Calypso Cricket....finally !!!

Calypso music did take over.....the world witnessed Gangnam.....Gayle  combining push ups with dance steps, birthday boy Bravo doing sensational hip movements, Samuels, Sammy, Pollard, Ramdin et all, screaming & dancing in childlike fervor as they emerged the new World T20 Champions......there has been something refreshingly boisterous about this Windies outfit.....it was worth the wait.....& watch.

All of this looked an improbable dream an hour into the play, as the West Indies looked dead & dusted, struggling for life at 32 for 2 after 10 overs, with Gayle already back in the dugout....the Lankans had planned well for him & had choked him out for almost nothing. Mahela was leading with inspiration & his bowlers were spot on as per plan......it looked as if the West Indies had crumbled......but for one warrior, Marlon Samuels....the stony faced 'never give up' Jamaican. He counter attacked the Lankan bowling & singled out Malinga (arguably one of the best T20 bowler) taking 50 runs off  his 3 overs, stunning the rapturous home crowd into silence, & pulled off one of the most amazing turnarounds the game has witnessed, as he amassed 78 invaluable runs in just 56 deliveries....one of the sixes he hit cleared 108 meters, the longest in this tournament.........with Sammy lustily hitting at the end, the Windies has added 105 from their final 10 overs....it was simply incredible.....137 runs on board at the end of the innings meant......it was at least fight on.....
The Lankans needed a good start & they faltered...Dilshan bowled for nought by Rampaul, & the Windies had tasted blood, as the crowd went into a stunned silence !!! Mahela & Sanga started to consolidate, as Bravo dropped Mahela at deep backward square leg off Samuels.....at the end of 9 overs, the Lankans looked well under control, with score reading 47 for 1, though runs were hard to come by. Sammy brought back Badree & he removed Sanga, caught by Pollard in the deep....the Windies had breached the Lankan defence!! What followed was mayhem, as runs choked & the Lankan batsmen succumbed to the ever building pressure.......two needless run outs were clear testimony to this & at the end of 15th over, the score read a shocking 72 for 7.....still 66 runs required off 30 deliveries.....all top order batting back in the dug out. Kulasekara bludgeoned 22 runs of the next over off Rampaul, as the crowd came back to life, but it was far too steep for his capabilities.....Narine had him caught in the deep in the very next over & the Lankans innings finally folded for 101 runs.....the Windies had slayed the mighty Lankans by 36 runs.....it was indeed incredible.....probably once in a lifetime....certainly so for this team !!!
The Lankans had done well in the first phase of the match.....Mahela had managed his resources well 7 the team looked hungry for success......Ajantha Mendis was on a dream spell, getting 4 wickets for 12 runs....but the Windies managed to wrest the initiative & momentum back as Samuels & Sammy launched a counter attack.....it turned out to be a knockout punch....the Lankans in reply choked under pressure....
This Windies team, has looked a unit....a compelling unit of match winners..........
Calypso music came alive & how.....looking forward to the resurgence of a Super Power.....for the sake of the game...for the sake of the flair.....for the sake of raw talent.....its been a long long wait.....

Dance to Calypso music.....well lets hope so !!!

For this T20 World Cup, the best two teams are in the finals......so we all can look forward to a epic battle. Its the consistent Sri Lanka on home soil against the mavericks West Indies.

The Lankans have been in four finals including this one in the last five years, still looking for the elusive title of a Champion since 1996. Under Mahela, the team is peaking at the right time. The temperamental  Captain along with Dilshan form a fearsome opening pair, with one killing the opponents softly, while the other attacking fiercely......with Sanga, the old warhorse to follow along with Angelo Mathews, Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis & Thisara Perera....its a formidable line up. Any three players fire & you are looking at a tall score first up or a serious chase on cards. In bowling, Lasith is gradually finding form with toe piercing yorkers & accurate slowers.....supporting him is Kulasekara up the order followed by Ajantha Mendis & Herath, both capable of deadly carrom ball & awkward spin. The fielding has been disciplined & aggressive.....in all a well oiled machine, capable of beating the best, especially before a roaring home crowd & familiar conditions. 

The Windies on the other hand are most unpredictable, whose Calypso cricket is has kept everyone mesmerized throughout the tournament. They have the batting order, which can decimate any attack under the sun today, especially in this format.....Gayle upfront with Johnson Charles has been in a different zone altogether.....unlike earlier times, he does not go hammer & tong from the word go....instead, he settles down into a fine rhythm & then goes for the tall hits....even if he manages 25-30 hits, we are looking at a near impossible target for the opponents....Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Pollard, Russell & Sammy, next to follow, each capable of putting up a wining total single handedly.....if Gayle fires upfront & stays even till 10-12th over, along with Samuels & Bravo lending able support.....& with Pollard & Sammy giving finishing touches......we are looking at a sure Calypso win.....this team enjoys batting first....free in mind & that brings out the best in them. In bowling, they have mystery spinner Narine, who has been weaving magic amongst the best of the batsmen, along with Badree as an able support, & then Rampaul, Russel, Sammy, Samuel, all contributing to tight bowling.....they could choke any opponent.

The team needs to play freely & enjoy their cricket....& they need to believe that even if Gayle misses a big score(the Lankans would obviously be targeting to get him out cheaply), they have the fire power & capability to put up a defending total....there is Samuels, Bravo, Pollard & even Sammy, who can put any bowling to sword......the world will witness entertainment of a different quality.....it will be money's worth for every spectator....

In the Super Eights, the Lankans had beaten the Windies quite easily, as Gayle failed to prosper, & this will propel & bolster the hosts. However, the Windies, call simply look at how they decimated the Aussies & they should be on a roll. The wicket will assist spin for sure, & both the team have excellent spinners in their ranks....both the team play spin very well.....the capacity crowd, assured of a high octane match. History is against the Windies, as they have lost all four matches in T20 to the Lankans till date, but then its a World Cup final & if Gayle & Co hold their nerves & put up a big total.....the records may change....finally..... 

For the sake of cricket & entertainment, I would like to see another Gayle storm......a Calypso music & dance... 

T20 World Cup - Semis Line up....

So the semifinals have been lined up.....barring a small blip, most of it was expected & on cards.
Its going to be hosts Sri Lanka against the most inconsistent Pakistan & the other between the mavericks West Indies pitted against a resurgent Australia.

With India edged out by Pakistan on net run rate, there seems to be a cloud of gloom overcast.......with the ever emotional fans feeling let down, the sponsors experiencing a dip in their money churners. However, I would have been surprised if India had managed to reach the last four stage. The team did not inspire confidence. In batting the top order was struggling, with Gambhir woefully out of form & Sehwag carrying niggles....barring Virat Kohli at no 3, who is in golden nick right now, everyone else has been struggling. Yuvi, is yet to regain his silken touch & obviously so, though he has demonstrated flashes of that, Raina, Dhoni, Rohit(its really amazing how many chances he is getting & making a mess of it!!, all this when a quality batsman like Manoj Tiwary is wasted in the bench)....all struggling to make it count. In bowling, Zaheer has been good in patches & Irfan has contributed in bits & pieces.....Ashwin, Bhajji, Balaji, Chawla....all seem to lack consistency, in length, line, accuracy, discipline...in short looking patchy. Fielding has always been a concern area, & Dhoni behind stumps has been miserable....in all the team did not look a winner, despite being one of the best on paper. What added to the woes has been suspect & unimaginative captaincy by Dhoni, with no plan B or C to counter opposition.....also there seemed to be an air of arrogant confidence, which can be harmful at times. Barring the match against Pakistan( it was a battle of nerves & Pakistan self destructed themselves) & England(practice match)....India looked suspect. Time for men in Blue to take a hard call......

South Africa, New Zealand & England were the other big names eliminated in Super Eight matches. The Proteas, have been surprisingly timid & uncertain....they have probably one of the best squads for T20 format today......the team is full of match winners & yet they lost all their matches....they need to certainly look at the mental built up, as they are probably the best in talent & capabilities....its sad to see them lose like this. I for one thought, they will make it to the finals, at least !!! ( how woefully wrong one goes in predicting cricket results...)
Kiwis, have been an average team & they still gave their opponents a run for the money....so they can go back satisfied with their performance. The Barmy army English side, the current T20 holders, also lacked depth & experience. With Pieterson & Trott missing their line up, the team never looked a champion side. Also Stuart Broad has to mature as a captain.....

Coming to the semis, I would believe that Sri Lanka would start favourites against the Pakistan. Their batting looks solid with Dilshan, Mahela & Sanga on top & Mathews, Thirimanne, Mendis chipping useful contributions. Bowling is suddenly looking very sharp with Ajantha Mendis finding form, and Malinga & Kulasekara managing death overs......the fielding solid as ever.....this team is now looking good to go all the way. They have not won a World cup since '96, though they have been in finals, & at in front of the home crowd, they have all the arsenal to be the Champions. The Colombo pitch favors spinners, & that should make the Lankans feel good.....also, they play spin as good as anybody in the world, especially at home.
Pakistan on the other hand, are suspect of consistency.....they came from near death to defeat South Africa & then lost timidly to India only to bounce back & beat the Aussies(something not even their most ardent fan  could have imagined). Their batting looks patchy & revolves around no one, though on paper, its a long line up.....the bowling department, however looks good & imaginative, with Ajmal, Raja Hasan, Afridi, Gul & Razzaq....if they win, it will be because of their bowling.....
I will still go with the Lankans to overcome the Pakistani attack.

The second semis between the Aussies & the Windies would be an interesting battle. The Australians have looked top heavy with too much reliance on Watson, Warner & Hussey....once these three go, the rest look quite suspect & the match against Pakistan exposed this. However, Watson & Warner are capable of winning matches completely on their own...Watson has been the player of this tournament till now...both with the bat & the ball. The Aussie bowling attack is pacy & disciplined.... with Cummins & Starc bowling express pace along with Watson & Doherty & Hogg bringing in spin. They prefer chasing totals......but if the top order can be breached early, they look suspects, & that is what the Windies think tank should focus on.
The West Indies, have Gayle upfront who can tear into any bowling almost at will.....he has Charles upfront & then Samuels who has been in good nick...there is also Bravo, Pollard, Sammy, each capable of healthy contributions with the willow. Bowling is a bit patchy, with Edwards & Rampaul being wayward & leaking runs.....Sammy & Samuels have been erratic & the mystery bowler Narine not yet in his best, I would expect them to play Badree at the expense of a pacer,as he adds depth in the spin deptt.....the Windies are  known to self destruct & take things easy & celebrate before crossing the line....they will have to be very disciplined to beat this Aussie squad......they have the talent & the firepower....they need to play to potential to emerge winners.
I would like to believe that the Windies can,.....at least in this format they have a very good chance....time will tell.....as of now let me look forward to Caribbean cricket....a La Gayle storm.

Maya....world of illusions.....

Once, the great Sage, Narada, went to Lord Vishnu & asked, "My Lord, what is Maya?.....everyone in the universe seems to get entangled in the games of Maya ?? Please explain the secrets & nature of Maya".... Vishnu smiled at his favourite disciple & said, "The world is my Maya....it cant be explained....it has to be experienced.....so I create it deliberately, so everyone understands through experience....moves beyond entanglement & realizes me". Narada looked mystified, the explanation not adequate enough, he implored.
Vishnu smiled, understanding his devotee's desire for more....he said, "Lets go for a walk"....both set out on foot & kept walking for long, enjoying nature, till they came to a desert. Curiosity getting better of him, Narada asked, " Where are we going my Lord....how can I experience Maya in a desert ?".....Vishnu kept smiling as they walked. After walking a little longer, Lord Vishnu sat down under the shade of a tree & said, "I am tired & thirsty, my throat is parched.....can you get me some water to drink please ?"......" I shall rush & fetch some water right away my Lord....please wait & rest here", saying this Narada left in search.

After running around for a while in despair & concern, suddenly, he saw a small hut at a distance, & with hope, rushed towards the settlement. By the time he reached the hut & knocked at the door, he was himself out of breath, tired & exhausted. An exquisite looking, yet simple village belle opened the door, taking Narada completely by surprise. He somehow stammered, 'Can you give me some water to drink please...I am very thirsty...." In ancient Hindu tradition, a guest(Atithi) at the door is treated as God.... "Atithi Devo Bhava". The word Atithi means, someone who has come without any appointment......he could be God in disguise.......so he should be welcomed home & treated well.
The girl, true to the traditions, invited him inside & made him sit. She then, offered him drinking water along with some home made sweets. Narada, was overwhelmed. He was also mesmerized by her beauty & soft voice. Hungry as he was, he accepted the offerings gratefully & quenched his thirst & hunger. Tired & exhausted, Narada, then lied down to rest & fell asleep.....suddenly, he was dreaming.....how nice it would be to settle down into matrimony with this beautiful girl....she is so well mannered, so cultured,.....I could settle down here itself, & raise a family.....what else can one ask for ???
Meanwhile, the girl's father returned home & saw a handsome young man resting in peace.....the daughter explained the chain of events. As a father, he naturally wanted his daughter married to an able person.....He looked at the young man resting in peace. Narada was a handsome looking, learned sage & therefore a very sought after groom. So when Narada woke up, the father of the girl, after exchanging pleasantries spoke about a possible alliance. He of course put a condition, that Narada, will have to stay with them here itself & raise his family. Narada, too was keen....he had been dreaming....so he consented immediately. All the three souls, the daughter, her father & Narada, were overjoyed. The very next day, Narada got married to the girl in proper rituals......he was over the moon with joy.....life had suddenly become so wonderful.....from a wandering nomad to a blissfully settled family. He started building his world.....a home, a field to grow crops, riches, et all.
Life moved on, & in time Narada & his wife were blessed with two lovely sons. Both grew up to be very cultured & obedient, as Narada started becoming worldly successful....he had everything that he had desired, as years rolled by.
Suddenly, one evening, disaster struck in the shape of a cyclonic storm.......it was raining very heavily & there was floods...water level started rising, as people around ran for shelter. Narada along with his wife & children, gathered whatever they could in a couple of bundles & stepped out of the home, which was already devastated......they got onto a boat, & Narada started to row furiously.....his mind focused of saving his family.....suddenly a huge wave came & swept away his younger son....all efforts to save were in vain, as the deluge of water took away the helpless child.....next the boat capsized, as the swirling waters was beyond control.....the bundle of riches washed away.....Narada, his wife & their elder son started swimming wildly, staying as close as possible.....but the son could not manage to hold any longer, as another huge wave devoured him....& finally his beloved wife too succumbed to the flooding waters....
Narada, was left alone, as he managed to swim to a safe land.....he was beyond grief.....he had lost his sons, his wife.......everything that he had built was gone....he started to weep, inconsolably....."how can I live without my loved ones?", he sobbed....

Suddenly someone nudged him lovingly......."Hey Narada, wake up....what happened ??.....where is my water....I am so thirsty?".....Narada opened his eyes & saw Lord Vishnu, smiling at him......"My Lord, I lost everything.....my wife, my children, my riches...everything.....how could life be so cruel to me??? please get them back for me.....I cant live without them"...
Lord Vishnu smiled & said, " Wake up Narada.....it was all an illusion....a Maya !!!....there was nothing....you were dreaming for a while. You were to go fetch water for me & then you fell asleep. Whatever you experienced, was all Maya !!!"
Realisation dawned on Narada......he touched the feet of Lord Vishnu in reverence......Narayan, Narayan !!!

We all are caught up in the entanglement of Maya in this world....all illusions.....we think we have created, we have accumulated, we have powers to control, when we cannot even control our thoughts.....the more we resist, the more it persists.....entangled in Maya brings misery......understanding it, helps redemption.....

T20 World Cup 2012 - a flash review

The Super Eights matches for the T20 World Cup 2012 have started off in whirlwind fashion, with each team having played out one match each.
While in Group A, hosts, Sri Lanka just about managed to pip over a fiesty New Zealand, via a Super Over in the opening game, the maverick Windies went past the English challenge in the next game. In Group B, Pakistan came out of the dumps to snatch a win from mighty South Africans, while India was demolished by a resurgent Australia.

Pakistan's win over Proteas was probably the only unexpected result in a rather predictable trend as of now.
Pakistan have always been a serious contender in cricket, especially in this format of the game. In this tournament, they boast of the arguably the best bowling attack in the grimy subcontinent conditions, but their batting seems to lack depth, at least on paper & current form. However, surprisingly, its their batting which has got them over the line this time around. From a precarious 76 for 7, chasing a modest 134 for victory, they bludgeoned a strong South African pace attack to win with just 2 balls to spare. In a tight group, like Group B, this win should prove extremely vital for their chances to make the semis grade. The unexpected batting blitzkrieg came from Umar Gul, who is better known as a bowler, & in company of Umar Akmal, at a time, when they were staring at  a certain defeat. The South Africans, probably eased a little too early & paid the price by losing the game & pushing themselves into a precarious position now.
India losing to Australia was something I had expected. Their batting looks very brittle with only Kohli in form, & against any disciplined attack they would struggle. Batting first, India grafted to a modest total of 140 & then succumbed to the Aussie opening duo of Warner & Watson, who beat the living daylights out of the Indian attack, adding 133 runs in a little over 13 overs.

In Group A, The Kiwis started rather well against the Lankan attack & managed a healthy par score of 174 for 7. Opener Nicol put up a brilliant 58 & Guptil chipped in with a useful 38 at the top of the order. In chase the Lankans looked well set for victory, with Dilshan batting superbly, but a stutter at the end, left them stranded, with scores level. Enter Super Over - & Lasith Malinga bowled to his potential, probably for the first time in the tournament to ease a Lankan victory. The Kiwis can take heart from their performance & with some luck & pluck might have caused an upset.
In the other match the Windies tore the English attack, with a century partnership at the top. Gayle got 58 while, Johnson Charles exploded to 84 after a slow start, as the mavericks put up 179 runs for 5 wickets. In reply, the English lost two wickets in the very first over & were clearly struggling. With imminent defeat staring, Eoin Morgan joined Alex Hales in the middle for the fourth wicket & put up 107 runs off just 58 balls, raising hopes of a improbable victory. But in the end, it was too uphill even for Morgan, who remained unbeaten at 71 off 36 deliveries. England, the current T20 World Cup holders, lack the depth in bowling or batting, to make any significant impact & I dont see them going to the semis.

For me its Sri Lanka & West Indies from Group A, who look good to reach the semifinals. In the other Group, its going to be a much closer contest, with each team having the potential & firepower to go through, though I dont see India doing too well.
However, its game cricket & that too T20, full of uncertainties, full of remarkable comebacks from death, full  of entertainment, full of blitz & glitz....
Look forward to some Gayle storm, De Villiers switch shot, Pollard onslaught, Bravo bravado, Warner / Watson wallop, Dilshan scoop, pristine Jayawardane, McCullum madness, Kohli aggression, Sehwag whiplash(if at all), in batting over the next few days. Also looking forward to some magical spin from Ajmal of Pakistan, Naraine of West Indies, Mendis of Sri Lanka, Ashwin & Bhajji from India, not to forget Steyn, Morkel, Cummins, Starc, Malinga in pace.

Its cricket mania......bring in on.....