http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 – Asia Cup (5th match) – Indian batsmen to watch out for
Pakistan and India’s long awaited Asia Cup clash, their first meeting since the World Cup semi-final at Mohali last March, is scheduled to take place on March 18 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, amid the usual frenzy that precedes any match
between the two neighbours.
Following a disastrous tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, which included a 0-4 Test defeat, and a disappointing run in the Commonwealth Bank series, the Men In Blue suffered another set-back, this time in the shape of a shocking 5-wicket defeat at the hands of host team
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, and 289 against Bangladesh.
While their previous match against the local team culminated in defeat, the batting performances boasted one ton and two half-centuries, which suggests that the Indian team may on the road to recovery following their recent slump.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Tendulkar-c2556
India’s star veteran, and arguably one the most accomplished modern batsman, Sachin Tendulkar recently overcame a dismal batting slump in spectacular fashion, with his 114 against India, marking his record-breaking 100th century. Riding high on
his recent success, with no plans to announce his retirement any time soon, the 38-year-old will be looking for another chance to prove himself in the match against Pakistan.
The Little Master scored his last century against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 last year, and as the pressure to complete a hundred tons built up, his batting suffered – during the Commonwealth Bank series in Australia last year, he registered disappointing scores such
as 2, 3 and 14. His total against Sri Lanka in India’s first Asia Cup match was also a mere 6. His recent performance against Bangladesh, despite India’s loss, has silenced all naysayers, relieving the pressure he had previously been under.
The right-hander currently occupies the top spot on ICC’s list for most runs in ODIs (18374) and Test matches (15470). He is also at number 4 on the list of tournament records for most runs scored, with 120 at an average of 60.00 to his name. In addition,
his 114 is the highest score in the series so far.
Virat Kohli
India’s newly-appointed vice-captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Kohli-c2737 proved his worth with a valiant 133 in his team’s last match of the CB series against Sri Lanka in Hobart, leading to his promotion despite the presence of a handful of other, more senior players. However,
he has gone from strength to strength, giving selectors no reason to regret their decision.
The 23-year-old scored a match-winning 108 against Sri Lanka in India’s first match of the series, and contributed a useful half-century (66) in yesterday’s match against Bangladesh, which, however, was not enough to secure a win for his team. Known for
his aggressive attitude, the right-hander is sure to go to all lengths to lead his team to victory.
In addition to his recent performances, Kohli has played 84 ODIs, with 3407 runs to his name. He is currently occupying the top position on the tournament records for most runs, with his 174 at an average of 87.00. His 108 is also the second highest score
in the ongoing Asia Cup.
Gautam Gambhir
One part of India’s holy trinity of senior batsmen, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/G-Gambhir-c1447 has displayed flashes of brilliance in the team’s recent drop. His outings during the tri-series Down Under were erratic, with the left-hander going from scores like 5 and 23 to 63 and 92,
but his recent 100 against the Lankans in the Asia Cup marks his return to form.
Despite his century, he was unable to repeat the performance against Bangladesh, and gave his wicket away after scoring a mere 11. However, if previous stats are anything to go by, the opener has the potential to return with a bang, and give the Pakistani
bowlers a real challenge.
With a career spanning 133 ODIs (with 4819 runs) and 48 Tests (with 3712 runs), the 30-year-old currently occupies the 6th spot on the tournament records for most runs, and his 100 is the third highest score of the Asia Cup.
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