Clash of the Titans as India takes on South Africa

Weekend is finally here. And it promises to be an exciting one for all cricket fans as world cup fever is raging like an inferno with today's match of potential world cup winners - Hosts India takes on formidable South Africa side. Both sides have recently played in a closely fought ODI series on latter's home turf. South Africa managed to win it albeit narrowly although India were without the services of the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar.

Last time Sachin played against South Africa, he smashed a record double ton against the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Johann Botha, Jacques Kallis and co. making up the formidable bowling lineup.

Today, once again they are pitted against each other on the grandest stage of the world cup. Past is to be forgotten to focus on the present. That would be the exact endeavor of both the teams. Obviously when two of the top sides collide, there are going to be battles within a battle for supremacy.

To start off with, India's Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will be keen on taking on Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. If that is not enough, star studded middle and lower order batting lineup of India boasting of Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan will look to dominate Johann Botha and young, talented leg spinner in Imran Tahir.

While Zaheer Khan will once again look to dismiss his bunny in South African captain, Graeme Smith. While Harbhajan Singh will look to stamp his authority against the consistency of Jacques Kallis, A.B. Devilliers and Hashim Amla.

Given the recent record between these two top nations in world cricket, it promises to be a humdinger. Which way tide will turn? Only time will spin a different tale for its twists and turns. Home support will be an added advantage for Team India as yet another run feasts awaits the jam packed Nagpur crowd.

Heat will be turned on the field and off it with mercury rising upto warm and humid 38 degrees.

Apart from that it's going to be a battle for one upmanship between India's M.S. Dhoni and Graeme Smith. Both would ideally love to seize the opportunities that come along the way during the course of this titanic clash.

It's Super Sunday as Team India takes on England

It definitely promises to be a Super Sunday only if weather gods permit. There is a forecast of rain which may prove to be a dampener as it features one of the strong title contenders, India who is taking on their former rulers, England. A lot has transpired since those days of British raj. Being a former colony of the former British empire, India has been in tremendous form over the past year and half.

Coming back to cricket, England has been in indifferent form off late as they lost to resurgent Australians in the recently concluded ODI series. But England has been traditional underachievers in the world of cricket. Even though they had invented the game, but it is mastered by other teams.

This crucial encounter will be played in front of several thousands of vociferous Indian spectators cheering on their cricketing heroes. Besides this obvious home advantage, India has a perfect blenf of experience and youth in their ranks to rankle even the toughest of opponents.

Any team which boasts of Little Master, Sachin R. Tendulkar, marauding Virender Sehwag, tenacious Gautam Gambhir, flamboyant Yuvraj Singh, promising Virat Kohli, Captain cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni, explosive Yusuf Pathan, lion hearted Harbhajan Singh, wily Zaheer Khan, frugal Munaf Patel and talented leg spinner Piyush Chawla. Even if 5 of these supremely gifted cricketers click in their respective departments of batting and bowling, then India is going to impose themselves on this English side.

This time around, England have a good unit consisting of talented players like Kevin Pietersen, their captain Andrew Strauss, experienced Paul Collingwood, James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their ranks to give team India a run for their money. But given the strengths of both the team, India are firm favourites though this English can give them a jitter or two.

Tomorrow's big clash promises to be a humdinger as it has all the ingredients of being a nail biter if both team play to their potential. Although I would stick my neck out and say that given the talent and wealth of experience, team India is ahead of this good English side.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for Sehwaag's dhamaaka and Sachin Tendulkar's magic! My heart and mind both unanimously expects Team India to come up with a superlative performance. Come on Team India, make us proud!

Hot favourites India takes on minnows Bangladesh in the World Cup, 2011 opener!

The countdown to the world's premiere cricket tournament, ICC Cricket World cup, 2011,has well and truly begun.With less than a day remaining when two host nations, title contenders, India takes on minnow, Bangladesh in their own den. If yesterday's opening ceremony left you bewildered, then saturday's clash is going to be feast for senses. It's going to be a carnival atmosphere as home side takes on formidable neighbours, India.

Before we get down to analysing tomorrow's teams. It seems to be a clash between the David in Bangladesh against Goliath in India. But in cricket, everything changes with the blink of your eyes. You blink and you will miss it moments are what makes this gentlemans' game so exciting!

India will start as firm favourites tomorrow with the some of the legends of the game take the field. To start with batting line up, it does not get any bigger than the name of the world's best batsman for over two decades, Sachin R. Tendulkar. Along side the master, blaster in Virender Sehwag is one of the most destructive opening batsmen will open the innings to give India an early impetus. If these two superstars are in the mood, vociferous Bangladeshi supporters will go mute. But at the same time, they will simply entertained by two legends of world cricket.

If at all Bangladesh get rid of either or both of these stalwarts, then tenacious Gautam Gambhir will look to play the sheet anchors' role to perfection. After Gautam Gambhir, India will look to play another dashing batsman in Yuvraj Singh who is expected to end his lean patch in this world cup. If he gets going, there is going to be fireworks and huge Bangladeshi crowd will be treated with exhilarating stroke play.

Besides Yuvraj Singh, there is a talented youngster in Virat Kohli who will be looking to make a mark in world cricket when he plays his first world cup match tomorrow. It's going to be a big occasion for him to represent India at the World Cup. His consistency and rich veinf of form will give that extra motivation and confidence to put his best foot forward.

Bangladesh team is still not done with batting machine of India. After Virat, they will have to contend with Captain Cool, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is a proven match winner himself. He can be deadly with a willow in his hands as well. If situation demands him to play a grafting innings, he can do it equally well. He is definitely one of the men in crisis for Team India. Bangladesh team must watch out for his explosive batting.

If Bangladesh thought that they have got rid of India's batting machine, then explosive Yusuf Pathan comes to the crease. If Yusuf gets hang of the Bangladeshi bowlers, they will be staring at a huge score for sure!

India is not a superior bowling side but a good bowling attack after taking subcontinental pitch conditions into account. They do possess two supremely gifted bowlers in pace spearhead, Zaheer Khan and ace spinner in Harbhajan Singh. They will be backed by mercurial yet gifted Sreesanth.

Indian thinktank will look to play a seamer in Munaf Patel who is known for his accurate bowling as he is in good rythm offlate. Fourth bowler will be either Piyush Chawla or Ravichandran Ashwin. Both of them are going to be more than handy given the spinner friendly conditions. Captain Dhoni will be tempted to play both of them for sure!

India traditionally had a problem with 5 bowler. But this time around, it's going to be a different story. India will be cheered on by billion spectators who will encourage the team to uplift their game in tense situations.

I am getting a sneaky feeling that India is going to sound an alarm warning tomorrow for their nearest rivals in this competition. With the kind of arsenal which Team India possesses, I predict a win for the side. Come on India! Yes we can!

An ode to the genius of Sachin R. Tendulkar

I was barely a 4 year old toddler when the child prodigy by the name of Sachin R. Tendulkar made his test match debut against arch rivals Pakistan in 1989-90. He was barely 17 then. Before Sachin made his international debut, Mumbai's cricketing circle was already abuzz with his name. His popularity was increasing by every passing minute.

Several stalwarts of Mumbai who represented India like our very own Little Master Sunil M. Gavaskar and colonel Dilip Vengsarkar had already sounded a warning to bowlers all over the world about the birth of a cricketing genius back then. Of course, who can forget that mammoth 664 runs partnership where Sachin smashed bowlers to all parks of the ground with disdain and almost reduced them to tears.

Legend has it that ace leg spinner, Abdul Qadir had said that this kid won't last long as he (Sachin) was facing a daunting task of facing a master leg spinner in himself and some of the game's tearaway fast bowlers in Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. But skipper Imran Khan replied, "This kid with curly locks is going to become a Legend. There is a sparkle in his eyes which I have never seen in anybody's eyes."

Abdul Qadir didn't look amused after hearing it from his skipper. When his turn came to bowl to Sachin, young prodigy stepped out to hit successive 3 sixes off him! He was quick to acknowledge Sachin's genius. And the rest as they say is history.

No other player in the history of this gentleman's game has evoked such adulation than Indian batting genius, Sachin R. Tendulkar. He is clearly a man with the midas touch. And obviously, his simplicity, unwavering passion and dedication towards his craft has made him the second greatest batsman officially behind Sir Donald Bradman. The Don himself confided to his wife that Sachin serves as a distinct reminder of his own batting style. He even invited Sachin on his 90th birth anniversary.

In simple words, there is Sachin and there are others. What's even more amazing is the fact that in spite of carrying the hope of a nation of one billion for 21 years, Sachin's love for the game can give any youngster a run for his money! It would be right to say that Sachin is born to play cricket and to bat like a dream like only he can. If cricket is a religion in India, Sachin is its only God. And his legion of fan following not only in India, but across the globe wherever cricket is being played and watched, proves it right inadvertently.

His trademark Straight Drive is a treat for the eyes as every purist swear by it. Actually Sachin can play every stroke in the cricket book with panache. He is equally at home against both quality pace and spin. Perhaps, he is the most complete player in the history of the game.

His record against the best speaks volume about his extraordinary ability aspired by many. It would be certainly befitting to say that Sachin R. Tendulkar is once in a lifetime cricketer. And I am proud to say he represents India with pride.

What makes Sachin truly special is his simplicity and his humility. In spite of being a super achiever when he was just 25, he has always remained an astute student of the game. In his 21st glorious year in International cricket, Sachin has amassed mountain of runs whether in Test cricket or One Day Internationals. In India especially Mumbai, it is believed, "His coach Ramakant Achrekar was Dronacharya and Sachin is Arjun of India and world cricket."

His unassuming humble demeanor makes him a venerable icon that every parent wants their child to emulate. Mathew Hayden, a marauding former opening batsman of Australia paid a rich tribute to Sachin's genius,"I have seen god bat, he bats at no. 4 for Indian Test team." It sums it all.

On 3rd August, 2010, Sachin is going to add another beautiful feather in his already glittering cap. Tomorrow, he will become the most capped player in the history of Test cricket with his 169th Test cap! A record to celebrate and cherish. Without an iota of a doubt, I can say that Sachin is the God's own child!

Being a Sachin fanatic all the way, it's been a honour to watch the 'Genius at work' for past 21 years and many more to come with god's grace. With all heartfelt gratitude, I wish to offer my genuine tribute to the Gulliver of Cricket and the modern Don of World Cricket - Sachin R. Tendulkar. A name that will forever be etched on the hearts of his legion of fanatics forever! Long Live Sachin! Long Live his legacy! Hail Sachin R. Tendulkar! Come join me in taking a bow to the genius. \m/

Paul, the Octopus turns into Nostradamus of the animal kingdom

Whole world is going gaga over Paul,the psychic Octopus. When the FIFA World Cup began, so did the journey of Paul towards becoming an icon. He has more than fulfilled his prophecy as he has been predicting the results with pin point accuracy.

Football fans across the world are mesmerized by Paul, the tentacled marvel. No other animal has evoked mass hysteria like Paul has. He has already become the darling of the masses especially the Spanish speaking populace.

Getting the prediction right once may be considered a fluke by the most. But getting it right for almost 5 consecutive times is a gift even though logic defies the claim. If you have ever heard of sixth sense, this must be it.

No, I am not referring to Manoj Shyamalan and Bruce Willis starrer, 'Sixth Sense'. But you cannot help but marvel at this eight tentacled Oracle Octopus called Paul.

He has taken the world by storm. Today, his popularity can even rival some of the star footballers who failed to live up to their reputations and expectations from their dejected fans.

If his predictions of the grand finale comes true, then, Paul will be immortalized as the greatest animal psychic reader of all time. So much so that he will be hailed as the Nostradamus of the animal kingdom. His popularity has soared as he has captivated the imagination of the entire world with his accurate gift of prediction.

I will rejoice and celebrate with the Spanish fans as Spain happens to be one of my most favourite European nations.

Now getting back to the grand finale, Paul has clearly declared SPAIN as the victor of the final against the flying Dutch. Whole of Spain will rejoice at his prediction and will become a toast of their entire nation.

When Germany lost, some frustrated German fans vowed to eat Paul and would relish every morsel of him. It was stated in the press by the Spanish officials that they will offer protection to the revered Paul, the eight tentacled Oracle Octopus from those who are baying for his blood.

If paul gets it right inadvertently on the midnight of Sunday, then he will cement his legacy as the 'Psychic Reader who always got it right'.

My mind says Spain and amazingly, my heart says Spain in unison.

This year, a champion tennis player who answers to the call of 'Rafa' aka Rafael Nadal, has won his second prestigious Wimbledon title. Congratulations to Spanish matador, Rafael Nadal!!

More importantly, When he won his maiden Wimbledon title, Spain went on to win their first ever major world tournament, European Championship in 2008. This year, Rafael Nadal went on to win his second Wimbledon title. Signs are ominous that Spain will seal their most famous victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup grand finale and end their title drought.

What better motivation than having Mallorcan muscleman, Rafael Nadal cheering on the Spanish Football team tomorrow midnight just like he decimates his opponent. This year promises to be the 'Year of Spain in sports'.

Mind says Germany as heart says Spain in today's world cup Semi-final clash

After epic battles since the qualifiers, we have reached the business end of this prestigious football tournament. Now that flying dutch have already sealed their Final berth yesterday with a thrilling win over feisty Uruguay despite Diego Forlan's heroics.

Today's game reminds me of 2008 European Championships Final where this two great teams clashed for the Europe's supremacy. Then Spain emerged triumphant after El Nino, Fernando Torres scored the solitary goal in the 34th minute of the first half. When the final whistle was blown by the referee, Spain won their first ever major world championship.

Their history suggests that they are perennial underachievers of the world football. But this talented team has turned it around remarkably.

It's safe to say that they are on the cusp of history as glory beckons them. But today, a formidable adversary stands in front of them in the shape and form of rampaging Germany. They have decimated the team of the caliber of Argentina and silenced their critics for once and for all with their uncharacteristic blitzkrieg attacking game.

It has impressed everyone and left their critics gasping for breath. Some of them went to the extent of saying in an unabashed manner that this German team reminded them of the great Brazilian teams of yesteryear when they had legends like Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos in their prime.

This German team commands respect and admiration of football fans across the beautiful globe. History suggests that this is the youngest German team sent to conquer the World Cup once again with their breathtaking assault on their opponents.

When you have precocious, young talent in the form of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Oezil, Lukas Podolski to go along side seasoned pro like Miroslav Klose, then it will indeed be an arduous task for their opponents.

This is where Spanish Matadors have come into their own. They too boast of a dream lineup in the form of super striker, David Villa who happens to be a joint highest goal scorer and in hot pursuit of Golden Boot alongside a Flying Dutchman, Wesley Sneijder.

But this Spanish team commands the best midfield in the world in the form of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandes, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets along side central attacking defender Sergio Ramos and an agile goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. Their defense looks solid with Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique guarding the Spanish goal.

In the end, a team which controls the game from the outset and set the pace will end up being triumphant. This is where Spanish trio of super Xavi Hernandes, delightful Xabi Alonso & their decorated midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta control the tempo of the game with their sublime passing game.

As the German coach, Joaquim Loew said in the press conference, "There are several Messi's in this Spain lineup." It sums it all.

Many reckon that this is going to be the best match of this competition and will perfectly fit the bill of 'Final before the Final' clash.

My mind says Germany, but my heart says Spain!

Who will reign supreme in today's Semi-final clash? - The flying Dutchmen or the impressive Uruguay

First semi-final promises to be an extra ordinary battle between two continents - Europe represented by 'Flying Dutch', the Nederland against the Americas represented by the South Americans, Uruguay. They are two time former world champions. Even though they did it decades back before even I was born!

Nederland by history is known for their popular 'Total Football' approach which was adapted by their legendary play maker, Johann Cruyff. They are known for their beautiful style that is pleasing for the eyes.

Today, the elegant style of play started by their former legends has been passed on for generations. It is beautifully adopted by their current crop of players. Dutch is a joy to watch when in full flight. They have world class forwards and play maker in Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Robin Van Persie and their masterful Arjen Robben.

Their defense looks solid with defensive midfielder, Mark Van Bommel and Heitenga handling their defensive duties in a safe and sound way.

But they need to overcome the constant menace of Diego Forlan. He has finally come alive in this world cup. This has been a renaissance time for Uruguay's Diego Forlan. He may not be as gifted as the Diego Maradona.

But he has given a glimpse into his abundant talent which has eluded him for his club sides so far.

He is simply amazing in set piece situations. His stunning free kick against Ghana which beat Ghana's goalkeeper fair and square was an unmistakable sign of his class which had been dormant till this mega event commenced.

In today's clash, the onus is completely with him to inflict an excruciating pain on the 'Flying Dutchmen'.

At least before the match is underway, Nederland starts as an overwhelming favourite.

Is there a last twist left in this World Cup before the grand finale? Only time will perhaps tell a different tale.