Source: indiatimes.com
After a long wait for the games shortest version the International Cricket Council announced the official Twenty 20 World Cup on September 11. South Africa will host the game for this year. This inaugural game is taking the audience in South Africa by storm; ardent fans are drawn to the invigorating speed of the nerve wrecking game. Though this jet speed game is in progress for almost three years the official reorganization the game at international level has now started. This thrilling and exciting game being crisp and short lasting for three hours will be a perfect package for the Olympics. Opening encounter between South Africa and West Indies witnessed an overwhelming public response making the event a remarkable success. The tournament is played in three venues namely Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. The 12 teams contributing in the contest will fight a swift combat over the next two weeks, in rigorous 20-over, 75 minute innings’ with the final to be held on September 24 in Johannesburg.
Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid is now targeting victory after the seven-match Nat west series 3-3 at The Oval. Last week India was 3-1 down, but captain persists his side were never upset. He says – “at 1-3 we knew we had lost a couple of close games, which could have gone the other way”. The sixth match was most enthralling of the compelling series - ended at Lord’s on Saturday, with England scored 316-6.
India then appeared to be gliding as Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly put on 150 runs for the first wicket, only for the drive to tip back England’s way after a series of wickets. Robin Uthappa, though, kept his courage among the chaos, scoring a winning 47 to win the game with two balls left.
He had specific words of admire for his much-decorated opener pair. “When you’re chasing 320 you require getting off to a good start,” Dravid said.”They got 150 that actually make a huge difference - particularly on a slow wicket when you know it’ll get harder to play shots.
To reach 316 having been 137-5 was really an amazing effort, and the England captain paid compliment to the contributions of Owais Shah, who hit a maiden one-day international century, debutant Luke Wright, who scored 50, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, who hit five sixes off the last over.
He persisted that his side would be able to pick themselves up for Saturday’s decider. “We have to get our heads held high as we know we’ve done superior things today,” he said. “We’ve got to show we’re still playing good cricket, which we are doing.”
