      |
|||
Rain douses Tendulkar's fireworks trail India who were heading for an almost certain victory over New Zealand were frustrated by a sudden rain which unexpectedly poured down at R. Premadasa stadium last night resulting in the third match of the Nidahas Trophy limited-overs cricket tournament to end in a no decision. India replying to New Zealand's moderate total of 219 were strongly placed at 132 for 2 in 24.2 overs when the rain fell out of the blues, surprising everyone including the ground staff. It persisted without easing a bit until the umpires called off the match another hour later. This gave New Zealand and India one point each in the tournament. Needing only 88 runs to get for victory in 25.4 overs at a run rate of 3.43 with eight wickets in hand, New Zealand would have had little chances of depriving Indians from coasting to an easy win had the game been played under normal circumstances. A decision could have been taken on the faster run rate had 25 overs been completed in the second innings, but when the game abruptly ended just four balls before the minimum requirement of 25 overs were bowled, many thought that the Indians were pipped at the post. But Indians' immediate disappointment at failing to complete those four balls would have turned into jubilation when they learned later that according to rules, New Zealanders would have been the likely winners at 25 overs. Going by the tournament rules which follows the now accepted Parabola Formula on run rates for the rain interrupted matches, Indians needed 147 runs at the completion of 25 overs. That means they had to get another 15 runs in four balls, which simply would not have been scored by the unsuspecting Indians who had no idea of the rains which were to come. But to be fair by the Indians, not on rules but in reality, they had every reason to be disappointed after a well controlled performance with which they had pushed the Kiwis' backs to the walls. In-form Sachin Tendulkar laid the foundation for India's formidable position with another blockbuster innings which set the Premadasa stadium ablaze. The dashing stroke maker slammed three sixes and three fours in making an entertaining half century in 33 balls to set Indians well on course for the target. He finally fell at 53 for a magical return catch by all rounder Chris Harris which was out of this world. Harris who bowls leg cutters, dived more than a full length to his right to grab an unbelievable chance to the delighted relief of the New Zealanders with the total on 78 in the tenth over. Tendulkar had by then almost put them on victory path. Skipper Mohammed Azharuddin who put on 58 runs with Tendulkar in just five overs then associated his deputy Ajay Jadeja till the rains in an unbroken 54-run partnership in 14 overs. Azharuddin made 53 not out in 54 balls with three boundaries while Jadeja made 17 in 45 balls. Opener Saurav Ganguly who made 83 against Sri Lanka to be named Man of the match in India's first match made only four before edging a Chris Cairns delivery to wicket keeper Adam Parore. New Zealand's innings was built around a superb 81 by opener Nathan Astle when India won the toss and asked them to bat first. Astle faced 118 balls hitting six fours and a six and shared three noteworthy partnerships before finally being dismissed in the 43rd over. He first associated Bryan Young in a 65 run opening stand in 15 overs before Young was bowled by leg spinner Anil Kumble for 23. Skipper Stephen Fleming did not last long but all rounder Craig McMillan joined Astle to add 49 runs in 11 overs bringing the total up to a comfortable 122 for 2 by the 30th over. McMillan attempting a big drive was caught at deep extra cover by Ajay Jadeja off Sachin Tendulkar for 23 which he made in 36 balls with one boundary. Matt Horne who was in a pathetic form during Sri Lankan tour finally found his touch and partnered Astle for a fine 63-run fourth wicket stand in just 13 overs. Astle who played with great authority showing a beautiful technique, was finally out when he mistimed a drive off spinner Harinder Singh and Hrishikesh Kanitkar at long on caught the high chance. His dismissal on 185 in the 43rd over also marked the beginning of New Zealand's decline. They lost five wickets for 34 runs in the last eight overs. Young medium pacer Ajit Agarkar was the chief man responsible for checking the Kiwis. The 20-year-old claimed excellent figures of 4-0-19-3 to thwart any hopes New Zealand had of a bigger total.
New Zealand
B. Young b Kumble 23
N. Astle c Kanitkar b H. Singh 81
S. Fleming c Prasad b H. Singh 5
C. McMillan c Jadeja b Tendulkar 23
M. Horne lbw b Prasad 44
C. Cairns c Mongia b Agarkar 20
A. Parore lbw b Agarkar 1
C. Harris c and b Agarkar 3
M. Priest not out 4
D. Vettori not out 1
Extras (lb-3, w-10, nb-1) 14
Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) 219
Fall of wickets: 1-65 2-73 3-122 4-185 5-204 6-209 7-212 8-215
Did not bat: P. Wiseman.
Bowling: Agarkar 9-0-52-3 (1w), Prasad 7-1-21-1,
H. Singh 9-0-30-2 (1w), R. Singh 2-1-8-0, Kumble 8-0-31-1 (1w),
Kanitkar 9-0-42-0 (2w), Tendulkar 6-0-32-1 (1nb, 5w).
India
S.Ganguly c Parore b Cairns 4
S.Tendulkar c&b Harris 53
M.Azharuddin not out 53
A.Jadeja not out 17
Extras (w-3 nb-1) 4
Total (for 2 wickets, 24.2 overs) 131
Fall of wicket: 1-20 2-78
Did not bat: R.Singh, N.Mongia, H.Kanitkar, A.Kumble,
A.Agarkar, V.Prasad, H.Singh
Bowling: Cairns 5-0-36-1 (2w); Vettori 6.2-0-32-0;
Harris 6-0-40-1 (1nb) Astle 4-0-12-0, Wiseman 3-0-11-0 (1w)
Violence halts Rugby By Althaf Nawaz The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Council (SLRFU) unanimously decided not play any club matches in Kandy until the end of this season. The council arrived at this decision after last Saturday's incidents in Kandy caused severe injuries to spectators while many vehicles were damaged at the Carlsberg League match between CR and FC and Kandy Sports Club at Nittawela. The Rugby Union President Dr. Maiya Gunasekere speaking to 'The Island' said that "we had to come to this decision for the safety of players and the game. Owing to this we suspended playing any matches in Kandy until the next season". When inquired about holding any tournament this year Dr. Maiya said that they were unable to go ahead with any further matches with the assistance of the Kandy Sports Club and Deputy Inspector General of Police Kandy is held. Meanwhile, according to reports several vehicles were badly damaged inclusive of the SLRFU members and Referees bus. The spectators who were in the grand stand too sustained injuries and one of them had to undergo surgery was Mohan Balasuriya. Week before last when CH and FC played in Kandy same situation had occurred but Kandy players intervened to bring the situation under control. SLRFU had requested Kandy SC to use the Police grounds for their home matches in the future. |
|||
 |
|||