Match State: Match start scheduled for 14.30 local time (8.30 GMT)
Hello and welcome to the first match of what the wags have already
started to term the 'Pool of Death' - a tough group of India,
England and Zimbabwe.
India and Zimbabwe face off in this game, one that, by virtue of
the format of the tournament, virtually assumes knock-out
proportions.
India have come off a happy tour of England, and their one-day
record over the past year has been excellent, capped off by that
phenomenal win over England in the final of the NatWest series.
But dog-tired would be a good phrase to describe the team now,
after almost two months of touring abroad. And that can only work
in Zimbabwe's favour.
With all the turmoil at home, a win for Zimbabwe today will
brighten the moods of their compatriots, however much Heath Streak
insists that politics and sport should be kept disparate.
Back at the Premadasa stadium for this day-nighter, and the track
looks a belter, full of runs.
So Sourav Ganguly, when he won the toss, had little hesitation in
opting to bat first.
India: SC Ganguly (captain, V Sehwag, D Mongia, SR Tendulkar, +R
Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, M Kaif, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, A Kumble, A
Nehra
Zimbabwe: DD Ebrahim, ADR Campbell, GW Flower, +A Flower, SV
Carlisle, GJ Whittall, HH Streak (captain, DA Marillier, Douglas T
Hondo, SM Ervine, RW Price
0.1 Streak to Ganguly, FOUR, what a start for India! Ganguly pokes at
one outside the off stump, and the ball catches the edge to slip
past the second slip and beat third man for four.
0.2 Streak to Ganguly, no run, closer to the off stump this time, and
Ganguly has another waft, but the ball beats him this time.
0.3 Streak to Ganguly, one run, just on off stump and Ganguly gets on
the front foot to steer it away past point for a single.
0.4 Streak to Sehwag, (noball) no run
0.4 Streak to Sehwag, no run, short of a length and Sehwag is quick
onto the back foot, trying to drive through the covers. He only
plays it to extra cover, though.
0.5 Streak to Sehwag, no run, driven to mid-on.
0.6 Streak to Sehwag, two runs, just short of a length outside the off
and Sehwag streakily plays Streak through extra cover, the shot a
bit uppish but still fetching two.
End of over 1 (8 runs) India 8/0 (RR: 8.00)
HH Streak 1-0-8-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 5* (3b 1x4) V Sehwag 2* (4b)
1.1 Hondo to Ganguly, (noball) FOUR, a loosener from Hondo, and Ganguly
pounces, timing it to perfection through the point region, leaning
into the shot and caressing it to the fence.
1.1 Hondo to Ganguly, FOUR, slightly further up this time, and Ganguly
gets on the front foot, stroking the ball through the covers
beautifully, two boundaries in succession.
1.2 Hondo to Ganguly, no run
1.3 Hondo to Ganguly, no run, heading away from the left hander, and
Ganguly goes for the cut, missing and slicing through air as the
ball goes through to the keepeer.
1.4 Hondo to Ganguly, no run, a snorter, that! Hondo gets surprising
bounce, and Ganguly gets the ball on the top of the bat, letting
it balloon in the air on the offside. But no fielder is close
enough to catch the ball as it falls to ground.
1.5 Hondo to Ganguly, no run
1.6 Hondo to Ganguly, no run, short of a length on the off, patted back
to the bowler.
End of over 2 (9 runs) India 17/0 (RR: 8.50)
Douglas T Hondo 1-0-9-0 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 2* (4b) SC Ganguly 13* (10b 3x4)
2.1 Streak to Sehwag, no run, outside the off-stump, almost no movement
for Streak, and Sehwag just lets it go through.
2.2 Streak to Sehwag, FOUR, pitched up on off stump, and Sehwag waits
for it just long enough to then smash it through covers for four,
getting his foot to the pitch of the ball nicely.
2.3 Streak to Sehwag, no run, straighter from Streak this time, and
Sehwag pats it away to mid on.
2.4 Streak to Sehwag, FOUR, drifting just to middle stump, but Sehwag
is good enough to wristily work it away on the onside, putting it
between mid-on and square leg to the deep midwicket fence.
2.5 Streak to Sehwag, no run, shorter of a length, and Sehwag plays it
back to Streak.
2.6 Streak to Sehwag, no run, again shorter of a length and outside
off, and Sehwag tries to force it on his toes, but he can only
skew it to th emid-on fielder.
End of over 3 (8 runs) India 25/0 (RR: 8.33)
HH Streak 2-0-16-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
SC Ganguly 13* (10b 3x4) V Sehwag 10* (10b 2x4)
3.1 Hondo to Ganguly, no run, on off stump, and Ganguly sedtaely plays
it to the extra cover fielder.
3.2 Hondo to Ganguly, OUT: Hondo pushes this one through faster,
pitching it on middle and getting some late movement away from the
left-hander. Ganguly goes back instead of front and can only edge
it to Campbell at first slip.
India 25/1, Partnership of 25
SC Ganguly c Campbell b Hondo 13 (12b 3x4 0x6)
V Sehwag 10* (10b 2x4) Douglas T Hondo 1.2-0-9-1 (1nb)
3.3 Hondo to Mongia, no run, on leg stump, worked away to the square
leg fielder by Mongia.
3.4 Hondo to Mongia, no run, pitched outside off and Mongia gets a nice
stride forward and tries the cover drive, but the ball goes
straight to the fielder in th ecovers.
3.5 Hondo to Mongia, no run, pitched outside leg and hitting Mongia on
middle stump, so umpire de Silve turns down the appeal from th
eZimbabweans.
3.6 Hondo to Mongia, OUT: pitched just a touch urther up, and Mongia is
drawn into the drive. But the temptation leads him astray, and
instead of moving his feet enough, Mongia plays with his feet
stuck in the crease. The resultant edge goes straight to Campbell.
India 25/2, Partnership of 0
D Mongia c Campbell b Hondo 0 (4b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 4 (maiden) India 25/2 (RR: 6.25)
Douglas T Hondo 2-1-9-2 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 10* (10b 2x4)
Two wickets in the over for Hondo, a successful one to say the
least, not to mention a maiden.
Schin Tendulkar comes out to the crease in just the fourth over,
hardly the start he can havw wanted.
4.1 Streak to Sehwag, FOUR, short and outside the off, and Sehwag
flashes into the drive intuitively, smashing it over the point
region to the offside fence.
4.2 Streak to Sehwag, no run, hit hard to the cover fielder.
4.3 Streak to Sehwag, no run, short of a length and on the off stump,
and Sehwag plays it on his toes to the cover fielder.
4.4 Streak to Sehwag, no run, drifting down leg, catching Sehwag's pad
on the way to the keeper.
4.5 Streak to Sehwag, FOUR, dropping a tad short outside the off again
and Sehwag just crashes it square of the wicket on the offside,
not even bothering to run as the ball thunders away to the ropes.
4.6 Streak to Sehwag, no run, on the front foot this time, trying to
drive it through the offside cordon, but the ball hangs in the air
just long enough before falling short of the cover point fielder.
End of over 5 (8 runs) India 33/2 (RR: 6.60)
HH Streak 3-0-24-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
SR Tendulkar 0* (0b) V Sehwag 18* (16b 4x4)
5.1 Hondo to Tendulkar, one run, slower ball to start off with to
Tendulkar, full and on the off, and Tendulkar calmly plays it wide
of mid-off and scampers the single to get off the mark.
5.2 Hondo to Sehwag, no run, just short of the length, Hondo knowing
how to adjust his length to specific batsmen without compromising
on line.
5.3 Hondo to Sehwag, one run
5.4 Hondo to Tendulkar, no run
5.5 Hondo to Tendulkar, one run, worked away to leg for a single.
5.6 Hondo to Sehwag, one run, played on the front foot just wide of
mid-off for a single.
End of over 6 (4 runs) India 37/2 (RR: 6.17)
Douglas T Hondo 3-1-13-2 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 20* (19b 4x4) SR Tendulkar 2* (3b)
6.1 Streak to Sehwag, one run, played off the back foot to the off
side, but Zimbabwe have a sweeper on the cover fence now, cutting
the runs down to one.
6.2 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, wider outside the off stump, looking
for some movement off the pitch, but no luck - the ball sails
straight through.
6.3 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, wider than the last ball, almost too
wide, but the umpire decides not to call it even as Tendulkar
looks questioningly at him.
6.4 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, again wide outside the off, Streak
seemingly sticking to a plan here to tie Tendulkar down.
6.5 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, left alone by Tendulkar, even though
the line is closer to the off this time, Streak getting the ball
to move ever so slightly inwards.
6.6 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, on middle and leg, worked away to the
short midwicket.
End of over 7 (1 run) India 38/2 (RR: 5.43)
HH Streak 4-0-25-0 (1nb) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 21* (20b 4x4) SR Tendulkar 2* (8b)
7.1 Hondo to Sehwag, no run, on off stump and played straight to mid-
off. Hondo not nearly as fast as Streak, but still has better
control today.
7.2 Hondo to Sehwag, FOUR, a tad short and Sehwag, knowing the empty
legside outfield, goes into the pull, the ball taking a top edge
but still sailing over the fielder to the midwicket fence.
7.3 Hondo to Sehwag, FOUR, short and on the off, and Sehwag plays the
ball down nicely as he cuts through point for his second four of
the over, the ball crashing again into the advertising boards
square of teh wicket on the offisde.
7.4 Hondo to Sehwag, no run
7.5 Hondo to Sehwag, no run, Hondo pitches it up this time, on the off
stump, and Sehwag rifles the ball straight back at the bowler, who
stumbles as he fields in his followthrough.
7.6 Hondo to Sehwag, two runs, short again, and Sehwag cuts finer,
controlling the ball nicely to pick up two as the third man runs
around.
End of over 8 (10 runs) India 48/2 (RR: 6.00)
Douglas T Hondo 4-1-23-2 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
SR Tendulkar 2* (8b) V Sehwag 31* (26b 6x4)
8.1 Streak to Tendulkar, no run, played to mid off.
8.2 Streak to Tendulkar, three runs, drifting to leg, and Tendulkar
brings those powerful wrists into play, working it through the mid
wicket region and scampering three runs.
8.3 Streak to Sehwag, no run
8.4 Streak to Sehwag, no run, short outside the off, but keeping a tad
low, and the intended cut shot edges the ball. It falls just short
of first slip, though.
8.5 Streak to Sehwag, (noball) FOUR, wide and short outside the off,
and Sehwag gets into the act again. A powerful thrash sends the
ball sailing to the point fence yet again, Streak's line and
length suffering here.
8.5 Streak to Sehwag, five runs, a single scampered to point draws a
throw that overshoots the non-strikers end and runs away for four
overthrows, good running putting the fielder under pressure.
8.6 Streak to Tendulkar, no run
End of over 9 (13 runs) India 61/2 (RR: 6.78)
HH Streak 5-0-38-0 (2nb) - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 40* (30b 7x4) SR Tendulkar 5* (11b)
9.1 Hondo to Sehwag, (noball) three runs, full and on off stump, and
Sehwag whips it away to the square leg region wristily, the
batsmen running three.
9.1 Hondo to Tendulkar, no run
9.2 Hondo to Tendulkar, no run
9.3 Hondo to Tendulkar, no run
9.4 Hondo to Tendulkar, two runs
9.5 Hondo to Tendulkar, OUT: easy catch to first slip
India 67/3, Partnership of 42
SR Tendulkar c Campbell b Hondo 7 (16b 0x4 0x6)
V Sehwag 43* (31b 7x4) Douglas T Hondo 4.5-1-29-3 (2nb)
9.6 Hondo to Dravid, wide: no run
9.6 Hondo to Dravid, one run, played to thirdman, off the mark
End of over 10 (8 runs) India 69/3 (RR: 6.90)
Douglas T Hondo 5-1-31-3 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 1* (1b) V Sehwag 43* (31b 7x4)
India in fair amount of trouble
Ervine, the new bowler
10.1 Ervine to Dravid, FOUR, very wide ball, played a rather poor shot,
past the slips to thirdman
10.2 Ervine to Dravid, no run, way outside the off, almost a wide, left
alone
10.3 Ervine to Dravid, no run, gentle medium pace, outside the off, left
alone
10.4 Ervine to Dravid, no run, outside the off, comes forward and leaves
the ball alone
this pair has to work hard now
10.5 Ervine to Dravid, two runs, short ball, cuts past the covers,
Streak eventually picks the ball up
10.6 Ervine to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, pushed to midwicket
End of over 11 (6 runs) India 75/3 (RR: 6.82)
SM Ervine 1-0-6-0 - Khetterama End
V Sehwag 43* (31b 7x4) R Dravid 7* (7b 1x4)
India has a very good run rate, in fact too good, but have lost
three important wickets
Dravid will now have to shepherd the young guns - Sehwag, Yuvraj &
Kaif
11.1 Hondo to Sehwag, no run, on the off, pushes to point. Firm strike
off the bat
11.2 Hondo to Sehwag, no run, on the middle and leg, rapped on the pads,
a bit of bat probably and also going down the legs
11.3 Hondo to Sehwag, FOUR, slower ball, well picked up and pulled over
midwicket
uppish stroke, but well placed
11.4 Hondo to Sehwag, one run, on the middle and leg, pushed to mid on,
quick running between the wickets
11.5 Hondo to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, played back along the
pitch, picked up by mid on
11.6 Hondo to Dravid, FOUR, a bit short, goes on the backfoot, rocks and
cuts hard, fast outfield helps the ball cross the boundary
End of over 12 (9 runs) India 84/3 (RR: 7.00)
Douglas T Hondo 6-1-40-3 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
V Sehwag 48* (35b 8x4) R Dravid 11* (9b 2x4)
runs are coming in at a furious pace, and India should be
considered on top if not for the three wickets
12.1 Ervine to Sehwag, OUT: short and wide outside the off, takes the
edge, through to keeper. This is the way Sehwag plays, this is the
way he perishes
India 84/4, Partnership of 17
V Sehwag c A Flower b Ervine 48 (36b 8x4 0x6)
R Dravid 11* (9b 2x4) SM Ervine 1.1-0-6-1
deep, deep, deep trouble
drinks called
Match State: Drinks
Yuvraj in
12.2 Ervine to Yuvraj Singh, no run, on the legs, pushed to midwicket
12.3 Ervine to Yuvraj Singh, no run, short, extra bounce on the stumps,
surprises Yuvraj a bit, gets on his feet and defends
12.4 Ervine to Yuvraj Singh, two runs, on the legs, nudges it to fine
leg, good running
12.5 Ervine to Yuvraj Singh, no run, on the off, gets behind the ball
and plays to the onside, fielded on the follow through
12.6 Ervine to Yuvraj Singh, one run, on the off, pushed between cover
and mid off, gets a run
End of over 13 (3 runs) India 87/4 (RR: 6.69)
SM Ervine 2-0-9-1 - Khetterama End
Yuvraj Singh 3* (5b) R Dravid 11* (9b 2x4)
13.1 Hondo to Yuvraj Singh, no run, on the off, pushed to covers. Hondo
continues
looks like Hondo may bowl his entire quota, trying to get an extra
wicket or two
13.2 Hondo to Yuvraj Singh, OUT: oh dear, oh dear, wide outside the off,
Yuvraj, not moving his feet, plays an airy-fairy, and a tremendous
diving, one-handed catch at second slip by Ervine
India 87/5, Partnership of 3
Yuvraj Singh c Ervine b Hondo 3 (7b 0x4 0x6)
R Dravid 11* (9b 2x4) Douglas T Hondo 6.2-1-40-4 (1w 2nb)
this is amazing
India, the pre-match favourites in what could be near-elimination
within the first 15 overs
13.3 Hondo to Kaif, one run, full toss, pushed through midwicket, off
the mark
13.4 Hondo to Dravid, no run, on the off, played defensively back to the
bowler
men-in-red giving men-in-blue lots of problems here
13.5 Hondo to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, played to mid on
13.6 Hondo to Dravid, FOUR, short and wide, superb square cut, ball
races to the boundary
End of over 14 (5 runs) India 92/5 (RR: 6.57)
Douglas T Hondo 7-1-45-4 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 1* (1b) R Dravid 15* (12b 3x4)
this is an excellent wicket and Indian batsmen should really be
blamed for what they have done here
14.1 Ervine to Kaif, wide: no run, way outside the off
14.1 Ervine to Kaif, no run, slower ball, outside the off, left alone
14.2 Ervine to Kaif, one run, outside the off, lucky! edges over the
slips, fielded at thirdman
14.3 Ervine to Dravid, no run, outside the off, superb stroke but diving
fielding by Streak at covers
that was a sure boundary otherwise
14.4 Ervine to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, perfect defensive stroke
back to the bowler
14.5 Ervine to Dravid, FOUR, outside the off, what a shot! super square
cut to point
14.6 Ervine to Dravid, no run, on the off, cut hard, but straight to the
fielder at covers
End of over 15 (6 runs) India 98/5 (RR: 6.53)
SM Ervine 3-0-15-1 (1w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 2* (3b) R Dravid 19* (16b 4x4)
Whittall the new bowler
15.1 Whittall to Kaif, wide: no run, down the leg side
15.1 Whittall to Kaif, one run, outside the off, played neatly to deep
covers
15.2 Whittall to Dravid, wide: no run, well outside the off, Umpire
strikes immediately
15.2 Whittall to Dravid, one run, on the off, played to sweeper covers
15.3 Whittall to Kaif, no run, pushed to covers
15.4 Whittall to Kaif, one run, outside the off, takes the outer edge,
goes to thirdman
15.5 Whittall to Dravid, no run, pushed to mid off
15.6 Whittall to Dravid, one run, turned to fine leg
End of over 16 (6 runs) India 104/5 (RR: 6.50)
GJ Whittall 1-0-6-0 (2w) - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 21* (19b 4x4) M Kaif 4* (6b)
Ray Price to bowl now
16.1 Price to Dravid, one run, from the edge of the crease, on the
middle and leg, played to deep midwicket
16.2 Price to Kaif, one run, from closer to the umpire now, on the legs
again, turned to square leg, easy runs here
16.3 Price to Dravid, FOUR, from the edge of the crease this time, on
the pads, superb on drive, lovely shot to mid on. what a placement
16.4 Price to Dravid, no run, closer to the umpire now, on the stumps,
played back to the bowler
Price seems to change his delivery position every ball
16.5 Price to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, played back to the bowler
alternate balls from edge of the crease and closer to the umpire
16.6 Price to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, played defensively
End of over 17 (6 runs) India 110/5 (RR: 6.47)
RW Price 1-0-6-0 - Khetterama End
M Kaif 5* (7b) R Dravid 26* (24b 5x4)
will the Indians stay long enough to play the entire 50 overs?
Dravid holds the key
17.1 Whittall to Kaif, no run, on the legs, pushed to short midwicket
17.2 Whittall to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, Kaif attempts to turn the
ball to square leg, but instead ends up playing it down the pitch
17.3 Whittall to Kaif, no run, on the off, played to covers
17.4 Whittall to Kaif, one run, outside the off, makes room and plays to
sweeper covers
17.5 Whittall to Dravid, one run, width outside the off, cut away to
sweeper cover point
17.6 Whittall to Kaif, one run, played quietly to covers
End of over 18 (3 runs) India 113/5 (RR: 6.28)
GJ Whittall 2-0-9-0 (2w) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 7* (12b) R Dravid 27* (25b 5x4)
the strategy for India now is to milk the runs and cut down on the
risk
last recognized pair batting
18.1 Price to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, no turn, played off the pads
to off side
18.2 Price to Kaif, no run, on the legs, ball runs to square leg off the
pads, Andy Flower runs to pick the ball
18.3 Price to Kaif, no run, arm ball, played to point defensively
18.4 Price to Kaif, no run, wider from the crease, played to point
18.5 Price to Kaif, one run, on the off, pushed to point, quick running,
but they make it without any incident
18.6 Price to Dravid, one run, clipped off his legs to midwicket
End of over 19 (2 runs) India 115/5 (RR: 6.05)
RW Price 2-0-8-0 - Khetterama End
R Dravid 28* (26b 5x4) M Kaif 8* (17b)
Streak comes back hoping to get another wicket here
19.1 Streak to Dravid, no run, outside the off, left alone
Streak gambling here to break this partnership
19.2 Streak to Dravid, no run, outside the off, gets behind the ball and
defends to point
19.3 Streak to Dravid, two runs, on the legs, nicely worked past mid
wicket
19.4 Streak to Dravid, no run, on the stumps, pushed defensively to
midwicket
Kumble will be the next man coming in
19.5 Streak to Dravid, one run, pushed to mid on who is standing a bit
deep
19.6 Streak to Kaif, no run, outside the off, slower ball, left alone
End of over 20 (3 runs) India 118/5 (RR: 5.90)
HH Streak 6-0-41-0 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 31* (31b 5x4) M Kaif 8* (18b)
20.1 Price to Dravid, one run, arm ball, gets on the backfoot, played to
midwicket
Price hardly turns the ball, they are all coming in with the angle
of his arm
20.2 Price to Kaif, two runs, turned to square leg, excellent running
between the wickets, they get the second
20.3 Price to Kaif, no run, on the off, pushed to point
20.4 Price to Kaif, two runs, down the legs, swept to fine leg
20.5 Price to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, forward, defended
20.6 Price to Kaif, no run, better length and line, defended back to the
bowler
End of over 21 (5 runs) India 123/5 (RR: 5.86)
RW Price 3-0-13-0 - Khetterama End
R Dravid 32* (32b 5x4) M Kaif 12* (23b)
21.1 Streak to Dravid, one run, on the off, pushed to point, quick run
21.2 Streak to Kaif, one run, outside the off, plays away from the body,
but keeps it down to deep point
21.3 Streak to Dravid, two runs, short ball, Dravid misses the hook,
mistimes it but safely through midwicket
21.4 Streak to Dravid, no run, outside the off, Dravid wanted to nudge
it to the off, plays inside of the bat to mid on
21.5 Streak to Dravid, one run, nudged to point, very quick run
21.6 Streak to Kaif, two runs, slower ball, full toss, hit through the
covers, not well timed, two runs as sweeper covers
End of over 22 (7 runs) India 130/5 (RR: 5.91)
HH Streak 7-0-48-0 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 36* (36b 5x4) M Kaif 15* (25b)
22.1 Price to Dravid, no run, well tossed up, played back to the bowler
22.2 Price to Dravid, no run, tossed up, on the off. comes forward and
defends
22.3 Price to Dravid, one run, outside the off, makes room and cuts to
deep covers
22.4 Price to Kaif, one run, comes forward, played to deep mid offf
22.5 Price to Dravid, one run, comes down the track, played to mid on
22.6 Price to Kaif, one run, inside out, played to deep mid offf
End of over 23 (4 runs) India 134/5 (RR: 5.83)
RW Price 4-0-17-0 - Khetterama End
M Kaif 17* (27b) R Dravid 38* (40b 5x4)
Ervine coming back on
23.1 Ervine to Kaif, two runs, hit away to deep covers, short and wide
23.2 Ervine to Kaif, one run, half volley outside the off, hit away to
sweeper covers
23.3 Ervine to Dravid, one run, short, outside the off, played to
sweeper covers again
23.4 Ervine to Kaif, one run, played through the covers
23.5 Ervine to Dravid, no run, pitched up on the legs, nice on drive,
but fielded at midwicket
23.6 Ervine to Dravid, FOUR, short, cut away to deep point, a boundary
after a long time
End of over 24 (9 runs) India 143/5 (RR: 5.96)
SM Ervine 4-0-24-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 21* (30b) R Dravid 43* (43b 6x4)
India still scoring runs easily at about 6 an over
not seemingly affected by the loss of top 5 wickets
Douglas Marillier to the bowling now
24.1 Marillier to Kaif, one run, full toss down the leg side, played to
midwicket
24.2 Marillier to Dravid, one run, on the legs, pushed to mid on
24.3 Marillier to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, turned to square leg
fielder
24.4 Marillier to Kaif, no run, half volley on the legs, flicked, but
excellent fielding by square leg
24.5 Marillier to Kaif, one run, played to sweeper covers
24.6 Marillier to Dravid, no run, half volley on the legs, played
straight to mid wicket
End of over 25 (3 runs) India 146/5 (RR: 5.84)
DA Marillier 1-0-3-0 - Khetterama End
M Kaif 23* (34b) R Dravid 44* (45b 6x4)
Marillier is bowling gentle half volleys
25.1 Ervine to Kaif, no run, slower ball, outside the off, through to
keeper
25.2 Ervine to Kaif, no run, on the off, excellent cover drive, straight
to cover fielder
25.3 Ervine to Kaif, wide: no run, down the leg side
25.3 Ervine to Kaif, one run, full toss, outside the off, played to long
off
25.4 Ervine to Dravid, one run, short outside the off, played to sweeper
covers
25.5 Ervine to Kaif, no run, cuts in, edged on to the pads, to off side
25.6 Ervine to Kaif, one run, in the air, played past the bowler, to his
left, to long off. 150 up for India
End of over 26 (4 runs) India 150/5 (RR: 5.77)
SM Ervine 5-0-28-1 (2w) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 25* (39b) R Dravid 45* (46b 6x4)
This partnership is very important for India
26.1 Marillier to Kaif, one run, played to long on
26.2 Marillier to Dravid, one run, full toss, comes down the track,
played to long offf
26.3 Marillier to Kaif, one run, on the legs, turned to fine leg
26.4 Marillier to Dravid, one run, half volley, played to long on
26.5 Marillier to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, played back to the bowler
26.6 Marillier to Kaif, legbye: one run, on the legs, off the pads to
fine leg
End of over 27 (5 runs) India 155/5 (RR: 5.74)
DA Marillier 2-0-7-0 - Khetterama End
M Kaif 27* (43b) R Dravid 47* (48b 6x4)
27.1 Ervine to Kaif, no run, on the off, pushed to covers
27.2 Ervine to Kaif, one run, on the legs, turned to square leg, Kaif
wants a second, Dravid sends him back
27.3 Ervine to Dravid, no run, pushed to covers
27.4 Ervine to Dravid, one run, pushed past mid on, excellent fielding
there
27.5 Ervine to Kaif, one run, pushed to mid on
27.6 Ervine to Dravid, two runs, played to sweeper covers, excellent
running and Dravid gets to his 50
End of over 28 (5 runs) India 160/5 (RR: 5.71)
SM Ervine 6-0-33-1 (2w) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 29* (46b) R Dravid 50* (51b 6x4)
what a man! India stands on his shoulders
his 50 has come in excellent time as well, off 51 balls
28.1 Marillier to Kaif, two runs, nicely cut past thirdman fielder
28.2 Marillier to Kaif, one run, pushed to long on
28.3 Marillier to Dravid, no run, on the backfoot, cut away to covers,
straight to the fielder
28.4 Marillier to Dravid, no run, on the off, cuts in and hits the pads,
appeal but Rudi is not interested
28.5 Marillier to Dravid, no run, on the legs, turned to square leg
28.6 Marillier to Dravid, one run, pushed to long on
End of over 29 (4 runs) India 164/5 (RR: 5.66)
DA Marillier 3-0-11-0 - Khetterama End
R Dravid 51* (55b 6x4) M Kaif 32* (48b)
Price comes back on
29.1 Price to Dravid, no run, on the off, makes room and cuts, to covers
29.2 Price to Dravid, no run, pushed to cover fielder again
29.3 Price to Dravid, one run, comes forward, played to long on
29.4 Price to Kaif, no run, comes forward, plays back to the bowler.
Price doesn't collect cleanly, Kaif wants a run, but Dravid sends
him back
29.5 Price to Kaif, no run, played to cover fielder
29.6 Price to Kaif, one run, neatly paddle swept to fine leg
End of over 30 (2 runs) India 166/5 (RR: 5.53)
RW Price 5-0-19-0 - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 33* (51b) R Dravid 52* (58b 6x4)
30.1 Marillier to Kaif, one run, turned to fine leg
30.2 Marillier to Dravid, one run, on the legs, played to deep midwicket
30.3 Marillier to Kaif, no run, comes down the track, pushed to
midwicket
30.4 Marillier to Kaif, one run, down the track, played to long on
30.5 Marillier to Dravid, one run, played to long on again comfortably
30.6 Marillier to Kaif, one run, on the backfoot, played to sweeper
covers
End of over 31 (5 runs) India 171/5 (RR: 5.52)
DA Marillier 4-0-16-0 - Khetterama End
M Kaif 36* (55b) R Dravid 54* (60b 6x4)
31.1 Price to Kaif, one run, bold looking tap sweep to square leg
31.2 Price to Dravid, one run, Dravid joins in the sweep-stakes, swept
to fine leg
31.3 Price to Kaif, no run, comes down the wicket, checks the stroke and
defends back to the bowler
31.4 Price to Kaif, one run, down the wicket, played to deep mid offf
31.5 Price to Dravid, no run, defended dead on the pitch
31.6 Price to Dravid, one run, swept to fine leg
End of over 32 (4 runs) India 175/5 (RR: 5.47)
RW Price 6-0-23-0 - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 56* (63b 6x4) M Kaif 38* (58b)
32.1 Marillier to Dravid, no run, pushed to midwicket
32.2 Marillier to Dravid, one run, played to sweeper point
32.3 Marillier to Kaif, FOUR, loose ball, long hop, pulled hard to deep
square leg
32.4 Marillier to Kaif, no run, down the wicket, fielded very well by
midwicket
32.5 Marillier to Kaif, one run, down the track, hit neatly to long off
32.6 Marillier to Dravid, one run, played neatly to deep backward square
leg
End of over 33 (7 runs) India 182/5 (RR: 5.52)
DA Marillier 5-0-23-0 - Khetterama End
R Dravid 58* (66b 6x4) M Kaif 43* (61b 1x4)
Match State: Drinks
33.1 Price to Dravid, one run, paddle swept to fine leg
33.2 Price to Kaif, one run, played to deep point, wants a second, but
stay back
33.3 Price to Dravid, three runs, outside the off, edged, just past the
wicket keeper, to thirdman boundary, well fielded by Grant Flower
at the ropes
33.4 Price to Kaif, one run, paddle sweep again, to fine leg
100 partnership up for the 6th wicket
33.5 Price to Dravid, one run, turned to mid wicket
33.6 Price to Kaif, one run, down the track, played to long offf
End of over 34 (8 runs) India 190/5 (RR: 5.59)
RW Price 7-0-31-0 - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 46* (64b 1x4) R Dravid 63* (69b 6x4)
Whittall comes back
34.1 Whittall to Kaif, no run, on the stumps, played back to the bowler
34.2 Whittall to Kaif, one run, played uppishly to deep midwicket
34.3 Whittall to Dravid, no run, on the legs, pushed to midwicket
fielder
34.4 Whittall to Dravid, one run, played to long off
34.5 Whittall to Kaif, one run, played to sweeper covers
34.6 Whittall to Dravid, no run, short ball, played to covers, tighter
over
End of over 35 (3 runs) India 193/5 (RR: 5.51)
GJ Whittall 3-0-12-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 48* (67b 1x4) R Dravid 64* (72b 6x4)
it is extremely hot in Colombo and the batsmen are tired
Price comes over the wicket now
35.1 Price to Kaif, one run, played to sweeper covers
35.2 Price to Dravid, no run, on the leg stump, played back to the
bowler
35.3 Price to Dravid, one run, on the legs, whipped to deep midwicket
Kaif looking for his 50, the crowd delirious
35.4 Price to Kaif, no run, pushed to midwicket, he has to wait
35.5 Price to Kaif, one run, pushed to midwicket, gets to his 50, good
innings from him
35.6 Price to Dravid, one run, pushed to midwicket, quick run
End of over 36 (4 runs) India 197/5 (RR: 5.47)
RW Price 8-0-35-0 - Scoreboard End
R Dravid 66* (75b 6x4) M Kaif 50* (70b 1x4)
36.1 Whittall to Dravid, no run, pushed quietly to midwicket
36.2 Whittall to Dravid, two runs, nicely glanced to fine leg, excellent
fielding there
36.3 Whittall to Dravid, one run, pushed to square leg, 200 up for India
36.4 Whittall to Kaif, no run, pushed to covers
36.5 Whittall to Kaif, one run, hit away to sweeper covers, Hondo fields
36.6 Whittall to Dravid, two runs, played past midwicket, beats both
midwicket and midon fielder and gets them a couple of runs
End of over 37 (6 runs) India 203/5 (RR: 5.49)
GJ Whittall 4-0-18-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 51* (72b 1x4) R Dravid 71* (79b 6x4)
37.1 Price to Kaif, one run, comes down the track, played to deep mid
off
37.2 Price to Dravid, no run, makes room, cuts and finds the only close-
in fielder at covers
37.3 Price to Dravid, no run, pushed to midwicket fielder, straight hit
on the stumps and poor Dravid gets out after an excellent innings
India 204/6, Partnership of 117
R Dravid run out (Carlisle) 71 (81b 6x4 0x6)
what an innings Dravid has played. An erro in judgement. He should
have just skipped this run, but was trobled by the slow scoring
rate in the last few overs
37.4 Price to Kaif, no run, plays defensively to the offside
37.5 Price to Kaif, no run, turned straight to square leg fielder
37.6 Price to Kaif, no run, turned again to the square leg fielder. Good
fielding set up
End of over 38 (1 run) India 204/6 (RR: 5.37)
RW Price 9-0-36-0 - Scoreboard End
A Kumble 0* (0b) M Kaif 52* (76b 1x4)
38.1 Whittall to Kumble, no run, on the stumps, pushed to point
Harbhajan could have been brought in to bat instead of Kumble
38.2 Whittall to Kumble, no run, on the legs, tries to turn the ball,
rapped on the pads
38.3 Whittall to Kumble, one run, edged to thirdman
38.4 Whittall to Kaif, no run, plays back to the bowler
some big shots will be needed here
38.5 Whittall to Kaif, no run, well fielded at point
Indians getting a bit throttled here
38.6 Whittall to Kaif, two runs, played uppishly to deep midwicket
End of over 39 (3 runs) India 207/6 (RR: 5.31)
GJ Whittall 5-0-21-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
A Kumble 1* (3b) M Kaif 54* (79b 1x4)
Price for his last over
39.1 Price to Kumble, no run, played back to the bowler
39.2 Price to Kumble, no run, juicy half volley on the off, Kumble
doesn't know how to hit this
39.3 Price to Kumble, legbye: one run, on the off, goes for the sweep,
misses completely, hits the pads and rolls to thirdman
39.4 Price to Kaif, one run, down the track, played to long on
Kumble looks a liability coming at this stage
Harbhajan or Zaheer can score some runs at least
39.5 Price to Kumble, one run, played to deep point
39.6 Price to Kaif, no run, comes down the track, rapped on the pads
End of over 40 (3 runs) India 210/6 (RR: 5.25)
RW Price 10-0-38-0 - Scoreboard End
A Kumble 2* (7b) M Kaif 55* (81b 1x4)
40.1 Whittall to Kumble, no run, played to midwicket, excellent fielding
there
40.2 Whittall to Kumble, no run, pushes to midwicket
40.3 Whittall to Kumble, no run, played straight to covers
40.4 Whittall to Kumble, two runs, hit uppishly to deep midwicket
40.5 Whittall to Kumble, no run, on the stumps, played back to the
bowler
40.6 Whittall to Kumble, no run, plays to point. He just looks simply
not equipped to up the run rate against fairly ordinary bowling
End of over 41 (2 runs) India 212/6 (RR: 5.17)
GJ Whittall 6-0-23-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 55* (81b 1x4) A Kumble 4* (13b)
only nine more overs left, India need some decent runs
Flower in place of Price
41.1 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, on the legs, pushed between square leg
and midwicket
41.2 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, outside the off, Kumble comes down the
track(!), missses the ball, Andy Flower missses the stumping, and
on top KUmble wants to get a run, and then is sent back
41.3 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, goes for a sweep, no chance of a run
41.4 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, outside the off, flashes the bat and
misses
41.5 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, on the stumps, plays straight to
midwicket fielder
41.6 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, on the stumps, plays to midwicket
fielder
End of over 42 (1 run) India 213/6 (RR: 5.07)
GW Flower 1-0-1-0 - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 56* (82b 1x4) A Kumble 4* (18b)
precious run-scoring opportunities lost here as Kumble himself is
visibly upset at his own inability
Zimbabwe won't be complaining
42.1 Whittall to Kaif, FOUR, pitched up, slammed past mid off, somethign
at last to cheer for Indian fans
42.2 Whittall to Kaif, one run, pushed to midwicket, misfielding there,
gives Kaif a run, and Zimbabwe are relieved
42.3 Whittall to Kumble, one run, turned to square leg, they race off
for a run, Kaif is relieved now
42.4 Whittall to Kaif, no run, pushed to mid on, intercepted well there
42.5 Whittall to Kaif, one run, outside the off, cut away to sweeper
covers
42.6 Whittall to Kumble, two runs, swinging away, half-volley, hit
uppishly over point for a couple
End of over 43 (9 runs) India 222/6 (RR: 5.16)
GJ Whittall 7-0-32-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 62* (86b 2x4) A Kumble 7* (20b)
a much better over for India
43.1 GW Flower to Kaif, no run, turned to square leg
43.2 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, swept to deep square leg
43.3 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, goes for a sweep, rapped on the pads
Kumble should try to get his bat on to the ball
43.4 GW Flower to Kumble, one run, this time he does that, hit to deep
midwicket
43.5 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, taken on the full toss, hit uppishly,
falls short of deep midwicket
43.6 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, played to midwicket fielder straight
End of over 44 (3 runs) India 225/6 (RR: 5.11)
GW Flower 2-0-4-0 - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 64* (89b 2x4) A Kumble 8* (23b)
just 36 balls left
44.1 Whittall to Kaif, no run, outswinger, played to point
44.2 Whittall to Kaif, FOUR, short of length, pulled uppishly, Price
went for the catch, then stopped to prevent the boudnary, missed
everything and a poor fielding there
Kaif lucky here
Streak throws Price out from midwicket and gets another one there
44.3 Whittall to Kaif, one run, pushed to covers, quick run
44.4 Whittall to Kumble, one run, hit uppishly, falls short of deep mid
off
44.5 Whittall to Kaif, one run, steered to thirdman
44.6 Whittall to Kumble, no run, wanted to whack the ball, but just
manages to push it to the bowler
End of over 45 (7 runs) India 232/6 (RR: 5.16)
GJ Whittall 8-0-39-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 70* (93b 3x4) A Kumble 9* (25b)
Flower continues
45.1 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, pushed past point
45.2 GW Flower to Kumble, no run, comes down the track, hits the ball
onto himself, back to the bowler
45.3 GW Flower to Kumble, bye: one run, comes down the track, misses the
ball completely, and Andy Flower also misses the ball!
45.4 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, played to deep square leg
45.5 GW Flower to Kumble, wide: one run, down the legs, the batsmen cros
over as well
45.5 GW Flower to Kaif, SIX, down the legside, nicely moves further to
the on, and then pulls the ball way over deep midwicket
first six for India
45.6 GW Flower to Kaif, one run, pushed to midwicket, takes a single and
keeps the strike
End of over 46 (12 runs) India 244/6 (RR: 5.30)
GW Flower 3-0-15-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
M Kaif 79* (97b 3x4 1x6) A Kumble 9* (27b)
Ervine brought on, not Streak or Hondo
46.1 Ervine to Kaif, two runs, full toss on the leg side, pulled to deep
square leg, goes for the second run, Andy Flower muffs the
collection, otherwise Kaif would have been out
46.2 Ervine to Kaif, one run, played uppishly to deep covers, Kaif wants
the second, Kumble refuses
46.3 Ervine to Kumble, one run, played to mid on
46.4 Ervine to Kaif, one run, played through the covers, sweeper picks
up
46.5 Ervine to Kumble, one run, smashed straight to long offf
250 up for India
46.6 Ervine to Kaif, wide: two runs, down the leg side, Andy Flower
couldn't collect it, Kaif pushes for the second bye, free runs for
India
46.6 Ervine to Kaif, FOUR, hit uppishly, just over the cover fielder's
head, and it also beats the sweeper!
End of over 47 (13 runs) India 257/6 (RR: 5.47)
SM Ervine 7-0-46-1 (3w) - Khetterama End
A Kumble 11* (29b) M Kaif 87* (101b 4x4 1x6)
Hondo comes back
47.1 Hondo to Kumble, no run, carved to extra covers, fielded straight
47.2 Hondo to Kumble, one run, hit hard to long off
that smashed the fingers of Hondo
47.3 Hondo to Kaif, one run, played to sweeper covers, the return throw
hits the shins of Hondo
Hondo is taking a lot of body blows here
This is Kaif's highest score in one-day cricket
47.4 Hondo to Kumble, one run, played to covers
47.5 Hondo to Kaif, one run, played to sweeper covers
47.6 Hondo to Kumble, one run, hit through the covers
End of over 48 (5 runs) India 262/6 (RR: 5.46)
Douglas T Hondo 8-1-50-4 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
A Kumble 14* (33b) M Kaif 89* (103b 4x4 1x6)
48.1 Ervine to Kumble, one run, played to long on
48.2 Ervine to Kaif, FOUR, Kumble attempts a Marillier stroke, flicks it
to fineleg
48.3 Ervine to Kaif, FOUR, taken on full toss and tries the Marillier
trademark flick again, ball races to the boundary!
48.4 Ervine to Kaif, two runs, hit uppishly over covers, the sweeper
covers muffs the throw and gives an extra run to Kaif, he moves to
99*
48.5 Ervine to Kaif, one run, full tosss, pushed to short covers, gets
to his 100, what a HERO
after NatWest final would you have ever thought he will play a
better innings?
he has, here, believe me
48.6 Ervine to Kumble, two runs, played to sweeper covers, another
fumble there allows a couple of runs
End of over 49 (14 runs) India 276/6 (RR: 5.63)
SM Ervine 8-0-60-1 (3w) - Khetterama End
M Kaif 100* (107b 6x4 1x6) A Kumble 17* (35b)
last over coming up
49.1 Hondo to Kaif, FOUR, taken neatly and smashed over deep midwicket,
first ball dismisssed
49.2 Hondo to Kaif, FOUR, full toss, hit way over the midwicket, and
that crosses the fence as well, second ball dismissed
49.3 Hondo to Kaif, no run, wide outside the off, Kaif hopes this will
eb called wide and leaves it alone, but the ball was just within
the limits
49.4 Hondo to Kaif, one run, comes down the track, hit to midwicket,
mistimed shot
49.5 Hondo to Kumble, one run, inside edge to midwicket
Kaif has the last ball to himself
49.6 Hondo to Kaif, two runs, moves to the off, hit over the bowler,
fielded at the boundary and they cross over for a couple
End of over 50 (12 runs) India 288/6 (RR: 5.76)
Douglas T Hondo 9-1-62-4 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
A Kumble 18* (36b) M Kaif 111* (112b 8x4 1x6)
brilliant innings in the end by Kaif, but credit should also go to
Dravid for resurrecting the innings that was in deep trouble
Match State: Innings Break
And that seals a comprehensive fightback by th eIndian team. What
an innings from young Mohammad Kaif, a player who has in two
successive one-day innings shown his willingness to fight.
His century today not only demonstrated the success of India's
recent policy of sticking with youth but also of the wiseness of
allowing Dravid to keep wicket.
The longer batting order undoubtedly gives India a chance to
recover from top-order collapses like they did today, and with at
least one senior batsman around to shepherd the middle order, this
line-up is worth its weight in gold.
It didn't look that way when Douglas Hondo ripped through India's
famed top order, bowling tight line and length to snap up four
wickets with alacrity.
But Zimbabwe's support bowling was just not good enough to press
the advantage home, and that allowed Dravid and Kaif to flourish.
Consequently Zimbabwe now find themselves chasing a much higher
score than seemd possible in the early part of the match, and
India must be counted as favourites to win this match now.
But will they? That is another question altogether, so join us
after the innings break to find the answer out to that one.
0.1 Khan to Campbell, one run, played to the point region for a single.
0.1 Khan to Campbell, one run
0.2 Khan to Ebrahim, no run
0.2 Khan to Ebrahim, no run
0.3 Khan to Ebrahim, no run
0.3 Khan to Ebrahim, no run
0.4 Khan to Ebrahim, OUT: to a left-arm over the wicket, umpire de
Silva calls for the third umpire for the lbw call. The television
replay shows the ball pitching in line and hitting Ebrahim well in
line, and Dion Ebrahim is out.
Zimbabwe 1/1, Partnership of 1
DD Ebrahim lbw b Khan 0 (3b 0x4 0x6)
ADR Campbell 1* (1b) Z Khan 0.4-0-1-1
0.4 Khan to Ebrahim, OUT: the third umpire is called inby Asoka de
Silva, and the tv umpire finds the ball pitching in line and
hitting Ebrahim in line with the wickets, so the Zimbabwe opener
becomes the second batsman found lbw by the tv umpire.
Zimbabwe 1/1, Partnership of 1
DD Ebrahim lbw b Khan 0 (3b 0x4 0x6)
ADR Campbell 1* (1b) Z Khan 0.4-0-1-1
0.5 Khan to GW Flower, no run
0.5 Khan to A Flower, no run
0.6 Khan to GW Flower, no run
End of over 1 (1 run) Zimbabwe 1/1 (RR: 1.00 RRR: 288/49 = 5.88)
Z Khan 1-0-1-1 - Khetterama End
ADR Campbell 1* (1b) GW Flower 0* (2b)
0.6 Khan to A Flower, no run
End of over 1 (1 run) Zimbabwe 1/1 (RR: 1.00 RRR: -1/49 = 0.00)
Z Khan 1-0-1-1 - Khetterama End
ADR Campbell 1* (1b) A Flower 0* (2b)
1.1 Nehra to Campbell, no run
1.2 Nehra to Campbell, legbye: FOUR, on middle stump and jagging back
furtehr to leg, the ball takes the pad adn runs away to fine leg
for four leg byes.
1.3 Nehra to Campbell, wide: no run
1.3 Nehra to Campbell, one run
1.4 Nehra to A Flower, no run
1.5 Nehra to A Flower, no run
1.6 Nehra to A Flower, no run
End of over 2 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 7/1 (RR: 3.50 RRR: -7/48 = 0.00)
A Nehra 1-0-2-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 2* (4b) A Flower 0* (5b)
2.1 Khan to Campbell, no run
2.2 Khan to Campbell, no run
2.3 Khan to Campbell, FOUR, sliced through the covers for a boudnary,
the timing nice, racing away to the fence.
2.4 Khan to Campbell, three runs, Kaif fields and shies at the stumps,
but the throw results in two overthrows.
2.5 Khan to A Flower, no run
2.6 Khan to A Flower, no run
End of over 3 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 14/1 (RR: 4.67 RRR: -14/47 = 0.00)
Z Khan 2-0-8-1 - Khetterama End
ADR Campbell 9* (8b 1x4) A Flower 0* (7b)
3.1 Nehra to Campbell, no run
3.2 Nehra to Campbell, no run
3.3 Nehra to Campbell, no run
3.4 Nehra to Campbell, FOUR, caressed to the extra cover fence,
Harbhajan chasing but cannot make it to the ropes before th eball.
3.5 Nehra to Campbell, no run
3.6 Nehra to Campbell, no run
End of over 4 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 18/1 (RR: 4.50 RRR: -18/46 = 0.00)
A Nehra 2-0-6-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 0* (7b) ADR Campbell 13* (14b 2x4)
4.1 Khan to Campbell, no run
4.2 Khan to Campbell, no run
4.3 Khan to Campbell, no run
4.4 Khan to Campbell, no run, stout defence, patted back to Zaheer
Khan.
4.5 Khan to Campbell, no run, tucked to the legside fielder.
4.6 Khan to Campbell, no run
End of over 5 (maiden) Zimbabwe 18/1 (RR: 3.60 RRR: 271/45 = 6.02)
Z Khan 3-1-8-1 - Khetterama End
A Flower 0* (7b) ADR Campbell 13* (20b 2x4)
5.1 Nehra to A Flower, one run
5.2 Nehra to Campbell, one run, steered to third man for a single.
5.3 Nehra to A Flower, one run, tucked away to the square leg fierlder
t\for a quick single.
5.4 Nehra to Campbell, no run, falling down by the batsman's feet, the
fielders running in fast to prevetn the run.
5.5 Nehra to Campbell, one run, drifting to leg, and the batsman places
it nicely between the two onside fielders for a single.
5.6 Nehra to A Flower, no run
End of over 6 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 23/1 (RR: 3.83 RRR: 266/44 = 6.05)
A Nehra 3-0-10-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 3* (16b) A Flower 15* (17b 2x4)
6.1 Khan to A Flower, FOUR, hooked to fine leg, and it goes straight to
Ashish Nehra, who makes a hash of it, palming it instead over the
fence for a four
6.2 Khan to A Flower, one run
6.3 Khan to Campbell, wide: no run
6.3 Khan to Campbell, one run, flicked off the legs to Nehra at fine
leg.
6.4 Khan to A Flower, no run, pushed to point.
6.5 Khan to A Flower, FOUR, short and just a bit wide, and Flower
launches into it, finding the gap square of the wicket on the
offside tro send the ball racing to the fence.
6.6 Khan to A Flower, one run, patted to the cover fielder and a quick
run taken.
End of over 7 (13 runs) Zimbabwe 36/1 (RR: 5.14 RRR: 253/43 = 5.88)
Z Khan 4-1-21-1 (1w) - Khetterama End
A Flower 25* (21b 4x4) ADR Campbell 5* (18b)
7.1 Nehra to A Flower, one run, patted to the offside and a single
quickly taken, intelligent batting here from Flower.
7.2 Nehra to Campbell, one run, steered to third man for another
comfortable single.
7.3 Nehra to A Flower, one run, drifting to leg and the batsman tries
to whip it away to leg, but it dribbles away on the onside, and th
ebatsmen scamper one.
7.4 Nehra to Campbell, one run, worked away to fine leg.
7.5 Nehra to A Flower, one run, full and on the lges, and Flower almost
falls over in trying to whip it away. He can only get one for it
to fine leg.
7.6 Nehra to Campbell, no run, a loud shout from Nehra for the lbw, but
there were clearly two noises, and the umpire turns down the
appeal.
End of over 8 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 41/1 (RR: 5.12 RRR: 248/42 = 5.90)
A Nehra 4-0-16-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 28* (24b 4x4) ADR Campbell 7* (21b)
8.1 Khan to A Flower, no run, defended on the front foot.
8.2 Khan to A Flower, no run, outside the off sutmp, and Flower has a
waft at the delivery.
8.3 Khan to A Flower, no run, again the airy drive, and again Flower
misses the line completely, the footwork not just there for Flower
yet to try those drives.
8.4 Khan to A Flower, (noball) no run, steered straight to extra cover.
8.4 Khan to A Flower, no run, worked to point, the line good from
Zaheer Khan.
8.5 Khan to A Flower, no run
8.6 Khan to A Flower, no run
End of over 9 (1 run) Zimbabwe 42/1 (RR: 4.67 RRR: 247/41 = 6.02)
Z Khan 5-1-22-1 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
ADR Campbell 7* (21b) A Flower 28* (31b 4x4)
9.1 Nehra to Campbell, no run, played away to the offside.
9.2 Nehra to Campbell, no run, drifting to leg, whipped away on the
onside to the square leg fielder.
9.3 Nehra to Campbell, no run, that's nine balls now without a run off
the bat, Zimbabwe being bogged down by some sharp bowling.
9.4 Nehra to Campbell, one run, turned away behind the corner for a
single to fine leg.
9.5 Nehra to A Flower, no run, played to mid-on.
9.6 Nehra to A Flower, no run, drawing the batsman into the drive on
the front foot, nice line from Nehra.
End of over 10 (1 run) Zimbabwe 43/1 (RR: 4.30 RRR: 246/40 = 6.15)
A Nehra 5-0-17-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 8* (25b) A Flower 28* (33b 4x4)
10.1 Khan to Campbell, OUT: the pressure finally tells on Campbell, who
lashes out into the drive that isn't there. The ball flies
straight to Yuvraj Singh at point, and Campbell departs for a slow
and unfruitful knock.
Zimbabwe 43/2, Partnership of 42
ADR Campbell c Yuvraj Singh b Khan 8 (26b 0x4 0x6)
A Flower 28* (33b 4x4) Z Khan 5.1-1-22-2 (1w 1nb)
10.2 Khan to GW Flower, no run, outside the off, left alone.
10.3 Khan to GW Flower, no run, pitched up wide outside the off stump,
left alone
10.4 Khan to GW Flower, no run, rising devliery, played nicely down with
soft hands on the legside.
10.5 Khan to GW Flower, no run, rising delivery again, right over middle
stump, and patted back to the bowler.
10.6 Khan to GW Flower, no run, outside the off, leaving the batsman but
moving back in after passing the stumps.
End of over 11 (maiden) Zimbabwe 43/2 (RR: 3.91 RRR: 246/39 = 6.31)
Z Khan 6-2-22-2 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 28* (33b 4x4) GW Flower 0* (5b)
11.1 Nehra to A Flower, no run, on middle stump, played to leg for no
run.
11.2 Nehra to A Flower, one run, Nehra draws the edge from Flower, the
ball flying fast to the left of Mongia at first slip., A great
effort, almost getting his hand to it, but the ball goes to
ground.
11.3 Nehra to GW Flower, no run
11.4 Nehra to GW Flower, wide: no run
11.4 Nehra to GW Flower, no run, outside the off, and Flower plays a
waft at it, the ball beating him.
11.5 Nehra to GW Flower, no run
11.6 Nehra to GW Flower, no run, steered to point.
End of over 12 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 45/2 (RR: 3.75 RRR: 244/38 = 6.42)
A Nehra 6-0-19-0 (2w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 29* (35b 4x4) GW Flower 0* (9b)
Kumble into the attack.
12.1 Kumble to A Flower, no run
12.2 Kumble to A Flower, FOUR, tossed up and on the off stump, and
Flower drives beautifully through the covers, getting to the pitch
of the ball and driving with ease.
12.3 Kumble to A Flower, wide: no run
12.3 Kumble to A Flower, no run, on middle stump, defended on the back
foot.
12.4 Kumble to A Flower, no run, played to the offside.
12.5 Kumble to A Flower, no run, down the track, using his feet, but he
can only play it back to the left of the bowler.
12.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, turned to the leg for a single.
End of over 13 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 51/2 (RR: 3.92 RRR: 238/37 = 6.43)
A Kumble 1-0-6-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
A Flower 34* (41b 5x4) GW Flower 0* (9b)
Harbhajan Singh into the atatck, around the wicket to the left
hander.
13.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, two runs, turned to the deep midwicket
region for a brace by Flower.
13.2 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, FOUR, Flower drives with the turn this
time, square of the wicket on the offside, beating both point and
extra cover fielders to race away to the fence.
Flower really holding the innings together at this stage, the other
batsmen not even bale to rotate the strike.
Harbhajan reverting to over the wicket now.
13.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, tossed up, turned away to
short fine leg for no run.
13.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, patted to mid-off softly
enough to scamper the single.
13.5 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, turned away to square leg
for Grant Flower's first run.
13.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
End of over 14 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 59/2 (RR: 4.21 RRR: 230/36 = 6.39)
Harbhajan Singh 1-0-8-0 - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 1* (10b) A Flower 41* (46b 6x4)
Match State: Drinks
14.1 Kumble to GW Flower, no run, played to mid off.
14.2 Kumble to GW Flower, no run, patted away to the legside for no run.
14.3 Kumble to GW Flower, no run
14.4 Kumble to GW Flower, three runs, dragging it just a tad short and
drifting in line towards leg, and Flower flicks it away to leg,
getting three to the midwicket region.
14.5 Kumble to A Flower, no run, drifting down leg, and Flower does not
get a touch to it, looking questioningly at the umpire for the
wide call.
14.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, played just wide of mid-on to get the
single.
End of over 15 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 63/2 (RR: 4.20 RRR: 226/35 = 6.46)
A Kumble 2-0-10-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
A Flower 42* (48b 6x4) GW Flower 4* (14b)
Harbhajan back around the wicket now.
15.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, outside the off stump, and
Flower leaves it alone to thud into Dravid's gloves.
15.2 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, tossed up outside the off and
Flower reaches for it to play it into the deep on th eoff for one.
15.3 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, drifting to leg, played away
to square leg for one.
15.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, on the middle stump, played
away to leg.
15.5 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, drifting to leg again,
Harbhajan not being able to adjust to the left-right combination
and conceding singles easly.
15.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, two runs, thrashed to long off fora
brace.
End of over 16 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 69/2 (RR: 4.31 RRR: 220/34 = 6.47)
Harbhajan Singh 2-0-14-0 - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 6* (16b) A Flower 46* (52b 6x4)
16.1 Kumble to GW Flower, (noball) one run, Kumble oversteps, the ball
is short and wide, and Flower easily plays it away to the offside
for one.
16.1 Kumble to A Flower, no run, Flower tries to reverse-sweep Kumble,
but the ball is much too fast to try it, and it shoots up the bat
into the bottom fo his helmet.
16.2 Kumble to A Flower, one run
16.3 Kumble to GW Flower, one run, played to the offside for one.
16.4 Kumble to A Flower, one run, intelligently patted just short of
point and the single is scampered.
16.5 Kumble to GW Flower, one run, another very quick single to short
third man, although a direct hit would undoubtedly have found Andy
Flower struggling.
16.6 Kumble to A Flower, no run, tried to guide it away to third man and
plays inside the line, the ball thudding into the gloves.
End of over 17 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 75/2 (RR: 4.41 RRR: 214/33 = 6.48)
A Kumble 3-0-16-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
GW Flower 9* (19b) A Flower 48* (56b 6x4)
17.1 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, FOUR, drifting down leg, and Flower
just touches it with the bat on the way to the fine leg fence.
Harbhajan still struggling to adjust his line.
17.2 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, no run
17.3 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, knocked away to deep
midwicket for a single.
17.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, tossed up outside the off
stump, and Flower resists the temptatrion, leaving the ball alone.
17.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, a single to square leg, Andy
Flower slipping on the second run and declining the second.
17.6 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, a single to long on.
End of over 18 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 82/2 (RR: 4.56 RRR: 207/32 = 6.47)
Harbhajan Singh 3-0-21-0 - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 15* (23b 1x4) A Flower 49* (58b 6x4)
18.1 Kumble to GW Flower, one run, another quick single to Yuvraj Singh
at point, the Flower brothers haring between the wickets here.
18.2 Kumble to A Flower, one run, touched just wide of point and a
single is run, giving Andy Flower his 49th fifty in one-day
cricket. A sensible, smart innings here.
18.3 Kumble to GW Flower, one run, steered to deep point.
18.4 Kumble to A Flower, no run
18.5 Kumble to A Flower, two runs, caressed into the deep on the
offside, the long off fielder running around to collect.
18.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, another single to the offside.
End of over 19 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 88/2 (RR: 4.63 RRR: 201/31 = 6.48)
A Kumble 4-0-22-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 53* (62b 6x4) GW Flower 17* (25b 1x4)
19.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, tossed up outside the off, and
Flower leaves it alone.
19.2 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, patted back to the bowler.
19.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, tossed up again, Flower just
turning it to leg, but Dravid runs around and collects.
19.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
19.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, turned around the corner for
a single.
19.6 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, turned to fine leg for one.
End of over 20 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 90/2 (RR: 4.50 RRR: 199/30 = 6.63)
Harbhajan Singh 4-0-23-0 - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 18* (26b 1x4) A Flower 54* (67b 6x4)
20.1 Kumble to GW Flower, no run, steered to the cover region, but sharp
fielding prevents the single.
20.2 Kumble to GW Flower, no run, played to leg.
20.3 Kumble to GW Flower, one run, played to point, and the batsmen
absolutely sprint between the wickets to get the single.
20.4 Kumble to A Flower, no run, turned to the square leg very fine, but
Yuvraj runsa round and fields to prevent the single.
20.5 Kumble to A Flower, no run
20.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, turned to fine leg for the single.
End of over 21 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 92/2 (RR: 4.38 RRR: 197/29 = 6.79)
A Kumble 5-0-24-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 55* (70b 6x4) GW Flower 19* (29b 1x4)
21.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, played to point, no run.
21.2 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, big shout for leg before as
the tossed up ball strikes Flower on the pads as he tries to
sweep, but the umpire turns him down.
21.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, played to short third man for
one.
21.4 Harbhajan Singh to GW Flower, one run, tossed up outside off,
played uppishly to long off for a single.
21.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, Flower not getting the reverse
sweep right today. He tries it again, and the ball beats him with
the bounce.
21.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, more orthodox shot to short
extra cover.
End of over 22 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 94/2 (RR: 4.27 RRR: 195/28 = 6.96)
Harbhajan Singh 5-0-25-0 - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 20* (30b 1x4) A Flower 56* (75b 6x4)
22.1 Yuvraj Singh to GW Flower, one run
22.2 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, two runs, played to the fine leg area for
a rbace.
22.3 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, two runs, lashes out at the flighted
delivery, skying it over the head of cover to the deep on the
offside for a brace.
22.4 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, one run, patted to long on for a single.
22.5 Yuvraj Singh to GW Flower, one run, swept to fine leg.
22.6 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, no run
End of over 23 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 101/2 (RR: 4.39 RRR: 188/27 = 6.96)
Yuvraj Singh 1-0-7-0 - Khetterama End
GW Flower 22* (32b 1x4) A Flower 61* (79b 6x4)
Tendulkar into the attack now.
23.1 Tendulkar to GW Flower, one run, off break cut away to deep point
for a single.
23.2 Tendulkar to A Flower, wide: no run, drifting down legstump, Dravid
awkwardly preventing the ball from running away for any more.
23.2 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, softly patted to the off side and
the single is scampered again.
23.3 Tendulkar to GW Flower, one run
23.4 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, short and Flower gets on the back
foot and flicks it away to the deep on the onside.
23.5 Tendulkar to GW Flower, one run, drifting to leg, played away to
square leg for the single.
23.6 Tendulkar to A Flower, no run
End of over 24 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 107/2 (RR: 4.46 RRR: 182/26 = 7.00)
SR Tendulkar 1-0-6-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
GW Flower 25* (35b 1x4) A Flower 63* (82b 6x4)
24.1 Yuvraj Singh to GW Flower, one run, swept from outside the off
stump to fine leg.
24.2 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, no run, patted back just to the left of
the bowler.
24.3 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, no run, shorter outside the off, and
Flower goes for the cut, but the ball is too close for the shot.
24.4 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, FOUR, fuller and on the middle stump, and
Flower gets on one knee and slog-sweeps it to square leg, the fine
leg feidlsman not able to cut it off in time.
24.5 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, FOUR, And finally the reverse sweep comes
off!! Andy Flower gets the shot right, the ball sailing over the
short third man to run away for the second boundary of the over.
24.6 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, no run
End of over 25 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 116/2 (RR: 4.64 RRR: 173/25 = 6.92)
Yuvraj Singh 2-0-16-0 - Khetterama End
GW Flower 26* (36b 1x4) A Flower 71* (87b 8x4)
25.1 Tendulkar to GW Flower, three runs, just short of alenght, drifting
outside off, and Grant Flower gets into position nicely for the
glide to third man, picking up three for it.
25.2 Tendulkar to A Flower, no run, Flower tries the whip off the front
foot, but th eball turns sharply to defeat the stroke,
25.3 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, languidly caressed into the deep pn
the off for the single.
25.4 Tendulkar to GW Flower, one run, played to long on.
25.5 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run
25.6 Tendulkar to GW Flower, two runs, stroked to the offside and the
batsmen take on Zaheer Khna's arm in the deep, getting two for the
effrot.
End of over 26 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 124/2 (RR: 4.77 RRR: 165/24 = 6.88)
SR Tendulkar 2-0-14-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 73* (90b 8x4) GW Flower 32* (39b 1x4)
Ganguly into the attack now, joping to make the breakthrough.
26.1 Ganguly to A Flower, one run, worked to the onside for a single.
26.2 Ganguly to GW Flower, one run, just short of a length outside the
off, and the ball is cut away to third man for a single.
26.3 Ganguly to A Flower, one run, whipped to square leg for a single.
The batsmen consider the second but Nehra is too quick for them.
26.4 Ganguly to GW Flower, no run, played just to the left of Yuvraj at
point, and Granf Flower stes off for the single, but the fielder
is quick to pounce and rifle in the throw to Dravid. Flower is
well short.
Zimbabwe 127/3, Partnership of 84
GW Flower run out (Yuvraj Singh) 33 (41b 1x4 0x6)
And that ends a fruitful partnership for Zimbabwe, Andy Flower
clearly showing his displeasure at the batsman's impatience.
26.5 Ganguly to Carlisle, no run
26.6 Ganguly to Carlisle, no run, well forward in defence.
End of over 27 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 127/3 (RR: 4.70 RRR: 162/23 = 7.04)
SC Ganguly 1-0-3-0 - Khetterama End
A Flower 75* (92b 8x4) SV Carlisle 0* (2b)
27.1 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, tucked away behind square for the
single.
27.2 Tendulkar to Carlisle, two runs, wide and full, and Carlisle
hammers it into the deep on the offside for a brace.
27.3 Tendulkar to Carlisle, OUT: tossed up outside the off stump, and
Carlisle goes for the paddle sweep just four balls into his
innings. He misses the line of the ball, which turns sharply to
clip th ebails.
Zimbabwe 130/4, Partnership of 3
SV Carlisle b Tendulkar 2 (4b 0x4 0x6)
A Flower 76* (93b 8x4) SR Tendulkar 2.3-0-17-1 (1w)
27.4 Tendulkar to Whittall, one run, hit down to long off for a single.
27.5 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, turned around the corner to fine
leg for one.
27.6 Tendulkar to Whittall, one run, turned to square leg for a single.
End of over 28 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 133/4 (RR: 4.75 RRR: 156/22 = 7.09)
SR Tendulkar 3-0-20-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 2* (2b) A Flower 77* (94b 8x4)
28.1 Ganguly to Whittall, one run, worked to the leg for a single.
28.2 Ganguly to A Flower, no run, bang on middle stump, and Ganguly's
pace is not enough to force it anywhere.
28.3 Ganguly to A Flower, FOUR, drifting outside off and dropping just a
tad shot, and Flower guides it wonderfully to the third man fence,
delicately pushing at the ball to impoart the momentum.
28.4 Ganguly to A Flower, one run, worked to the deep on the legside for
one.
28.5 Ganguly to Whittall, no run
28.6 Ganguly to Whittall, FOUR, shot! full and on middle stump, and
Whittall gets his front foot in place and straight-drives straight
as an arrow to the fence.
End of over 29 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 143/4 (RR: 4.93 RRR: 146/21 = 6.95)
SC Ganguly 2-0-13-0 - Khetterama End
A Flower 82* (97b 9x4) GJ Whittall 7* (5b 1x4)
Tendulkar coming around the wicket to th eleft hander.
29.1 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, played to long off for the single.
29.2 Tendulkar to Whittall, no run, around the wicket to the right
hander as well, the ball is played to the leg.
29.3 Tendulkar to Whittall, two runs, guided past the short midwicket
fielder for a brace, sharply run.
29.4 Tendulkar to Whittall, no run, patted back to th ebowler.
29.5 Tendulkar to Whittall, one run, played to long on.
29.6 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run
End of over 30 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 148/4 (RR: 4.93 RRR: 141/20 = 7.05)
SR Tendulkar 4-0-25-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 84* (99b 9x4) GJ Whittall 10* (9b 1x4)
Anil Kumble comes back into the attack.
30.1 Kumble to A Flower, three runs, on leg stump, and Andy Flower
reverse-sweeps beautifully, picking the line early and sending it
for three to the third man area.
30.2 Kumble to Whittall, one run, short and cut away to the deep for
one.
30.3 Kumble to A Flower, legbye: one run, ball pitching in line with off
and hitting Flower outside the off, Kumble apeals, but is turned
down.
30.4 Kumble to Whittall, one run
30.5 Kumble to A Flower, no run, flighted and on leg stump, misread by
Flower.
30.6 Kumble to A Flower, no run, an attempted whip goes nowhere, the
ball taking the leading edge to dribble back to the bowler.
End of over 31 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 154/4 (RR: 4.97 RRR: 135/19 = 7.11)
A Kumble 6-0-29-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
GJ Whittall 12* (11b 1x4) A Flower 87* (103b 9x4)
Match State: Drinks
31.1 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, no run, Harbhajan starts with the
away-going delivery,a nd the batsman, trying to turn it to leg
with the "turn", gets a leading edge back to the bowler.
31.2 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, wide: no run
31.2 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, legbye: one run
31.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, patted back to the bowler.
31.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, two runs, tucked around the corner to
fine leg, the batsmen running two.
31.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
31.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
End of over 32 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 158/4 (RR: 4.94 RRR: 131/18 = 7.28)
Harbhajan Singh 6-0-28-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 12* (13b 1x4) A Flower 89* (107b 9x4)
32.1 Kumble to Whittall, no run, flighted and on leg stump, played to
short midwicket for no run.
32.2 Kumble to Whittall, one run, short and wide, and Whittall flashes
into the cut, but Sachin Tendulkar in the deep on the offside
keeps it down to just the single.
32.3 Kumble to A Flower, no run, Flower shapes for the sweep to satrt
with but quickly adjusts to defend as he sees the line and length.
32.4 Kumble to A Flower, no run
32.5 Kumble to A Flower, no run, patted to the offside.
32.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, turned around the corner for a single
to fine leg.
End of over 33 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 160/4 (RR: 4.85 RRR: 129/17 = 7.59)
A Kumble 7-0-31-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 90* (111b 9x4) GJ Whittall 13* (15b 1x4)
33.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, played to mid on for a
single.
33.2 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, no run
33.3 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, one run, turned just wide of the squar
eleg fielder and the batsmen sprint two.
33.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, wide outside off and turning
further away,a nd Flower cuts nicely to pick up a single to the
deep.
33.5 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, one run
33.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
End of over 34 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 164/4 (RR: 4.82 RRR: 125/16 = 7.81)
Harbhajan Singh 7-0-32-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 15* (18b 1x4) A Flower 92* (114b 9x4)
34.1 Kumble to Whittall, one run, steered to the long off fielder for
the single.
34.2 Kumble to A Flower, one run, turned around teh corner for one.
34.3 Kumble to Whittall, one run, swept straight to the man in the deep
to fine leg.
34.4 Kumble to A Flower, one run, Flower shapes for the sweep, Kumble
pushes it wide of off-stump, and Flower changes the shot swiftly
enough to hammer it to the deep in th eoff for one.
34.5 Kumble to Whittall, one run
34.6 Kumble to A Flower, one run, dragged down short on middle stump and
cut away for the single.
End of over 35 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 170/4 (RR: 4.86 RRR: 119/15 = 7.93)
A Kumble 8-0-37-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 95* (117b 9x4) GJ Whittall 18* (21b 1x4)
35.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, turned to the short fine leg
and the single is scampered. Even the direct hit does not result
in arun out.
35.2 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, two runs, a lofted drive played to
long off, the batsmen running for the second fast.
35.3 Harbhajan Singh to Whittall, one run, smart use of the feet, and
the batsman hits the ball to long on for the single.
35.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run
35.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, patted back to the bowler.
35.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run
End of over 36 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 175/4 (RR: 4.86 RRR: 114/14 = 8.14)
Harbhajan Singh 8-0-37-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 97* (121b 9x4) GJ Whittall 21* (23b 1x4)
Nehra into the attack again.
36.1 Nehra to A Flower, no run, outside the off stump, and Flower has a
waft at the delivery but is beaten.
36.2 Nehra to A Flower, no run, banged in shorter this time, and the
rising delviery beats Flower outsid ethe off.
36.3 Nehra to A Flower, no run, on off stump, patted back to th ebowler.
36.4 Nehra to A Flower, one run, steered to the deep on the offside.
36.5 Nehra to Whittall, no run, an attempted hoik goes nowhere, the ball
merely going back to the bowler along the ground.
36.6 Nehra to Whittall, no run, an attempted pull again, and the ball
thuds intpo pad.
End of over 37 (1 run) Zimbabwe 176/4 (RR: 4.76 RRR: 113/13 = 8.69)
A Nehra 7-0-20-0 (2w) - Khetterama End
A Flower 98* (125b 9x4) GJ Whittall 21* (25b 1x4)
37.1 Khan to A Flower, no run, on off stump, bang on target with first
ball, the pacemen really doing the job for India thus far.
37.2 Khan to A Flower, FOUR, full and drifting to leg, and Andy Flower
whips it superbly to the square leg fence, a wonderful shot to
bring up a wonderful century.
37.3 Khan to A Flower, one run, turned to lge for a single.
37.4 Khan to Whittall, one run, steered to the deep in the off for one.
37.5 Khan to A Flower, no run, on off stump, nicely defended on the
fornt foot.
37.6 Khan to A Flower, no run
End of over 38 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 182/4 (RR: 4.79 RRR: 107/12 = 8.92)
Z Khan 7-2-28-2 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 22* (26b 1x4) A Flower 103* (130b 10x4)
38.1 Nehra to Whittall, FOUR, full and on the off, and Whittall smashes
it back right past the bowler, his second straight drive of the
innings, making room to great effect.
38.2 Nehra to Whittall, two runs, pulled away to sqaure leg for a brace.
38.3 Nehra to Whittall, (noball) one run, cut away to third man for one.
38.3 Nehra to A Flower, no run
38.4 Nehra to A Flower, two runs, guided away fine to fine leg, Nehra
drifting down leg.
38.5 Nehra to A Flower, (noball) FOUR, drifting down leg again, and
Flower decides to take heavier toll, whipping it in the air in
front of square on the legside, gfoing over Ganguly's head to the
midwicket fence.
38.5 Nehra to A Flower, legbye: two runs
38.6 Nehra to A Flower, two runs, turned away to square leg for a brace,
making this an expensive over, 19 coming off it.
End of over 39 (19 runs) Zimbabwe 201/4 (RR: 5.15 RRR: 88/11 = 8.00)
A Nehra 8-0-37-0 (2w 2nb) - Khetterama End
GJ Whittall 29* (29b 2x4) A Flower 111* (135b 11x4)
39.1 Khan to Whittall, OUT: the ball is heading outside the off stump of
the right hander, and Whitall flashes into the pull, but the
batsman overestimates the bounce and gets an under-edge through to
the keeper.
Zimbabwe 201/5, Partnership of 71
GJ Whittall c Dravid b Khan 29 (30b 2x4 0x6)
A Flower 111* (135b 11x4) Z Khan 7.1-2-28-3 (1w 1nb)
39.2 Khan to Marillier, legbye: FOUR, drifting down the legside and
Marillier gets thigh pad on it, the ball running away to the fine
leg fence for four leg byes.
39.3 Khan to Marillier, one run, smart running as Marillier plays it
wide of point and hares the single.
39.4 Khan to A Flower, one run, rising delivery and Flower plays it
nicely with soft hadns to leg.
39.5 Khan to Marillier, no run
39.6 Khan to Marillier, one run, full toss, played down the ground to
long off.
End of over 40 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 208/5 (RR: 5.20 RRR: 81/10 = 8.10)
Z Khan 8-2-31-3 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
DA Marillier 2* (4b) A Flower 112* (136b 11x4)
40.1 Kumble to Marillier, two runs, turned around the corner to pick up
a couple.
40.2 Kumble to Marillier, one run, cut away to the short third man, and
the batsman scamper one becuase Flwoer is already halfway down the
track.
40.3 Kumble to A Flower, no run
40.4 Kumble to A Flower, one run, a shuffle down the track, but the
bowler drops it short and the batsman can only work it to leg for
one.
40.5 Kumble to Marillier, no run, loud appeal for lbw from Kumble as
Marillier pads up, but the batsman is well forward, and although
it hits him in line, the umpire turns it down.
40.6 Kumble to Marillier, two runs, turned around the corner.
End of over 41 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 214/5 (RR: 5.22 RRR: 75/9 = 8.33)
A Kumble 9-0-43-0 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 113* (138b 11x4) DA Marillier 7* (8b)
41.1 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run, turned to leg for one.
41.2 Harbhajan Singh to Marillier, one run, worked ot fine leg,
Harbhajan drifting down leg yet again in this spell - at least so
far.
41.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run
41.4 Harbhajan Singh to Marillier, one run, patted to the legside for
one.
41.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, one run
41.6 Harbhajan Singh to Marillier, no run, worked to the leg, but no run
off the final ball.
End of over 42 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 219/5 (RR: 5.21 RRR: 70/8 = 8.75)
Harbhajan Singh 9-0-42-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 116* (141b 11x4) DA Marillier 9* (11b)
Much consultation on the field about the remaining overs, the fifth
bowler's quota still to be made up.
Yuvraj Singh comes into the attack now, Ganguly saving his best
bowlers for the end.
42.1 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, three runs, short and wide outside the
off, Flower cuts it away to the deep point region, and although
the boundary is saved, the batsmen scamper three easily.
42.2 Yuvraj Singh to Marillier, one run, short again, and Marilllier
pulls it away, but the ball goes just short of th esquare leg
fielder, son only one.
42.3 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, two runs, short again, cut again, and the
fielder keeps it down to two this time.
42.4 Yuvraj Singh to A Flower, one run, tucked around the corner for
one.
42.5 Yuvraj Singh to Marillier, no run
42.6 Yuvraj Singh to Marillier, one run, turned to the legside for one.
End of over 43 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 227/5 (RR: 5.28 RRR: 62/7 = 8.86)
Yuvraj Singh 3-0-24-0 - Khetterama End
DA Marillier 11* (14b) A Flower 122* (144b 11x4)
43.1 Tendulkar to Marillier, legbye: one run
43.2 Tendulkar to A Flower, no run, short and wide, but Tendulkar gest
away with it, the ball going straight to the point region.
43.3 Tendulkar to A Flower, two runs, tossed up and Flower goes into the
sweep to square leg against the spin for a couple.
43.4 Tendulkar to A Flower, FOUR, into the sweep again, but the bat face
is almost vertical this time, and the ball runs away almost behid
the keeper for four, the fielder unable to do anything except give
chaxse and fetch.
43.5 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, on the back foot, plays it just
wide of the bowler to his left for a single.
43.6 Tendulkar to Marillier, no run
End of over 44 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 235/5 (RR: 5.34 RRR: 54/6 = 9.00)
SR Tendulkar 5-0-32-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 129* (148b 12x4) DA Marillier 11* (16b)
44.1 Kumble to A Flower, no run, short and wide outside the off, and the
batsman goes for the cut. The ball thuds into Dravid's gloves.
44.2 Kumble to A Flower, one run, tucked away for a single to leg.
44.3 Kumble to Marillier, one run, cut away fiercely to point, but the
fielder does well to restrict the runs to one.
44.4 Kumble to A Flower, one run, a sashay down the track and Flower
strokes it to long on.
Zimbabwe needs ome boundaries here.
44.5 Kumble to Marillier, two runs, pulled away to the deep midwicket
region, where the long on fielder collects.
44.6 Kumble to Marillier, OUT: Marillier tries the Marillier shot, but
India learned from that pasting earlier this year, and Ganguly was
stationed at short fine leg for just such a shot. Teh ball goes
straight to him, and Marillier will not be chipping any balls
today.
Zimbabwe 240/6, Partnership of 39
DA Marillier c Ganguly b Kumble 14 (19b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 45 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 240/6 (RR: 5.33 RRR: 49/5 = 9.80)
A Kumble 10-0-48-1 (1w 1nb) - Khetterama End
A Flower 131* (151b 12x4)
45.1 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, short and cut away for one.
45.2 Tendulkar to Ervine, no run
45.3 Tendulkar to Ervine, no run, pushed wide of the batsman, and Ervine
is finding it tough to get going immediately.
45.4 Tendulkar to Ervine, no run, pushed wide yet again, toying with the
limit outside the off here, and the batsmen look questioningly at
the umpire.
45.5 Tendulkar to Ervine, two runs, closer to the batsman this time, and
cut away to the deep point region for a brace.
45.6 Tendulkar to Ervine, one run, India quite happy to allow the single
to long off off the last ball.
End of over 46 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 244/6 (RR: 5.30 RRR: 45/4 = 11.25)
SR Tendulkar 6-0-36-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
SM Ervine 3* (5b) A Flower 132* (152b 12x4)
46.1 Harbhajan Singh to Ervine, bye: one run, goes through the batsman,
but Dravid fails to collect and the bye is taken, given Flower the
strike.
46.2 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, the revrse sweep is tried,
Flower misses, though,a nd Dravid collects and waits for the
batsman to stumble out of the crease. But Flower stays in!
46.3 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, again the revrse sweep, again
the miss, Flower trying that stroke because of the field
placements.
46.4 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, two runs, chipped in the air on the on
side for a couple.
46.5 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, tried to whip it away on the
leg, but misses and the ball falls at the batsman's feet. Flower
feeling the pressure here, no doubt.
46.6 Harbhajan Singh to A Flower, no run, another whip to leg attempted,
but Harbhajan has his wits about him and the ball does enough to
defeat the stroke.
End of over 47 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 247/6 (RR: 5.26 RRR: 42/3 = 14.00)
Harbhajan Singh 10-0-44-0 (1w) - Khetterama End
SM Ervine 3* (6b) A Flower 134* (157b 12x4)
Great pver from Harbhajan there, just three runs from it.
India's best bowler on the day, Zaheer Khan comes back into the
attack.
47.1 Khan to Ervine, one run, yorker attempted, and although the batsamn
digs it out, he can only get one for it. Yuvraj Singh at points
fields.
47.2 Khan to A Flower, FOUR, taking fresh guard, Flower flays the ball
trhough the covers, making room and smashing it fast enough to
defeat the fielder on the ropes.
47.3 Khan to A Flower, one run, a slower yorker - if that even exists! -
and Flower can only jam it away to leg. Dravid runs around and
collects to stop more than one.
47.4 Khan to Ervine, bye: one run, Ervine misses, but Flower is halfway
down the pitch anyway and scampers the single The third umpire is
called for, but it shows Flower in by a clear foot.
47.5 Khan to A Flower, two runs, full toss on leg and Flower whips it
away in the air to squear eleg, the bal pitching h\just short of
the fielder.
47.6 Khan to A Flower, one run, carved away on the offside for a single,
keeping strike for the next over.
End of over 48 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 257/6 (RR: 5.35 RRR: 32/2 = 16.00)
Z Khan 9-2-40-3 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
A Flower 142* (161b 13x4) SM Ervine 4* (8b)
48.1 Tendulkar to A Flower, one run, smashed away on th eoffside, but
only one is taken.
And that is the highest one-day score for Zimbabwe here, 143 by
Flower. And what a knock too!!
48.2 Tendulkar to Ervine, bye: three runs, Ervine attempts the whip, but
the ball turns enough to beat the bat and runs away for thre byes.
48.3 Tendulkar to A Flower, two runs, Flower makes room and waits fo
rthe ball, then smashes it over the offside for an attempted six,
but the ball falls just pver Ganguly's head at cover.
48.4 Tendulkar to A Flower, OUT: a similar shot attempted, Flower
chipping it high in the air on th eoffside, and Ganguly takes the
catch this time coming forward.
Zimbabwe 263/7, Partnership of 23
A Flower c Ganguly b Tendulkar 145 (164b 13x4 0x6)
SM Ervine 4* (9b) SR Tendulkar 6.4-0-39-2 (1w)
And that ends a superb, superb innings from Flower, just unable to
guide his team home but earning plenty of respect around the
stadium and around the world.
48.5 Tendulkar to Ervine, no run
48.6 Tendulkar to Ervine, two runs, full and smashed back down the
ground for a brace.
End of over 49 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 265/7 (RR: 5.41 RRR: 24/1 = 24.00)
SR Tendulkar 7-0-41-2 (1w) - Khetterama End
HH Streak 0* (0b) SM Ervine 6* (11b)
This is a tough situation for Zimbabwe, 24 runs off six balls.
49.1 Khan to Streak, no run, full and on the legs, and Streak cannot get
it away.
49.2 Khan to Streak, one run, fast full toss again, and Streak gets bat
on it this time to pat it to cover for one.
Four sixes needed now.
49.3 Khan to Ervine, bye: FOUR, fast and furious on leg stump, and
Ervine makes room for it but it follows him and evades the bat,
ruinning away for four byes.
49.4 Khan to Ervine, one run, an under edge to the keeper, but the
batsmen run anyway.
Barring any illegal deliveries now, India should win this match,
49.5 Khan to Streak, three runs, on leg stump and flicked away in the
air to the deep in the midwicket region, teh batsmen running
three.
49.6 Khan to Ervine, OUT: and a fast, full ball finally cleans up
Ervine, ending his and Zimbabwe's innings with a yorker,
shattering the furniture to give Zaheer Khan his fourth wicket,.
Zimbabwe 274/8, Partnership of 11
SM Ervine b Khan 7 (14b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 50 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 274/8 (RR: 5.48 RRR: 15/0 = 0.00)
Z Khan 10-2-45-4 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
HH Streak 4* (3b)
At the press conferecne Sourav Ganguly will undoubtedly present a
calm face, but he couldn't have felt calm all through this match.
First five quick wickets, then Rahul Dravid's and Mohammad Kaif's
wonderful innings, putting together a fighting partnership and a
good total for India.
Kaif made an unbeaten century and 288 looked good enough to cow
down the Zimbabwean challenge.
No such thing. Andy Flower has made it a habit of late of playing
glorious epic knocks in a vain cause, and he did yet again today,
although even a tad more support from his teammates might have
seen this a match-winning innings.
It is a pity that one of the best batsmen around today has a
relatiuvely weak support structure in his team, and Flower in any
other team in the top six would find himself on the winning side
considerably more.
Credit is due to Zaheer Khan, who took four wickets on a helpful
track to initially rock th eZimbabwe innings. Sachin Tendulkar
took two wickets, but Zaheer was quite easily the best bowler on
view.
Flower's dismissal towards the end proved key, for his presence at
the crease may yet have seen Zimbabwe scrape home
So India go one-up in the 'Pool of Death', a comfort to them as
they take the field next Sunday for their match against England.
Tomorrow promises yet another thriller as Australi take on New
Zealand in a day macth at the SSC. That starts bright and early at
4 a.m. GMT and 10 a.m. Sri Lankan time, so do join us then.
Man of the Match: Mohammad Kaif
Good day till tomorrow's match.