Truth is stranger than fiction

His conventional decisions have worked in his favour. He is known for his midas touch. T he man who brought back the Cup home after 28 years. Heres to the best Captain of India who has attained a new milestone today: Happy 30th Birthday Dhoni! You rock!

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=fb32c568-fac0-4bbe-8c70-fc4b489b3956 It is said that the true essence of anything is snatched away when diluted with some other flavour. While it is seen in the case of perishable goods, one cannot ignore this aspect with regard to current affairs as well, especially when it comes to areas like Sports, Politics or Art. It is no mystery to millions that Pakistan has been subjected to dire straits on a constant basis. What with the terror activities resurging at an alarming rate, this neighbour of India no doubt has received a lot of flak. To an extent where hatred has developed in the minds of many and quite a few have shown their disdain towards Pakistan with respect to Cricket. The beginning of the T 20 World cup exhibited several individuals writing off Pakistan, be it as an underdog team or one which didn’t deserve to win. Yesterday’s victory after 17 years undoubtedly has brought in a cheer for a country whi...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=5e9416eb-9d68-4596-a6bd-226e23f6d7b2 It was just a few days ago that the Australian Skipper made an emphatic statement stirring a feeling of indignation amongst millions. Predicting a breezy win for his team in just two matches depicted his unmistakable arrogance and cockiness. Little did he realize that these magical words would come true, only to have a spectacular turn around of events resulting in a victory for the opposition? The enchanting performance by the men in blue managed to cast a spell and mesmerized their fans by emerging as the new Wizards of Oz. It is indeed a special moment for the Indian team as this win being their first one after 23 years in the finals on Australian grounds. It certainly is a case of history repeating itself and the stance of ‘champions of champions’ emerge yet again. And followed by great pomp and celebrations all over. Drama, action, tempers flaring, ego clashes, hurling of ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=4bf1d5b2-0566-42de-a9ed-3ae139eefe70 After 1983, it is time once again for many to open bottles of champagne which is sure to ooze out with a whoop of spectacular delight. Millions were crossing their hearts; fingers and what not as this do or die game proceeded with twists and turns. It almost equaled to watching an edge of the seat thriller or going on the biggest roller coaster ride. This unpredictable match was almost like a see-saw, swinging from one side to another. It was a steady and sturdy innings by Gautham Gambhir who scored 75 and supported by Rohit Sharma which brought the score to 157. It was decent, yet fell short of India’s aim to reach 180. The responsibility of cruising through a victory fell on the delicate yet firm shoulders of the bowlers who geared up to put up a fierce fight against the expected rain of sixes and fours. R.P Singh was at his usual best; a consistent form displayed in the enti...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=a8441a02-7711-44df-afed-a9f0d64dde28 India-Pakistan matches have always generated a stir of commotion and excitement for the viewers. Yesterday's play proved to be no exception especially when the victory for India was crucial to qualify for the super eights. The match was completely a sea-saw with Pakistan rattling Indian wickets initially. However they managed to put up a decent total of 141 on the score board, something which seemed like a cake walk for Pakistan to chase. But the Indian bowlers managed to pull back their opponent by taking wickets at quick intervals which ultimately put pressure on the batting team. The game droned on as levels of adrenalin surged like the waves on a high tide. It was the fight by Misbah Ul Haq which brought them inching close to victory with 17 runs taken from the nineteenth over bowled by Agarkar. Pakistan just needed 12 runs from the last over. After a couple of fours, t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e94d4479-715d-4bfa-b202-289861516787 ‘Never underestimate anybody’ is an oft quoted saying. It makes one to trace back to the hare and tortoise story, the end of which was an unexpected victory for the latter. The hare’s arrogance and over confidence cost its expected win only to emerge shame faced in front of its otherwise sluggish opponent. It was a similar situation of the above case in the second T20 ODI yesterday. The tournament favorite- Australians were counted on for a breezy win by a large margin and trash their so called ‘underdog’ team which made their fans place their safe bets blind folded. Who would have thought that the assumed occurrence will work the other way around. It came across as a pleasant surprise and probably a horrifying shock to Australian admirers when Zimbabwe stumped their beloved mighty champions on a literal basis. Right from the ICC champions’ trophy 2006 to the WC 2007, the Kanga...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=64b35a0c-0127-4b11-9448-5375552883c6 The fours(ce)ful finish by Robin Uthappa yesterday has submerged millions under the pool of exuberance and elation. It was a huge chase for the men in blue when England put up a score of 316. The second innings were watched with bated breaths and yet with a ray of hope as the spectacular partnership between Ganguly and Sachin laid a fantastic foundation. No sooner when the smiles were back on the Indian fans than a dark cloud descended upon them as wickets kept falling like pelted bricks from an old building in ruins. The foundation was losing its initial grip. What seemed like an achievable target was next to impossible especially in those last few overs. Glee began to show on the faces of the England team as India got ready to accept the defeat. However the killer instinct in the form of Robin Uthappa prevailed as his grit and determination refused to give up without a fierce...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=981aea67-74e1-48a0-9867-44a4780416ff The start of the World cup had sent shock waves across the world. Beginning with the defeat of two strong teams to the less experienced ones. India’s thrashing by Bangladesh and Pakistan’s ousting out of the series has come as a rude and unbelievable blow to millions. Accompanied with the latest news of Bob Woolmer’s sudden demise, has added fuel to the fire. Pakistan who would have hardly recovered from their big blow, received another one, of their coach’s loss which has jolted them out of their wits. Leaving with high levels of confidence and soaring expectations would have naturally left the team members dejected and dismayed. They had to quit without even putting up a proper fight. It was a horrifying plight to see the Indians thrashed in a pitiable manner. It appeared that the team slacked in its play, not realizing the potential of the minnows. It seemed that their under...

"Action speaks more than words." This philosophy has worked wonders for Sourav Ganguly who has made a tremendous comeback into the ODI team. From a roaring start in his first test series, this Bengal tiger has conquered the hearts of millions. His spectacular innings of 98 in the Pepsi cup, has knocked his critic's comments about his degrading form.His dismissal from first class cricket had evoked mixed responses. The left handed batsmen chose to remain silent, taking in his stride the harsh words hurled at him by the media. Relying on his "never say die attitude" has indulged this Prince of kolkatta in assuring his fans of a definite comeback. Seeds of self confidence, determination and hope have certainly borne a fruit of regaining his magnificent form. His return has brought in a new ray of hope for our team, who now possess a radiant glow and undaunted usage of the bat and ball. It has lead to the strengthening of the top batting order. His rock solid inni...

Nov 5.Mumbai: After a foursful (forceful) start by the openers, West Indies were geared to blow another Gayle. The numerous sixes and fours left the Australian bowlers spellbound, which drove them to change their strategy. And the success of their new formula worked as wickets kept falling.It turned out to be a case of calm after the storm,for the world champions.The turning point was Chris Gayle being bowled, which left the cheering crowd with dashed hopes. Nathan Brackens bowling went beyond expectations as he took the top order wickets. The stadium with the initial yelling at top of their voices crowd was filled with stunned silence as the twist in turn of the game happened from 80-2 to 138 all out. As the second innings started, prayers to the almighty were done with clasped hands hoping for miracle that would bring the cup to the Windies Skipper. The audience bounced back to the game as the wicket of Adam Gilchrist was taken by Bradshaw, bringing back some hope and life into the a...

It was indeed one of the most crucial matches, a do or die situation for both the teams as they entered the great game. It was a positive beginning for the South African skipper who elected to bat after winning the toss. Top order batsmen failed to give a roaring start which could have rattled the West indies.However, they managed to put up a decent score of 258 which did give the Caribbeans a slight squeeze on the run rate. The South Africans were hit by a tornado in the form of Chris Gayle who opened the second innings to spectacular start with a ravishing finish that made the Carribeans reach the pinnacle of victory. A man of few words as he was known as, ironically, let his bat do the vigorous talking till the end. A solid, aggressive and backbone of the team played his role as an amazing opening batsman to a Foursful (forceful) finish! This man of the match stood rock steady and was unaffected by any kind of fast paced attack by the African bowlers. This player remained as a wall ...

What began as a not so good start of this tension filled match, ended up as a victory for the kangaroos. A total of 241 seemed not such a great score for the Aussies, showing a ray of hope for the kiwi clan to come out as a victorious team. As New Zealand began to bat in the second innings, it seemed like no hope as wickets kept falling like pelting stones from an old building in ruins. A 47-6 seemed like they were heading for a disastrous lose in this crucial tournament. A twist in tale, in this case, a twist in the game in the form of Daniel Vettori turned tables which made the kiwis raise their shameful heads to pride. Hammering away the round object by the fast paced bowlers to the boundaries and sixes brought the score to a decent level converting the impossible into the possible. An aggressive game which ended up with the kiwis losing, was a clear case of not giving up without a fight. An admirable killer instinct and fighting spirit against the world champions is indeed worth a ...