8 years ago

For those despairing of India's form and not fancying their chances in the current tournament, remember 1998. Also for those who say Sachin never wins us matches...read the below, courtesy - Scott Heinrich - Foxsports

Staged as the Wills International Cup, every match of the tournament was played in Dhaka - a third-choice venue behind Disney World in Florida and Sharjah.

The knockout format meant that the four winners of the qualifying finals progressed to the semi-finals, with no second chance for the losers. Australia was drawn to play India on October 28, a match which saw Mohammad Azharuddin become the first player to feature in 300 one-day internationals.

Australia was coming off a big Test series win in Pakistan - just 48 hours previously it had played out a draw in Karachi - but fatigue was not really the problem. The problem was Sachin Tendulkar.

After winning the toss and quickly reducing India to 2-8, Australia's pace-heavy attack proved cannon fodder to Tendulkar's class on the low, slow pitch of the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Opener Tendulkar scythed 13 boundaries and three sixes in a majestic 141, scored off 128 balls and ended only by a run-out. Michael Kasprowicz took three wickets but conceded 71 runs off nine overs, while South Australian Brad Young's eight wicketless overs leaked 64 runs. By innings' end, India had racked up a formidable score of 8-307.

Australia's run-chase started well enough, with the top five all getting decent starts and Mark Waugh clubbing 74 off 79 balls at the top of the order.

But it was to be Tendulkar's day, the little master removing Steve Waugh for 7 and running through the tail to return 4-38 as Australia were dismissed 45 runs short of victory.

Longest 5th Set in Davis Cup

The NY times reports - Equaling records and exhausting both participants, the fourth match of an extraordinary Davis Cup meeting concluded with Dmitry Tursunov beating back Andy Roddick’s challenge to send Russia into the final against Argentina with a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 17-15 victory over the United States.

The score was 2-1 for russia on clay, not roddicks favourite surface, and despite a heroic effort, it was russia that went through, with the unknown Tursunov coming through in a marathon.

sachin .. tendulkar ...sachin ...tendulkar

The stage is set.

Mcgrath is returning from an injury layoff.
Sachin is returning from an injury layoff.
Both look like they never went away for a second.
Its India vs Australia.
Its a neutral venue.
Its a do or die match for qualification to the final.
It starts in a little while from now.

As always....its finally down to Sachin.


update - india lost by 18 runs. Brett Lee took 5 wickets including sachin, dravid, dhoni and the last two. Mongia topscored.

wierd injuries on the playing field.

self explanatory image

and its flintoff

The england selectors appointed Andrew ( Freddie ) Flintoff as the captain of the England and Wales cricket team to tour Australia. This sets the stage for what promises to be a riproaring battle as a young challenger aims to rip apart an old existing power. The first round in the battle went to England as they won the series when Australia visited them. This time, if Australia lose on home soil, they will truly have relinquished the title of the best test team in world cricket.

The appointment of Freddie, shows attacking intent. Most opponents lose to Australia before they step out into the field by being defensive and overawed in their minds and tactics. England under Freddie will go in with all guns blazing and not really be thinking tactics so much. The onus is now on Australia to withstand the assault and counterattack when they can.