After Losing to India Pakistan Team Reached Back Home on Friday Morning

KARACHI – Proud Pakistan cricket team reached Pakistan on Friday morning. They are not proud only being the semi-finalists of the mega event but because of the support they get from the nation even they loss to India in the semi-final.

A large crowd of cricket lovers swelled at Jinnah airport to welcome and to extend congratulations over a great performance displayed by Pakistan cricket team in World Cup.

Some of the cricket fans on the Jinnah Airport talking to media representatives said that they were pleased to see Pakistan cricket team playing like a one unit.

Shahid Afridi, Skipper national cricket team, talking to Geo News said that he was pleased to whole nation from the core of his heart for the tremendous support extended to team during the tournament and even after the loss to India.

Afridi mentioned that their bowling was up to the mark throughout the tournament while Pakistan’s batting failed to click when needed the most.

“We were the only team that forced India to get out at that low total,” he said.

Full Match Highlights: Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - India won by 29 runs to qualify for final

MOHALI – Pakistan lost the semi-final against arch-rivals India by 29 runs on March 30 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh.
 
India reaches final of the World Cup third time in world cup history.

They will face Sri Lanka on April 2 at Mumbai to decide the ultimate winner of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

Its first time two Asian nations will meet in world cup final.

No matter who wins on Apr. 2; the World cup will be remained in Asia.

No matter who wins on Apr. 2; that will be second title for winning team; India/Sri Lanka.

Watch the exciting moments of the match and enjoy.

Video: Shahid Afridi Said Sorry to Nation after the Match - - No Need to say Sorry, We Love You!

MOHALI – Pakistan lost the semi-final against arch-rivals India by 29 runs at Mohali on March 30, 2011. 

In the post-match presentation with Ravi Shastri; Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said sorry to Pakistan nation for not fulfilling their hopes. 

But I want to say on behalf of Pakistan Nation:

“We love you Afridi .... you took the team from no where to semi-final with the grace of Allah Taála. 

No need to say sorry .... we are proud of you and our team. 

Love you all!”

My readers!

I request you to please comment positively for Pakistan team. They really need a big hand of applause for their performance in the mega tournament. 

Watch the Shahid Afridi’s broken words in the post-match ceremony. He really felt it hard. We have to buck him and our team up.  

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - Indian Fans Dancing on the Roads After India Beat Pakistan by 29 Runs (Video)

MOHALI – Pakistan lost the semi-final against arch-rivals India by 29 runs.

India reaches final of the World Cup third time in world cup history.

They will face Sri Lanka on April 2 at Mumbai to decide the ultimate winner of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

Its first time two Asian nations will meet in world cup final.

No matter who wins on Apr. 2; the World cup will be remained in Asia.

No matter who wins on Apr. 2; that will be second title for winning team; India/Sri Lanka.

After beating Pakistan on Wednesday March 30 by 29 runs; Indian fans had gone crazy and danced overnight on the roads across India.

Watch the video and enjoy.

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - India Through to Final Beating Pakistan by 29 Runs

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
India-Sri Lanka-Bangladesh
Feb. 17 -----------  Apr. 02
Compact Match Summary Report
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match No.			48
Group			SF2
Teams		India	v	Pakistan
Officials	On-Ground	Simon Taufel(Aus), Ian Gould(Eng)
	Off-Ground	Billy Bowden(NZ)
	Referee	Ranjan Madugalle(SL)
Venue		Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Toss		India won the toss and elected to bat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
1st Innings Score		260
			Avg.	5.20
Overs		50
Total Wickets Down		5
1st Best Batsman				Sachin Tendulkar
	Scores	85
2nd Best Batsman				Virender sehwag
	Scores	38
1st Top Wicket Taker				Wahab Riaz
	Wickets	5
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Saeed Ajmal
	Wickets	2
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Target		261
			Avg.	5.22
Overs		50
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2nd Innings Score		231
Total Wickets Down		10
			Avg.	4.67
Overs		49.5
1st Best Batsman				Misbah-ul-Haq
	Scores	56
2nd Best Batsman				Muhammad Hafeez
	Scores	43
1st Top Wicket Taker				Ashish Nehra
	Wickets	2
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Munaf Patel
	Wickets	2
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match Result:	India	won by	29	Runs
Man of the Match		Sachin Tendulkar
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

PAK v IND (Semi-final) - - Match Update: Pakistan 89/2 in 20 overs Need 173 in 30 Overs

MOHALI – In first 20 overs Pakistan made 89 for the loss of two wickets and need 172 runs off 30 overs with an average of 5.73 per over.

Pakistan got a good start not as flying as India got earlier but enough to make Indian worry; but Zaheer Khan struck in 9^th over to claim the wicket of Kamran Akmal with just 44 on the board.

Asad Shafiq replaced Akmal and started to play a cautious innings from where he left against West Indies in the quarterfinal.

Muhammad Hafeez was caught behind off Munaf Patel trying to play an irresponsible shot. He made good 43 runs off 55 balls. 

Veteran Younis Khan and youngster Asad Shafiq on the crease trying to lead Pakistan to the target of 261 without any further damage. Younis Khan batting on 7; while Asad shafiq has made 20 runs.

PAK v IND (Semi-final) - - India 260/9 as Wahab Riaz Emerges as Imran Khan's X-Factor

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
India-Sri Lanka-Bangladesh
Feb. 17 -----------  Apr. 02
Compact Match Summary Report
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match No.			48
Group			SF2
Teams		India	v	Pakistan
Officials	On-Ground	Simon Taufel(Aus), Ian Gould(Eng)
	Off-Ground	Billy Bowden(NZ)
	Referee	Ranjan Madugalle(SL)
Venue		Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Toss		India won the toss and elected to bat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
1st Innings Score		260
			Avg.	5.20
Overs		50
Total Wickets Down		5
1st Best Batsman				Sachin Tendulkar
	Scores	85
2nd Best Batsman				Virender sehwag
	Scores	38
1st Top Wicket Taker				Wahab Riaz
	Wickets	5
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Saeed Ajmal
	Wickets	2
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Target		261
			Avg.	5.22
Overs		50
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - Updates after 40 Overs: India 200/5, Tendulkar out for 85

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
India-Sri Lanka-Bangladesh
Feb. 17 -----------  Apr. 02
Compact Match Summary Report
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match No.			48
Group			SF2
Teams		India	v	Pakistan
Officials	On-Ground	Simon Taufel(Aus), Ian Gould(Eng)
	Off-Ground	Billy Bowden(NZ)
	Referee	Ranjan Madugalle(SL)
Venue		Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Toss		India won the toss and elected to bat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
1st Innings Score		200
			Avg.	5.00
Overs		40
Total Wickets Down		5
1st Best Batsman				Sachin Tendulkar
	Scores	85
2nd Best Batsman				Virender sehwag
	Scores	38
1st Top Wicket Taker				Wahab Riaz
	Wickets	3
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Muhammad Hafeez
	Wickets	2
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - Updates after 30 Overs: India 168/4, Wahab Riaz Picked up 3 Wickets

MOHALI – In first 30 overs India made 168 for the loss of 4 wickets. 

Sachin Tendulkar completed his 95^th half century in 22^nd over of the innings. 

Virat Kohli caught by Umar Akmal in covers off Wahab Riaz on 2^nd ball of 26^th over after adding just 9 runs off 21 balls. He was not looking easy either against spin. On the very next ball inform Yuvraj Singh couldn’t stop in-swinging yorker from hitting the stumps. 

Wahab Riaz on the roll here is getting reverse swing in the half way mark of Indian innings. Hat-trick ball was also awesome but missed just the outer edge of the bat of Indian skipper MS Dhoni.  

Again Tendulkar dropped by Kamran Akmal in 30^th over off Shahid Afridi. What a day little master is having! Three drop catches and two reviews favoured Sachin Tendulkar. 

After 30 overs Tendulkar is batting on 75 while MS Dhoni has made just 11 runs.

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - Updates after 20 Overs: India 119/2 Gambhir Back to Pavillion

MOHALI – In first 20 overs India made 119 for the loss of 2 wickets. 

Two lucky escapes for Indian star Tendulkar in the eleventh over of the innings by Saeed AjmalSaeed Ajmal.

 First he was given out LBW by Ian GouldIan Gould; but review showed that ball was missing leg stumps. on the very next ball a confident of stump-out by Kamran AkmalKamran Akmal was referred to third umpire; but camera review again decided in favour of Sachin TendulkarSachin Tendulkar.

 Crowd was stunned silent on both occasions but relieved and roared after getting verification that Tendulkar survived. A brilliant over by Saeed Ajmal.

In thirteen over another Tendulkar escaped again when a sharp chance was put down by Misbah ul Haq off Shahid Afridi.

In the process India completed 100 runs in 15.2 overs. Gautam Gambhir (27) was stumped out off Muhammad Hafeez in 19^th over trying to use his feet against spin. Sachin is having his luckiest day as survived in 20^th over off Afridi. Younis Khan just missed an absolute sitter.

After 20 overs Tendulkar is batting on 46 while Virat Kohli has just arrived on the crease made just 1.

Pakistan v India - Sachin Tendulkar Survived Twice in 11th over by Saeed Ajmal

MOHALI - Two lucky escapes for Indian star Tendulkar in the eleventh over of the innings by Saeed AjmalSaeed Ajmal.

First he was given out LBW by Ian GouldIan Gould; but review showed that ball was missing leg stumps. on the very next ball a confident of stump-out by Kamran AkmalKamran Akmal was referred to third umpire; but camera review again decided in favour of Sachin TendulkarSachin Tendulkar.

Crowd was stunned silent on both occasions but relieved and roared after getting verification that Tendulkar survived. A brilliant over by Saeed Ajmal.

Pakistan v India (Semi-final) - - Updates after 10 Overs: India 73/1 losing Virender Sehwag

MOHALI – In first 10 overs India made 73 for the loss of one wicket. 

India got the flying start as Virender Sehwag smashed Pakistan attack bowlers, Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq, all over the park. 

Shahid Afridi changed first bowler as Wahab Riaz replaced Abdul Razzaq and it really worked for Pakistan. Wahab Riaz trapped Sehwag in front of stumps on 5^th ball of his first over, loud appeal and Simon Taufel raised the finger; but Indian went for review and the umpire’s decision was verified by camera. Sehwag got to back to the pavilion after quick fire 38 runs off 25 balls.

Gautam Gambhir replaced Sehwag and start confidently. Sachin Tendulkar took the charge and struck few good strokes after Sehwag. 

After ten overs Tendulkar is batting on 23 while Gambhir is steady on 6.

Live Updates: PAK v IND (Semi-final) - - India Batting First After Winning the Toss, No Shoaib Akhtar for Pakistan

MOHALI – Pakistan-India ‘clash of titans’ about to start within sometime and as per the latest reports from the ground MS Dhoni spinned the coin and heads was the call of Afridi but it’s tail. India won the toss and elected to bat first. 

Ashish Nehra replaced Ravichandran Ashwin the rest of the team is same for India. Pakistan is going with the same combination as against West Indies. It mean no Shoaib Akhtar in the team.

Live score updates here. 

Both teams have announced their final squads for the big match as follows:

Teams:

Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal(w), Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi(c), Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal

India (Playing XI): Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(w/c), Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra

Video: IMran Khan Predicting Pakistan-Sri Lanka Final in CNN-IBN Program 'Kings of Cricket'

MOHALI – In a program ‘Kings of Cricket’ on CNN-IBN TV Channel; Imran Khan keep favouring Pakistan as favourites in India-Pakistan semi-final in Mohali.

The other two participants, Vivian Richards - great batsman from West Indies and Alan Border – legendary Australian, favoured India as the winner. But Imran Khan talked about the X-factor that can led Pakistan to final of the world cup. He talked about the Aqib Javed picking up 7 wickets in Sharjah in the presence of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, and then he gave the example of Inzimam ul Haq winning knock against New Zealand in 1992. 

Imran said, “We are talking about Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar; but I think there would be someone out of blue to led Pakistan to victory.”  

Watch the video and confidence of Imran Khan who is lonely supporting Pakistan team in Indian campaign against Pakistan cricket.

Pak-India Semi-final fever in Faisalabad - - Torch Rally, No load-shedding, Collective Prayers and Big Screens Across the City

FAISALABAD – As no single person in Pakistan is unaware of the importance of the semi-final match between Pakistan and India; a torch rally was arranged in Faisalabad Tuesday night. The rally started from Ketchehry Bazaar and ended in clock-tower square (Ghanta Ghar Chowk) after travelling through all the eight bazaars of city. 

Hundreds of Cricket fans were chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ (Long live Pakistan), Jeetay ga bhai jeetay ga Pakistan jeetay ga (the ultimate winner will be Pakistan). They were doing ‘Bhangrra’ (traditional dancing) on the beat of drums. 

In the end a collective prayer ceremony was held and all the participants wished Pakistan ‘Good Luck’. 

Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) is all set to meet the demand of electricity across the country during Pak-India cricket semi final on Wednesday (today).

“There would be no load-shedding during the match hours all over the country,” said PEPCO Director General Muhammad Khalid while talking to media on Tuesday.

“Power plants of Muzaffargarh and Faisalabad will be operational during the semi final,” he further told.

Other than few multiplexes screening live semi-final match between India and Pakistan, quite few big screens have been installed in Faisalabad to watch the high-voltage match collectively to extract the enjoyment at the maximum. Few of the spots to watch the match on big screen are given here:

1.    Tajmaham Cinema, GTS Square Faisalabad

2.    Lasani Park Street, Faisalabad

3.    Regency Plaza Square, Opposite Chenab Club, Faisalabad

4.    Serena Hotel, Faisalabad

ICC World Cup -- Facts That Will Remain Unchanged Irrespective of Remaining Results

MOHALI – Big match between Pakistan and India is just hours away right now and millions of cricket fans in both the countries are already stick to the TV screens praying for their teams’ success. 

The winner will be decided today night; but I got few interesting facts to share with all of you that will remain the same, irrespective of today’s match result. 

·         World Cup will be remained in Asia: Sri Lanka already qualified for final thrown away New Zealand, the last team in the world cup outside Asia, resulting in three teams survived in the world cup and that all from Asia. Therefore, Pakistan wins today or India, the world cup will remain in Asia.

·         Second World Cup Title for Asian Team: All three remaining teams in the World Cup have won the title once in the World Cup history. India won the title back in 1983, Pakistan got the triumph in 1992 and Sri Lanka emerged as world champions in 1996; therefore, whichever team will win the title in 2011 it will be their second world cup title.

·         World Cup in Asia after 15 Years: Last time any Asian team won the World Cup back in 1996; when Sri Lanka emerged as the third team from Asia to grab the title after India and Pakistan. Therefore, whichever team wins in 2011 world cup will return to Asia after 15 long years.

PAK v IND (2nd Semi-final) - - Weather Report and Live Updates: Heavy Rain Yesterday, Toss Gets More Important

MOHALI – The second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will be played today (Wed/Mar 30) between co-host India and rampant Pakistan at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh.

WEATHER REPORT: Toss gets more importance with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on late Tuesday at Mohali (Chandigarh); which threatened a big India-Pakistan semi-final clash, being termed as ‘final before final’.

On the other hand; weather forecast for Wednesday remains clear and sunny, while the rainfall continued for hours Tuesday night,  but the match is likely to go ahead as per schedule.

The last match on this venue was played between West Indies and Ireland on March 11 and was not disturbed by weather. 

Mostly sunny weather is predicted today at Mohali throughout the day with high temperature hovering between 63°F to 87°F. In such high temperature will players have to sweat quite a bit as humidity levels are expected to be between 46% to 54%.  

As Pakistan was topped their Group ‘A’, therefore, in the event the match is abandoned due to rain, Pakistan will qualify for the final on the basis of better position at the end of the group matches. 

D/L method can also play a role in deciding the result of the match but 20 overs must have been bowled, as minimum requirement, in the second innings of the match.

Live score updates here. 

 The match will start on 14:00 PST (14:30 local time, 09:00 GMT).

Sri Lanka v New Zealand (Semi-final) - Full Match Highlights (All Exciting Moments)

COLOMBO - Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by five wickets to become the first team to reach in final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

Semi-final stage is proved to be the last stage for New Zealand yet again on sixth time in the world cup history. The Black Caps appeared in their sixth World Cup semi-final since losing to eventual winners the West Indies in the inaugural edition held in England in 1975. Since then New Zealand lost to England (1979), Pakistan (1992 and 1999) and Sri Lanka (2007) and today in 2011 they lost to Sri Lanka.

Watch the exciting moments of the first semi-final here below:

SL v NZ (1st Semi-final) - Today's Match Summary: Sri Lanka Through, New Zealand Failed Yet Again

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka sailed through to final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 after beating New Zealand by 5 wickets. 

Semi-final stage is proved to be the last stage for New Zealand yet again on sixth time in the world cup history. The Black Caps appeared in their sixth World Cup semi-final since losing to eventual winners the West Indies in the inaugural edition held in England in 1975. Since then New Zealand lost to England (1979), Pakistan (1992 and 1999) and Sri Lanka (2007) and today in 2011 they lost to Sri Lanka.

New Zealand fought hard but just managed to delay the inevitable as Sri Lanka reached the target of 218 runs in 48^th over. Sri Lanka was 160/1 at one stage and but quick three wickets fall with addition of just nine runs made them feel some heat of the semi-final. New Zealand got their hopes back to qualify fro dream final; but sensible innings by Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Mathews led Sri Lanka through with 13 balls to spare. 

In the start of Sri Lankan innings inform Tillakaratne Dilshan (73) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (54) played memorable innings; but yet another failure of Mahela Jayawardene (1) created some problems; but they recovered well in the end. 

Earlier New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first; but fall of wickets with regular interval never let them play with open arms. Scott Styris was the highest runs scorer from New Zealand with his 57 runs. Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor were the other two batsmen who contributed significantly with their 39 and 36 respectively.   

Lasith Malinga and spin wizard Muralitharan picked up three wickets each for Sri Lanka; while Ajantha Mendis took two wickets. Rangana Herath and Tillakaratne Dilshan shared one wicket each.

Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was named man of the match for his all round performance with his 50 odd runs and three catches behind the wicket.

Sri Lanka will now play the final in Mumbai against the winner of tomorrow’s big game against India and Pakistan scheduled at Mohali.

Sri Lanka Through to Final - - New Zealand Failed Yet Again Sixth Time to Move from Semi-final to Final

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
India-Sri Lanka-Bangladesh
Feb. 17 -----------  Apr. 02
Compact Match Summary Report
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match No.			47
Group			SF1
Teams		New Zealand	v	Sri Lanka
Officials	On-Ground	Aleem Dar(Pak), Steve Davis(Aus)
	Off-Ground	Marais Erasmus(RSA)
	Referee	Chris Broad(Eng)
Venue		R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Toss		New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
1st Innings Score		217
			Avg.	4.47
Overs		48.5
Total Wickets Down		10
1st Best Batsman				Scott Styris
	Scores	57
2nd Best Batsman				Martin Guptill
	Scores	39
1st Top Wicket Taker				Ajantha Mendis
	Wickets	3
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Lasith Malinga
	Wickets	3
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Target		218
			Avg.	4.36
Overs		50
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2nd Innings Score		220
Total Wickets Down		5
			Avg.	4.63
Overs		47.5
1st Best Batsman				Tillakaratne Dilshan
	Scores	73
2nd Best Batsman				Kumar Sangakkara
	Scores	54
1st Top Wicket Taker				Tim Southee
	Wickets	3
2nd Top Wicket Taker				Andy McKay
	Wickets	1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Match Result:	Sri Lanka	won by	5	Wickets