Print

Please post once and this message will disappear! Introduce yourself, say hello, jump into a discussion...

[Teddy]

Kamran Akmal's dismissal was meticulously executed. When such plans fetch desired results, it automatically helps to build a tremendous understanding between the captain and the bowler.

Sreesanth caught the eyes with better pace and attitude, but this time it was RP Singh who proved to be the dark horse. He was simply outstanding. A bouncer that rattled Shoaib Malik was followed by an intelligent spot on inswinger to pack Younis Khan back to the Pavilion. An unassuming character, RP Singh, in fact, is the sharpest of the lot. His easy run up to the wicket with a deceptive quick arm delivery can bemuse batsmen.

Pakistan batsmen are natural stroke players. And in one-dayers, the idea of settling down at the wicket does not exist. But in this game, the hosts went about defending the first few overs, which looked completely out of sorts. They curtailed their natural instinct and fell for the tourists' ploy.

Salman Butt's tentative footwork for the away balls was worked out very well. Shoaib Malik got out on a well directed short-pitch. Time and again he has exposed his vulnerability to such deliveries. Akram Kamal was a victim of good a piece of captaincy by Dravid.

Younis Khan and Mohammed Yousuf again got out on good balls. On the whole it was not the batsmen who gave the wickets but the bowlers literally bowled them out working on their weaknesses.

I cannot imagine if Yuvraj Singh had ever been so consistent in his career. Yuvraj's shots were powered with his high back lift and Rahul's dogged determination did not allow Pakistan to make an impact.



http://www.htcricket.com/htcricket/7912_1628416,001601150007.htm

[kban1]

RD's captaincy but for a couple of minor points was excellent.

I immensely enjoyed the plotting and execution of Akmal's dismissal. Full credit to RD / team think tank for that.

Pakistan choked due to their pressure ridden ultra cautious approach and kudos to our bowlers and RD for sensing this and moving in for the kill.

[fineleg]

I know Akmal got out to short point...can u elaborate more on the plotting? Seems interesting, but I may be missing some background on the ploy.

[kban1]

fineleg:

well, akmal has a habit of pushing or cutting the short ball through point but often hits with the bat close enough to the line of the ball such that he sometimes gets cramped for space.

So when he connects, the ball sometimes tends to stay in the air for a short while before it reaches the traditional point fielder.

RD placed raina at short point for the same shot -- betting that the short point would get the ball in the air from a misdirected cut


IP bowled a ball -slightly short but not wide enough for a full fledged cut or force through point, and Akmal obliged --hit that off the back foot straight into rainas hands.

had short point not been there would have been fielded by point or a 4 because the ball would have hit the ground by the time the ball reached the point region.

[aggarwald]

fineleg:

well, akmal has a habit of pushing or cutting the short ball through point but often hits with the bat close enough to the line of the ball such that he sometimes gets cramped for space.

So when he connects, the ball sometimes tends to stay in the air for a short while before it reaches the traditional point fielder.

RD placed raina at short point for the same shot -- betting that the short point would get the ball in the air from a misdirected cut


IP bowled a ball -slightly short but not wide enough for a full fledged cut or force through point, and Akmal obliged --hit that off the back foot straight into rainas hands.

had short point not been there would have been fielded by point or a 4 because the ball would have hit the ground by the time the ball reached the point region.

Akmal getting out was a treat to watch. I don't remember seeing ever a wicket taking strategy work so quickly for Indians before.

[fineleg]

fineleg:

well, akmal has a habit of pushing or cutting the short ball through point but often hits with the bat close enough to the line of the ball such that he sometimes gets cramped for space.

So when he connects, the ball sometimes tends to stay in the air for a short while before it reaches the traditional point fielder.

RD placed raina at short point for the same shot -- betting that the short point would get the ball in the air from a misdirected cut


IP bowled a ball -slightly short but not wide enough for a full fledged cut or force through point, and Akmal obliged --hit that off the back foot straight into rainas hands.

had short point not been there would have been fielded by point or a 4 because the ball would have hit the ground by the time the ball reached the point region.

Nice...Did the after-the-wicket celebrations by Indian team have that smile/laughter of the ploy having clicked...I did not watch that...and would have loved to see the high-fives and smiles...Did u watch?

[justforkix]

fineleg : there was. Raina rushed to Dravid immediately. Also, there was a distinct twinkle in everyone's eyes - A "It worked", "I told you so" expressions 

check out in google videos for highlights.

[Blwe_torch]

fineleg : there was. Raina rushed to Dravid immediately. Also, there was a distinct twinkle in everyone's eyes - A "It worked", "I told you so" expressions 

check out in google videos for highlights.

I hope this is not a rare occurrance in Indian cricket!

[gouravk]

oh dont you worry