Fans of high-scoring ODIs were treated to some pulsating action in the recent series between India and South Africa.
The Indians won the series 2-1, sealing it by winning the first two games. In the second match, India won handsomely on the back of Sachin Tendulkar's record-breaking double hundred. His 200 not out came off a mere 147 deliveries.
But South Africa hit back for a consolation win thanks to centuries from Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, with the latter needing just 59 balls for his unbeaten 102.
For once, supporters will have been saddened that it was not a seven-game series.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Soccer: Carling Cup final
Manchester United are rightly heavy favorites to lift the Carling Cup on Sunday, even if they are missing the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand.
With Wayne Rooney in sparkling form, United are eyeing up a Treble and the Carling Cup presents the chance to bag the first piece of silverware of the season.
But Aston Villa cannot be underestimated. They have taken four points from United during the current campaign and possess the attacking outlets to test the Red Devils defence.
That being said, United should have too much on the day. Look for Rooney to get on the scoresheet and Sir Alex Ferguson's side to win 2-0.
With Wayne Rooney in sparkling form, United are eyeing up a Treble and the Carling Cup presents the chance to bag the first piece of silverware of the season.
But Aston Villa cannot be underestimated. They have taken four points from United during the current campaign and possess the attacking outlets to test the Red Devils defence.
That being said, United should have too much on the day. Look for Rooney to get on the scoresheet and Sir Alex Ferguson's side to win 2-0.
NBA: Celtics wobbling
The Boston Celtics have major issues to address in the final six weeks of the regular season - and their struggles were highlighted on Saturday with an embarrassing 104-96 loss at home to the New Jersey Nets.
After fading badly in the second half in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, Boston faltered again when facing the team with the worst record in the NBA.
For the Nets, it was a huge morale boost. Brook Lopez led the way with 25 points while Devin Harris added 23 and Courtney Lee had 21.
But for the Celtics it should have been a wake up call. Unless they step up a few gears, they will be blown away by the Cavs, Magic and Hawks in the playoffs.
After fading badly in the second half in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, Boston faltered again when facing the team with the worst record in the NBA.
For the Nets, it was a huge morale boost. Brook Lopez led the way with 25 points while Devin Harris added 23 and Courtney Lee had 21.
But for the Celtics it should have been a wake up call. Unless they step up a few gears, they will be blown away by the Cavs, Magic and Hawks in the playoffs.
Soccer: City give United a helping hand
Much will be made of Wayne Bridge's refusal to shake John Terry's hand but the most decisive talking point to come out of Manchester City's 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge is Chelsea's faltering form.
Victory over Wolves a week ago seemed to have pushed the Blues into a position of real strength. Seven days later, Manchester United are just a point behind.
And Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti's problems are staking up. Terry has been weighed down by his off-field antics, Ashley Cole is out with a broken ankle and now Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti must serve suspensions following red cards against City.
The form of Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard cannot be called into question but the Chelsea back line looks shaky, especially with Petr Cech on the sidelines.
The title race is wide open once again, with Arsenal closing in as well after a 3-1 victory at Stoke, and Saturday was a day of celebration for all of Manchester.
Victory over Wolves a week ago seemed to have pushed the Blues into a position of real strength. Seven days later, Manchester United are just a point behind.
And Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti's problems are staking up. Terry has been weighed down by his off-field antics, Ashley Cole is out with a broken ankle and now Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti must serve suspensions following red cards against City.
The form of Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard cannot be called into question but the Chelsea back line looks shaky, especially with Petr Cech on the sidelines.
The title race is wide open once again, with Arsenal closing in as well after a 3-1 victory at Stoke, and Saturday was a day of celebration for all of Manchester.
NBA: Nuggets look for third win of the season against Lakers
After losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers in last year's Western Conference Finals, the Denver Nuggets needed to come back strong against their biggest foe. Thus far, they have done just that.
The Lakers might have a firm grip on the number one spot in the West but the Nuggets have won both games between the teams this season - and comfortably at that.
Denver scored a 105-79 blowout at the Pepsi Center on November 13 then followed it up with a huge 126-113 win in LA on February 5, behind a career-high 39 points from Chauncey Billups.
Unquestionably, the pressure is on the Lakers heading into this one. Kobe Bryant and company need a win to regain confidence against a Denver team that they might well see again come playoff time. A 3-0 lead in the season series would hand the Nuggets even more psychological points.
Billups and Carmelo Anthony will once again carry most of the offensive slack but the Nuggets may have to manage without Kenyon Martin (knee), which is a concern against Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.
Following hot on the heels of the Suns-Spurs clash, it promises to be an intriguing afternoon of basketball.
The Lakers might have a firm grip on the number one spot in the West but the Nuggets have won both games between the teams this season - and comfortably at that.
Denver scored a 105-79 blowout at the Pepsi Center on November 13 then followed it up with a huge 126-113 win in LA on February 5, behind a career-high 39 points from Chauncey Billups.
Unquestionably, the pressure is on the Lakers heading into this one. Kobe Bryant and company need a win to regain confidence against a Denver team that they might well see again come playoff time. A 3-0 lead in the season series would hand the Nuggets even more psychological points.
Billups and Carmelo Anthony will once again carry most of the offensive slack but the Nuggets may have to manage without Kenyon Martin (knee), which is a concern against Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.
Following hot on the heels of the Suns-Spurs clash, it promises to be an intriguing afternoon of basketball.
Monday, February 22, 2010
NBA: Cavs look to snap losing streak while Thunder seek 10th straight win
Tuesday night throws up a couple of intriguing contests. The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost three in a row since the All-Star Game and look to end their slide against the New Orleans Hornets, winners of their last two.
Despite new face Antawn Jamison's solid night, the Cavs lost in Orlando on Sunday and need to steady the ship back on their home floor. The Hornets are just trying to stay in contention while Chris Paul recovers from his latest injury setback.
And over in Oklahoma, Kevin Durant will be bidding to extend his run of 25+ point nights against the visiting Phoenix Suns, who are expected to be without All-Star guard Steve Nash. The Thunder are on a stunning run at present, sitting fifth in the West, and will go after their 10th straight win.
Despite new face Antawn Jamison's solid night, the Cavs lost in Orlando on Sunday and need to steady the ship back on their home floor. The Hornets are just trying to stay in contention while Chris Paul recovers from his latest injury setback.
And over in Oklahoma, Kevin Durant will be bidding to extend his run of 25+ point nights against the visiting Phoenix Suns, who are expected to be without All-Star guard Steve Nash. The Thunder are on a stunning run at present, sitting fifth in the West, and will go after their 10th straight win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
