Sharukh Khan performing at IPL opening ceremony
Watch India vs Pakistan semi final match Live streaming
Friday, April 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hotels to show India-Pakistan match on big screens
The commercial city is all set for the Wednesday's World Cup semi-finals between India and Pakistan. Several hotels will entertain their guests with the match on big LCD screens.
A businessman who rents out LCD screens said all the screens have been booked in advance. "At least six big hotels in the city have made arrangements to show the match live," he added.
Rahul Dev Banarjee, manager of a hotel on Gokul Road here, said they have put up two screens, one each in banquet hall and poolside, in the hotel. The hotel, which charges an entry fee of Rs 350, will treat them to a lavishly spread dinner. "We are expecting around 250 guests on the D-Day," he added.
Chandrashekar, manager of another hotel located near Court Circle, said they have put up two big screens, one each in garden and restaurant.
Police commissioner K Ramachandra Rao said special squads have been formed to to maintain law and order and to check illegal activities during the match.
ICC Cricket World Cup Live India vs Pakistan: Pakistan begin on a firm footing
Pakistan begin their chase well after bowling out India for 260 in the semi final match of the World Cup at Mohali. Both Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez negotiate the opening ten overs without taking many chances and are able to stay above the net required run rate.
The duo both struck boundaries in tandem to blunt India’s pace attack led by Zaheer Khan. Indian skipper has already brought in the other seamers in Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra and despite a few close calls, the openers have largely been unfazed in playing their strokes.
India's Innings
It was a 300-plus wicket. India, however would be satisfied with the 260 runs that it managed in the crucial semi final match at Mohali. This after Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz struck terror in the middle-order to end the innings with five wickets.
Sachin Tendulkar top-scored for the hosts with 85 after Virender Sehwag gave his team an aggressive start. He looked in fine touch but was eventually removed by Riaz who found his legs in front of the stumps. Tendulkar though kept his composure and struck together a decent partnership of 60 with Gautam Gambhir.
Riaz though came back with a vengeance and despite several dropped catches of Tendulkar, he ensured no other batsman settled in to script a twist in the bowling dominated tale.
Riaz though came back with a vengeance and despite several dropped catches of Tendulkar, he ensured no other batsman settled in to script a twist in the bowling dominated tale.
Though the average score batting first in a day and night match here is 254, Indians would need their strategy of playing an extra seamer to pay dividends once Pakistan begin their chase.
India bat against Pakistan in World Cup semi final
India made one change from the side that beat champions Australia by five wickets in the quarter-finals, with left-arm quick Ashish Nehra replacing off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the hosts opted for a three-man pace attack.
Pakistan, who thrashed the West Indies by 10 wickets in their last eight clash, were unchanged and that meant there was no recall for erratic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
India batting great Sachin Tendulkar came into this match needing just one more century to become the first man to score a hundred international hundreds.
The 37-year-old has 51 Test centuries and 48 one-day international tons to his credit.
India have won all four previous World Cup matches between the arch-rivals.
The winners of this encounter will face Sri Lanka, who beat New Zealand by five wickets in Colombo on Tuesday, in Saturday's final in Mumbai.
All three remaining teams in the tournament have won the World Cup once, with India triumphing in 1983, Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in 1996.
India: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt/wkt), Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal (wkt), Asad Shafiq, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (capt), Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal
Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG)
TV umpire: Billy Bowden (NZL)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
Pitch conditions: Renowned as a good batting surface, it usually also has plenty of pace and bounce for fast bowlers too.
ICC Cricket World Cup: Tendulkar's chancy knock powers India to 260-9
Sachin Tendulkar's chancy 85 powered India to 260-9 against a Pakistan side which seemed overwhelmed by the hype built around Wednesday's World Cup semi-final and the 'cricket diplomacy' surrounding it.
Sitting in the VIP box, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani watched on as Tendulkar enjoyed a series of let-offs.
Playing in his sixth World Cup, Tendulkar had an lbw decision overturned on appeal, was dropped by Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and Umar Akmal, while stumper Kamran Akmal also missed a half-chance.
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, also the hapless bowler on three of those four occasions, could only hold his head in dismay as his team mates squandered opportunity after opportunity to cut short Tendulkar's 115-ball stay that had 11 fours in it.
On a belter of a wicket at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had little hesitation in opting to bat first and he must have felt vindicated when Virender Sehwag (38) tore into the Pakistani attack.
The right-hander smashed five fours to milk 21 runs off Umar Gul's second over, thus blunting Pakistan's pace spearhead but India could not make the most of the flying start.
Wahab Riaz (5-46) trapped the opener leg before in the sixth over to end the 48-run opening stand and soon the boundary flow dried up.
The 68-run second wicket partnership between Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir (27) consolidated India's position but it was not without toil.
Mohammad Hafeez ended the blossoming partnership by removing Gambhir and Riaz returned to claim Virat Kohli (9) and the in-form Yuvraj Singh with successive deliveries to reduce the co-hosts, cruising merrily at 116-1 at one stage, to 141-4.
Suresh Raina's (36 not out) middle order cameo took India past the 250-mark.
India could have been in a bigger hole but Misbah dropped Tendulkar at mid-wicket, Younus grassed one at cover and Umar Akmal showed the same sloppiness, spilling one at mid-wicket.
Earlier in his innings, Tendulkar used a review to successfully overturn an lbw decision that had gone against him.
Just when it seemed nothing can stop the 37-year-old prolific run-getter from scoring his 100th international century, Afridi caught the Indian off Saeed Ajmal's bowling, keeping his pre-match promise to deny Tendulkar the milestone.
Sitting in the VIP box, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani watched on as Tendulkar enjoyed a series of let-offs.
Playing in his sixth World Cup, Tendulkar had an lbw decision overturned on appeal, was dropped by Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and Umar Akmal, while stumper Kamran Akmal also missed a half-chance.
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, also the hapless bowler on three of those four occasions, could only hold his head in dismay as his team mates squandered opportunity after opportunity to cut short Tendulkar's 115-ball stay that had 11 fours in it.
On a belter of a wicket at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had little hesitation in opting to bat first and he must have felt vindicated when Virender Sehwag (38) tore into the Pakistani attack.
The right-hander smashed five fours to milk 21 runs off Umar Gul's second over, thus blunting Pakistan's pace spearhead but India could not make the most of the flying start.
Wahab Riaz (5-46) trapped the opener leg before in the sixth over to end the 48-run opening stand and soon the boundary flow dried up.
The 68-run second wicket partnership between Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir (27) consolidated India's position but it was not without toil.
Mohammad Hafeez ended the blossoming partnership by removing Gambhir and Riaz returned to claim Virat Kohli (9) and the in-form Yuvraj Singh with successive deliveries to reduce the co-hosts, cruising merrily at 116-1 at one stage, to 141-4.
Suresh Raina's (36 not out) middle order cameo took India past the 250-mark.
India could have been in a bigger hole but Misbah dropped Tendulkar at mid-wicket, Younus grassed one at cover and Umar Akmal showed the same sloppiness, spilling one at mid-wicket.
Earlier in his innings, Tendulkar used a review to successfully overturn an lbw decision that had gone against him.
Just when it seemed nothing can stop the 37-year-old prolific run-getter from scoring his 100th international century, Afridi caught the Indian off Saeed Ajmal's bowling, keeping his pre-match promise to deny Tendulkar the milestone.
Live India vs Pakistan: Raina makes most of slog overs
Suresh Raina lashes out against Pakistan after Wahab Riaz reduced Indian batting order to smithereens on a batsmen friendly pitch at Mohali.
Though he began on a slow note, Raina has shifted gears quickly and looks to take on the opposition as India opt for the batting powerplay in the final five overs of the innings.
Harbhajan too struck a few boundaries to get the Indian fans at the stadium cheering again, but was stumped eventually on the bowling of Saeed Ajmal.
Ind vs Pak: Zaheer scalps Akmal for first breakthrough
Zaheer Khan gave India the first breakthrough when he had Kamran Akmal caught by Yuvraj Singh at backward point in their World Cup semifinal clash at the PCA stadium in Mohali on Wednesday.
The breakthrough came after Pakistan got off to a good start with an opening stand of 44 runs.
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar rode his luck as India made 260/9.
India's total would have been considerably less had not Tendulkar been dropped four times on his way to top-scoring with 85 -- an innings that still left him one shy of a hundred international hundreds.
Wahab Riaz kept Pakistan in the match with an impressive display of left-arm fast bowling on his way to a career-best 5/46.
The 25-year-old's performance was all the more admirable as he would have been omitted had Pakistan recalled veteran fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
But Riaz, who took a wicket in his first over and later struck twice in two balls, was a constant threat as he surpassed his previous best of three for 22 against Bangladesh in Dhaka three years ago
"I think 260 will be enough. The wicket's taking spin and if we bowl in the right places it will be very difficult for them," said Suresh Raina, who finished unbeaten on 36.
Virender Sehwag made a typically brisk start after India captain MS Dhoni won the toss, with 21 runs coming off Umar Gul's second over -- the paceman's eight costing 69 in all.
However, a bowling change saw Riaz strike fifth ball when he had Sehwag, hitting across the line, lbw for 38 including nine boundaries.
Tendulkar, opening with Sehwag, subsequently square-drove Riaz for four to become the first batsman ever to score 400 runs in World Cups.
But off-spinner Saeed Ajmal nearly had him out twice in successive balls for 23, a reviewed lbw and tight stumping call both going against Pakistan.
Then, on 27, Tendulkar pulled Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi hard to short mid-wicket only for Misbah-ul-Haq to drop the two-handed catch.
And Tendulkar was dropped again, on 45, when he mistimed a drive off Afridi and Younis Khan at mid-off failed to hold on.
Tendulkar completed a 67-ball fifty with his eighth boundary, off Afridi, before Riaz struck again.
He had Virat Kohli fending to Umar Akmal at backward point and next ball clean bowled Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's quarter-final win over champions Australia, for nought on the batsman's home ground with a swinging full toss.
Dhoni survived the hat-trick after the ball just missed his outside edge.
Tendulkar was given a third reprieve by Pakistan on 70 when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal failed to hold a tough chance off an edged Afridi leg-break.
And he was on 81 when a leaping Umar Akmal at short mid-wicket dropped a checked drive against off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez.
However, Afridi -- who had vowed Tendulkar would not reach the landmark score in this match -- ended his innings when he took a sharp catch at short extra-cover off a hard-hit drive against Ajmal.
Tendulkar faced 115 balls with 11 fours.
When Riaz returned he had Dhoni lbw for 25 to leave India 205 for six before completing his five-wicket haul when Zaheer Khan was caught behind.
The winner of this match will face Sri Lanka in Saturday's final in Mumbai.
The breakthrough came after Pakistan got off to a good start with an opening stand of 44 runs.
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar rode his luck as India made 260/9.
India's total would have been considerably less had not Tendulkar been dropped four times on his way to top-scoring with 85 -- an innings that still left him one shy of a hundred international hundreds.
Wahab Riaz kept Pakistan in the match with an impressive display of left-arm fast bowling on his way to a career-best 5/46.
The 25-year-old's performance was all the more admirable as he would have been omitted had Pakistan recalled veteran fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
But Riaz, who took a wicket in his first over and later struck twice in two balls, was a constant threat as he surpassed his previous best of three for 22 against Bangladesh in Dhaka three years ago
"I think 260 will be enough. The wicket's taking spin and if we bowl in the right places it will be very difficult for them," said Suresh Raina, who finished unbeaten on 36.
Virender Sehwag made a typically brisk start after India captain MS Dhoni won the toss, with 21 runs coming off Umar Gul's second over -- the paceman's eight costing 69 in all.
However, a bowling change saw Riaz strike fifth ball when he had Sehwag, hitting across the line, lbw for 38 including nine boundaries.
Tendulkar, opening with Sehwag, subsequently square-drove Riaz for four to become the first batsman ever to score 400 runs in World Cups.
But off-spinner Saeed Ajmal nearly had him out twice in successive balls for 23, a reviewed lbw and tight stumping call both going against Pakistan.
Then, on 27, Tendulkar pulled Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi hard to short mid-wicket only for Misbah-ul-Haq to drop the two-handed catch.
And Tendulkar was dropped again, on 45, when he mistimed a drive off Afridi and Younis Khan at mid-off failed to hold on.
Tendulkar completed a 67-ball fifty with his eighth boundary, off Afridi, before Riaz struck again.
He had Virat Kohli fending to Umar Akmal at backward point and next ball clean bowled Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's quarter-final win over champions Australia, for nought on the batsman's home ground with a swinging full toss.
Dhoni survived the hat-trick after the ball just missed his outside edge.
Tendulkar was given a third reprieve by Pakistan on 70 when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal failed to hold a tough chance off an edged Afridi leg-break.
And he was on 81 when a leaping Umar Akmal at short mid-wicket dropped a checked drive against off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez.
However, Afridi -- who had vowed Tendulkar would not reach the landmark score in this match -- ended his innings when he took a sharp catch at short extra-cover off a hard-hit drive against Ajmal.
Tendulkar faced 115 balls with 11 fours.
When Riaz returned he had Dhoni lbw for 25 to leave India 205 for six before completing his five-wicket haul when Zaheer Khan was caught behind.
The winner of this match will face Sri Lanka in Saturday's final in Mumbai.
Pakistan off to a steady start
Are 260 enough runs on the board to defend against Pakistan? Or are India 20 runs too short to play the finals against Sri Lanka this weekend?
Questions on the minds of almost 28,000 people at Mohali's PCA stadium and about a billion others elsewhere in the country as India finished their innings at 260 for 9 in the second semi-final of the cricket World Cup. Questions that shall be answered in the next few hours, with Pakistan out to bat and scoring at about five runs an over having lost opener Kamran Akmal.
The India innings saw as much drama as possible in 50 overs.
It was an India innings that saw as much drama as possible in 50 overs. And much of that drama revolved around Sachin Tendulkar, who led a charmed life on his way to 85, surviving two close appeals and four dropped catches before being caught by Shahid Afridi, bowled Saeed Ajmal. Too soon for comfort, skipper MS Dhoni, at 25, fell to Wahab Riaz.
Dhoni was Riaz's fourth scalp; he ended with five. Local boy Yuvraj Singh was out on a duck, first ball to Wahab Riaz too. He also got the wickets of Virat Kohli and Zaheer Khan.
The sub-continent came to a standstill as national anthems played and India won the toss and chose to bat first.
When Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag walked out to bat, almost 28,000 voices rose as one to cheer. A few hours into the match, the cricket has been exciting. There was a collective sigh of disappointment as Virender Sehwag got out after a blistering innings, there were two back-to-back heart-in-the-mouth moments as Sachin survived two close appeals and reviews. Pakistan also dropped him at score 27, 45, 70 and 81. Before finally catching him at 85.
Before Sachin, the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj in rapid succession already had the match in balance. Sachin and Dhoni attempted to rebuild but the tumble continued after Tendulkar's departure. Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and then finally Ashish Nehra, run out on the penultimate ball, fell at regular intervals.
Among those on the edge of their Mohali stadium seats are Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi with her husband Robert Vadra. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar is there, as are a number of ministers.
The Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, are at the PCA stadium with their families and Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya is watching with son Sidharth.
Aamir Khan and director wife Kiran Rao are representing Bollywood. Also Rahul Bose, Vivek Oberoi and Dino Morea watching some live action at Mohali.
To cheer the Pakistan team, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has led a large delegation to Mohali. The two Prime Ministers met the teams at the PCA stadium before the start of the match.
Mr Gilani, accompanied by his wife Fauzia, was received at the defence airport by Union Minister of State for Communication, Sachin Pilot, and Pakistan's High Commissioner, Shahid Malik, among others.
Before leaving Islamabad for India, Mr Gilani thanked Dr Singh for inviting him to the match, and said that he's "looking forward to a great game." He also said he believes "this match will bridge the gap" between India and Pakistan.
The large delegation accompanying Mr Gilani includes controversial Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who publicly warned his country's cricket team against match-fixing, provoking fierce criticism both within and outside Pakistan. The team is using the Taj hotel in Chandigarh as its base.
Team Singh includes Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon. Congress party president Sonia Gandhi, as well as Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi are not part of the official delegation but are attending the game. They will also attend the dinner that Dr Singh is hosting at 7.30 pm tonight for the Pakistani delegation at the stadium.
Mr Gilani and Dr Singh are watching the game from a VVIP box, but are expected to exit a little later to hold informal talks.
Last week, in a move that surprised many, Dr Singh formally invited Mr Gilani and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the match with him. Mr Gilani accepted the invitation over the weekend.
Speaking to NDTV before the match, Dr Manmohan Singh said this was a "great opportunity to take spirit of friendship forward." Mr Gilani said he was looking forward to a great game and hoped the best team won.
Questions on the minds of almost 28,000 people at Mohali's PCA stadium and about a billion others elsewhere in the country as India finished their innings at 260 for 9 in the second semi-final of the cricket World Cup. Questions that shall be answered in the next few hours, with Pakistan out to bat and scoring at about five runs an over having lost opener Kamran Akmal.
The India innings saw as much drama as possible in 50 overs.
It was an India innings that saw as much drama as possible in 50 overs. And much of that drama revolved around Sachin Tendulkar, who led a charmed life on his way to 85, surviving two close appeals and four dropped catches before being caught by Shahid Afridi, bowled Saeed Ajmal. Too soon for comfort, skipper MS Dhoni, at 25, fell to Wahab Riaz.
Dhoni was Riaz's fourth scalp; he ended with five. Local boy Yuvraj Singh was out on a duck, first ball to Wahab Riaz too. He also got the wickets of Virat Kohli and Zaheer Khan.
The sub-continent came to a standstill as national anthems played and India won the toss and chose to bat first.
When Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag walked out to bat, almost 28,000 voices rose as one to cheer. A few hours into the match, the cricket has been exciting. There was a collective sigh of disappointment as Virender Sehwag got out after a blistering innings, there were two back-to-back heart-in-the-mouth moments as Sachin survived two close appeals and reviews. Pakistan also dropped him at score 27, 45, 70 and 81. Before finally catching him at 85.
Before Sachin, the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj in rapid succession already had the match in balance. Sachin and Dhoni attempted to rebuild but the tumble continued after Tendulkar's departure. Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and then finally Ashish Nehra, run out on the penultimate ball, fell at regular intervals.
Among those on the edge of their Mohali stadium seats are Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi with her husband Robert Vadra. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar is there, as are a number of ministers.
The Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, are at the PCA stadium with their families and Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya is watching with son Sidharth.
Aamir Khan and director wife Kiran Rao are representing Bollywood. Also Rahul Bose, Vivek Oberoi and Dino Morea watching some live action at Mohali.
To cheer the Pakistan team, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has led a large delegation to Mohali. The two Prime Ministers met the teams at the PCA stadium before the start of the match.
Mr Gilani, accompanied by his wife Fauzia, was received at the defence airport by Union Minister of State for Communication, Sachin Pilot, and Pakistan's High Commissioner, Shahid Malik, among others.
Before leaving Islamabad for India, Mr Gilani thanked Dr Singh for inviting him to the match, and said that he's "looking forward to a great game." He also said he believes "this match will bridge the gap" between India and Pakistan.
The large delegation accompanying Mr Gilani includes controversial Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who publicly warned his country's cricket team against match-fixing, provoking fierce criticism both within and outside Pakistan. The team is using the Taj hotel in Chandigarh as its base.
Team Singh includes Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon. Congress party president Sonia Gandhi, as well as Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi are not part of the official delegation but are attending the game. They will also attend the dinner that Dr Singh is hosting at 7.30 pm tonight for the Pakistani delegation at the stadium.
Mr Gilani and Dr Singh are watching the game from a VVIP box, but are expected to exit a little later to hold informal talks.
Last week, in a move that surprised many, Dr Singh formally invited Mr Gilani and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the match with him. Mr Gilani accepted the invitation over the weekend.
Speaking to NDTV before the match, Dr Manmohan Singh said this was a "great opportunity to take spirit of friendship forward." Mr Gilani said he was looking forward to a great game and hoped the best team won.
The Semifinal: India strike, Pakistan loses 2 wickets
Pakistan began well in their answer to India's humble total of 260, a figure the home team struggled to put on board with no significant contributions from any batsman -- except Sachin Tendulkar -- nor a good partnership.
Pakistani openers Mohammed Hafeez and Kamran Akmal mixed strokeplay with cautious pushes and kept the scoreboard ticking in the initial overs. But Akmal went soon for 19 off 20 balls caught at point by Yuvraj Singh off a sharp delivery by Zaheer Khan.
Pakistan lost their first wicket at 43 in the eighth over.
On Mohali's flat batting pitch, the Indian score is probably 20 to 30 runs short according to experts.
Sachin Tendulkar made a scratchy 85 but not without surviving two referrals and four dropped catches.
India made one change, dropping offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and bringing in pacer Ashish Nehra. This might prove costly since Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal picked up two wickets in his 10 overs. He gave away 44 runs. Shahid Afridi was wicketless but conceded only 45.
Wahab Riaz took a career-best 5 for 46 as Pakistan restricted India to a reachable 260-9 despite an atrocious fielding performance in Wednesday's high-stakes World Cup semifinal.
The left-arm paceman struck at crucial junctures, accounting for a dangerous looking Virender Sehwag and an in-form Yuvraj Singh among others, as the famed Indian batting struggled against his swing.
Pakistani openers Mohammed Hafeez and Kamran Akmal mixed strokeplay with cautious pushes and kept the scoreboard ticking in the initial overs. But Akmal went soon for 19 off 20 balls caught at point by Yuvraj Singh off a sharp delivery by Zaheer Khan.
Pakistan lost their first wicket at 43 in the eighth over.
On Mohali's flat batting pitch, the Indian score is probably 20 to 30 runs short according to experts.
Sachin Tendulkar made a scratchy 85 but not without surviving two referrals and four dropped catches.
India made one change, dropping offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and bringing in pacer Ashish Nehra. This might prove costly since Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal picked up two wickets in his 10 overs. He gave away 44 runs. Shahid Afridi was wicketless but conceded only 45.
Wahab Riaz took a career-best 5 for 46 as Pakistan restricted India to a reachable 260-9 despite an atrocious fielding performance in Wednesday's high-stakes World Cup semifinal.
The left-arm paceman struck at crucial junctures, accounting for a dangerous looking Virender Sehwag and an in-form Yuvraj Singh among others, as the famed Indian batting struggled against his swing.
Power play players at Mohali
India and Pakistan, the arch rivals, had not played each other since the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008.
Despite the strained relations, the question that everybody was asking was could sports play the healer? Well, so it seems!
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invite to Pak Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani was called 'Aman ka chakka' by the Pak media.
So, as the titans faced each other at the World Cup semi final encounter at Mohali on Wednesday, the list of spectators included some of the biggest names from both the nations.
Despite the strained relations, the question that everybody was asking was could sports play the healer? Well, so it seems!
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invite to Pak Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani was called 'Aman ka chakka' by the Pak media.
So, as the titans faced each other at the World Cup semi final encounter at Mohali on Wednesday, the list of spectators included some of the biggest names from both the nations.
Five-star Wahab shines in Mohali
MOHALI, India: Umar Gul, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, flopped terribly. Shoaib Akhtar was not picked in the playing eleven while Abdul Razzaq, bowling at a gentle pace, was totally unthreatening.
The Greenshirts desperately needed someone to come forward and deliver the goods against India in their high-voltage World Cup semifinal against India. It was Wahab Riaz, who answered their call.
The tall left-armer finished with career-best figures of 5-46 that helped Pakistan to bounce back after India were given a flying start by Virender Sehwag (38). Wahab’s victims included the explosive Indian opener as well as the in-form Yuvraj Singh (0) and Indian captain MS Dhoni (25).
In fact it was Wahab’s double strike off consecutive balls in the 26th over that allowed Pakistan to fight their way back into the match. Wahab, 25, first scalped Virat Kohli (9) and then shattered Yuvraj’s stumps off the very next ball to leave India in trouble at 141-4. It left the packed crowd at PCA Stadium shell-shocked as Pakistan celebrated the prized wicket of Yuvraj, winner of four man-of-the-match awards at this World Cup.
When Wahab had tail-ender Zaheer Khan caught by Kamran Akmal behind the stumps in the final over for his fifth wicket, he dropped to the ground and sealed a kiss on the pitch that he will remember for the rest of his life.
Wahab, who has picked 27 wickets from 17 One-day International appearances, began this World Cup as a part of Pakistan’s second string as Shahid Afridi opted to have Akhtar in the pace attack along with Gul and Razzaq. He featured in Pakistan’s Pool A game against Canada in Colombo but only because Akhtar was rested that day.
But he was finally given a regular slot in the attack after Akhtar fell apart during Pakistan’s 110-run hammering at the hands of New Zealand at Pallekele.
In the lead-up to Wednesday’s semifinal, calls were made from experts for Akhtar’s inclusion. Pundits like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram believed Pakistan needed Akhtar’s experience. Wahab, however, proved on Wednesday that sometimes passion and commitment is all you need to succeed.
Though the Lahore-born Wahab made his ODI debut in 2008, it was in his first Test at The Oval in England last summer that he shot to limelight with match-winning figures of 5-63 in the first innings.
However, a few weeks later Wahab was under suspicion for an alleged role in the spot-fixing saga that involved three of Pakistan’s leading cricketers – Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt. He was questioned by Scotland Yard detectives before being cleared of any wrongdoing.
All those bitter memories became a distant past for the fast bowler as he basked in the glory of his five-wicket haul in front of a houseful at Mohali. Even Shoaib Akhtar, sitting solemnly in the dressing room, was clapping with admiration. Perhaps, he knew that the better man got the opportunity to play the big game.
The tall left-armer finished with career-best figures of 5-46 that helped Pakistan to bounce back after India were given a flying start by Virender Sehwag (38). Wahab’s victims included the explosive Indian opener as well as the in-form Yuvraj Singh (0) and Indian captain MS Dhoni (25).
In fact it was Wahab’s double strike off consecutive balls in the 26th over that allowed Pakistan to fight their way back into the match. Wahab, 25, first scalped Virat Kohli (9) and then shattered Yuvraj’s stumps off the very next ball to leave India in trouble at 141-4. It left the packed crowd at PCA Stadium shell-shocked as Pakistan celebrated the prized wicket of Yuvraj, winner of four man-of-the-match awards at this World Cup.
When Wahab had tail-ender Zaheer Khan caught by Kamran Akmal behind the stumps in the final over for his fifth wicket, he dropped to the ground and sealed a kiss on the pitch that he will remember for the rest of his life.
Wahab, who has picked 27 wickets from 17 One-day International appearances, began this World Cup as a part of Pakistan’s second string as Shahid Afridi opted to have Akhtar in the pace attack along with Gul and Razzaq. He featured in Pakistan’s Pool A game against Canada in Colombo but only because Akhtar was rested that day.
But he was finally given a regular slot in the attack after Akhtar fell apart during Pakistan’s 110-run hammering at the hands of New Zealand at Pallekele.
In the lead-up to Wednesday’s semifinal, calls were made from experts for Akhtar’s inclusion. Pundits like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram believed Pakistan needed Akhtar’s experience. Wahab, however, proved on Wednesday that sometimes passion and commitment is all you need to succeed.
Though the Lahore-born Wahab made his ODI debut in 2008, it was in his first Test at The Oval in England last summer that he shot to limelight with match-winning figures of 5-63 in the first innings.
However, a few weeks later Wahab was under suspicion for an alleged role in the spot-fixing saga that involved three of Pakistan’s leading cricketers – Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt. He was questioned by Scotland Yard detectives before being cleared of any wrongdoing.
All those bitter memories became a distant past for the fast bowler as he basked in the glory of his five-wicket haul in front of a houseful at Mohali. Even Shoaib Akhtar, sitting solemnly in the dressing room, was clapping with admiration. Perhaps, he knew that the better man got the opportunity to play the big game.
Pakistan begin on a firm footing
Pakistan begin their chase well after bowling out India for 260 in the semi final match of the World Cup at Mohali.
Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez both strike boundaries in tandem to blunt India's pace attack led by Zaheer Khan.
Indian skipper has already brought in the other seamers in Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra and despite a few close calls, the openers have largely been unfazed in playing their strokes.
Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez both strike boundaries in tandem to blunt India's pace attack led by Zaheer Khan.
Indian skipper has already brought in the other seamers in Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra and despite a few close calls, the openers have largely been unfazed in playing their strokes.
Indians, Pakistanis bond during tense clash
Tens of thousands of Indians and a handful of Pakistanis packed the stadium for their cricket World Cup clash on Wednesday in a friendly atmosphere that belied diplomatic tensions between the countries.
"We love the people of India as we share the same roots and the same passion for the game among other things," said elated Pakistani fan Ali Salman, who crossed into India via the only road link, the Wagah crossing.
"I managed to get a ticket through my friends in India. I can't thank them enough," the 32-year-old from Lahore told AFP as he made his way into the stadium through tight security.
"We arrived yesterday and the atmosphere at Wagah was electrifying. There were fans who were cheering for both India and Pakistan."
Barkha Sen, a 40-year-old Indian entrepreneur from nearby Chandigarh, said the match offered her a chance to extend a hand of friendship across the border.
"It is one of those rare opportunities that we must utilise to make friends. If I come across anyone from Pakistan, I am going to invite them home for a cup of tea," she said.
Both national anthems were respected by fans, though the overwhelmingly Indian crowd cheered every dropped catch by the Pakistanis who failed to take at least five chances during the Indian innings.
The loudest cheer was reserved for India's talismanic cricketer, record-setter Sachin Tendulkar, who hoped to score his 100th international hundred in the game but fell 15 short.
Cricket has frequently been the victim of poor relations between the neighbouring nations, with tours blocked for years because of bad-blood, but it has also been used to build trust and confidence.
In 2004, India toured Pakistan for a full Test series for the first time since 1989 as part of a diplomatic initiative called the "Friendship Series". Many Indian fans reported being welcomed like long-lost brothers.
On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani watched the game together from the VIP enclosure and greeted the players in a high-profile exercise in regional bridge-building.
"To see the prime ministers of both countries shake hands with players will remain etched in my memory," said Shyam Shankar, an Indian software engineer who drove to Mohali for the match from New Delhi.
"Cricket can be a great healer and help mend relations with our neighbours. We should play each other more often."
Tickets to the game at the 30,000-capacity stadium were limited for the general public, partly due to the large reservations for VIPs, sparking a furious scramble for places.
Divya Pandove, a 24-year-old Indian studying software engineering, flashed her ticket to one of the VIP enclosures with glee as she made her way into the stadium.
"I think I have been very lucky. It had become a status symbol to be able to have a ticket for this match. I am going to tell all my friends by putting it on Facebook," she said.
A bevy of Bollywood stars added a dash of glamour to the occasion.
Top actor Aamir Khan was flanked by his wife Kiran Rao in the VIP enclosure, as were Vivek Oberoi, Rahul Bose, Preity Zinta, Dino Morea and popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi.
India's ruling political dynasty was also out in force, with the Italian-born head of the ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul both in attendance.
Only a few Pakistan fans could be seen in the public areas of the stadium, though family members of leading politicians such as former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had VIP tickets.
Heavily-armed policemen were deployed at a series of checkpoints surrounding the stadium, meaning fans faced a long wait in heat and humidity to take their seats.
There were barricades at traffic intersections, manned by machine-gun wielding security forces, and policemen were confiscating all but essential items from fans.
"We love the people of India as we share the same roots and the same passion for the game among other things," said elated Pakistani fan Ali Salman, who crossed into India via the only road link, the Wagah crossing.
"I managed to get a ticket through my friends in India. I can't thank them enough," the 32-year-old from Lahore told AFP as he made his way into the stadium through tight security.
"We arrived yesterday and the atmosphere at Wagah was electrifying. There were fans who were cheering for both India and Pakistan."
Barkha Sen, a 40-year-old Indian entrepreneur from nearby Chandigarh, said the match offered her a chance to extend a hand of friendship across the border.
"It is one of those rare opportunities that we must utilise to make friends. If I come across anyone from Pakistan, I am going to invite them home for a cup of tea," she said.
Both national anthems were respected by fans, though the overwhelmingly Indian crowd cheered every dropped catch by the Pakistanis who failed to take at least five chances during the Indian innings.
The loudest cheer was reserved for India's talismanic cricketer, record-setter Sachin Tendulkar, who hoped to score his 100th international hundred in the game but fell 15 short.
Cricket has frequently been the victim of poor relations between the neighbouring nations, with tours blocked for years because of bad-blood, but it has also been used to build trust and confidence.
In 2004, India toured Pakistan for a full Test series for the first time since 1989 as part of a diplomatic initiative called the "Friendship Series". Many Indian fans reported being welcomed like long-lost brothers.
On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani watched the game together from the VIP enclosure and greeted the players in a high-profile exercise in regional bridge-building.
"To see the prime ministers of both countries shake hands with players will remain etched in my memory," said Shyam Shankar, an Indian software engineer who drove to Mohali for the match from New Delhi.
"Cricket can be a great healer and help mend relations with our neighbours. We should play each other more often."
Tickets to the game at the 30,000-capacity stadium were limited for the general public, partly due to the large reservations for VIPs, sparking a furious scramble for places.
Divya Pandove, a 24-year-old Indian studying software engineering, flashed her ticket to one of the VIP enclosures with glee as she made her way into the stadium.
"I think I have been very lucky. It had become a status symbol to be able to have a ticket for this match. I am going to tell all my friends by putting it on Facebook," she said.
A bevy of Bollywood stars added a dash of glamour to the occasion.
Top actor Aamir Khan was flanked by his wife Kiran Rao in the VIP enclosure, as were Vivek Oberoi, Rahul Bose, Preity Zinta, Dino Morea and popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi.
India's ruling political dynasty was also out in force, with the Italian-born head of the ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul both in attendance.
Only a few Pakistan fans could be seen in the public areas of the stadium, though family members of leading politicians such as former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had VIP tickets.
Heavily-armed policemen were deployed at a series of checkpoints surrounding the stadium, meaning fans faced a long wait in heat and humidity to take their seats.
There were barricades at traffic intersections, manned by machine-gun wielding security forces, and policemen were confiscating all but essential items from fans.
India vs Pakistan Semi Final: Pakistan cruising, 70-2
Pakistan cruised to 70 for two in their World Cup semifinal against India at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday.
India vs Pakistan Semi Final live Streaming here
India vs Pakistan Semi Final live Streaming here
India vs Pakistan Semi Final Live Cricket Match Score,Updates and Predictions
Experts said, calling the game of "Mothers of the final." India vs Pakistan match is a type of war that comes when every man who is a cricket fan, enjoy this game as final heartbeat.Every man wants to enjoy this match as World Cup and when the game started to take people and its position as a world war to see and enjoy this game.
Today's match is very important for both teams and both countries because their people will not see their team fan lost.a Cricket Fans just want to see this game and desided to see this game in all conditions.
Yesterday, the rain had fallen in Mohali today may therefore be falling.Today Mohali stadium became a wall of soldiers because people eventhough warning terrorist group wants to enjoy the match between such a warning.
ICC Cricket World Cup, 2nd semi-final: India v Pakistan Cricket match will be played at Mohali on Mar 30, 2011.
India's best players
Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj SinghYuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina
Pakistan's best players
Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul
TOSS PREDICTION
India 52%, Pakistan 48%. People believe that India can win this match.
MATCH PREDICTION
India 52%, 48% in Pakistan. India could win the game that people's opinions.
The Match will begin at 14:30 local time (09:00 GMT)
India: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam GambhirGautam Gambhir, places Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (Captain & WK), Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer KhanZaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra
Pakistan: Kamran AkmalKamran Akmal (WK), Hafiz Mohammad Asad Shafiq Khan Younis, Misbah-ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (captain), Abdul RazzaqAbdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz.
India vs Pakistan live stream Semi Final cricket online tv
india vs pakistan live stream People often say that Ashes is the biggest cricket rivalry but people in Asia would strongly disagree and the reason for that is India and Pakistan cricket matches which always attract huge attention not only in home countriese but also people living abroad have hug.
Watch India vs Pakistan Semifinal Online Live – World Cup 2011
India vs Pakistan has always been a treat match for people of these two nations. The build-up is usually very huge and the pressure will be on both sides to win and get into the World Cup Finals which will be played at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
India and Pakistan go a long way in the World Cup with India having been able to defeat Pakistan in all 4 instances including the famous 1996 and 2003 World Cup matches victories.
The India vs Pakistan match has a huge billing and will definitely be one of the best matches of this World Cup. The Pakistan side haven’t yet scored big runs and most of their wins have come thanks to the bowlers. On the other hand, the Indian batsmen have struck some sort of form with most of the top order and middle order except for Dhoni hitting half centuries in the last match.
The Indian batsmen will have to score really well against Pakistan to guarantee a win and the Indian bowlers will have to make up for their lackluster performance by bowling good line and length.
Overall, the India vs Pakistan match is definitely going to be a thriller to watch. Tune in on Wednesday to watch the India vs Pakistan match at the Mohali stadium in Punjab. You can also watch the India vs Pakistan semifinal match live online using the links below.
The ICC World Cup 2011 will be broadcast live on ESPN Star Sports and Star Cricket. You will be able to catch up on live action here.
India vs Pakistan live: India sets 261 runs target before Pakistan
However, Sehwag fell prey to newcomer Wahab Riaz for 38 runs. Before getting out, Sehwag hammered Pakistan bowling spearhead Umar Gul for five boundaries in an over.
Indian batting maestro was riding on heavy luck. He was given six drop chance but failed to score his 100th international ton. He was dismissed for 85 runs.
Wahab Riaz bowled dream spell of his career. He took five wicket haul in a crucial game.
Earlier, Wahab Riaz provided double blow to India by dismissing Kohli and Yuvraj (0) in one over.
After fiery start, India lost opener Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Wahab Riaz provided first breakthrough to Pakistan when he dismissed dangerous Sehwag. Sehwag scored 38 runs of 25 deliveries.
India received second jolt when Mohammad Hafeez got rid off Gambhir for 27 runs.
Earlier, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the crucial toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the second semifinal of Cricket World Cup 2011.
Dhoni has made one change in the side. Spinner R Ashwin paved the way for pacer Ashish Nehra. Dhoni feels that Pakistan side is good against spinners.
On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi said that toss will not affect the result of tie. He said that there are no changes in the Pakistan side. The same team, which played against West Indies will play today.
Afridi said that this is biggest encounter of his career.
Teams:
Ind: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra
Pak: Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal
Live India vs Pakistan: Zaheer strikes for India
Both openers in Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez began with boundaries and looked to take on the pace trio of Zaheer, Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra but it was the experienced head in Zaheer that persisted with his line and forced the error. Yuvraj at point completed the rest, much to the cheer of the Mohali crowd here.
India's Innings
It was a 300-plus wicket. India, however would be satisfied with the 260 runs that it managed in the crucial semi final match at Mohali. This after Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz struck terror in the middle-order to end the innings with five wickets.
Sachin Tendulkar top-scored for the hosts with 85 after Virender Sehwag gave his team an aggressive start. He looked in fine touch but was eventually removed by Riaz who found his legs in front of the stumps. Tendulkar though kept his composure and struck together a decent partnership of 60 with Gautam Gambhir.
Riaz though came back with a vengeance and despite several dropped catches of Tendulkar, he ensured no other batsman settled in to script a twist in the bowling dominated tale.
Though the average score batting first in a day and night match here is 254, Indians would need their strategy of playing an extra seamer to pay dividends once Pakistan begin their chase.
India V Pakistan 2011 Cricket World Cup: Live Stream
India will expect a big score from any of Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Singh, Dhoni or Kohli. Even Pathan can be expected to deliver an innings reminiscent of his match-winning 123 off 96 balls against New Zealand in December.
India hold the mental edge heading into their fifth World Cup match against their sub-continent neighbours, having won all four previous clashes.
But Pakistan have beaten India the two times these countries met on this ground in the ODI format – in 1999 and 2007 – with the most recent fixture seeing Pakistan chase down India’s total of 321 to win with one ball to spare.
Pakistan’s bowlers have a mammoth task before them, but Gul, Riaz, Razzaq and Afridi have the potential to restrict the power hitting in the Indian top-order.
Plenty of runs, plenty of noise, plenty of drama. India to march on.
Key Men
Virender Sehwag – A proven big-stage performer, Sehwag can not only score runs but belt the cover off the ball to make batting easier for the stars to come in behind him. Sehwag averages 40-plus in World Cup matches with a strike rate of 104.95 – an ominous statistic for the Pakistan strike bowlers.
Shahid Afridi - Batsman, bowler, captain, talisman. There is very little that Afridi does not do in the Pakistan shirt and his team will be depending on him to produce the goods once more. He has taken 21 wickets (@10.71) and will need to add to this tally to restrict a strong Indian batting line-up.
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