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 43rd
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 31st
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.
