Cricket: India Look To Clinch ODI Series Against England At Mohali Tomorrow!

With two back to back one sided victories India have taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI cricket series against England. The last win in MS Dhoni’s hometown Ranchi was the most resounding one. One was in some bit of a doubt when Dhoni won the toss and put England in, but who would understand the Ranchi pitch behavior better than Dhoni himself! The Indian bowlers rallied behind a resolutely positive skipper to skittle England all out for 155 in the 43^rd over. With a rejuvenated Team India the chase was a forgone conclusion as they romped home with nearly 22 overs to spare. The biggest plus of the match for India was Virat Kohli who roared back into form with a masterful 77 not out with 9 fours and 2 sixes. To the great delight of the home crowds Dhoni came in to hit the winning stroke remaining not out one more time at 10. India won the match by 7 wickets. After a long phase of indifferent performances, team selection issues and reported division within the team, India now look set to clinch the Series at Mohali tomorrow in the fourth one day international against England. For the victorious English captain the Test Series Alistair Cook tomorrow’s game is a must win to entertain any hope of adding to history made in India against India.

The India Vs Pakistan Sports Fallout!

Meanwhile, the brutal killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistan troops and then Pakistan’s continual denying tactics tremendously soured the relations between the two neighbors and had a profound impact in the arena of sports-particularly harming Pakistan interests. Just when Hockey India tried to take Indian hockey out of the abyss and floated Hockey India League (HIL) with IPL like auction and franchises all 9 Pakistan players were asked to return home—a few of whom featured in Mumbai Magicians franchise. The Women World Cup Cricket Tournament was to be an entirely Mumbai affair with all the matches to be played here from 31^st January. After the LOC incident the venue of the tournament was in the balance with the Indian cricket board asking the ICC to take the final call. Eventually all matches involving Pakistan were shifted out of Mumbai. The Mumbai sore of 26/11 terror attack became bitterer and expectedly no chances were taken.