It has been an unusual Sunday for me considering I spent the better part of it glued to the tele rather than galavanting around town or spend time munching onto something spicy. Its been a good day if you're a sport lover for the following reasons.
Chronologically the English downed the South Africans in a gem of a world cup game of cricket. The Lads from Manchester were beaten comprehensively at home by the Liverpudlians and the Irish made a match of it when India were tottering at a 100-4 while chasing a moderate 208 in a 50 over contest.
England for me have looked like an up-and-down side this world cup. Having nearly chased down India's 338 on the 27th of February, they allowed the Irish to beat them even after having posted a huge 329 whilst batting. I reckon a certain Mr. O'Brien had to do a lot with England losing. 100 of 50 balls against a quality side speaks volumes of his batting prowess. I would like to see more of him in the coming games.
The big one now. In the North West Darby, Manchester United took on a buoyant Liverpool at home today. After the 1-0 loss at the beginning of the year to United at Old Trafford, Liverpool in all honesty didn't start as my favorites in todays tie. However I couldn't have been any further from the truth. Dalgish's boys gave him one of the best presents he could have asked for on his 60th birthday which he celebrated a couple of days ago. A 3-1 win to Liverpool makes the title race interesting with Arsenal snapping at the heals of United who are 3 points clear, although Arsenal have a game in hand.
I have seen rugby matches with far less violence than what was seen todays game. A lot of pushing, shoving, elbowing, and shouting ensued in todays match. But the cake was taken by Nani who took a beating at the hands of Carragher. He was my nomination for "Best Actor in a comic role" when he had to be stretchered off after the incident. But not before violently demonstrating his innocence for a good minute or so with the referee before deciding that he was hurt, falling down and holding his head and calling for the physio. Nonetheless it was a great match to watch.
And finally India beat Ireland by 5 wickets and 24 balls to spare.. errr chasing a modest 208. The Indians bowled decently with Yuvi getting his first 5-er and then coming back and doggedly getting a 50. But the rest of the famed Indian batting made a mockery of the chase on a pitch that was oddly not tailor-made for a 350 run innings as is always the case at Bengaluru. Lack of application and complacency was stamped large on the batting card for India. Kudos to Yusuf Pathan who walked in and finished the game in typical fashion. He started by ostentatiously hitting 16 runs from the first over he faced and then before you could blink the match was over. We now top the table in Group B with 5 points and not having lost any matches so far. Can the boys get the cup? Well, time will tell, but I wish India all the best in their endeavor.
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