Story Passion for Pakistan: A Journey to the top? 1st ODI: *10 Over Update**

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

R.Jadeja to top score in the match with India losing by 3 runs

 

[Gaurav_7]

Gambhir to top score. I'm not coming here unless there is some vcash given away like now as this is just ridiculous sort a story. I mean I'm fed up of typing 'Great work, Brilliant update, etc.' You're just killing it!

 

[Highlander999]

I think that is praise, but I'm not sure? :|

 

[Dr. Pepper]

I think he's saying it's so good that he can't say anything other than generic comments like "great work kiu".

Anyway, that was a great update - the graphics are brilliant. Pakistan have some quality pace bowlers who can use the pitch to their advantage and get some movement.

 

[treva]

You missed off 10 of Nehra's deliveries on that pitch map

 

[Gorro_124]

Raina will score the most

 

[Gaurav_7]

I think that is praise, but I'm not sure? :|

It actually is a praise!

 

[Highlander999]

You missed off 10 of Nehra's deliveries on that pitch map

I could have sworn when I did that I thought 6x7=32 Pretty obvious who gave up Maths after GCSE Good spot though

It actually is a praise!

Then thank you

 

[treva]

Haha, a primary school kid could do that sum

 

[AsadAbrar]

Gambhir!!!!!!

 

[Pakistani Army]

To be honest, Gautham Gambhir generally does well against Pakistan in the one-day format. Hence, I will go with:
c) Gautham Gambhir

 

[Waqaspk456]

E. Dhoni

 

[just_cricket]

D) Raina

Great presentation and nice to read as well!
India should really chase this down without breaking a sweat but knowing Pakistan...

 

[Highlander999]

1st ODI of the ICC "Spirit of Cricket" Series
Location: Kolkata
Period of Play: 10 over Update of Indian reply


So after a well earned rest for the Indian bowlers after a superb display in the field, it was time for their batsmen and the Pakistani bowlers to make their mark on the game. The Pakistani opening bowlers would certainly have their work cut out with the opening partnership of Tendulkar and Sehwag. Those 2 are easily the best ODI opening pair in the world and accomodate each other's playing style perfectly. Sehwag has the flare and agression whilst Tendulkar has the pure class which every cricket fan from any country appreciates and loves.

Mohammad Aamer and Shoaib Akhtar were tasked with the new ball. The contrast in the two is obvious, with one at the end of his career, whilst one just beginning, yet they both have supreme ability with the white ball and they would need to perform well if Pakistan were to have any chance in this match.

Sure enough, it was the new Pakistan hero, Aamer, showing why he is such a class act who got one of the biggest scalps of his career, when he totally confused Tendulkar. A ball back of a length, Aamer, managed to lure Tendulkar into thinking it was swinging much more then it actually was. Tendulkar went for the drive but the ball shot past the outside edge and knocked his middle stump right back!!!! The Pakistani contingent in the crowd went ballistic, this was a superb start for them and it was the danger-man, Sachin Tendulkar who they had got for just 6 runs. What a star this young Mohammad Aamer is becoming!!!!

This did however bring another Indian legend to the crease Gautam Gambhir to the crease. With an ODI average of 38.07, a S/R of 84.72 and a highest score of 150* this man is another huge danger for the Pakistan attack, plus the fact that Gambhir has a fantastic record against Pakistan when batting.

Sure enough, Gambhir and Sehwag set about the run-chase with relative ease over the next few overs, cracking a few boundaries away and beginning to look very much at ease. Shoaib Akhtar had been a bit of a let down so far for Pakistan. He had been only bowling in the high 80's and not really troubled the batsmen that much. Aamer on the other hand had really been bowling with zip, getting the ball to move both ways and the two veteran batsmen were treating the youngster with the respect he deserved.

Gambhir then had a massive break!!!

Aamer bowling over the wicket to the left-hander managed to get one to seam back into Gambhir as he looked to punch one away off the back-foot. It flew past the inside edge and took the off-stump clean out the ground which went cart-wheeling back to end up near Kamran Akmal. The crowd erupted into cheers and Aamer was off celebrating with his team-mates before everyone begun to realise the umpire's arm sticking out. It had been a no ball!!!! No one could believe it. Of all the times to bowl a no ball this had to have been the worst time. To rub salt into the wound, Gambhir then dispatched the free hit away over cover for 4, to leave the young Pakistani bowler looking absolutely devestated. Could this be the crucial point in the innings?

Sehwag had now begun to play quite defensive which was very unsual and to show how confused people were by this, people were already asking if maybe this signalled that he was possibly injured? The run-rate certainly had begun to drop, it was still enough at the moment chasing such a low total, but the Indian batsmen didn't want to leave too much work to do, later on in the innings.

Maybe Gambhir noticed this and looked to play some more agressive shots, we will never know, however, soon after being given his reprive from the no-ball he was gone.

Afridi had got tired of Akhtar's bowling and had replaced him with the star ODI bowler Umar Gul. It didn't take long for Gul to get his name on the scorecard, although it was courtesy of some spectacular fielding by "butter fingers" Kamran Akmal's brother, Umar. Gambhir looked to flick a full ball of his legs and it flew through the air straight towards Umar Akmal at square leg. Akmal threw himself forward, and somehow managed to pluck the ball out of the air before it hit the ground and keep control of the ball even after his elbows jolted into the ground. This time it was a valid delivery and there would be no third chance for Gambhir he had to go, whilst once again the Pakistani contingent went mad in the crowd. This was a superb start for Pakistan, 2 huge wickets before the 9th over. Pakistan certainly weren't going down without a fight....

The new batsman for India was Suresh Raina, and now Pakistan were beginning to expose the slightly weaker middle order. Sehwag was still there for India, and it looked like his new responsible, defensive approach to batting might be exactly what India needed on this type of pitch. It certainly seemed to be working and Sehwag and Raina managed to make it to the 10 over mark where drinks were called on by the umpires. Everyone needed a break out there as the tension this match was causing was making everyone tired. The old rivalry of India/Pakistan was certainly living up to it's reputation.

For Pakistan, Aamer had been the stand out bowler with a maiden to go alongside his wicket from his 5 overs. Akhtar had been economical enough, whilst Gul had also picked up a crucial wicket.

India would really like a big partnership from Sehwag and Raina now as another couple of quick wickets would really leave them in a dangerous position. You really couldn't predict how this match would go.....

 

[Gaurav_7]