball and misses. But Bucknor refers to the
third umpire, who rules not out.
30.4 Sehwag to Shah, one run, swept away behind square for a single.
30.5 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run
30.6 Sehwag to Blackwell, two runs, swept away to the square leg region,
and a couple more added to the total.
End of over 31 (4 runs) England 143/4 (RR: 4.61)
V Sehwag 3-0-15-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
OA Shah 27* (39b 4x4) ID Blackwell 14* (13b 1x6)
31.1 Kumble to Shah, no run, on the front foot, turned to short
midwicket.
31.2 Kumble to Shah, two runs, front foot plonked way down the wicket
and a sweep to fine leg for two.
31.3 Kumble to Shah, one run, dabbed to the legside and the single
quickly taken.
31.4 Kumble to Blackwell, one run, drifting down leg, and the sweep to
square leg gets one more.
31.5 Kumble to Shah, two runs, flighted and on leg, and the batsman digs
it out and plays to long on. The batsmen run the first slowly, so
the second one is tight but is finally taken.
31.6 Kumble to Shah, one run
End of over 32 (7 runs) England 150/4 (RR: 4.69)
A Kumble 7-0-41-1 - Khetterama End
OA Shah 33* (44b 4x4) ID Blackwell 15* (14b 1x6)
Match State: Drinks
the players are back in the middle
Sehwag to continue, coming over the wicket to Shah
32.1 Sehwag to Shah, no run, played to mid-on
32.2 Sehwag to Shah, one run, flighted delivery on the pads, turned away
to the deep backward sqaure region, easy single added
32.3 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run
32.4 Sehwag to Blackwell, two runs, on the off, tapped with soft hands
to the point region, the batsmen takes off for a quick single, the
throw comes in, Sehwag not able to collect it!!, a chance missed
and an over throw given
32.5 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run
32.6 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run
End of over 33 (3 runs) England 153/4 (RR: 4.64)
V Sehwag 4-0-18-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
OA Shah 34* (46b 4x4) ID Blackwell 17* (18b 1x6)
33.1 Kumble to Shah, OUT: gone! good spinning delivery on the off, Shah
pokes at it and the ball kisses the golves and goes behind, Dravid
moves across and takes a good catch, Englad five done!
England 153/5, Partnership of 26
OA Shah c Dravid b Kumble 34 (47b 4x4 0x6)
ID Blackwell 17* (18b 1x6) A Kumble 7.1-0-41-2
33.2 Kumble to Stewart, one run
33.3 Kumble to Blackwell, no run
33.4 Kumble to Blackwell, two runs, flighted delivery on the middle and
off, Blackwell goes down on his knees and sweeps it away to the
deep square leg region
33.5 Kumble to Blackwell, one run, on the middle and leg this time, once
again swept away to the deep sqaure leg region, easy single added
33.6 Kumble to Stewart, one run, quicker delivery on the pads, played to
the long-on region
End of over 34 (5 runs) England 158/5 (RR: 4.65)
A Kumble 8-0-46-2 - Khetterama End
AJ Stewart 2* (2b) ID Blackwell 20* (21b 1x6)
34.1 Sehwag to Stewart, one run, played just wide of the point fielder,
quick single taken
34.2 Sehwag to Blackwell, no run, short delivery outside the off, cut
away straight to the short third-man fielder
34.3 Sehwag to Blackwell, two runs, on the middle and leg line, taken on
the half-volley and played to the deep cover region, Tendulkar is
the fielder
34.4 Sehwag to Blackwell, one run, tapped to the short third-man region
, mis-field allows the batsmen to corss over
34.5 Sehwag to Stewart, no run
34.6 Sehwag to Stewart, three runs, flighted delivery on the middle,
Stewart moves forward and chips it over the in-field to the deep
cover region, classy shot!
End of over 35 (7 runs) England 165/5 (RR: 4.71)
V Sehwag 5-0-25-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 6* (5b) ID Blackwell 23* (24b 1x6)
35.1 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, no run, on the off, defended
35.2 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, one run, tossed up delivery just wide
of the off stump, played wide of the cover fielder, easy single
taken
35.3 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, two runs, on the middle and off,
played with soft hands towards the point region, Laxman was bit
slow in comming in and the batsmen take an extra run!
35.4 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run
35.5 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run, on the off and spinning into
the left hander, Blackwell misses out on the shot, the ball hits
the pad, huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is not intrested
35.6 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, one run, tossed up delivery wide of
the off stump, played to the long-off region for an easy single
End of over 36 (4 runs) England 169/5 (RR: 4.69)
Harbhajan Singh 7-0-26-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
ID Blackwell 26* (28b 1x6) AJ Stewart 7* (7b)
Zaheer Khan is back!
36.1 Khan to Blackwell, one run, yorker length delivery on the off,
played to the point region
36.2 Khan to Stewart, one run, pitched up on the off, Stewart gets
behind the delivery and plays it down the track to the long-off
region
36.3 Khan to Blackwell, bye: one run, slower delivery on the off,
Blackwell misses out on the shot, Dravid gets a bad bounce and the
ball goes past him
36.4 Khan to Stewart, legbye: one run, short delivery down the leg side,
hits the pad on the way and goes to the fine leg region
36.5 Khan to Blackwell, FOUR, that was lucky! quick yorker length
delivery on the off, Blackwell goes for a wind swing and gets an
inside edge past the stumps, the ball races away to the fine leg
fence, that was close
36.6 Khan to Blackwell, no run
End of over 37 (8 runs) England 177/5 (RR: 4.78)
Z Khan 6-2-14-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 8* (9b) ID Blackwell 31* (32b 1x4 1x6)
Harbhajan Singh to continue
37.1 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, no run, on the off and spinning into
the right hander, played straight to the sqaure leg fielder
37.2 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, one run, played past the mid-wicket
fielder
37.3 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run, tossed up delivery on the
off, played straight to the mid-off fielder
37.4 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, one run, on the middle and off,
Blackwell goes down on his knees and sweeps it to the fine leg
region
37.5 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, one run, palyed away to the deep point
region
37.6 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, one run, on the off, played straight
to the Indian captain at mid-off, and a mis-field allows the
batsmen to cross over
End of over 38 (4 runs) England 181/5 (RR: 4.76)
Harbhajan Singh 8-0-30-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
ID Blackwell 33* (35b 1x4 1x6) AJ Stewart 10* (12b)
Khan to continue
38.1 Khan to Blackwell, no run, short delivery outside the off stump,
cut away wide of Yuvraj at point, a great diving stop saves a
couple
38.2 Khan to Blackwell, one run, played away past Yuvraj this time, easy
single added
38.3 Khan to Stewart, no run, pitched up on the middle, Stewart moves
across and gets behind the delivery but not able to find the gap
on the on side
38.4 Khan to Stewart, legbye: one run, short delivery on the leg stump,
hits the pad and goes to the vacant sqaure leg region
38.5 Khan to Blackwell, one run, short delivery on the off, Blackwell
goes for the pull and mis-times it to the mid-off region, Nehra is
slow and in the end the ball falls short
38.6 Khan to Stewart, legbye: one run
End of over 39 (4 runs) England 185/5 (RR: 4.74)
Z Khan 7-2-16-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 10* (15b) ID Blackwell 35* (38b 1x4 1x6)
11 overs left
39.1 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, two runs, lofted away to the deep mid-
wicket region, the fielder is wide and the second run is taken
easily
39.2 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, one run, another mis-field! played
straight to Kaif at covers, the ball goes through him and the
batsmen cross over
39.3 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, one run, Blackwell goes for the
lofted shot, the ball goes high up towards the long-off region,
this time it is Tendulkar's turn to be slow, again the ball falls
short!
39.4 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, no run
39.5 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, one run
39.6 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run
End of over 40 (5 runs) England 190/5 (RR: 4.75)
Harbhajan Singh 9-0-35-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
AJ Stewart 14* (19b) ID Blackwell 36* (40b 1x4 1x6)
40.1 Nehra to Stewart, no run, outside the off, and Dravid tries the
cute run-out, whipping the ball under-arm to the stumps at the
striker's end, but Stewart is is in safely.
40.2 Nehra to Stewart, no run, full and outside the off, and Stewart
drives, but straight to cover.
40.3 Nehra to Stewart, no run, played to the right of cover this time,
but still no run.
40.4 Nehra to Stewart, one run, struck to mid off this time, but the
batsmen get the single anyway.
40.5 Nehra to Blackwell, one run, outside the off, smacked away to third
man for one.
40.6 Nehra to Stewart, no run, played to short midwicket.
End of over 41 (2 runs) England 192/5 (RR: 4.68)
A Nehra 7-0-21-2 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
ID Blackwell 37* (41b 1x4 1x6) AJ Stewart 15* (24b)
41.1 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, SIX, half volley outside the off
stump, and Blackwell heaves it, against the spin, to the deep
midwicket fence - and over it! Very powerfully hit!
41.2 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run
41.3 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run, attempted sweep, but
Blackwell misses and is rapped on the pads.
41.4 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, no run, played to mid-off, the line
from Harbhajan a lot more middle-stump and flatter.
41.5 Harbhajan Singh to Blackwell, one run, an attempted hit over
midwicket again, but the appeal for leg before is turned down, and
the batsmen run one.
41.6 Harbhajan Singh to Stewart, no run, an attempted cut goes nowehere,
the ball thudding into Dravid's gloves behind the stumps.
End of over 42 (7 runs) England 199/5 (RR: 4.74)
Harbhajan Singh 10-0-42-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
ID Blackwell 44* (46b 1x4 2x6) AJ Stewart 15* (25b)
42.1 Nehra to Blackwell, no run, the batsman moves down leg, and Nehra
folows him, so the batsman can only play it to short midwicket.
A change in the ball now, the white sphere getting dirty and
difficult to see.
42.2 Nehra to Blackwell, no run, outside the off, and short too, so
Blackwell goes for the cut and misses, the new ball perhaps
bouncing a tad more.
42.3 Nehra to Blackwell, one run, driven down the ground to long on.
42.4 Nehra to Stewart, no run, full and on the off, drvien to cover.
42.5 Nehra to Stewart, two runs, short and pulled away to square leg,
and the batsmn push hard for a couple, the first run taken fast.
42.6 Nehra to Stewart, one run, squirted away to th eoffside for one.
End of over 43 (4 runs) England 203/5 (RR: 4.72)
A Nehra 8-0-25-2 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 18* (28b) ID Blackwell 45* (49b 1x4 2x6)
43.1 Khan to Stewart, no run, turned to short midwicket, but Zaheer Khan
is as miserly as he has been this innings, so no run.
43.2 Khan to Stewart, one run, full toss on off stump, and Stewart plays
to the offside in the deep.
43.3 Khan to Blackwell, no run, backing down towards leg, and Zaheer
accordingly pitches it short and sees it bounce through to the
keeper.
43.4 Khan to Blackwell, one run, full and on middle stump, and Blackwell
smacks it away to long-on.
43.5 Khan to Stewart, one run, attempting to whip it away to midwicket,
Stewart inside edges onto his pad and gets a single to the
offside.
43.6 Khan to Blackwell, FOUR, full toss on middle stump, and Blackwell
whips it away to th emidwicket fence for four. And that brings up
his fifty, a fine moment for the youngster in only his second
match, coming in when the chips are down and getting 50.
End of over 44 (7 runs) England 210/5 (RR: 4.77)
Z Khan 8-2-23-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
AJ Stewart 20* (31b) ID Blackwell 50* (52b 2x4 2x6)
44.1 Kumble to Stewart, legbye: one run, off the pads tro the onside.
44.2 Kumble to Blackwell, one run, backing away to the legside,
Blackwell chips the ball down the ground, the ball bouncing just
in fron tof long-off.
44.3 Kumble to Stewart, one run, short and cut away to the deep on the
offside
44.4 Kumble to Blackwell, SIX, giving himself room, Blackwell gives
hoimself the leverage to pick up Anil Kumble from middle and leg
and deposit him over square leg for another six, his third of the
innings, big shot again!
44.5 Kumble to Blackwell, no run
44.6 Kumble to Blackwell, FOUR, an attempted slice over the offside this
time, but the ball takes the edge and gets Blackwell perhaps more
than he bargained for, running to third man for four.
End of over 45 (13 runs) England 223/5 (RR: 4.96)
A Kumble 9-0-58-2 - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 21* (33b) ID Blackwell 61* (56b 3x4 3x6)
45.1 Khan to Stewart, one run, full toss, hit away to the offside for a
single, giving Blackwell the strike.
45.2 Khan to Blackwell, one run, around the wicket now, again full toss
on middle stump, smacked to long on.
45.3 Khan to Stewart, one run, slower ball from Zaheer, and Stewart gets
it away to the offside for a single.
That's a new sixth wicket record for England against India, beating
the 58 at Cuttack way back in 1984/85.
45.4 Khan to Blackwell, one run
45.5 Khan to Stewart, (noball) no run, the almost-perfect yorker - right
up in the blockhole, rattling the base of the stumps, but the
imperfection lies in overstepping, and Stewart gets a reprieve.
45.5 Khan to Stewart, one run, played to the offside for one.
45.6 Khan to Blackwell, no run, backing away down the legside, and
Zaheer throws in a bouncer for good measure, Blackwell missing
that completely.
End of over 46 (6 runs) England 229/5 (RR: 4.98)
Z Khan 9-2-29-0 (2nb) - Khetterama End
AJ Stewart 24* (37b) ID Blackwell 63* (59b 3x4 3x6)
46.1 Nehra to Stewart, one run, full and outside off, and Stewart digs
it out and plays it away to point.
46.2 Nehra to Blackwell, FOUR, getting outside the off stump, Blackwell
gets on one knee and sweep-hits over the head of fine leg insdie
the circle, no fielder for that shot, and four more to the
youngster.
46.3 Nehra to Blackwell, two runs, full and on middles tump, and
Blackwell smashes it right past the bowler. Harbhajan runs around
from long on and picks up one handed to restrict it to two.
46.4 Nehra to Blackwell, FOUR, full toss to Blackwell a few inches
outside leg, and the batsman just tonks it over the head of mid-
off to th efence for four, Harbhajan not being able to get around
to that one.
46.5 Nehra to Blackwell, two runs, glided to the left of third man this
time, cleverly picking up two when he cannot get a boundary.
46.6 Nehra to Blackwell, FOUR, again backing down outside leg, and this
time he smashes the full toss through covers, between mid off and
extra cover, to the fence for four.
End of over 47 (17 runs) England 246/5 (RR: 5.23)
A Nehra 9-0-43-2 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
AJ Stewart 25* (38b) ID Blackwell 79* (64b 6x4 3x6)
47.1 Khan to Stewart, FOUR, full toss again from Zaheer this time, and
Stewart gets into the action, hitting it straight over umpire
Tiffin past the bowler for four. England really turning on the
juice in the final overs.
47.2 Khan to Stewart, two runs, tapped down the ground to long off and
the batsman scamper two where there should have been only one, the
fielding falling apart under the pressure.
47.3 Khan to Stewart, one run, picked up and deposited to square leg for
a single, and that is the 100 partnership.
47.4 Khan to Blackwell, one run, low full toss, and Blackwell gets it to
short midwicket for one.
47.5 Khan to Stewart, two runs, full and on the legs, chipped awayover
the infield by Stewart for a brace.
47.6 Khan to Stewart, one run, in the blockhole, driven to long off, and
that ends a fine spell from Zaheerk Khan.
End of over 48 (11 runs) England 257/5 (RR: 5.35)
Z Khan 10-2-40-0 (2nb) - Khetterama End
AJ Stewart 35* (43b 1x4) ID Blackwell 80* (65b 6x4 3x6)
Tendulkar into the attack now.
48.1 Tendulkar to Stewart, OUT: and the experiment pays off instanter,
short and Stewart tries the flayed shot over cover but only finds
Ganguly in that position to take the catch. And that ends a
priceless knock from Stewart, ending in him doing only what he had
to do.
England 257/6, Partnership of 104
AJ Stewart c Ganguly b Tendulkar 35 (44b 1x4 0x6)
ID Blackwell 80* (65b 6x4 3x6) SR Tendulkar 1.1-0-9-1
48.2 Tendulkar to Cork, one run, patted to long on, guiving the strike
to Blackwell.
48.3 Tendulkar to Blackwell, one run, played to cover.
48.4 Tendulkar to Cork, one run, hit to covers again.
48.5 Tendulkar to Blackwell, legbye: one run, attempting to come down
the track, Blackwell misses and the ball runs away for a leg bye
to third man.
48.6 Tendulkar to Cork, one run
End of over 49 (5 runs) England 262/6 (RR: 5.35)
SR Tendulkar 2-0-13-1 - Scoreboard End
DG Cork 3* (3b) ID Blackwell 81* (67b 6x4 3x6)
49.1 Nehra to Cork, one run, glided to third man for a single, and now
Blackwell has strike for five balls. What is he going to do?
49.2 Nehra to Blackwell, one run, pulled away to long on, and Cork calls
for the second. Blackwell is obviously tired, though, and he annot
make the crease in time, Dravid behind the stumps to collect
Sehwag's throw and whip off the bails.
England 264/7, Partnership of 7
ID Blackwell run out (Dravid) 82 (68b 6x4 3x6)
49.3 Nehra to Giles, no run
49.4 Nehra to Giles, two runs, making room, Giles hits over the infield
to the covers for two.
; backing away down leg, and Giles plays th eball down at his feet
and gets the single.
49.5 Nehra to Giles, one run
49.6 Nehra to Cork, two runs, full and played over the bowler's head for
two more, straight down the ground.
End of over 50 (7 runs) England 269/7 (RR: 5.38)
A Nehra 10-0-50-2 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
AF Giles 3* (3b) DG Cork 6* (5b)
Match State: Innings Break
Considering India's start, one would think that they would be the
more disappointed team as they troope off the field.
Getting Marcus Trescothick early and then picking wickets at
regular intervals, India really had England on the mat at various
stages.
But Ian Blackwell, in only his second one-day match, proved he has
a sound head on young shoulders, playing a gem of an innings to
make 82 off 91 balls.
His was the pivot around which Owais Shah and Alec Stewart played
after Nick Knight hit a sedate 50 at the top of the order.
For India, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra turned in outstanding
opening spells, but the spinners surprisingly could not get their
teeth into the batting, and as many as eight bowlers were used.
The fielding, to boot, was erratic, with Dravid behind the stumps
in particular having a poor day.
But all said and done, India's formidable batting line-up is fully
capable of making 270 to win, and it only remains to be seen how
fiercely England defend this target.
So join us after teh dinner break in 40 minutes to catch the second
half of this match.
Welcome back to the Indian chase of this quarter-final-ish match of
the ICC Champions Trophy.
0.1 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, drifting down leg,and Sehwag tries the
flick to fine leg and misses.
0.2 Caddick to Sehwag, wide: no run, short and wide outside off, and
Sehwag goes for the expansive cut and misses, but the wide is
called anyway.
0.2 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, much better ball this time, closer to
the off stump, and Sehwag goes for the drive and is beaten.
0.3 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, short and wide, and again Sehwag goes
for the cut and misses.
0.4 Caddick to Sehwag, one run, drifting down leg, and Sehwag easily
turns it to behind square on the legside. Sehwag wants the second,
but Ganguly will have none of that!
0.5 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, shouldering arms to a ball outside the
off.
0.6 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, steered to the offside.
End of over 1 (2 runs) India 2/0 (RR: 2.00 RRR: 268/49 = 5.47)
AR Caddick 1-0-2-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 1* (4b) SC Ganguly 0* (2b)
1.1 Hoggard to Sehwag, one run, half volley outside the off, moving
away a tad, and Sehwag smashes it to point and runs the single.
1.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run
1.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run
1.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, wide: no run, down the legside, called wide.
1.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, short outside the off, and Ganguly
cuts it away to the third man area for his first runs.
1.5 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, on off and middle, rising sharply,. and
Sehwag plays it down nicely on his toes.
1.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, one run, just short of a length outside off,
driven into the covers for the quick single.
End of over 2 (4 runs) India 6/0 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 264/48 = 5.50)
MJ Hoggard 1-0-4-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 3* (7b) SC Ganguly 1* (5b)
2.1 Caddick to Sehwag, one run, short and outside the off, and Sehwag
edges it just to the right of second slip, and Nick Knight there
makes a fantastic diving effort, but the ball runs away for a
single.
2.2 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, rising delivery on the middle stump,
and Ganguly is tucked up, having to play the bal down on his toes.
2.3 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, steered to point.
2.4 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, Ganguly has a big, big slash at that
one, rising sharply outside the off and going away from the
southpaw.
2.5 Caddick to Ganguly, one run, on off stump, Ganguly playing it into
the offside, to mid-off, for a single.
2.6 Caddick to Sehwag, two runs, short of a length, and Sehwag goes
onto th eback foot and just times it nicely through the offside,
to the right of point for a brace.
End of over 3 (4 runs) India 10/0 (RR: 3.33 RRR: 260/47 = 5.53)
AR Caddick 2-0-6-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 2* (9b) V Sehwag 6* (9b)
3.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, fuller and on the off, and Ganguly pats
it away to mid-off.
3.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, two runs, full again, and Ganguly whips it away
awkwardly to the onside, th ebat turning in his hands but getting
him the two to square leg.
3.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, played down to the offside.
3.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, short of a length, driven to mid-on.
The English opening bowlers doing as good as job as the Indian
ones, although wicketless so far.
3.5 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, worked off his hips to squar eleg.
3.6 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, full and Ganguly was all ready to go
for the flowing cover drive, but the ball winds up in the hands of
the cover fielders.
End of over 4 (2 runs) India 12/0 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 258/46 = 5.61)
MJ Hoggard 2-0-6-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 6* (9b) SC Ganguly 4* (15b)
4.1 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, short and outside the off, but that
point fielder has been well placed, and the powerful cut goes
straight to him.
4.2 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, closer to the body this time, and Sehwag
still tries the cut, and still the ball goes to point!
Frustration!!
4.3 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, fuller this time, and Sehwag goes for the
huge drive. The wrists place the ball just wide of point this
time, and the ball hurtles away for India's first four.
4.4 Caddick to Sehwag, one run, tapped to mid-on for a single.
4.5 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, rising into Ganguly's ribs, patted back
to the bowler.
4.6 Caddick to Ganguly, no run
End of over 5 (5 runs) India 17/0 (RR: 3.40 RRR: 253/45 = 5.62)
AR Caddick 3-0-11-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 11* (13b 1x4) SC Ganguly 4* (17b)
5.1 Hoggard to Sehwag, FOUR, on middle stump, and Sehwag's wrists of
steel work it easily to square leg, Hoggard drifting just a touch
and not getting the swing he expected. Super shot!
5.2 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, short delivery on the off, and Sehwag
playing it down to mid-on for no run.
5.3 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, short ball, and Sehwag ducks undeneath
it easily enoughl.
5.4 Hoggard to Sehwag, FOUR, just short of a length on the off, and
Sehwag plays with a straight bat down the ground, just pushing it
really, but the timing ensures that the ball outraces the chasing
fielders to the fence.
5.5 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, and now the on drive! would have been a
wonderful shot if it didn't go straight to mid-on.
5.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, one run, worked off the hips to fine leg for
one.
End of over 6 (9 runs) India 26/0 (RR: 4.33 RRR: 244/44 = 5.55)
MJ Hoggard 3-0-15-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 20* (19b 3x4) SC Ganguly 4* (17b)
6.1 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, played to vco cover.
6.2 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, what-a-shot!! full and on middle stump,
and Sehwag just leans on it, the bat straight as an arrow, a wall
against which the ball rebounds and runs away to long on for four.
Shot of the match so far!!
6.3 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, and again!! This one is even better,
straighter and just past the bowler, again the bat straight and
vertical, and Caddick gets a good view of the bat face.
6.4 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, steered to point.
6.5 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, short and wide, Caddick afraid to pitch
up, and Sehwag cuts this time, between point and extra cover and
then just turning away, knowing the ball is racing to the fence
for four.
6.6 Caddick to Sehwag, no run
End of over 7 (12 runs) India 38/0 (RR: 5.43 RRR: 232/43 = 5.40)
AR Caddick 4-0-23-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 4* (17b) V Sehwag 32* (25b 6x4)
7.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, and sanity returns to the proceedings,
defending on the front foot, Ganguly plays to the offside.
7.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, (noball) no run, short and on the off, and
Ganguly plays nicely off the back foot to point.
7.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, full and on the off, and patted to mid-
off.
7.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, FOUR, on leg stump, and Ganguly just has to
touch it slightly for th eball to race away to the fine leg ropes.
The ball, to make matters worse, is already swinging to leg!
7.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, touched with soft hands on the offside
and Ganguly setting off for the single, but Sehwag refuses.
7.5 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, short and Ganguly, perhaps looking to
get out like his English counterpart, flashe sinto the pull to a
ball much too short. The top edge luckily for India lands in fine
leg open space, and the batsmen steal one.
7.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, legbye: one run, on the legs, and the ball
flicks pad on the way to fine leg.
End of over 8 (7 runs) India 45/0 (RR: 5.62 RRR: 225/42 = 5.36)
MJ Hoggard 4-0-21-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 32* (26b 6x4) SC Ganguly 9* (23b 1x4)
8.1 Caddick to Sehwag, two runs, short of a length and Sehwag gets on
the back foot and works it to midwicket for a couple.
8.2 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, slower ball, full and dipping on Sehwag,
and Sewhag picks it instantly and winds up to smash it right past
the bowler. Caddick fields on his follow through, though, and no
doubt has smarting palms at the moment.
8.3 Caddick to Sehwag, one run, again a slower abll, Caddick not giving
Sehwag the extras pace to work with, and the ball only goes to
cover for one.
8.4 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, short and wide, and Ganguly cuts
nicely, but straight to point in a packed offside field.
8.5 Caddick to Ganguly, three runs, drifting on the legs aand Ganguly
plays it right back down the ground to long on, but the ball slows
up as it reaches the ropes, and Irani fields to restrict them to
three.
8.6 Caddick to Sehwag, SIX, short and wide, and Sehwag flashes hard
when he flashes. The ball flies over slips and is still sailing
over third man's head into the stands by the time that fielder
even places the ball!
End of over 9 (12 runs) India 57/0 (RR: 6.33 RRR: 213/41 = 5.20)
AR Caddick 5-0-35-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 12* (25b 1x4) V Sehwag 41* (30b 6x4 1x6)
Cork into the attack now.
9.1 Cork to Ganguly, one run, patted down to mid off and a swift single
taken, although a direct hit at Ganguly's end would have found him
struggling.
9.2 Cork to Sehwag, (noball) no run, full and on the off, smashed to
mid-off.
9.2 Cork to Sehwag, no run, nicely bowled, slower and dipping full
toss, and Sehwag gets down on it just in time.
9.3 Cork to Sehwag, FOUR, half volley on off stump, and Sehwag drags it
to the right of mid-on and dismisses it from his presence. Across
the line be damned! he seems to be saying.
9.4 Cork to Sehwag, no run, smashed to mid-off.
9.5 Cork to Sehwag, two runs, loud appeal for leg before, but Sehwag in
going for the pull has inside edged the ball onto his pad and the
batsmen get two to fine leg. Good, good decision.
9.6 Cork to Sehwag, one run, slashed away to third man.
End of over 10 (9 runs) India 66/0 (RR: 6.60 RRR: 204/40 = 5.10)
DG Cork 1-0-9-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 48* (36b 7x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 13* (26b 1x4)
10.1 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, short outside the off, and Sehwag simply
smashes that fthrough the covers. Uppish but perfectly safe when
played like that, and that cover hit (hardly a drive!!) gets him
to a scintillating fifty,
10.2 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, around the wicket now, and still Sehwag
seems to be singling Caddick out for treatment, flicking him ju-
uu-uust over square leg's head for another boundary.
10.3 Caddick to Sehwag, wide: no run, down legside this time, and Sehwag
tries the flick, but he misses, and this is really the danger with
the legside line.
10.3 Caddick to Sehwag, FOUR, on middle stump, and Sehwag blasts it
through covers, legside line or no, and the ball fairly rockets
through for four more.
10.4 Caddick to Sehwag, no run, Sehwag gets his bat down in time to the
fuller delivery.
10.5 Caddick to Sehwag, one run, single to mid-off.
10.6 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, driven to cover.
End of over 11 (14 runs) India 80/0 (RR: 7.27 RRR: 190/39 = 4.87)
AR Caddick 6-0-49-0 (2w) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 61* (41b 10x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 13* (27b 1x4)
India really rollicking along here, and still four overs of field
restrictions to be taken advantage of! Sehwag must be licking his
lips.
11.1 Cork to Sehwag, no run, driven fiercely to short extra cover, a man
who played quite a rapid knock himself earlier in the day -
Blackwell.
11.2 Cork to Sehwag, wide: no run, way, way down the legside, and wide
signalled duly.
11.2 Cork to Sehwag, no run, bang on middle stump, and rising delivery
too, and Sehwag has to get up on his toes to play it down.
11.3 Cork to Sehwag, no run, again rising on off stump, and Sehwag again
plays it down to the offside.
11.4 Cork to Sehwag, no run, slower ball outside the off, and Sehwag
wafts at that and misses, the ball going trhough to Stewart.
11.5 Cork to Sehwag, (noball) no run
11.5 Cork to Sehwag, no run, turned to short midwicket, a tight over
this, except for the extras.
11.6 Cork to Sehwag, FOUR, short and wide, and Sehwag goes for the cut
and gets it very, very fine, the ball gambolling away just to the
right of Stewart to the third man fence.
End of over 12 (6 runs) India 86/0 (RR: 7.17 RRR: 184/38 = 4.84)
DG Cork 2-0-15-0 (1w 2nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 13* (27b 1x4) V Sehwag 65* (48b 11x4 1x6)
12.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, short and wide, and Ganguly cannot find
the gaps at all today, just as the field seems all gaps to Sehwag.
12.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, turned to short midwicket.
12.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, again turned to short midwicket, the
singles not coming either for Ganguly.
12.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, full and Ganguly mis-times the chip
over cover, the ball alling just short of mid-off and allowing the
single.
12.5 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, good delivery, right on off stump and
rising sharply, forcing it to be just played down with soft hands.
12.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, one run, worked to fine leg, who fumbles and
allows the single.
End of over 13 (2 runs) India 88/0 (RR: 6.77 RRR: 182/37 = 4.92)
MJ Hoggard 5-0-23-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 66* (50b 11x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 14* (31b 1x4)
13.1 Cork to Sehwag, no run, full fae of the bat, played to mid-off.
13.2 Cork to Sehwag, wide: no run
13.2 Cork to Sehwag, one run, steered away just past point, and Sehwag
runs the single perhaps a tad reluctantly, not wanting to
relinquish strike.
13.3 Cork to Ganguly, wide: no run, outside the off stump this time.
13.3 Cork to Ganguly, no run, played to point.
13.4 Cork to Ganguly, no run, patted back down the track to the bowler.
13.5 Cork to Ganguly, no run, half volley, and Ganguly tries to hit that
perhaps a bit too hard, the ball falling just short of mid-off.
13.6 Cork to Ganguly, bye: one run, slower delivery outside the off. and
Ganguly plays and misses but runs a bye anyway.
End of over 14 (4 runs) India 92/0 (RR: 6.57 RRR: 178/36 = 4.94)
DG Cork 3-0-18-0 (3w 2nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 14* (35b 1x4) V Sehwag 67* (52b 11x4 1x6)
14.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, short ball, played to point.
14.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, two runs, again Ganguly goes for the pull, and
he top-edges, but this time the ball flies to mid-on, and the
fielders converge on it but cannot catch.
14.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, steered to point, Ganguly not able to
get the ball away at all.
14.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, worked to the left of mid-on off the
back foot.
14.5 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, worked off the hips to the square leg
fielder inside the circle.
14.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, FOUR, short and wide, and with the last ball of
the 15-over field restrictions, Sehwag cuts away to the point
fence for four!
End of over 15 (7 runs) India 99/0 (RR: 6.60 RRR: 171/35 = 4.89)
MJ Hoggard 6-0-30-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 17* (39b 1x4) V Sehwag 71* (54b 12x4 1x6)
Match State: Drinks
15.1 Irani to Ganguly, one run, off the edge to third man for one.
15.2 Irani to Sehwag, one run, guided to third man for one.
15.3 Irani to Ganguly, no run
15.4 Irani to Ganguly, FOUR, a slog attempted by Ganguly, but the bottom
edge runs away past the wicket keeper for four, not convincing at
all but still runs.
15.5 Irani to Ganguly, no run
15.6 Irani to Ganguly, no run
End of over 16 (6 runs) India 105/0 (RR: 6.56 RRR: 165/34 = 4.85)
RC Irani 1-0-6-0 - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 72* (55b 12x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 22* (44b 2x4)
Giles is the new bowler
16.1 Giles to Sehwag, no run, on the middle and spinning away, hits the
pad, huge appeal for LBW, umpire not intrested!
16.2 Giles to Sehwag, no run, flighted again, defended, the ball rolls
away to the mid-off region
16.3 Giles to Sehwag, FOUR, welcome Mr.Giles! tossed up on the middle
and leg, Sehwag goes down on his knees and sweeps it to the
backward of sqaure fence
16.4 Giles to Sehwag, FOUR, short delivery, enough time for Sehwag to go
back and smash it to the mid-wicket region, the fielder covers it
up but the ball slips through him, yet another four!
16.5 Giles to Sehwag, no run
16.6 Giles to Sehwag, no run
End of over 17 (8 runs) India 113/0 (RR: 6.65 RRR: 157/33 = 4.76)
AF Giles 1-0-8-0 - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 22* (44b 2x4) V Sehwag 80* (61b 14x4 1x6)
17.1 Irani to Ganguly, no run, pushed to the point region
17.2 Irani to Ganguly, one run, short delivery down the off side,
Ganguly moves back and plays it fine towards the third-man region
17.3 Irani to Sehwag, two runs, turned off his pads to the deep sqaure
leg region, couple added to the total, as easy as it gets
17.4 Irani to Sehwag, no run
17.5 Irani to Sehwag, FOUR, take that! just short of a length on the
middle and leg, Sehwag gets bat to it and the ball races away to
the mid-wicket fence, this man is on song!
17.6 Irani to Sehwag, no run
End of over 18 (7 runs) India 120/0 (RR: 6.67 RRR: 150/32 = 4.69)
RC Irani 2-0-13-0 - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 23* (46b 2x4) V Sehwag 86* (65b 15x4 1x6)
18.1 Giles to Ganguly, one run, played to long-on for one.
18.2 Giles to Sehwag, one run, patted awya to the left of cover for a
single.
18.3 Giles to Ganguly, one run
18.4 Giles to Sehwag, one run
18.5 Giles to Ganguly, one run, turned away to the offside, just past
point, for one more.
18.6 Giles to Sehwag, one run, pushed to long off for a single.
End of over 19 (6 runs) India 126/0 (RR: 6.63 RRR: 144/31 = 4.65)
AF Giles 2-0-14-0 - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 89* (68b 15x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 26* (49b 2x4)
19.1 Irani to Sehwag, no run, front foot defence, a rare sight indeed
when Sehwag is batting.
19.2 Irani to Sehwag, no run, defended again, front foot close to pad
and prompting an appeal when the bat hits first pad and then bat.
19.3 Irani to Sehwag, no run, steered away to the right of extra cover,
who fields and prevents the runs.
19.4 Irani to Sehwag, one run, on off stump, worked awya to mid on for a
single.
19.5 Irani to Ganguly, FOUR, and finally Ganguly gets hold of one!
outside the off, begging to be hit , and Ganguly picks it up on
the rise and hits it over midwicket to the fence for four.
19.6 Irani to Ganguly, two runs, a couple more to the legside.
End of over 20 (7 runs) India 133/0 (RR: 6.65 RRR: 137/30 = 4.57)
RC Irani 3-0-20-0 - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 90* (72b 15x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 32* (51b 3x4)
20.1 Giles to Sehwag, one run, turned to the square leg for a single.
20.2 Giles to Ganguly, one run, dragged short, and Ganguly works it away
on the onside off the back foot.
20.3 Giles to Sehwag, FOUR, multifarious field adjustments later, Giles
still drops it shor and wide, and those only deserve to be put
away for four to the point fence, as Sehwag just does.
20.4 Giles to Sehwag, one run, and worked square on the onside this time
for a single.
20.5 Giles to Ganguly, no run, padded to fine leg, and Sehwag runs
halfway down th etrack for a single before running all the way
back after being sent back.
20.6 Giles to Ganguly, no run
End of over 21 (7 runs) India 140/0 (RR: 6.67 RRR: 130/29 = 4.48)
AF Giles 3-0-21-0 - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 96* (75b 16x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 33* (54b 3x4)
21.1 Irani to Sehwag, no run, on the offs tump, defended to the offside.
21.2 Irani to Sehwag, FOUR, on middle stump and Sehwag picks it up
looking to loft oit over th einfield. A slightly mistimed shot,
it nevertheless goes over the midwicket cordon to fall away to the
fence for four. And that is his second hundred, also his second at
Colombo.
21.3 Irani to Sehwag, one run, driven uppishly into the covers, and a
single taken even as Hussain dives to take th epace off it.
21.4 Irani to Ganguly, no run, steered to point.
21.5 Irani to Ganguly, one run
21.6 Irani to Sehwag, no run
End of over 22 (6 runs) India 146/0 (RR: 6.64 RRR: 124/28 = 4.43)
RC Irani 4-0-26-0 - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 34* (56b 3x4) V Sehwag 101* (79b 17x4 1x6)
22.1 Giles to Ganguly, SIX, and it's happened. Three overs aftr Giles is
introduced into the attack, Ganguly dances down the track and taps
the left-arm spinner over long on for six - fully expected, that.
22.2 Giles to Ganguly, one run
22.3 Giles to Sehwag, two runs, inside out over cover, Sehwag just
clearing cover fielder to get two more to the deep on the offside.
22.4 Giles to Sehwag, no run, patted back to Giles.
22.5 Giles to Sehwag, no run, turned to mid-on, who fields nicely diving
to his left to cut the ball off.
22.6 Giles to Sehwag, one run, looking for the heave, Sehwag changes his
shot at the last moment to smash the ball to long off and get the
single.
End of over 23 (10 runs) India 156/0 (RR: 6.78 RRR: 114/27 = 4.22)
AF Giles 4-0-31-0 - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 104* (83b 17x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 41* (58b 3x4 1x6)
Hussain must be desperate to get some wickets now, and Cork back
into the attack.
23.1 Cork to Sehwag, no run, Cork is met with a straight bat.
23.2 Cork to Sehwag, FOUR, short and wide, cut away, and third man,
Giles running around from third man fumbling the take and kicking
it over the ropes accidentally for four.
23.3 Cork to Sehwag, one run, turned wide of mid-on for one.
23.4 Cork to Ganguly, no run, played to point.
23.5 Cork to Ganguly, one run
23.6 Cork to Sehwag, no run, played to cover.
End of over 24 (6 runs) India 162/0 (RR: 6.75 RRR: 108/26 = 4.15)
DG Cork 4-0-24-0 (3w 2nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 42* (60b 3x4 1x6) V Sehwag 109* (87b 18x4 1x6)
Batting hero Ian Blackwell into the attack.
24.1 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run
24.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, FOUR, down the track, converting the ball
into a full toss, and hitting it right back over Blackwell's head
- much as Blackwell himself did earlier in the day - for four.
24.3 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, patted to point for a single.
24.4 Blackwell to Sehwag, no run, defended on the front foot.
24.5 Blackwell to Sehwag, two runs
24.6 Blackwell to Sehwag, no run
End of over 25 (7 runs) India 169/0 (RR: 6.76 RRR: 101/25 = 4.04)
ID Blackwell 1-0-7-0 - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 47* (63b 4x4 1x6) V Sehwag 111* (90b 18x4 1x6)
25.1 Cork to Ganguly, no run, an attempted work to square leg goes
nowehere, and Cork even goes up for half an appeal.
25.2 Cork to Ganguly, no run, patted back to the bowler.
25.3 Cork to Ganguly, no run, tried to pull it away but only succeeds in
sending it to mid off.
25.4 Cork to Ganguly, one run, steered to the offside and a quick single
taken.
25.5 Cork to Sehwag, FOUR, short and rising delivery on the off, and
Sehwag fends off to the offside. A slip could have taken that, but
the absence of slip and third man just means another four.
25.6 Cork to Sehwag, (noball) FOUR, full and drifting down leg, and
Sehwag just flicks it away easily behind square on the onside, for
another four. This is tremendous hitting.
25.6 Cork to Sehwag, no run, slower delivery, and Sehwag plays it away
on th eoffside sensibly.
End of over 26 (10 runs) India 179/0 (RR: 6.88 RRR: 91/24 = 3.79)
DG Cork 5-0-34-0 (3w 3nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 48* (67b 4x4 1x6) V Sehwag 119* (93b 20x4 1x6)
91 more to get
26.1 Blackwell to Ganguly, three runs, short dleivery on the off, played
wide of the short third-man fielder, and that's 50 for the Indian
captain, time to talk to the Gods!
26.2 Blackwell to Sehwag, one run
26.3 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, tossed up on the off, played just
wide of the point fielder, quick single taken
26.4 Blackwell to Sehwag, no run, turned away to the point region
26.5 Blackwell to Sehwag, no run, short delivery on the pads, no real
pace in that, played to the sqaure leg region
26.6 Blackwell to Sehwag, no run, pushed to the covers, good over from
Blackwell comes to an end
End of over 27 (5 runs) India 184/0 (RR: 6.81 RRR: 86/23 = 3.74)
ID Blackwell 2-0-12-0 - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 52* (69b 4x4 1x6) V Sehwag 120* (97b 20x4 1x6)
the Indian 12th man is out in the middle, a mini drinks break being
taken
Hoggard is back, can he get the break through?
27.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run, good delivery on the off, Ganguly tries
to poke but misses the target
27.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, short delivery outside the off stumps,
cut away to the deep sqaure leg region, easy single taken
27.3 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, another short delivery, bit to fast to
play the pulll shot, in the end defended
27.4 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, and again! this time Sehwag goes back
and plays it to the mid-wicket region, straight to the fielder she
goes
27.5 Hoggard to Sehwag, no run, wide dleivery outside the off stump,
Sehwag winds up and has a go at it, but misses the target by miles
27.6 Hoggard to Sehwag, one run, short and wide outside the off, cut
away straight to the point fielder, mis-field there allows the
batsmen to cross over
End of over 28 (2 runs) India 186/0 (RR: 6.64 RRR: 84/22 = 3.82)
MJ Hoggard 7-0-32-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 121* (101b 20x4 1x6) SC Ganguly 53* (71b 4x4 1x6)
28.1 Blackwell to Sehwag, one run, tossed up on the pads, Sehwag comes
down the track and smashes it past the bowler
28.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, on the middle and leg, played
straight to the mid-on fielder, another thumble and a single
taken!
28.3 Blackwell to Sehwag, FOUR, down the tack Sehwag comes and smashes
it past the bowler, the ball races away to the fence, and that is
India's hightest opening stand against england!
28.4 Blackwell to Sehwag, OUT: at last! flighted delivery on the middle
and leg, Sehwag comes down the track and hits it straight back to
the bowler, easy catch held and Sehwag departs
India 192/1, Partnership of 192
V Sehwag c & b Blackwell 126 (104b 21x4 1x6)
SC Ganguly 54* (72b 4x4 1x6) ID Blackwell 2.4-0-18-1
VVS Laxman is the new batsman
28.5 Blackwell to Laxman, no run
28.6 Blackwell to Laxman, no run, on the middle, defended
End of over 29 (6 runs) India 192/1 (RR: 6.62 RRR: 78/21 = 3.71)
ID Blackwell 3-0-18-1 - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 54* (72b 4x4 1x6) VVS Laxman 0* (2b)
29.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, steered to third man for one.
29.2 Hoggard to Laxman, no run, outside the off stump, and Laxman plays
his trademark waft at th eball.
29.3 Hoggard to Laxman, no run, closer to the body, and Laxman defends
nicely.
29.4 Hoggard to Laxman, FOUR, flicked away beautifully, timing all
there, the ball speeding along the carpet tpo the midwicket fence.
29.5 Hoggard to Laxman, no run, defended to the onside.
29.6 Hoggard to Laxman, no run, turned to square leg.
End of over 30 (5 runs) India 197/1 (RR: 6.57 RRR: 73/20 = 3.65)
MJ Hoggard 8-0-37-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 55* (73b 4x4 1x6) VVS Laxman 4* (7b 1x4)
30.1 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run, played to square leg.
30.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run, steered to short third man.
30.3 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run, turned to Nasser Hussain at short
midwicket.
30.4 Blackwell to Ganguly, wide: no run
30.4 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run
30.5 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, steered to third man.
30.6 Blackwell to Laxman, no run, played back to the bowler, and the
bowler rockets the throw back in, almost beaning Laxman on the
way!!
End of over 31 (2 runs) India 199/1 (RR: 6.42 RRR: 71/19 = 3.74)
ID Blackwell 4-0-20-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 56* (78b 4x4 1x6) VVS Laxman 4* (8b 1x4)
31.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, pulled high into the air, but ther eis
nobody in the midwicket area, and the 200 comes up for India with
that single.
31.2 Hoggard to Laxman, no run, Laxman steers to cover and then sets off
for the run, which was definitely there. Ganguly refuses, and
Laxman cannot make his ground at the batsman's end. Stewart
standing with the ball behind the stumps for some time before
knocking the bails off!
India 200/2, Partnership of 8
VVS Laxman run out (Shah) 4 (8b 1x4 0x6)
31.3 Hoggard to Tendulkar, no run, and a snnorter to greet Tendulkar
first up, a good short delivery that Tendulkar ducks under.
31.4 Hoggard to Tendulkar, two runs, turned to square leg for a couple
to get Tendulkar off the mark.
31.5 Hoggard to Tendulkar, no run, driven into the covers, the top hand
coming off the bat as the ball flies to extra cover.
31.6 Hoggard to Tendulkar, no run
End of over 32 (3 runs) India 202/2 (RR: 6.31 RRR: 68/18 = 3.78)
MJ Hoggard 9-0-40-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 57* (80b 4x4 1x6) SR Tendulkar 2* (4b)
32.1 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, turned to fine leg for a single.
32.2 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, stroked to cover.
32.3 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, cut awya, but straight into the
covers again.,
32.4 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, played back to Blackwell.
32.5 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, pitching on leg and turning
prodigiously, the ball beats Tendulkar's bat outside the of.
32.6 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run
End of over 33 (1 run) India 203/2 (RR: 6.15 RRR: 67/17 = 3.94)
ID Blackwell 5-0-21-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 58* (81b 4x4 1x6) SR Tendulkar 2* (9b)
33.1 Hoggard to Ganguly, FOUR, full and outside the off, and Ganguly
drives Hoggard straight down the ground, the ball caressed to the
long off fence for four.
33.2 Hoggard to Ganguly, FOUR, pulled away to the midwicket fence this
time, and the ball speeds away to ropes yet again in this over.
33.3 Hoggard to Ganguly, no run
33.4 Hoggard to Ganguly, FOUR, short and on the off, and Ganguly swivels
into the pull nicely, pivoting on th eback foot and putting the
ball away neatly to the square leg fence.
33.5 Hoggard to Ganguly, one run, turned to fine leg for one.
33.6 Hoggard to Tendulkar, one run, short and on the middle stump,
turned to behind square on the onside for one.
End of over 34 (14 runs) India 217/2 (RR: 6.38 RRR: 53/16 = 3.31)
MJ Hoggard 10-0-54-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
SR Tendulkar 3* (10b) SC Ganguly 71* (86b 7x4 1x6)
34.1 Blackwell to Tendulkar, wide: no run, down the legside.
34.1 Blackwell to Tendulkar, one run, steered to point for one.
34.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, stroked to long on for a single, the
strike rotating easily now.
34.3 Blackwell to Tendulkar, one run
34.4 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, hit to the onside for one.
34.5 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, goes back on his stumps and plays
the ball away to the legside.
34.6 Blackwell to Tendulkar, one run, worked away to the deep midwicket
area for one more.
End of over 35 (6 runs) India 223/2 (RR: 6.37 RRR: 47/15 = 3.13)
ID Blackwell 6-0-27-1 (2w) - Scoreboard End
SR Tendulkar 6* (14b) SC Ganguly 73* (88b 7x4 1x6)
35.1 Caddick to Tendulkar, no run
35.2 Caddick to Tendulkar, one run, on the pads, played to the deep fine
leg region, easy single added
35.3 Caddick to Ganguly, FOUR, what a shot! short delivery outside the
off, Ganguly gets behind it and cuts it to the point fence, all
timing in that shot
35.4 Caddick to Ganguly, FOUR, another one! again short, this time on
the middle and leg, pulled away to the sqaure leg fence
35.5 Caddick to Ganguly, no run, pitched up delivery, Ganguly winds up
and goes for a wild shot, the bat flies out of his hands and goes
to the point region, and the ball into Stewart's gloves
New golves called for
35.6 Caddick to Ganguly, one run, short again, played straight to the
mid-wicket fielder, mis-field allows the batsmen to cross over
End of over 36 (10 runs) India 233/2 (RR: 6.47 RRR: 37/14 = 2.64)
AR Caddick 7-0-59-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 82* (92b 9x4 1x6) SR Tendulkar 7* (16b)
36.1 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run
36.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, two runs, down the leg side, played with soft
hands to the fine leg region
36.3 Blackwell to Ganguly, two runs, again down the leg side, this time
palyed finer, easy couple added
36.4 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run, palyed to the short fine leg region
36.5 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run, flighted delivery on the middle and
leg, played past the mid-on fielder
36.6 Blackwell to Tendulkar, no run, wayward delivery down the leg side,
was a wide, but Tendulkar gets bat to it and the ball goes
straight to the short fine-leg fielder
End of over 37 (5 runs) India 238/2 (RR: 6.43 RRR: 32/13 = 2.46)
ID Blackwell 7-0-32-1 (2w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 87* (97b 9x4 1x6) SR Tendulkar 7* (17b)
37.1 Irani to Ganguly, no run
37.2 Irani to Ganguly, one run, good length delivery on the middle,
Ganguly moves away from the ball and plays it past the cover
fielder
37.3 Irani to Tendulkar, no run, short and wide outside the off, cut
straight to the point fielder
37.4 Irani to Tendulkar, one run, quicker delivery on the middle and
leg, played to the deep fine leg region, walking single taken
37.5 Irani to Ganguly, two runs, pitched up on the middle and off,
played past short mid-on fielder, had to rush back for the second
but the throw was wide and no damage is done
37.6 Irani to Ganguly, FOUR, pitched up on the off, lofted over the in-
fielde to the long-off fence
End of over 38 (8 runs) India 246/2 (RR: 6.47 RRR: 24/12 = 2.00)
RC Irani 5-0-34-0 - Khetterama End
SR Tendulkar 8* (19b) SC Ganguly 94* (101b 10x4 1x6)
38.1 Blackwell to Tendulkar, one run
38.2 Blackwell to Ganguly, no run
38.3 Blackwell to Ganguly, SIX, tossed up on the pads, lofted over the
long-on fence, what a way to bing up the hundred
38.4 Blackwell to Ganguly, FOUR, again on the middle and leg line,
played with tremendous power to the mid-wicket fence, take that!
38.5 Blackwell to Ganguly, two runs
38.6 Blackwell to Ganguly, one run
End of over 39 (14 runs) India 260/2 (RR: 6.67 RRR: 10/11 = 0.91)
ID Blackwell 8-0-46-1 (2w) - Scoreboard End
SC Ganguly 107* (106b 11x4 2x6) SR Tendulkar 9* (20b)
39.1 Cork to Ganguly, SIX, amazing! pitched up delivery on the middle,
taken on the half volley and lofted over the long-on fence,calssy
shot
39.2 Cork to Ganguly, no run
39.3 Cork to Ganguly, wide: no run, wayward delivery down the leg side
39.3 Cork to Ganguly, FOUR, it's all over!short delivery on the middle
and leg, Ganguly gives himself room and hits it over the in-field,
the ball races away to the mid-wicket fence and the crowd goes
wild
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that.
Inside 40 overs, India chase down a daunting 270, spurred first by
Sehwag's magnificent hundred and then by Sourav Ganguly's own
catch-up effort.
Sehwag it was who initially smashed England to all parts of the
ground, even as Ganguly scraped together runs at the other end.
But come Sehwag's - and then Laxman's - dismissal, and Ganguly
realised a hundred was there for the taking himself, going on to
carry his bat with a splendid 117.
India now go on to face South Africa in the semi-final, no doubt
bolstered by this comprehensive win.
It is amazing what confidence will do to a team, and after the
NatWest final, India have been playing all their matches like
world cahmpions, caring exactly two hoots for required run-rates
and track conditions.
England started off badly, but their revival in the latter part of
the innings saw them get to a more-than-reasonable total at the
end, but few could have expected the onslaught that Sehwag threw
at them when India batted.
The Man of the Match, for reasons obvious to all, was awarded to
Virender Sehwag.
So those are the four semi-finalists - South Africa, India,
Australi anad Sri Lanka. Join us tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen,
for a day match at the SSC, New Zealand vs Bangladesh.
Till then, goodbye.