Sunday, 4 April 2010

Is T20 Worthwhile?

Is T20 Worthwhile? [PP Essay Competition - Entry #6]

by BoomBoomCricket
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Is T20 really "a cricket" as the former legendary Pakistani fast bowler, Waqar Younis may say during one of his commentary bluffers! T20 has been an exciting, entertaining, exhilarating format for some diehard fans of the game. It has been an overwhelming dream or sporting revolution for them. However, is this a worthy cricketing contest at the end of it all?

T20 commenced in June 2003 in the county scene and since then has gone global and made considerable progression. The game is a dynamic, fast paced, action-packed format which shall take one's vision by storm! Is there any better way of entertaining yourself for an evening of sporting action? It allows players to express themselves, expressive cricket and allows them to unleash their instincts in front of a packed electrifying crowd. The atmospheric surroundings are simply mind-blowing. It's a motivational stage to play in given the feedback from the players and thereby a worthwhile one to watch for spectators, even if you are a mediocre fan!
In addition, many modern skills which are flourishing through the ranks in leaps and bounds are exposed in this game such as dil scoop, paddle sweep and direct hits. Thereby, one can't simply underestimate the skill factor in this format as players need to practise, perfect and develop these attributes if they ought to succeed. Modern innovations represent the bounty of uniqueness, flamboyance and dynamisms.

We often regard captaincy in cricket as the most important out of all the vast numbers of sports there are in this day and age. In T20 cricket a captain's character and credentials are challenged like no other format. Captains have to make decisions under extreme critical pressure and if they make the smallest of wrong choices they could have thrown away a game potentially. Field setting, the manner in which bowlers are alternated and the way the batting line up is adjusted to set a target or chase down a score are just some of the several crucial aspects involved.

Many would have initially thought that spinners would be the so called "fools" in the format. However, they have thrived remarkably like demon figures and in a way outclassed the pacers. They have played an influential role in the middle over's of an innings and talking as a whole, been very reliable and wicket taking operators. Some would remark that they have been more threatening than the seamers. Certainly they need the ability to think smartly, vary their pace and apply pressure against the batsmen in order to create wicket taking opportunities and subsequently slow down the run rate. Therefore, spinners also have their say and can make an impact!

In cricket one would like good competition which is demonstrated in the format as we frequently see matches go down to the wire in a nail biting clash! This is gripping drama and a great advert for the game.

However, others might argue differently. T20 can be a so called "lottery" when matches are at the climax stages because its dicey cricket and it's all about who can cope with the pressure and hold their nerve when it matters most which some conservative fans will say is just simply and truly misleading the meaningfulness and overall purpose of cricket. Furthermore, baseball accusations have been voiced by some players like Javed Miandad.

My response to such an argument would be, the "lottery" firstly, that makes teams increasingly aware of seizing moments in the early part's of the matches and being able to play under pressure is a skill in itself which are also seen in other worldly publicised sports like a penalty shoot in a decisive football game in which it can go either way and has got mixed opinions amongst the fans of the game and general public as it's not necessarily the fairest or squarest of rules for settling a game but has to be done nevertheless if the circumstance arises. As far as Miandad is concerned, T20 isn't mindless slogging by any means of the imagination. Obviously you have to be prepared to take risks and chance your arms but you have to take those quick singles and just build your innings accordingly as Cameron White, the Australian batsmen has stated in the past. Being able to identify balls which are hittable or not and picking gaps can be classified as attributable. Movement of feet , transfer of weight and body positioning aren't seen in baseball just to consolidate on my slamming of Miandad's thoughtless accusation.

Overall, I feel T20 has really revolutionized the game and improved cricket's image radically during the 21st century. This is obviously highly significant and pleasing from an administrators point of view as well as for players and supporters. Players want to be able to participate in a packed atmosphere with a considerable amount of people watching the telecast too because they are professionals after all and want to be able to demonstrate their talents on the centre stage as they have worked hard for earning the sporting professional status. For supporters you want to see that people are watching the action too with an abundance of enthusiasm, energy and passion otherwise it will seem lifeless and lacklustre to watch. Thereby, everyone involved directly or not benefits from this all round cycle, who would could ask for much more?

Friday, 13 November 2009

Preity Zinta Reply

https://twitter.com/realpreityzinta/status/5692377469

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Stand Up For The Champions

I was proud to have the opportunity to witness it. The climate was scorching, the venue was first class, the line ups were an idealist script for this unique occasion especially when taking into consideration all the troublesome times the county has faced, the teams arrival in the final had brought back a spark of patriotism and unity.

Anyhow let’s progress to the match and moments of the day itself. The atmosphere was electrifying. The crowd was largely populated by energetic Pakistani supporters, here with a determined desire of getting across the line and repeating that magical day in 1992. “ Afridi Afridi” they chanted away and oh boy he didn’t fail to live up to the expectations as Pakistan clinched glory to the pleasure of the entire nation. This is a cause of celebration and acknowledgement. The reaction back home has been fulfilled with happiness. Certainly this is a moment one shall cherish for a long time to come.

A few reasons why we emerged as champions !

Captaincy determination – He looked so strict in the field towards the latter half of the competition. This showed desire and fighting spirit. We could see that this was a pumped up unit.

Effective combinations – We found the winning formula in the New Zealand match such as when to turn to Gul and when to utilise Afridi in the batting line up. We were able to maintain this winning strategy from that game onwards.

Spinners – Enable to apply or restrict a “squeeze” on the opposition with their guile in the middle period. They consistently performed, claiming a handful of wickets and bowling economically

Akmal’s cameo - Set the tone and momentum for further consolidation. Utilised the fielding restrictions and played freely. Really put the opposition on the back foot frequently.

A good blend of experience and youth - Builds a good team morale.

Thursday, 18 June 2009

ICC World T20 Semi Final Preview

Although we should congratulate and appreciate the on field heroics demonstrated by the side in this competition, they will have to play “out of their skins” to beat RSA and graduate to the final almost as a matter of fact. RSA have been the in-form team through out, with an invincible undefeated record at stake. Their fielding is immense and they arguably have the most intelligent captain in Graham Smith.

Pak have produced mixed performances. Sometimes we have witnessed sheer brilliance whereas other times we have been thoroughly undone. The bowling attack will hold the ultimate key in this climaxing encounter as we can take nothing away from the performances of Gul and Ajmal, the tournaments leading wicket takers.

To conclude on a high it feels as if we have the bounty of Waqar Younis’s art and Saqi’s mystery back in operation in resemblance to the threat posed by Gul and Ajmal and this outstanding bowling combination as a whole . Certainly Pakistan holds the advantage in this aspect.

I wonder if we can make it to another final but go one step further this time round, something Pakistan hasn’t done since the golden era of 1992!

Monday, 15 June 2009

T20 Round Up

India’s elimination was an unexpected exit by the previous champions. Many supporters and fans would have been heartbroken by this performance. But no excuses can be made other than the team’s defeats against 2 sides they would have fancied there chances against in England and West indies. Those 2 of course meet today for a contest which has been repeated numerously throughout this year but this time in a do or die situation.

The tournament as a whole has been an unpredictable one thus far with several tight nail biting climax encounters and surprises. But now the action is steaming up as the competition approaches the knock-out stages in the most thrilling heat absorbing format one can experience.

Strap your seat belts fastened for meaningful action packed drama from Britain’s 3 most picturesque venues ………………………….

T20 WE LOVE IT! 

Although many argue that this can be a dicey lottery structure i.e. the chasing side requiring a boundary of the final delivery. This usually is a case by sheer fortune as suggested by events this month because no team really deserves to lose in the circumstance as no one has really won convincingly like a test match in which we can clearly differentiate why a side emerged victorious due to a longer course of play and technical requirements as opposed to just holding your nerve in the crucial moment.

Wednesday, 27 May 2009

World T20 Preview

This June contest is one which shall be watched with abundance of excitement around the globe. The dynamics of this T20 format has been a sporting revelation ever since its first introduction in June 2003. The publicity and fascination this format has attracted has been resounding to say the least. Majority of encounters result in close tense climaxes. Additionally the duration is ideal for entertainment value. Therefore I would like to remark that this is where the games future lies. The combination of skill, uniqueness and intensity is there for one to express passion let it be playing or watching.

Prediction: Should be a competitive and anticipated competition on the whole. India are the current holders and have the balance of experience and youth to go the distance. Also they have the captaincy enterprise enhanced by MS Dhoni which proved influential in RSA 07.