'We're going to miss Murali terribly' - Sangakkara

	India deprived Muttiah Muralitharan of the send-off he sought

Kumar Sangakkara rued not being able to give Muttiah Muralitharan the perfect send-off in what was his final international appearance for Sri Lanka and admitted the team would "miss him terribly." Sri Lanka were beaten by six wickets in the World Cup final by India in Mumbai and Murali, on one of his rare off days, went wicketless in eight overs and conceded 39 runs.

"It's one of those rare days when he hasn't really done the job for us, but it happens maybe once in a 100 games," Sangakkara said. "We're going to miss him terribly. Unfortunately we couldn't give him a great send-off but that's the way it goes. We were outplayed and we have to accept that."

Sri Lanka had done well after winning the toss, posting 274 thanks to a superlative century from Mahela Jayawardene. They were in command when Lasith Malinga dismissed India's openers, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, early in the chase. But the Indian middle order stepped up with Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni reviving the innings with match-winning half-centuries.

Murali was dealt with easily by Gambhir and Dhoni, who hit him repeatedly to the extra-cover boundary. Murali had come into this game with a groin injury, and while it was considered a risk to play him, the game was just too big to leave him out. Sangakkara, however, said fitness didn't affect Murali's performance.

"He's our best bowler, even if half-fit," Sangakkara said. "But he was fine, he was almost at full fitness when he played today. I don't think it was an issue."

Murali had ended his Test career on a high, picking up a wicket with his final delivery to win Sri Lanka a game against India last year. And while that perfect ending eluded him this World Cup, Sangakkara summed up what he meant for Sri lanka. "Murali is the icon of Sri Lanka," he said. "As a champion on the field and off the field. As a human being and a cricketer, I don't think there is anyone to match him." 

Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/509297.html

India planned for final for a year

	Sachin Tendulkar was carried on his team-mates' shoulders around his home ground

Harbhajan Singh wept into the India flag, Yuvraj Singh couldn't hold back tears either. Sachin Tendulkar, not used to having his feet off the ground, for a change felt comfortable on the shoulders of his team-mates as they took a lap of the ground. He was being taken around a ground that had once booed him. All that didn't matter today. A life-long dream had been achieved in a sixth attempt; in front of his home crowd, at a ground where he played most of his domestic cricket. MS Dhoni, Yuvraj, Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir followed with their arms around each other's shoulders. Virat Kohli, playing in his first World Cup, inconsolable when he had got out earlier, sang Chak de India to the crowd.

There was delight, there were tears of joy, there was contentment. There was relief after a campaign where their every move was noticed, dissected and criticised or praised. It was a moment nobody could take away from the Indian team. They took their time as they celebrated. Slowly, savouring each moment. Months of tension, build-up, sleepless nights, inability to eat regularly, cramps, vomit, sweat, toil; all of it was over, and in their hands was the World Cup.

Gary Kirsten's contribution was not forgotten. After Tendulkar had been around the ground on the strong and reliable shoulders of Yusuf Pathan, the team chaired Kirsten too, who was coaching India for one last time. An equally loud applause followed. Quietly, Paddy Upton, the mental conditioning coach, and Eric Simons, the bowling coach, watched. They watched men become kids, they watched, and heard, 33,000 people's gratitude.

"There have been some incredible moments in my involvement with sport, but this has got to be the highlight," Upton told ESPNcricinfo.

Upton spoke of the year the team had been through: the anticipation, the preparation, the hard work. "We set on this a year ago. Gary and myself and Eric Simons asked the question, 'Are we ready to win the World Cup?' And we felt we had the team to win it, the skill and the talent, but mentally we possibly weren't ready."

That was in Dambulla where, as Virender Sehwag mentioned, they started visualising the World Cup final. "We had planned a year ago what we needed to do in order to set ourselves up to win the World Cup," Upton said. "For a year we have been talking about when we play the final in Mumbai, and it was amazing yesterday [Friday] to reflect in the team meeting and say, 'Guys we have been talking about exactly this for a year, and we have been preparing for it and we know we are ready.' So while there were nerves, we went in with the confidence that we are better prepared than the opposition."

Some of the players have been struggling to sleep properly, but Upton believed - as it now seems - in something preordained. "Strangely I slept quite comfortably, because the job was done, we just needed to go and act out the script that was already written."

The nerves he felt towards the closing moments, despite himself being a mental conditioning coach, he said was a feeling like no other. "I get bloody nervous. Believe you me. It was magnificent."

The greatest moment of his greatest achievement in sport was watching the players weep. And looking after the mental side of players who perhaps play under the most pressure in world cricket, he has seen them in tears of anguish too. "The greatest moment today was getting together with the team in the middle of the pitch; and just seeing the looks on the guys' faces, and the tears running down their cheeks. Tears of joy and relief and ecstasy. It was a special moment." 

Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/509298.html

'I couldn't control my tears of joy'

"I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life. Thanks to my team-mates. Without them, nothing would have happened. I couldn't control my tears of joy."
Sachin Tendulkar, who's played six World Cups, on his best moment

"I took a quite few decisions tonight, if we hadn't won I would have been asked quite a few questions: Why no Ashwin, why Sreesanth, why no Yuvraj, why did I bat ahead?! That pushed me and motivated to do well"
MS Dhoni puts a light spin on his selection decisions ahead of India's title win

"This is unbelievable. The Under-19 World Cup, then the World Twenty20 but this is the most special. For Sachin, for everyone else."
Yuvraj Singh, the Player of the Tournament, sums it up

"Very proud of everyone, especially Mahela who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred. When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 looks less! They deserved this title, the way they played in front of a great crowd."
Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, is gracious in defeat

"All credit goes to Sachin Tendulkar. We played for him. Beating Australia and Pakistan and now this, its a dream come true."

Gautam Gambhir, who gave India the upper hand in the final with his 97

"It means the world to me. I have been part of the three World Cups. This is for the nation. Thank you very much, we love you. This cup is for the people. Love you India!"
Harbhajan Singh was among several Indian players who shed a tear following India's victory

"This goes out to all the people of India. This is my first World Cup; I can't ask for more. Tendulkar has carried the burden of nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him. Chak de India!"
Virat Kohli leads the Tendulkar tributes

Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/509249.html

India beat Sri Lanka to win ICC World Cup 2011

India beat Sri Lanka to win ICC World Cup 2011

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MUMBAI: An inspired India on Saturday night regained the coveted World Cup after 28 years as they suppressed Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in a nerve-wrecking final to script a glorious new chapter in their cricketing history.

Chasing 275 for a historic win, the Indians held their nerves as they rode on Gautam Gambhir's 97 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni's unbeaten 91 to overhaul the target with 10 balls to spare and send the cricket-crazy nation into a frenzy.

The vociferous, jam-packed crowd at the Wankhede stadium erupted in wild celebrations as Dhoni hit the winning six runs to give India their biggest cricketing moment and crown themselves the ODI world champions, in addition to being the number one Test team.

The World Cup title triumph, coming as it did after more than two decades, was doubly special for Sachin Tendulkar since it was the only silverware missing from his collection.

It was also a fitting farewell to coach Gary Kirsten, for whom it was the last day in office as the Indian coach.

It was a momentous Saturday night marked by high emotion and poignant scenes as India, for long the game's financial power, stamped their supremacy on the field as well, eight years after Sourav Ganguly's team had made an abortive attempt to scale the pinnacle.

The players, many of them with tears in their eyes, rushed to the ground to hug each other as Dhoni finished it off in style by hitting a six, as fire crackers lit up the evening sky to mark the moment.

The highlight of the Lankan innings was Mahela Jayawardene's rollicking 103 as Sri Lanka capitalised on the batting powerplay to post a decent 274 for six.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Jayawardene used his vast experience to good effect and anchored the Lankan innings together.

The islanders, desperate to regain the coveted cup after nearly 15 years, lost wickets at regular intervals against the Indians, who were spurred on by a vociferous jam-packed crowd.

The Indian bowlers were disciplined in the first half of the innings but conceded as many as 63 runs in the batting powerplay to undo all the good work.

Apart from Jayawardene's 88-ball knock, captain Kumar Sangakkara (48) Tillakaratne Dilshan (33) and Nuwan Kulasekara (32) were the other notable performers.

The Indian innings began on a disastrous note as the destructive Virender Sehwag was dismissed in the very second ball of the innings with paceman Lasith Malinga scalping the prized wicket.

Sehwag was hit on the pads by an incoming delivery by Malinga as he went for a flick. Umpire Aleem Dar ruled him out before he asked for review but television replays showed that the ball would have hit the stumps.

Tendulkar, playing in what probably is his last World Cup game, entertained his home crowd with a couple of delightful boundaries while Gambhir also looked for runs at the other end.

The Indians suffered a huge jolt went Malinga struck again by dismissing the champion batsman as he snicked an away-going delivery and captain Sangakkara latched on to a low catch. A hushed silence descended on the Wankhede stadium as he started his walk back to the pavilion.

Gambhir drove Kulasekara for a boundary in the extra cover region to notch up 4000 ODI runs while Virat Kohli also pulled the bowler to the boundary in the same over.

Gambhir was lucky to get a reprieve in spinner Suraj Randiv's first over when Kulasekara dropped him at the long off region.

The third-wicket pair of Gambhir and Kohli put on 83 runs before Dilshan broke the partnership by taking a brilliant acrobatic return catch.

The out-of-form Dhoni came ahead of Yuvraj to keep the left-right combination going and was immediately given two 'lives' by the Lankans -- first Sangakkara messing up a stumping chance off Muralitharan and then Dilshan dropping a return catch as he collided with non-striker Gambhir.

Dhoni, however, made the most of the Sri Lankan lapses to rediscover his form which had deserted him in the mega event.

Dhoni and Gambhir scored at a brisk pace to keep India in the hunt.

The pair stitched 109 runs for the fourth wicket before Gambhir paid the price for a horrendous stroke, just three runs short of what would have been a well-deserved century.

Gambhir made room to cut the ball but missed it completely to see his stumps dislodged.

Earlier, both the Indian new ball bowlers bowled a tidy line and length and did not allow the Sri Lankan openers to get off to a flying start while the fielding was also sharp.

Pace spearhead Zaheer's first three overs were maidens and that put some pressure on the two Lankan openers who were not being able to capitalise on the powerplay overs.

Dilshan broke the stranglehold by hitting the first boundary of the innings in the 5th over by pulling Sreesanth to the square leg fence.

In the same over, he produced a delightful cut to the point for his second boundary.

Tharanga looked completely out of sorts at the other end as he found it difficult to find the gaps as Zaheer bowled a searching length right through his opening spell.

Zaheer drew first blood in his fourth over by evicting Tharanga with an outgoing delivery and Virender Sehwag holding on to diving catch at first slip much to the delight of a capacity crowd at the stadium. Tharanga scored just two runs off 20 balls.

The Lankans could manage just 31 runs in the first ten overs, their lowest in the tournament. That was largely because of Zaheer's excellent first spell of 5-3-6-1.

Dilshan and Sangakkara put on 43 runs for the second wicket before Harbhajan Singh struck for his team by getting rid of Dilshan (33), who scored 500 runs in the tournament.

Dilshan went for a sweep but the ball hit his gloves and lobbed onto his stumps to trigger off wild celebrations in the galleries.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene then took upon themselves the task of rebuilding the innings and the duo scored at a decent pace to steer the team to a comfortable position.

Yuvraj Singh, who had a dream tournament with both the bat and the ball, was introduced into the attack in the 22nd over but the two experienced batsmen were not really troubled by his left arm spin.

It was Yuvraj who finally broke the 62-run third wicket partnership which was assuming dangerous proportions by dismissing Sangakkara who tried to cut a wide ball outside the off stump but only succeeded in edging the ball to Dhoni behind the stump. His knock of 48 came off 67 balls and contained five boundaries.

It was left to the well-settled Jayawardene to hold the innings together and he found an able ally in Thilan Samaraweera to take the Sri Lankan total close to the 180 mark.

Yuvraj was again instrumental in breaking the fourth- wicket partnership by accounting for Samaraweera. Umpire Simon Taufel turned down the leg before appeal but the Indians went for the referral and television replays showed that the ball would have hit the stumps.

New batsman Chamara Kapugedera did not survive long as he offered a simple catch to Suresh Raina at extra cover off a slower delivery from Zaheer, leaving the visitors in a spot of bother at 182 for five.

Jayawardene and Nuwan Kulasekara then teamed up ensure that Sri Lanka had a competitive total on the board as they went about accumulating runs in the batting powerplay, which was taken in the last five overs.

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Suraj Randiv, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Aleem Dar (PAK)
TV umpire: Ian Gould (ENG)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/India-beat-Sri-Lanka-to-win-ICC-World-Cup-2011/articleshow/7850560.cms

Ind vs SL: Skipper Dhoni hits out at critics

Dhoni hits out at critics after World Cup triumph

See photo

MUMBAI: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni took potshots at the critics of his team, saying that the World Cup triumph has answered them.

He said a couple of decisions taken by him in Saturday's summit showdown against Sri Lanka could have been criticised had his side not won the World Cup.

"A few decisions I have taken today, including why I brought in S Sreesanth instead of Ravichandran Ashwin and why I promoted myself in the batting order ahead of Yuvraj who has been in great form. It could have been that the decisions cost the match," he said at the post-match presentation after India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the summit showdown here.

"We have been hearing a lot of things during this tournament and so it feels great to win the World Cup," he said.

"I always wanted to give chance to give chance to younger players by sending them up the order. Today, I thought I would take the responsibility myself. It was more like proving myself and not to others," he said.

Asked specifically if the World Cup triumph was in a way telling the critics to shut up as the players would do their job with their performance, he said, "In India it would be very rude to say like that."

"We spent the last 30-35 days together in the field and the dressing room thinking of this victory only and we have achieved that now," he added

Dhoni said coach Gary Kirsten and senior players backed him on his decision to promote ahead of Yuvraj.

"The pressure had got to me in the previous games. In this game, I wanted to bat up the order and Gary and the senior players backed me," said Dhoni, who was declared man of the match for his 91 not out from 79 balls.

He praised Gautam Gambhir (97) and Virat Kohli (35) for keeping the team on track after the early dismissal of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

"Virat and Gautam batted brilliantly. They ran lots of singles. Then with the help of bit of dew, we were able to put pressure on the spinners. I would have liked Gautam to go on and get that big hundred. A World Cup hundred would have been huge. Credit to him for taking the team closer to victory," he said before lifting the World Cup after the trophy was handed to him by ICC chief Sharad Pawar.

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara conceded that the Indians were the deserved winners.

"When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 looks less. They deserved this title, the way they played in front of a great crowd. Both Sri Lanka and India will be proud with the way they have played. Congrats India, you were the better side today," he said.

"The only way to stop India is to get at least seven wickets quickly and that did not happen. Gautam was outstanding and Dhoni stepped up when it was required," said Sangakkara.

"Very proud of everyone, especially Mahela Jayawardene who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred. Of course, we are disappointed but I think we would take the positives from this World Cup. Thanks to Sri Lankan fans at home and here, to the president and the support staff," he said. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-Skipper-Dhoni-hits-out-at-critics/articleshow/7853608.cms

Frenzied celebrations across the country to mark World Cup win

NEW DELHI: Delirious fans broke into unprecedented celebrations across the country, setting off fireworks, jamming main thoroughfares with vehicles and partying hard on the streets savouring glory as India won the cricket World Cup.

As soon Team India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck a huge six to post India's historic triumph, thousands of fans burst crackers at a ground near his house at Harmu in Ranchi where they watched the final on a giant TV screen.

Wild celebrations erupted every time a Sri Lankan wicket fell and then with each boundary hit by India's batsmen.

Cheers became louder after Dhoni completed 6000 runs in one day cricket and then reaching his half century, sending esctatic fans into a frenzy.

"This night will never to be forgotten", said Raj Kumar who stays in a neighbourhood of Dhoni.

It was Diwali once more on the streets of Mumbai, the venue of the final, as fireworks lit up the night sky and the playing of musical instruments like drums reverberated throughout the city as the "biggest party on the planet" began.

The crowds, which had vanished from the streets this afternoon to watch the match on TV, reappeared after the Indian skipper sealed the win over Sri Lanka.

Several localities of Mumbai and other major cities, including Bhopal, experienced traffic snarls as all modes of private transport thronged the streeets but few complained as the ecstasy and celebrations brushed asided all other considerations.

Cricket lovers who watched the grand finale of the two-month long tournament, at multiplexes and restaurants, chilled out with friends after the victory.

In Kolkata, thousands of ecstatic fans wearing Team India jersey waving tricolours flocked to the three-kilometre posh Park Street stretch, the city's most popular address, and broke into dance and honked their cars.

Many fans broke into tears even as they shouted 'India... India... Vande Mataram... Jai Ho...' and 'De Ghumake'...'

It was a special moment for many young fans who had not watched India's previous World Cup triumph in 1983.

"Many of us were either not born in 1983 or were not grown up to watch Kapil Dev win in the West Indies. We have grown up hearing the Kapil Devil's story from our parents.

"We waited through years, and six editions of World Cups passed by. The moment has come now," 18-year-old Neha Keshri, accompanied by her jubilant friends, said in Behala.

"Celebration has just begun... It will go on and on. We will not stop", said Bijay Dubey, a 33-year-old fan in Tollygunge. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Frenzied-celebrations-across-the-country-to-mark-World-Cup-win/articleshow/7853662.cms

India deserved to win World Cup, says Sangakkara

India's Sreesanth, Tendulkar, Harbhajan , Raina, Chawla and Sehwag (left to right) celebrate with the trophy after India won their ICC World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on April 2, 2011. (Reuters Photo)

MUMBAI: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team were disappointed at missing out on a second World Cup title but proud to go down to a team that deserved victory more.

"I am very proud of everyone in the team, especially Mahela (Jayawardene) who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred," he said, after India defeated his side by six wickets in the final at the Wankhede stadium.

Jayawardene scored an unbeaten 103 off just 88 balls to take Sri Lanka to 274-6 in the day-night clash watched by a capacity 30,000 crowd and millions more on television.

"When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 is not enough. It has been a great tournament for us. The way India played they deserved the tag of favourites.

"Both Sri Lanka and India will be proud with the way they have played."

Sangakkara, who made 48, said the only way his team could have stopped India from winning the crown was to take quick wickets but that did not happen.

"India were the better side. They were fantastic tonight. The only way for us to stop India was to get at least seven wickets. Gautam (Gambhir) was outstanding and (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni stepped up and performed.

"We are diappointed but the better side won."

Gambhir made 97 while skipper and man-of-the-match Dhoni finished unbeaten on 91. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/India-deserved-to-win-World-Cup-says-Sangakkara/articleshow/7853516.cms

India vs Sri Lanka: President congratulates Indian cricket team for winning World Cup

MUMBAI: President Pratibha Patil on Saturday congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the World Cup after a gap of 28 years with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, saying the road to success was long and hard.

"The road to success has been long and hard. You and your team were tested at every stage," she said in a message to Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"Dedication to the cause, the strength of character to stay the course and astute leadership, however have finally converted the potential of a talented group of youngsters, the experience of veterans and the hardwork of the Coach and his staff, into the reality of becoming World Champions," Patil said.

"All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion plus Indians today," she added.

India lifted the cricket World Cup after a gap of 28 years with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the summit showdown. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/off-the-field/India-vs-Sri-Lanka-President-congratulates-Indian-cricket-team-for-winning-World-Cup/articleshow/7853453.cms

Ind vs SL: Time proves healer for Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene celebrates after reaching his century during Sri Lanka's World Cup final against India at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: A World Cup final many India fans hoped would witness Sachin Tendulkar score his hundredth international hundred saw Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene beat him to the punch with a brilliant century.

Jayawardene top-scored with 103 not out in Sri Lanka's total of 274/6 at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

It was a far cry from the World Cup final of four years ago where Jayawardene was dismissed for just 19 as Australia triumphed in Barbados.

Jayawardene, 33, reached his century in superb style with two successive boundaries off Zaheer Khan.

First he cut the left-arm quick behind high behind square on the offside before next ball striking a brilliant boundary over mid-off to go to the landmark in 84 balls with 13 fours.

Jayawardene, who came in at 60/2, has long had the enviable ability to make runs quickly without seeming to make a great effort.

He is also capable of great feats of batting concentration as he showed while making 374 against South Africa at Colombo in 2006 where he shared a Test record stand for any wicket of 624 with current skipper Kumar Sangakkara.

It had looked as if Zaheer, who finished with 2/60, would also erase memories of previous World Cup final heartache.

When India last played in a World Cup final, he conceded 67 runs in just seven overs during a 125-run thrashing by Australia in Johannesburg in 2003 that saw his opening 10-ball over cost 15 runs.

But it was a different story to start with on his home ground where he began with three successive maidens on Saturday.

Zaheer, maintaining an excellent line and length, tormented left-handed opener Upul Tharanga and kept Tillakaratne Dilshan in check.

Zaheer's pressure was rewarded with the first ball of his fourth over when he produced an excellent delivery on off-stump that cut away and had Tharanga, who struggled to two off 20 balls, edging to diving slip Virender Sehwag.

And it was only next ball, when Sangakkara dabbed to mid-on and set off for a hasty single, that Zaheer, whose first spell was a highly impressive 5-3-6-1, had finally given up a run.

When he returned, Zaheer had Chamara Kapugedera caught at cover off a deceptive slower ball to take his 21st wicket of this World Cup and so equal the tournament-best mark set by Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi.

But the 32-year-old Zaheer, a boyhood fan of legendary Pakistan left-arm quick Wasim Akram, was unable to contain Jayawardene in the closing stages. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-Time-proves-healer-for-Jayawardene/articleshow/7852124.cms

Proud Ranchi booms with crackers after WC win

Proud father: Dhoni's father Pan Singh celebrates India's emphatic win over Sri Lanka to lift the World Cup.

RANCHI: Thousands of sports lovers took to the streets in Team India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's home town Ranchi to celebrate the World Cup victory over Sri Lanka.

Crackers boomed after Dhoni hit the winning six, as over 2000 people gathered at a ground near Captain M S Dhoni's residence at Harmu to watch the tense battle between bat and ball on a giant screen.

Fans danced to the tune of drums and cheered with the fall of each rival wicket and with each boundary hit by Team India's batsmen.

Cheers became louder after Dhoni completed 6000 runs in one day cricket and then reaching to his half century; enlivening the fans who initially fell silent after openers Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar returned pavillion quickly.

"For the first time the two Asian countries have fought for the World Cup with India winning. This night will never to be forgotten," said Raj Kumar, who stays in the neighbourhood of Dhoni.

"It is a proud moment for Dhoni, who had won both the T20 World Cup and the 50 overs quadrennial event toda...I was not born when India won World Cup in 1983," said Rajesh Sen.

"Now Ranchi is a proud city boasting winners -- starting from late hockey legend Jaipal Singh who captained India to Olympic gold medal in the 1930s and Dhoni leading India to T20 and 50 overs World Cup victories," said Vinod Kumar, a keen sports lover. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Proud-Ranchi-booms-with-crackers-after-WC-win/articleshow/7853621.cms

World Cup final: A nation holds its breath

MUMBAI: India - indeed, the world - is waiting, with baited breath, for Sachin Tendulkar to craft the ultimate fairytale: his 100th international ton, in the World Cup final, before his adoring home crowd. But for the last three days at least, the master's mind might well have been racing down memory lane - to 1996.

That momentous year too, India had crushed Pakistan in an emotionally-charged encounter in the World Cup; then too, they had the little matter of strolling past Sri Lanka to 'pick up' the coveted trophy.

Fifteen years down the line, circa now, the first chapter has already unfolded: unlike feared, India outsmarted Pakistan and Sri Lanka are already in wait. This is, of course, one step up - the final, rather than the semifinal as it was in 1996.

Tendulkar was the man in prime form then too; Muttiah Muralitharan is the only other player still in the picture from that bygone era. The Lankan off-spinner was just a vital cog then; now, he is the one man who can destroy India's fairytale again.

India won't be losing too much sleep over him though; their bigger concern is the mood raging across the country. Just like last time, everybody is behaving like the team has already won the Cup; just like then, and very ominously at that, everyone is already in celebration mode.

Tendulkar would be aware of the dangers of premature euphoria; 13 years prior to that Lankan blow at Eden Gardens, West Indies had made the same mistake. They thought they had already won the World Cup and ended up losing it, despite an awesome collection of match-winners.

India can't afford to be caught off guard again. There is a hint of fragility in their batting and more than a touch of unpredictability in the bowling, you never know when the fielding will come apart either.

The good news is that Tendulkar will be showing that page from history to anybody who dares to race ahead of time; equally reassuring is the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the helm. The captain comes into his own when pressure peaks, when nothing else matters, when destiny is in his hands.

He may not be foolhardy enough to take a mighty gamble, or blindly follow his instincts in this big game; but expect him to take a few chances, to stun you with one or two 'strange' moves. Nobody knows if he will be lucky this time too, or if a backfire is round the corner.

Out here in the fortress called Mumbai, there are no such fears. Excitement has already hit the roof while the scramble for tickets has only become more frenetic. The who's who of India have promised to be there, cheering every shot and every wicket and 'inevitable' victory.

Will even fate have the courage to intervene? If it does, it will have to first stop Virender Sehwag from exploding, prevent Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir from dropping anchor, Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli from gathering momentum and Dhoni and Suresh Raina from going for the kill.

It won't be easy. Sri Lanka though might think fate answers to the names of Lasith Malinga, Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis; if there is any assistance in the track, they will exploit it sooner than you can say Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas (the last-minute replacement for Angelo Mathews and the only other player on either side who featured in the 1996 semifinal).

Ironically, India's bowling suddenly looks dodgy after Ashish Nehra's injury. Dhoni might be forced to bring back R Ashwin. Knowing the skipper's luck, don't be surprised if the spinner turns out to be the ace in the pack. It will be even more chilling if he returns to S Sreesanth and the volatile pacer produces a match-winning show.

If the three Ms don't weave their magic, Sri Lanka won't despair, they can still count on their batting. Dilshan, Mahela and Sangakkara are game-changers and they know this is the time to displace Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva in legend. Unfortunately, they don't have enough depth in the order or solidity lower down.

Tendulkar understands the stakes attached; he has the little matter of completing his destiny too. The 100th ton is beckoning: he couldn't have hoped for a better place, or a better setting, to reach the magical milestone.

It will be the perfect homecoming for India after 28 long years; it is definitely the right time to bury the ghosts of 1996.

 Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/World-Cup-final-A-nation-holds-its-breath/articleshow/7847102.cms

Ind vs SL: Sachin, Murali lock horns in battle of bests

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar gestures during Team India's practice session, a day before the ICC World Cup final against Sri Lanka, in Mumbai on Friday. (PTI Photo)

MUMBAI: In a match-up between Sri Lanka's commendable bowling attack and India's intimidating batting order, it is India's bowling and Sri Lanka's batting that will matter.

The team that tick marks all its positives and works well on the negatives will eventually have the best chance to win cricket's most coveted title.

The Wankhede Stadium, in all its new splendour, is looking beautiful alongside the Arabian Sea, decked to host the final of the 2011 World Cup. In a tournament that has sent the sub-continent into frenzy, it is perhaps most fitting that two of Asia's best teams are fighting the mother of all battles.

Statistics can take a walk and so can reputations. There's no case for home or away advantage either. All the talk and glib of favourites and underdogs, matches and mismatches exist no more. It's time for the two teams to play good cricket and the one that emerges better will be crowned champions.

For that to happen, quality control will be the essence.

In India's case, it has to be their bowling which will sum up how far they go into the game and how they will come out of it. Left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra, who has fractured his finger, is ruled out. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hinted on Friday that the team might go ahead with three seamers, which means the maverick S Sreesanth would be in contention.

But don't just trust Dhoni as yet. When India arrived for practice, the bowler who started rolling his arm before anyone else was R Ashwin.

The Wankhede wicket will be a typical sub-continent one, except that the bounce will be better - a factor that sets it apart from most tracks.

Having Sreesanth in the eleven will mean having a rare India bowler who has the ability to land the ball well on seam and maintain a teasing line outside the off-stump. It would be a gamble but if India bowl first and Sreesanth doesn't spray, most things will fall in place for Dhoni.

Likewise, if India bowl second, having Ashwin - even to open the attack - when Sri Lanka chase under lights, will help. The spinner has gelled well with the tracks and conditions in his two matches so far.

A tight line with the new ball, a bit of flight and a little of the carom-ball trick, Ashwin can unleash all that on the batsmen.

At most times, Dhoni has refrained from speaking about elevens on the eve of a match. Friday was no different. What is certain for now is that the only change in the squad that played Pakistan will be either Ashwin or Sreesanth.

The skipper knows he's got Zaheer and Harbhajan to rely on, Yuvraj in excellent form and Munaf doing his bit in crunch situations. It's just about the fifth bowler.

How about Yusuf Pathan? Unlikely because India face a quality spin attack and Yusuf's belligerent cross-bat hitting may not work as much as his part-time off spin.

Sri Lanka flew in Chaminda Vaas and it appeared like the bowler had been summoned for his left-arm swingers so that batsmen could find their feet moving when Zaheer comes running in.

He has been in tremendous form for India, Dhoni's biggest weapon, both with the new and the old. If he can pitch it right again, Dhoni's job will be half done.

Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene, all took turns playing old mate Vaas, hoping to find some help in countering Zaheer and the genuine possibility of the ball reversing.

Dhoni, the captain, and his team must have certainly worked this out. Those praying for his tactics to work will keep their fingers crossed. The World Cup is for the taking. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-Sachin-Murali-lock-horns-in-battle-of-bests/articleshow/7847588.cms

ICC lifts ban on news channels' coverage of World Cup final

NEW DELHI: International Cricket Council (ICC) has lifted the ban on the electronic media's coverage of Saturday's World Cup final with a rider: Any infringement will lead to initiation of legal proceedings.

"Despite a lengthy meeting at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, the National Broadcasters Association (NBA) and the Broadcast Editors Association (BEA) refused to give assurances that they would desist from breaching the broadcast guidelines in their news programming," ICC said in a statement.

Accordingly, the ICC has decided to commence legal action against the companies involved and will also seek to recover damages through the courts in India rather than bar the channels from the ICC Cricket World Cup final.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said that ICC will "take all steps necessary to protect our commercial rights."

"I am very disappointed that it has come to this, however, we need to do everything to protect our exclusive commercial rights and those of our partners. If that means we have to resort to legal action, that is regrettable but necessary," he said.

The ICC said Indian news channels have repeatedly breached the news access guidelines for broadcasters in the World Cup.

"At the Ministry's request, we travelled to New Delhi to meet with the NBA and BEA in an attempt to resolve the issue but they were unfortunately not willing to conform to the guidelines agreed with the ICC prior to the event." 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/ICC-lifts-ban-on-news-channels-coverage-of-World-Cup-final/articleshow/7845136.cms

Ind vs SL: India are favourites, but we are not underdogs: Sangakkara

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) and Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara hold the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (Reuters Photo)

MUMBAI: While conceding that India were the favourites to lift the World Cup on Saturday, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara refused to term his own band of men as the underdogs in the mega event's summit clash at the Wankhede Stadium.

"They (India) are a very good side and they have always been the favourites to win this tournament. They've got to the finals and everyone will be looking for them to keep going," he told a media conference on the eve of the match.

"We are very confident of the fact that we have been one of the best sides in the tournament. At the same time India are playing great cricket. As I said before, they have always been favourites. They have the best batting side in the world and everyone in the world expects them to turn up tomorrow and win the game.

"I don't think we are underdogs as such. We are a pretty good unit. We have to understand the fact that India for the last two years have been the favourites to win the World Cup. I am sure they will be looking at themselves as favourites too. We have just come here to play as well as we can tomorrow," said Sangakkara.

Admitting his team is battling injuries to key players - Muttiah Muralitharan and Angelo Mathews - Sangakkara, without mentioning their names, said a final decision on their availability for the winners-take-all clash would be taken on Friday night.

"We have got few injury worries. We have flown in people for those who are injured as cover. We will make assessments as the day goes along and then make a final decision this evening as to who is fit enough to play and what's our combination is going to be," he said.

The visitors have added Chaminda Vaas and Suraj Randiv as cover for the two injured players.

Murali, for whom the game is his Swan Song in international cricket, is struggling with a knee injury while Mathews has a quadriceps injury.

Sangakkara was happy with the track prepared for the match by curator Sudhir Naik.

"The wicket looks fantastic. It looks a great wicket. Conditions here are lot more different to conditions at home. Sri Lankan wickets are a bit tougher. Here the wickets are even throughout the game. We are going to try and adapt to the conditions. It looks a very decent wicket and it looks pretty flat and we need to adapt accordingly," he said.

Sangakkara hoped there would not be a repeat of the sort of assault that their bowling got from Australian swashbuckler Adam Gilchrist four years ago in the final at Bridgetown, Barbados.

"Well four years ago we were outdone by a fantastic innings by Adam Gilchrist. Hopefully we won't allow a repeat of that. Even if that does happen we've got to have the mental attitude to adjust and get back into the game."

According to Sangakkara it was important to produce controlled aggression.

"The World Cup brings the best out of players and sometimes the worst. For us tomorrow is going to be about controlled aggression. Not to be too emotional about anything. Being clinical and stay grounded. Take things as they come. You can plan as much as possible, but things can change out there in the middle.

"Everyone's excited. But it's nice to see that it's a controlled excitement. Everyone's relaxed and having a laugh. But also you can see that steely determination behind all that, knowing what a big job is at our hands tomorrow. World Cup finals are huge occasions, so it's pretty tough," he said.

The skipper said not playing at home had both advantage and disadvantage.

"It cuts both ways, I think. Playing in front of your home crowd adds to the excitement and passion and the pride that you feel. But it also adds to the weight of expectations when you feel that the entire crowd is looking at you to do everything right. That's also tough.

"We would have loved to play at home. But that's not the way it is. We have accepted that and we will take whatever the conditions are there for us and I am sure the Indian crowd is always appreciative of a good game of cricket," he remarked.

Sangakkara said winning the World Cup was a huge thing for his nation in the background of the lengthy internal conflict that has ended recently.

"It means everything for us. We have come through a very tough period. A lot of people have laid down their lives for our country. In this new future, hopefully we can take the World Cup home and it will be another occasion for celebrations," he said.

On Sachin Tendulkar's quest to reach the landmark of 100 international centuries, Sangakkara said his team's job was to curtail the Indian score and prevent them from lifting the coveted Cup for the second time in the tournament's history.

"I don't think we are here to spoil anything. I guess everyone knows the importance of scoring runs in a final whether it's Sachin or anyone else. He is going to be the first player to get there (100 international tons). It all adds to the expectations of a World Cup final. Our job is to ensure that the Indian team doesn't score too many runs," he said. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-India-are-favourites-but-we-are-not-underdogs-Sangakkara/articleshow/7844268.cms

Team had food just before toss in the semis: Dhoni

MUMBAI: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday revealed that the players were not served food on time at Mohali and had to rush for it just before the toss prior to the high-voltage India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday.

He said the Hotel Taj staff in Chandigarh, where the players had stayed, could not provide food on time. The team had to leave for PCA Stadium at Mohali early and had their lunch after warm-up and just before the toss.

"I did not want to say this. But, before the semifinal, the first meal the team had was at a quarter to two because the food was not served at the hotel. They said it would take over an hour. So we turned up at the ground, there was not 100 percent food, there was nothing actually at the ground," Dhoni told reporters on the eve of the World Cup summit clash against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

"So we had an early warm-up at the ground and said OK, the meal would be after the warm-up. We went into the field and did the warm-up and the meal we had was before the toss," he added.

Dhoni, however, sought to downplay the incident saying that it was not a "distraction".

"These are the things which can distract you to some extent, but what is important is that what you can do about it. Because you may scream but you would not get the food. What is important is to use the time in the best possible manner. I don't think that should be a big concern or a distraction at all," he said.

"The situation was different over there because there are not many big hotels in Mohali. Here you have plenty of big hotels and I have quite a few friends who'd be ready to bring food in half-an-hour's time," Dhoni added. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/off-the-field/Team-had-food-just-before-toss-in-the-semis-Dhoni/articleshow/7844923.cms

Ind vs SL: Mumbai set for Tendulkar's dream final

Sachin Tendulkar after India's World Cup semifinal match against Pakistan in Mohali. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: A billion hearts will beat for Sachin Tendulkar as India bid for their second World Cup title in the all-Asian final against buoyant Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Tendulkar returns to his home turf at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai determined to add the only silverware missing from the collection of the most celebrated cricketer of the modern era.

The Indian star, who turns 38 next month, holds almost all coveted batting records, but not even his individual brilliance could win the ultimate prize in a team sport like cricket.

In five previous appearances in cricket's showpiece event, Tendulkar helped India reach the semifinal at home in 1996 and finish runners-up to Australia in 2003 in South Africa.

When India won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, Tendulkar was 10 years old, but five of his current team-mates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born.

Playing in his sixth and possibly last World Cup, a record he shares with Pakistan great Javed Miandad, Tendulkar has led from the front to lift India into the final.

His 464 runs in the tournament are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's 467, and he goes into the title clash one ton away from recording an unprecedented 100 international centuries.

Tendulkar's lucky 85 in Wednesday's semifinal against Pakistan, when he was dropped four times and survived close leg-before and stumping decisions, suggests he was destined to play the final.

"It will be a fantastic occasion," Tendulkar said of the match in his home city. "We will focus on the job in hand and try to get the job done."

Both India and Sri Lanka have injury concerns.

Sri Lanka appear to be the worst hit with star bowler Muttiah Muralitharan struggling to recover from hamstring and knee injuries and all-rounder Angelo Mathews down with a side strain.

Kumar Sangakkara's men have flown in veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas and off-spinner Suraj Randiv to cover for the injured duo, but they are still not officially eligible to play.

Muralitharan, the world's leading Test and one-day bowler who turns 38 next month, will leave international cricket after Saturday's final.

Indian seamer Ashish Nehra is almost certainly ruled out after sustaining a fracture in his right hand during the semifinal win over Pakistan in Mohali on Wednesday.

India may not ask for a stand-by since off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth are waiting in the wings to take over from Nehra.

Sri Lanka marched into their second successive final after losing just one match out of eight in the tournament.

Sangakkara's men, playing at home in Colombo, thrashed England by 10 wickets in the quarter-final before delivering a five-wicket blow to New Zealand in the semifinal.

Sri Lanka, like India, are also seeking their second World Cup title after winning in 1996 when Arjuna Ranatunga's team stunned Australia in the Pakistani city of Lahore.

Dilshan has led a power-packed display by the batsmen to become the tournament's leading scorer, while Sangakkara has notched up 417 runs and young opener Upul Tharanga has made 393 runs.

Sri Lanka enjoy a formidable bowling attack with sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga (11 wickets) and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis (seven) complimenting off-spinner Muralitharan, who has 15.

Indian seamer Zaheer Khan, who will also play on his home ground in Mumbai, goes into the final with 19 wickets, second behind Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi's tally of 21.

Sri Lanka have prevailed in recent one-dayers against India, winning six of the 10 matches played last year in Dhaka, Harare, Bulawayo and Dambulla.

But India have won five of seven matches against the Islanders on home soil over the last five years.

India will be playing at the refurbished 33,000-capacity Wankhede stadium for the first time, while Sri Lanka know what awaits them having beaten New Zealand by 112 runs in a league match at the ground on March 18.

Teams (from):

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt.), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (Capt.), Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Aleem Dar (PAK)

TV umpire: Ian Gould (ENG)

Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

Pitch conditions: The well-rolled pitch with even bounce should provide entertaining cricket with both bat and ball. The match will begin in hot weather but the evening sea breeze will cool temperatures. 

 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-Mumbai-set-for-Tendulkars-dream-final/articleshow/7842320.cms

Lata Mangeshkar fasts for Team India

NEW DELHI: A known cricket buff, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar fasted for Team India during the high voltage World cup semifinal against arch rivals Pakistan and is now praying for her favourite Sachin Tendulkar to score his 100th century in Saturday's final.

The 81-year-old, who says that the master blaster is like her son, did not eat or drink during the nine-hour nail-biter.

"I had watched the whole match and I was very tense. Everyone in my family follows some kind of superstition when India is playing. I, Meena and Usha did not eat or drink anything during the semifinal match. I was constantly praying for the victory and we had our dinner after India won," Lata told PTI in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"I am eager to see India winning the cup and if Sachin scores his 100th century on his home ground in the final, it will be icing on the cake. I will pray for that," said Lata.

When asked about the possibility of watching the final at Wankhede stadium, she replied in the negative. An avid cricket fan, Lata had enjoyed the 1983 World Cup final from the galleries at Lords.

"I don't go to stadiums anymore. I will watch the match at home and after that I leave for Pune where I have to attend an award ceremony," she said.

She also declined to predict the outcome of the much awaited match.

"Both the teams are equally good. Cricket is a very unpredictable game and you can't guess anything about the outcome. I thought Yuvraj will play a big knock in the semifinal but he got out for a duck. So I don't like to predict anything," she said.

Recalling the 1983 World Cup final , Lata said that she was in London at that time for a concert and was desperate to watch the final after Kapil's boys won the semi-final against England.

"I had invited Kapil Dev and his team for dinner before the match to my hotel. I wished them best of luck and after that our team created history," she said.

"After winning the trophy, Kapil Dev invited me for a dinner with the Indian team in London. I went there and congratulated the players," she added.

On her return to India, Lata agreed to stage a concert without charging a penny to raise money for the victorious team and all the players sang with her in the New Delhi concert. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Lata-Mangeshkar-fasts-for-Team-India/articleshow/7842311.cms

Ind vs SL: Nehra may miss World Cup final against Sri Lanka

MUMBAI: Left-arm medium pacer Ashish Nehra, who picked up two wickets and ended up the most economical Indian bowler following a superb spell in the semifinal against Pakistan, is learnt to be out of the World Cup with a fractured finger.

Nehra may not take part in the final, but neither the Indian team manager Ranjib Biswal nor ICC spokespersons could confirm the development. Apparently, the bowler hurt his finger while fielding against Pakistan.

In case Nehra's out, it is to be seen if India would seek a replacement. In the event they go for a replacement, then Ishant Sharma is likely to come in as Praveen Kumar, who was in the original eleven but opted out due to injury, is still recuperating.

The team could also decide against a replacement as it has enough bench strength at the moment which includes S Sreesanth and R Ashwin.

It is being seriously perceived that Ashwin is likely to make the final 11 on Saturday and, therefore, a replacement may not be needed at all. However, these aspects will unfold only after Nehra is officially ruled out.

It is also learnt that India's number three batsman Gautam Gambhir is also battling a minor injury. However, there has been no update on him either.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan side is grappling with its own problems. Veteran left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas and crafty off-spinner Suraj Randiv have been sent an SOS by the team management to join the squad as cover for injured all-rounder Aneglo Matthews (hamstring) and legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (hamstring and knee).

Vaas, a member of the 1996 side that won the Cup and also part of their campaigns in 1999, 2003 and 2007, was initially included in the 30-man probables, but was left out.

Randiv is yet to play in a World Cup and is unfortunately remembered for his deliberate no-ball against India which denied Virender Sehwag a century in an ODI last August. 

Source:  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-Nehra-may-miss-World-Cup-final-against-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/7835632.cms

Ind vs SL: India chase World Cup history but Sri Lanka in the way

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sri Lankan captain Kumara Sangakkara pose with the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: Armed with the wishes of millions of passionate fans and a never-say-die spirit, India are just one win away from becoming the ODI world champions after almost 28 years as they clash with an equally determined Sri Lanka in the first all-Asian cricket World Cup summit showdown on Saturday.

More than two decades after their incredible World Cup triumph at the historic Lord's, India find themselves on the threshold of probably their biggest cricketing moment as they brace up for a nerve-wrecking battle for supremacy at the renovated Wankhede stadium.

Both India and Sri Lanka, two Asian giants who have played against each other frequently in recent times, have won the coveted trophy once each and will leave no stone unturned to regain the Cup.

Though there is little to choose between the two teams, India will fancy their chances of putting it across the islanders as they are playing at home and are peaking at the right time after a rather patchy beginning to their campaign.

Both the teams have some injury concerns ahead of the grand finale which will be high on emotions for a variety of reasons and will give one last chance to ageing maestro Sachin Tendulkar to fulfill his dream of winning the World Cup, one silverware that has been missing from his collection.

The match will be the last outing for India's highly respected coach Gary Kirsten who has transformed the team into world-beaters as also Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss, who is set to resign after the World Cup.

It will also be a swansong match for Muttiah Muralitharan, who is racing against time to recover from a knee injury.

The home team has suffered a jolt ahead of the game with Ashish Nehra, who bowled well in the high-voltage semifinal clash against Pakistan in Mohali, being virtually ruled out because of a finger injury.

Similarly, Sri Lanka have injury concerns over Muralitharan and all-rounder Angelo Matthews and have called in Suraj Randiv and Chaminda Vaas as cover.

The hosts are also grappling with a selection dilemma ahead of the summit showdown which will be watched by millions of fans in both the cricket-crazy nations.

The Indians misread the Mohali track and opted for an additional seamer in Nehra at the expense of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who did a decent job in the two matches he has played so far.

The Mohali pitch assisted the slow bowlers more though the three Indian pacers -- Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel and Nehra -- bowled well.

The Indians are peaking at the right time having prevailed over defending champions Australia in the quarters and arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage semi-final but it remains to be seen whether they can pull it off when it matters the most.

Captain Dhoni has warned his teammates not to get distracted by the excessive hype surrounding their World Cup campaign and just focus on the job at hand.

"There'll be plenty of things happening around us, but what's important is not to get distracted. We all know what our jobs are as professional cricketers so we'll stick to that and try to play good cricket", Dhoni said.

"The Sri Lankans have a good side and they have done really well in the tournament. We have to play good cricket to beat them. We have to be at our best."

Both the teams appear to be well-balanced on paper though the islanders certainly have a more potent bowling attack, particularly with the presence of spin wizard Muralitharan who will be keen to make an impression in his swansong game.

Muralitharan has been troubled by a knee injury and Randiv has been called in as cover for him, though the team management is confident that he would be fully fit by Saturday.

Although the Indians have a formidable batting line-up and most of them are quite adept in dealing with spin, Muralitharan is a wily customer and will find a way to put pressure on the batsmen if he takes the field on the morrow.

The home team will look to Tendulkar and the flamboyant Virender Sehwag to provide a rollicking start and set the platform for the middle-order to take India to a decent total at the Wankhede stadium track which is expected to suit the batsmen.

Tendulkar has been in good form right through the tournament with 464 runs and his fans will be hoping that he achieves the phenomenal milestone of scoring his 100th international century at his home ground.

Sehwag, who started with a brilliant 175 against Bangladesh, has not really fired after that knock though he has rattled up quick-fire 30s and 40s. India need him to be at his brutal best to take the game away from the Lankans.

India have the depth in their batting but they need to ensure that they don't collapse in the batting powerplay as they had done against South Africa and the West Indies. They, however, made the powerplay count in the last game against Pakistan.

Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Raina have enough talent and skill to put runs on the board. Dhoni has been struggling with the bat and will be hoping to make a contribution when it matters most.

Yuvraj, who is having a dream World Cup and has already won a record four man-of-the-match awards, will have a key role to play since he is the player in form both with the bat and ball.

The Sri Lankans, on the other hand, have a settled look to their squad and definitely have the resources to spoil India's party.

Their top batsmen -- Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga and Mahela Jayawardene -- have all been among the runs.

"It means a lot to us. This is what we planned for over two years. We missed a great opportunity in 2007 when we reached the finals and again we've got a great opportunity tomorrow," Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said.

"We will be preparing for the finals. We don't have to get carried away. We are in the finals and that's great and we need to keep our heads down and keep in mind that there's a lot of work left to be done. Its the biggest day of our lives", he said.

The eventual winners of the flagship event of the game would be richer by USD three million, while the runners-up would take home $1.5 million out of the total prize pool of $12.52 million.

Sri Lanka have played four one-dayers at this venue, including a league match in this tournament against New Zealand. Out of those four, they have won two and lost two.

Sri Lanka had been beaten by India and defeated them once each in their first two encounters at the ground in 1986-87 and 1996-97.

In two other non-India games, the Lankans were beaten by the West Indies in 1993, while they defeated New Zealand earlier this month. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-India-chase-World-Cup-history-but-Sri-Lanka-in-the-way/articleshow/7842592.cms

I had a fear batting would collapse: Afridi

KARACHI: The World Cup semifinal loss to India continues to rankle Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi, who said he always had a fear that his team's struggling batting line-up would collapse in the high-voltage match.

"I think the way we have been struggling with our batting, there should be a coach to work out with the batsmen," suggested Afridi after the team arrived in Karachi.

"I think I had a fear that our batting could collapse, our batting had been struggling from the first match to the last. I will give credit to the bowlers from the first match to the last.

"It was only due to the efforts of bowlers that the team which was going to score 300 to 350 runs was bowled out for about 250. This was a great effort by us," he added.

The Pakistan cricket team returned to a warm welcome with fans showering the players with flowers and shouting slogans in support of Afridi. Pakistan lost to India by 29 runs while chasing 261 in the World Cup semifinals.

"The Pakistan team has players from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Our only objective was to build up this team in difficult circumstances. Our only goal was to take the team to the top," said Afridi.

Afridi once again criticised Interior Minister Rehman Malik for stating that Pakistani players would be monitored for match-fixing just a day before the match against India.

"I don't think the timing was right. He telephoned me three or four times and he tried to explain things but I could not understand what he was saying as I was busy with my work. I think he made a mistake and I hope such mistakes aren't made by anyone in future," he said. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/interviews/I-had-a-fear-batting-would-collapse-Afridi/articleshow/7842435.cms

Ind vs SL: ICC bans TV channels from covering World Cup final

NEW DELHI: A day before the World Cup final clash between India and Sri Lanka, the International Cricket Council (ICC) renewed the ban on Indian television news channels from covering the match at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

ICC on Friday cancelled the accreditation for all Indian news channels from being allowed inside the stadium.

ICC's cancellation came despite the intervention from the Information & Broadcast Ministry.

Information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni had also taken up the issue with agriculture minister and ICC president Sharad Pawar after the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

TV channels were permitted to cover the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinals after ICC lifted the ban on accredited journalists from the news channels for a day, following intervention by Soni. She had written a letter to Pawar requesting him to restore the status-quo and allow the electronic media to report on the event as was the case earlier. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-SL-ICC-bans-TV-channels-from-covering-World-Cup-final/articleshow/7842018.cms

Poonam Pandey committed to strip if India wins final against SL

Mumbai-based model Poonam Pandey is all of 20 and ready to strip for Team India. (AFP photo)

MUMBAI: She is all of 20 and ready to strip for Team India. Mumbai-based model Poonam Pandey wants to keep her commitment to bare all if India wins the World Cup.

Pandey told TOI on Thursday: ''Of course, I am going to do it. But where? I can bare all wherever they want. It can be inside the players' dressing room or even in the stadium.''

Pandey insisted she has got overwhelming support from the people of India. ''They are encouraging me. Even my parents are proud of me because I am doing something for Team India. They have no issues with my going nude.''

When told that nudity is considered an offence and that she may get into trouble, the model said: ''I am going to take permission from BCCI. I really don't want to do anything that is against the law.''

Her friends and colleagues on Facebook, though, requested that she must strip with or without BCCI's permission. Fellow model Shweta Sharma posted: "Poonam has to bare all even if BCCI says no. Please don't give an excuse saying I will go nude only if they agree".

Pandey said daring to bare is the best way to cheer team India after their win. Her Facebook status says: "I am a New Generation Girl!!! Anything for my country to get home the World Cup. So INDIA cheer with me that we need 1983 World Cup BACK." Pandey has been one of the most searched persons on the internet in the past two days. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Poonam-Pandey-committed-to-strip-if-India-wins-final-against-SL/articleshow/7839613.cms

Lack of runs doesn't bother Dhoni

MOHALI: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni insists his own form is not a concern heading into the World Cup semifinal against Pakistan on Wednesday.

Dhoni, also India's wicketkeeper, has a well-deserved reputation as a hard-hitting middle-order batsman.

But his returns with the bat at this World Cup amount to just 125 runs from seven innings at 31.25 with a best of 34.

In India's quarterfinal win over Australia the captain did have an opportunity to play a key innings but was out for seven.

It fell to left-handers Yuvraj Singh (57 not out) and Suresh Raina (34 not out) to see the home side to a five-wicket success in Ahmedabad.

"It's a cricketing aspect," said Dhoni, the face of numerous billboard and television World Cup advertising campaigns.

However, he insisted he was not being distracted by outside influences.

"I have been batting quite well, some of the situations have not been good for really playing flamboyant cricket. Like against Bangladesh, I could not get to bat. Also some shots went straight to fielders.

"What is important, especially in India is when you are batting at five, six or seven, if the top order scores well, it does not give much opportunity to the lower order.

"The last game (against Australia) was ideal where I could have got good runs, which were also needed then, but I could not get them."

The 29-year-old added he was proud to captain India, saying: "It's an honour to lead the side. If you take a pressure job, you will find yourself in a pressure cooker."

This match is being seen by some observers as a way to start an improvement in diplomatic relations between feuding nuclear powers India and Pakistan.

But Dhoni was adamant his team would just concentrate on the job at hand.

"It depends on what you mean by hype, media, sponsors, politicians - we are not getting involved.

"We are expected to play good cricket. The biggest, distinguished guests will be there to see the game, but they are here to enjoy cricket, so we have to be at our best."

India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani are both set to be among a capacity crowd on Wednesday.

"That will be a distraction if looking forward to that, that's the role I have been handed," Dhoni explained.

"Somebody has to lose this game, irrespective of political talking.

"At the end one team will have lost and one will be going into the final. That's part and parcel of sport, every sport." 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Lack-of-runs-doesnt-bother-Dhoni/articleshow/7816318.cms

Ind vs Pak: Kirsten dossier rates Pakistan 'dangerous'

MOHALI: India need to raise their performance in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against "dangerous" Pakistan if they aim to win the showpiece event, coach Gary Kirsten has said.

He also added Pakistan were known for playing "fearless" cricket, he has mentioned this in a 16-page document, "Roadmap to Success", prepared by the coach on how to win the World Cup.

"A combination of big-hitters and a potent pace attack with a decent spin attack to follow the pacers makes Pakistan a very dangerous side which is very well known to play fearless cricket," Kirsten said in the dossier.

The former South African batsman also said inconsistency was Pakistan's main concern.

"Pakistan as a team over the years have a tendency to blow hot and cold," said Kirsten.

"It's a great chance for Pakistan to show the world what they are capable of ... The tag of dark horses suits them and enables them to perform harder (eg 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory)."

Kirsten also highlights the areas where India need to improve, like batting a full quota of 50 overs, making the most of batting powerplay, fielding and the support for in-form paceman Zaheer Khan.

"Our weak link so far, it (powerplay) should be taken only towards the close of an innings. The crucial aspect is not to hit every ball out of the park, but to take advantage of the field restrictions," Kirsten said.

"Only Zaheer has been up to the mark, others, especially (a) senior spinner, should rise to the occasion."

The India coach described record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar as his "hero" and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as the "Superman".

Yuvraj has already scored 341 runs in seven matches with one hundred and four half-centuries at an astonishing average of 113.66, while Tendulkar is one short of completing 100 international centuries.

"Almost 38, Sachin is still my hero; with two centuries in the tournament he is the backbone of the side," said Kirsten.

"Who thought after 15 months of struggle Yuvi will make such a comeback! He is my man of the tournament and the Superman."

The dossier, already circulated to the players, also includes tips on diet and avoiding stress. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-Pak-Kirsten-dossier-rates-Pakistan-dangerous/articleshow/7815135.cms