Indian Premier League (IPL)

Match 36 - Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians

After a rapid win over Delhi DareDevils Dhoni XI Chennai Super Kings found themselves relaxed against Mumbai Indians who are not in that prime form as they were. Although Little Master Sachin Tendulkar joined the team for first time in IPL Season replacing Shaun Pollock as captain of side. Sachin won the toss and elected to bowl first as most of captains do in T20 format and prefer to chase. As usual Shaun Pollock was given the opportunati along with the experianced indian pacer Ashish nehra, Pollock bowled extremely well within line and length but the former kiwi captain smashed Nehra and bravo out of the park, but unfotunately chennai loses vidyut on the bowling of Pollock in the third over afterwards raina joined the party but he was dissmissed early after that MS Dhoni along with Badrinath holds the innings togather and put their team on a decent total of 156/6 they contributed 95 runs together.

Now it was upto Sachin’s army how to achieve competative total of 155 runs, considering their past record which clearly suggests that they are not good chasers but the way two very experienced asian runs machines fire they clearly out class the Dhoni Soldiers it was found to be Jayasuria’s night the way he smashed chennai was totaly outclass and was appriciated by every one including the Ambani’s. jayasuria was playing in his own aggressive style of batting and the sixes were raining all around the ground he smashed 11 sixes and 9 fours he fineshed the match with flying colours by hitting 26 runs of 5 balls of Kapugadra’s over he was ararded man of the match for his Supreme performance of 114 runs for just 48 deliveries. Mumbai Indians won comprehensively by 9 wickets with over 5 overs to spare.

Rawalpindi Express and Pakistani Speedstar Shoaib Akhtar who appeared in 35th match of IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders in ravishing fashion. He looked to play throughout aggressive cricket start begining from his performance in IPL. Akthar also confessed that he had nothing to prove anyone when he gone to bowl out up against strong batting line up of Delhi DareDevils. Kolkata Knight Riders defending modest total of 134 find themselves uneasy to defend against Delhi. The sensational debut of Shoaib Akhtar created magic for Kolkata Knight Riders and stolen great victory over Delhi DareDevils.

Despite the fact that Shoaib Akhtar was out of frame from long while, due to disclipinary reasons but last night in front of massive Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He found himself again Match winner with his bowling. Although Shoaib looked more relaxed sharing dressing along Saurav Ganguly and King Khan Shahrukh Khan. He also quoted that Kolkata is my home team and which is more important for me infact Eden Gardens is home ground too. Ganguly and Shahrukh supported me and enlighted to motivate with my performance. I am all here to perform well with my game nor to show or point anyone. Shoaib Akhtar, rewarded as Man of the Match right from fabolous debutant in IPL, Now Shoaib need to continue his prime form in rest of remaining matches. Shahrukh Khan the franchise owner with Jai Mehta also feels more enthusiastic as Shoaib Akhtar given more resistance to Knight Riders.

Match Number 35 of IPl t20 was a Blockbuster. It had the most anticipated return of the controversial Shoaib Akhtar who had gone through sever stress in the past month or so.

Ganguly choose to bat on a good looking wicket and salman butt played well and gave his side a moderate start but after Chopra went and the skipper soon followed the pressure mounted on hussey and Butt.But soon got out just when he was looking dangerous for 48.And hussey who seemed out of the groove still managed a struggling 31.But the problems were the big hit and 12 - 15 run overs which never came for Knight Riders .KKr just managed a modest 133/6 of their 20 overs

Dehli Superstar opener came onto the field with a very gente target to chase but they were facing the return of Rawalpindi Express on the Cricketing Field.Shoaib blew away Verinder Sehwag on his 3rd ball and then soon followed with Gautam Gambhir`s wicket and gangully chance to give him another go worked wonders as he blew away two more batsmen removing Ab devilliers and Tiwary.This brought Knight Riders back into the game and the crowd along with Srk witnessed a dream IPl beginning for Speedstar Shoaib Akhtar.

The Knight Riders who were on a high did not allowed Daredevils to settle down with their excellent ground fielding and great team spirit and kept one taking wickets through runout.

Finally Shukla sealed the victory for Kolkata by taking 3 wickets of 5 balls.This brought Kolkata right back in the hunt for the semi-final slot and now its the dare devilz who have to struggle to come back.

Sharukh Khan was so estatic that he jumped onto Shoaib Akhtar (Man of the Match) lap to congratulate him and also presented him with Knights Souvnier.

Shoaib Akhtar who is much news during last week or so infact whole tournament due to few controversies of banned by PCB. Akhtar, out of frame from International cricket for several months had joined Kolkata Knight Riders last week to play rest of matches. Knighr Riders who grabbed some kind of form from 2 successive wins in a row will face strong and competetive team Delhi DareDevils. By Combination both teams have great pair of bowling attack with batting aspects also.

Shoaib Akhtar who joined team earlier this week confident to show off his skills and experience for remaining matches for Kolkata Knight Riders. Akthar who missed about 9 matches for KKR could possibly seen in action tonight for intersting encounter against Delhi DareDevils. DareDevils who has poor form from last matches lost it quite badly. However they had compentant to show off anything underpressure. Many expectations, expected from Shoaib Akthar because he is considered to be fastest bowler of tournament infact Franchise Shahrukh Khan also confessed that Shoaib Akhtar factor will be treat to watch and can be beneficial for his team also.
Shoaib Akthar will likely to replace his team mate Umar Gul for KKR

Match 34 - Royal Challengers vs. Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab who are up against underdogs of IPL tournament in their home ground PCA Mohali. Kings XI Punjab considered to be strongest contender of IPL with solid combination of players. Royal Challengers won the toss and Rahul Dravid elected to bat first. Misbah-ul-Haq included in squad yet again with ArunKumar. Royal Challengers slightly alter their tactics as Arunkumar and Kohli opened up innings Arunkumar felt early with fantastic bowling from Sreesanth. After 1st dismissal Misbah came in at number 3. From beginning he looks in fine touch and started to consolidate. Incidently he get out hit wicket in bowling of Sreesanth he scored quick 21 runs off 8 balls including 3 4’s and 1 6’s. Cameron White arrived who is still looking to impress in IPL. V Kohli also went out scoring same 21 runs. Then Rahul Dravid skipper joined Cameron White. After scoring 25 runs partnership White simply get out. RCB struggling and searching for parnterships then Mark Boucher arrived to develop any how platform to raise the runs momentum for RCB. Meanwhile Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla and Sreesaanth applied pressure constantly and took wickets in regular intervals. Rahul Dravid also removed by brilliant yorker from Pathan he scored 29 runs. Parveen Kumar came in to join Mark Boucher but no one seemed to settle for long as flory of wickets again started to tumble for RCB. They scored 144 for the loss of 8 wickets with a run rate of 7.15 per over.

Kings XI Punjab who are relatively good chaser batting second except last match against Chennai they batted much well. Shaun Marsh and James Hopes opened up for Kings XI Punjab. Marsh who is in premium form pulled off things for Kings XI Punjab quite brilliant. After dismissal of Hopes another young Aussie came to join fellow mate Pomersbach and continue to provide momentum in run chase for 144. However Marsh reached his second half-century of the tournament. Pace Attack of RCB unable to provide any major breakthroughs. Infact Anil Kumble also remained wicketless along with Zaheer Khan. Shaun Marsh and Pomerbach sealed off target within 15.4 overs with handy run rate of 9.19 runs per over. Another loss for Royal Challengers Bangalore which suffers team for more problems any how there is no more chance to reach any respective position in standings. Kings XI Punjab won comprehensively by 9 wickets Shaun Marsh again rewarded as Man of the Match second time for his brilliant knock of 71 runs.

If we recall the last meeting it was a one sided affair ,yes the very first match but this time it was a different story Kokata were seeking a win after loosing four games in succession.

The game was reduced to 16 overs a side but Kolkata managed a fine 129/7 thanks to last 3 good productive overs

The second Innings was all action wickets , runout brilliance in field from hodge and taibu.and excelence in batting.

Ganguly had limped to a run-a-ball 20 with the bat, but his miserly spell - 3 for 7 from three overs - choked a stumbling chase of 130 in 16 overs that, despite a flurry towards the end from Mark Boucher, was always behind the eight ball. It was Ganguly’s canny bowling, after Brad Hodge produced a superb direct hit from backward point to get rid of J Arunkumar, that perhaps decided the outcome. Bangalore’s top order failed to keep pace and Ganguly, clearly charged up by the occasion, struck a huge blow by bowling his opposite number Rahul Dravid. By the time Ganguly was done Bangalore needed 78 off 36 balls, a near-impossible task. Cameron White and Boucher played good hands, the latter almost pulling off a win, but Bangalore’s top order had left them with a bit too much to do. White cut loose to take 15 runs off the 11th over from Laxmi Ratan Shukla, eight came off the next from the next from Ashok Dinda, and another 15 off Umar Gul kept them in line with the asking-rate. Ishant Sharma just gave five off the 14th, and when White was run out backing up too far at the non-striker’s end by Murali Kartik, it seemed a done case. Boucher, whose 26 had needed 30 deliveries, then scored 24 off just 10, but Bangalore still fell five runs short.

This win gives KKR a much needed boost along with the arrival of Shoaib AKhtar and Kolkata wil hope to continue their winning run to keep them self alive with the chance to be in the top 4 team which can qualify for semi-finals.

On the other hand banglore are looking dry and there is little hope for them to get back to  their groove .

Match 26 - Chennai Super Kings vs. Deccan Chargers

Chennai Super Kings who started the tournament as most sucessful team in IPL after winning consecutive 4 wins now they are down in under loosing match by match. Deccan Chargers captain, Adam Gilchrist won the toss and elected to field like most captains do after winning toss. MS Dhoni also eyed to put on realistic target to upleash Deccan Chargers solid batting line up. Start from beginning bowling attack of Deccan always find themselves right on top by grabbing early and crucial wickets. Vijaykumar removed Parthiv Patel in his first over then suddenly wickets started to tumble over by over. From other end RP Singh continued his tight line and also grabbed twice in whole innings. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni able to survive at crease for some while and look to build up any major parntership but Sanjay Bangar dismissed Raina and broken dangerous gathering of dangerous pair Raina scored 32 runs. Soon Albie Morkel came in who is more reknown as solid hitter of cricket bowl but following next over of Sanjay Bangar, Ojha also removed fearous batsman MS Dhoni which is called to be Priceless wicket in any part of the game that make double bonus for Deccan Chargers. Since then no one seem to stay and survive at middle except Albie Morkel who scored handy 29 runs went not out with Manpreet Gony. Chennai Super Kings made 144 runs 7.44 runs per over.

Deccan Chargers, new and most re-defining batting pair Adam Gilchrist and Herchelle Gibbs. Gibbs fallen early by giving delicate catch to Gony which he caught quite brilliantly. Then Scott Styris came to join Adam Gilchrist, Gilly again looked in fantastic form of batting played anchor role as captain do for his team. In absence of VVS Laxman he looked more patient and responsible because of leading team from front. Scott Styris also supported him well meanwhile Adam Gilchrist reached his quick fire fifty and suddenly got out after making 54 runs off 36 balls including 7 boundaries and 2 massive sixes. Rohit Sharma joined Scott Styris he also display his finesse with great excellency of strokes. After again loss of Rohit Sharma the pinch hitter Shahid Afridi came in who is looking to score something with bat in IPL. Afridi seemed to be in real hurry he finish the target within 18th over. He remain not out for 20 runs included 2 boundaries and 2 sixes. Scott Styris also remained unbeaten while scoring 36 runs. Deccan Chargers won by 7 wickets and registered their 2nd victory of the tournament while Chennai Super Kings lost 3rd match in a row and second in home Chennai. Adam Gilchrist awarded as Man of the Match for second time in IPL for his magnificient 56 runs and led his team towards 2nd victory

Match 25 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab which is proving to be strongest contender with great combination of overseas and local players up against Royal Challengers Bangalore who is striving for grab some wins to reach any respected place in standings. Yuvraj Singh won the toss and elected to field first. Wasim Jaffar and V Kohli opened up innings. Wasim Jaffer who is most consitent for RCB fall early and Sreesanth sent him back with his brillant bowling. Cameron White added in squad and promoted @ number 3 and he unable to rescue against Sreesanth he bowled out for duck. Very first over of the match creating many problems for RCB. Then Jacques Kallis arrived he also perished for duck in case of slow running and ran out. Rahul Dravid the skipper came in and joined young V Kohli for fabolous and crucial partnership provided resistance to RCB innings. Kohli looked to hit and increase the tempo of the innings he also got dropped by James Hopes. But Pathan dismissed hitting a loose shot caught by Sreesanth. Rahul Dravid continued to shown his batting class well Misbah-ul-Haq joined him but again he failed to score much runs went out for 8 runs. After Misbah wicket, wickets started to tumble @ regular intervals hard hitter Parveen Kumar also get out cheaply. Rahul Dravid after reaching his fabolous fifty got out in process of increasing run-rate. After him no one appeared to stay at crease. Royal Challenger Bangalore disappeared yet again batting first this time cheapest total on board 126 all out. RCB innings included 6 ducks which costed much higher to them.

In Reply of modest total Shaun Marsh and James opened up innings for Kings XI Punjab. James Hopes dismissed early stage of innings by Zaheer Khan. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marsh played delicate innings & developed short partnership. Parveen Kumar able to took some wickets for RCB and enlighten some kind of hope to return his team into match yet again. He took Ramnaresh Sarwan and captain Yuvraj Singh but it was not yet over. Mahela Jayawardena and Irfan Pathan wrapped off run chase within 19th over and won by 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare. Sreesanth was awarded as Man of the Match

Shoaib Akhtar who is in flory of big controversies since last 8-10 months got another to play for Indian Premier League. Rawalpindi Express sold out in auction $425,000 by Shahrukh Khan for his team Kolkata Knight Riders. Khan also insisted Shoaib to apologise to Pakistan Cricket Board for his misgivings. Tribual commitee lifts ban from Shoaib Akthar till June 4 and in this duration he can play for Pakistan that gives ultimate chance to play for Indian Premier League as well said by IPL Comissioner and Chairman Lalit Modi.
Shoaib Akthar who was banned for 5 years due to violating and harsh attitude with Pakistan Cricket Board and related academies.
Shoaib Akthar will flew on Monday 5th of May, to reach India and play his rest of matches for Kolkata Knight Riders . Kolkata team not having good time in field lost 4 consecutive matches now looking for anyone who can create some magic. Let see that Shoaib Akhtar Pakistan Speedstar able to do anything for his team which are deep troubles. Shahrukh Khan will be delighted Franchise to get Shoaib Akhtar back for rest of matches. Shoaib can proved to be match winner says many Cricket Analysts. He had proved himself whenever situation demands. He will be in action straight away on May 8 against Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Rajasthan Royals who are unbeaten from last 4 matches ready to upleash against another strong contender Chennai Super Kings. Super Kings flory of victories came to end due to disasterous performance against Delhi DareDevils other night. MS Dhoni won the toss and choose the bat first as he always prefers to do in case of winning the toss. The decision seemed to be difficult from first bowl of the match. Sohail Tanvir perishes top order in his very first over. He able to sent both openers Parthiv Patel and Stephen Fleming back to pavillion. From other Shane Watson again tried to contine same amount of pressure. Rajasthan Royals find luckiest to grab early wickets as Tanvir again removed Vidyut in his second over which created more and much problems for Rajasthan Royals. Badrinath and Raina shown some kind of resistance in batting while after dismissal of Badrinath, MS Dhoni came in - for first time he was unable to do nothing just scored 1 run and Shane Warne sent him back to hunt. Things become more suspicious for Chennai Super Kings for first we witnessed problems faced by CSK. Albie Morkel and Suresh Raina worked hard for establishing parntership. Munaf Patel broken 44 runs parntership and removed dangerous Raina in same over again another wicket fallen as Joginder Sharma gone for duck facing first bowl from Patel. Sohail Tanvir again brought back to attack in his 3 over, from very first bowl of his threatning spell Albie Morkel bowled out comprehensively and following 3 more balls Muralitharan also been bowled out that makes Sohail Tanvir to take 5 wickets in a match. CSK unable to score much runs in last phase of innings. Sohail Tanvir atlast bowled Makhaya Ntini that made best ever bowling analysis in T20 history 6-14. Chennai Super Kings were bowled out making only 109 runs lowest in current IPL Competetions.
Chasing around 5.5 runs in an over not considered to be tough task. Graeme Smith and Asnodkar started innings brilliantly for Rajasthan Royals they put off great parntership of 78 runs in which flory of boundaries included. After the dismissal of Asnodkar more dangerous Yosuf Pathan came in after hitting a six magical spinner Muralitharan dismissed him. Shane Watson joined Graeme Smith and played easy target chasing innings. They compiled the target easily in just 15th over. Smith made 35 unbeaten runs along with Shane Watson not out on 14 runs. Rajasthan Royals won by 8 wickets its their 5th consecutive win in IPL which made on top @ IPL Standings and Sohail Tanvir awarded as Man of the Match for his match winning performance at Jaipur against Chennai Super Kings