I guess most of the cricket fans would be aware of the ongoing cricket one day international series between India and Australia. Both the teams are considered as the best in cricket and so the rivalry between the two is pretty much obvious. Yesterday, the stage was set for the fourth ODI match between the two great teams. Venue being Mohali in Punjab which is just 15 kms from my home. Mohali’s PCA Stadium holds the record for most Day n Night One day matches in whole of India. It’s one of the finest grounds in the world. So watching a game between the two best sides in cricket world on the best-est of all grounds in the world was too much of a temptation that one couldn’t afford to miss. Specially for a cricket maniac like me.

I made to the ground in time to watch the match. I would have to say i have never been in a better position to view the match ever, as i was sitting right in the VIP box just above the Indian team dug out. I could see all the Indian players walking by and it was really very exciting. Australia batted first and scored 250 runs only on what seemed to be a superb batting pitch. Herein i would have to give credit to India fielders. It was one of the best performance by the fielding team. India somehow couldn’t bat well and failed to chase the meager score of 250. Although India lost the match, i still had too much fun over there. It was a good contest. Deep inside i wanted India to win but you know, a game is a game and Australia outplayed India this time. So all is well until and unless we get to see a great contest between the two.

Anyways, the match environment, the enthusiastic Punjabi crowd and the best lit stadium in the world under the night sky was very enthralling. It was an amazing night. I took some pics from my Samsung Omnia II and would like to share few of them with you!

Ind-Aus Match

I so wish i could take pic of Ricky Ponting, every time he gets out or when his appeals are turned down. He makes such a funny, crying, depressed face that it’s almost impossible not to laugh at that sight. I agree he is a great cricketer but at the same time he is the worst sportsman ever. I mean if you are such a great cricketer, that are you talked among the likes of world’s best batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, then you really need keep your mind, attitude and etiquette right. Look at Sachin, there is no down to earth person in cricket world than him, even though he is greatest of all. Anyways…..

India was leading 2-1 in the series before this match. Unfortunately, India lost this match and thus Australia leveled the series at 2-2. There are three more matches coming up pretty soon and it’s all going to be very exciting. Down to the wire as one would say. Full support to India whatsoever.

This post is in continuation to the previous post “Hamilton: The world champion“.

Honestly, the flag, the championship, it all belonged to Felipe Massa. In the last lap, Massa ranked # 1 whereas Hamilton was ranking # 6. The result would have stayed that way for sure. And it was an easy deserving win for Massa. But suddenly for no reason at all, the then ranked # 4 driver “Glock” suddenly slowed down at the final curve. Slowed enough so that Hamilton can overtake him and take position # 5 which then gave Lewis Hamilton the championship.

As soon as Massa crossed the chequered flag, Ferrari crew celebrated and were so excited. But their celebration lived short as after 5 seconds they saw Glock pulling out for Hamilton. They were heartbroken and that’s obvious.

Anyways, i would like to wish good luck to Glock. May you leave Brazil in good health. He probably forgot that he is racing in Massa’s home soil. So wish him good luck!

And Felipe Massa, though i don’t like him, still it was a great effort and congrats for the win.

Lewis Hamilton, well, the whole year was full of dramas like racist abuse, dangerous driving, etc. It would have been a great feeling to win the last race and championship on your own. Anyways, congrats for the controversial win. Yes, you are the youngest world champion of Formula 1. But a loser in the last race!

Here are the stats for those of you who missed the race:

Image Courtesy Formula1.com

Formula 1 is all set for a nail biting finish in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It’s the final race today and the stakes are high. The race is so complicated and so much depends on this final race. It is going to be very very exciting.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Driver) stands at number 1 in the ranks, followed closely by Ferrari’s Driver, Felipe Massa. Well how close? Too close for anyone’s comfort. The difference only being 7 points. If you are new to this game, here is the thing you should know. The guy who finished first gets 8 point and the guy finishing second gets 7. So putting it simply, if Felipe Massa fails to finish today’s race in top two positions, then it is guaranteed that Lewis Hamilton would win. Lewis has to be in top 7 at least for a clean win. And of course, he is the favorite to win the championship. But you never know how thrilling it could be. Because Felipe Massa has just grabbed pole position in this final race qualifying and what’s even more frightening, well it’s Massa’s home soil. Plus, Hamilton will start from fourth position behind Massa, Jarno Trulli and defending champion plus Massa’s partner,Kimi Raikkonen. (Oucchhh….gives me goosebumps)

Lewis Hamilton is just 23 yrs old. If he wins this championship, he will be crowned as the youngest formula 1 champion.  Others are not going to make it weasy for him. That’s why the race is going to be even more exciting.

BTW, in Constructor Standings, Ferrari has already made it to Rank 1 and it will stay on that position even after the race. Ferrari has 156 points followed by McLaren at 145 and lastly followed by Force India with 0 points

Abhinav Bindra

Abhinav has done it. He has not only done shooting, Chandigarh, Punjab and India proud but also craved a name for himself in the history books by becoming the first ever individual to win an Olympic gold for India.

Surprise and ecstasy marked the instant reaction of the city on the unique achievement of the local lad, Abhinav Bindra. His “bulls eye” in the 10-metre air rifle shooting finals at the Beijing Olympic fulfilled the dreams the nation of a billion but for Chandigarhians it was a special moment that they’ll never forget.

It was like a festival at St. Stephen’s School as students, teachers and the principal of the school went gaga over there former student Abhinav Bindra’s triumph who has done the nation proud by clinching the first ever individual gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

44 damn years….where were you Spaniards in all these years?

I have never seen Spain playing so well. Fernando Torres has been one of the exception as i have seen him play great football representing Liverpool team in EPL. And he was the man who scored the one and only goal in the final of Euro Cup 2008. Of course there are other greats like Fabregas (Arsenal), Casillas (Real Madrid) and of course well known Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona).

Honestly, i was backing up Germany in this game. But i am not disappointed because Spaniards played out of their skin, held their nerves, and it was a great football match. They are worthy and truly deserved this title. Well they already defeated Italy (World cup champions) and Russia. And they played great football last night! There were two occasions when i thought a freekick should have been awarded for handball but hey who gives a damn… maybe the result would have been the same.

Spain’s defence was their greatest asset. Even Michael Ballack wasn’t able to get through them. In anycase, he is not in good form since many months. Arggghhh, you spoiled your talent Michael ever since you joined Chelsea… Ha Ha Ha… Long live Manchester Utd.

Anyways, moving back to Euro2008, Spaniards played the best of all and they won the title. For more detailed news, go check some big site else share your views via the comment box!

Some pics for you: