Sachin has pushed frontiers of human excellence: Pak Daily

Islamabad, Dec 21 (PTI) Limiting Sachin Tendulkar's feat of scoring 50 Test centuries to just the game of cricket would be unfair to the Indian batsman and his latest achievement needs to be seen as something which has pushed the frontiers of human excellence, stated an editorial in a leading Pakistan daily 'Dawn'.

Tendulkar on Sunday, became the first batsman in the history to score 50 Test centuries after his unbeaten 111-run knock against South Africa at the Supersport park in Centurion.

Hailing Tendulkar's class and longevity in the game, an editorial in newspaper said the Indian cricketer's achievements should not been seen from a mere cricketing perspective.

"Putting Sachin Tendulkar's latest feat in a strictly cricketing context would not be fair to the sportsman. His achievements in the world of cricket need to be seen on a par with efforts in any other field - science, art, literature, etc - to push the frontiers of human excellence," the editorial said.

"This achievement speaks volumes for the cricketer`s temperament and his ability to adapt to changing times in the sports world....It is no wonder that he has survived two decades, and has, in fact, ruled the cricketing world," it added.

The newspaper did not indulge in a debate whether Tendulkar's achievements are greater than legendary Sir Don Bradman but said the Indian indeed is modern day ''Bradman''.

"His exploits even when he was less than halfway through his career caused people to draw comparisons with Donald Bradman, who is universally seen as the greatest cricketer ever.

"Tendulkar has established himself as the modern era''s equivalent of the iconic Don. The many feathers in his cap appear to justify this perception. He has no more points to prove to anyone. For the cricketing world at large, it has been a privilege to watch Sachin Tendulkar demonstrate his remarkable skills," it read.

Sachin tears up record books with historic 50th ton

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday became the first man to make 50 centuries in the history of Test cricket during his innings against South Africa at the Super Sport Park, Centurion. The Master Blaster achieved the milestone in his 175th Test. His 170-run partnership with captain M S Dhoni helped India to reduce the deficit, giving the team hopes of making the South Africans bat again.

Tendulkar holds almost every batting conceivable record in game, and has 47 one-day international centuries to his name. He is also the first man to make a double century in the shorter version of the game. His 22-year long career has won him adulation to the point of worship from his millions of fans not just in India, but across the globe.

Sachin Tendulkar’s 200 ODI knock in Time’s 10 top sports moments

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has added another feather in his cap. The master blaster's epic double hundred knock in the ODI against South Africa has featured in the Time magazine's top 10 special sports moments of the year.


“Certain sports milestones seem simply unreachable: In cricket, it’s the one-day double-hundred: no man had ever produced 200 runs for his team during a one-day international match,” ‘Time’ said.

“In February, however, India’s Sachin Tendulkar, the greatest run scorer of all-time, hit the magic milestone against a powerful South African squad.

“Tendulkar smacked three ‘sixes’ - the cricket equivalent of a home run — during his epic performance, and the build up to 200 was exhilarating.

“When he reached 199, the home crowd in Gwalior waved Indian flags, and roared, knowing they were about to witness history. The diminutive Tendulkar, dubbed ‘The Little Master,’ slapped a single past the South African fielders. The world’s 1.5 billion cricket fans had a moment they’d never forget,” it said

Tendulkar is today's Bradman, says Lara

DUBAI: Saluting the longevity of Sachin Tendulkar, West Indies great Brian Lara has described the Indian batting legend as the 'Don Bradman' of modern era but refused to the compare the icons of different eras.

Lara, himself a legendary left-handed batsman from the Caribbean, said what astonishes him the most about Tendulkar is his longevity.

"I don't think there is any race. Both are great players. Tendulkar has shown the world what he is capable of and his longevity in the game is something to be really appreciated," Lara said.

"The time he will spend in the game, records are going to tumble. The fact that someone can be there from the age of 16 and still at the age of 37 perform brilliantly is something that I cherish more than anything else," he said.

The West Indies player is of the opinion that Australian great Don Bradman, who ended his career with an incredible Test average of 99.96, and Tendulkar should not be compared as they played and flourished in different eras.

"He is our period's Don Bradman. Forget the difference in averages with Bradman but whoever I have spoken to who have seen very old players in action, they believe that he (Bradman) would not have averaged 99 in today's cricket.

"So I believe that Sachin is our period's Bradman," Lara, who visited Dubai for a jewelry brand endorsement, told Gulf News.

Lara said he has just got back into cricket by playing three games in a Twenty20 tournament in Zimbabwe.

NEW DON at 99.5.

The stats would have you believe that this is the best Sachin Tendulkar has ever batted. And for once, the stats may well be right. On Monday, Sachin posted Test century no. 49. It was his sixth in the calendar year, the most by any Indian ever.

And it took his aggregate for the year so far to 1194 runs at an average of - hold your breath - 99.5. Indeed, the only word to describe his form is Bradmanesque (the Don, remember, had a career average of 99.94). And India will play at least five more Tests in 2010.

On Monday, Sachin finished at 191 not out. And if Dhoni and the tail hang around, who's to say 300 is out of reach? On Sunday, he had passed 14,000 Test runs, taking just 12 innings to race there - the fastest he has ever gone from one 1,000-run mark to the next.

But the stats, staggering though they undoubtedly are, don't tell the full tale. They fail to capture the utter serenity that Sachin now radiates like an aura while he's at the crease, the sense of inevitability that accompanies yet another big score. Indeed, watching him in action now reminds one of nothing so much as a martial arts grand master, achieving maximum impact with minimum effort.

In fact, the numbers that really make you marvel are 5, 3 and 1. Those were the respective ages of Murali Vijay, Pragyan Ojha and Cheteshwar Pujara when Sachin debuted in Tests. They now play with him, but Sachin still has the passion of a rookie.

On Monday, as Vijay battled his way to his maiden Test century, Sachin Tendulkar handed out yet another batting masterclass. The concentration didn't waver for a moment, the hawk-like patience was intact. These qualities were best exemplified by how he dealt with a slow bouncer from Peter George that never arrived. Tendulkar saw the ball early, started to duck but because he had his eyes on the ball, was able to defend at the last minute as the ball rose less than expected. It had to be seen to be believed.

All this despite the fact that he wasn't exactly up against a world-class bowling unit which may have motivated him to perform harder. The wicket too wasn't a testing one and so it would have taken some effort to buckle down, which he had to do in the circumstances given Australia's imposing first-innings total.

Then again, the Tendulkar of the last two-three years is a much-changed batsman, and definitely more consistent. Where he used to have three to four options for one ball, now he is prepared to wait for the loose ball.

He plays far straighter these days, thus closing that little gate between bat and pad that had seen him get bowled on more than a few occasions. He does bring out the magnificent on drive once in a while but far less frequently than before.

On one other aspect though, he has taken the other route, thanks to someone who wasn't anywhere near being born when Tendulkar took his bow in international cricket . Having got out quite a few times in the nervous 90s, he was advised by his son to try and get there with a six, a la Virender Sehwag. On Monday, he got there with two of them, first to move from 93 to 99 and then on to 105.

So what's next? Well, there's 15,000 Test runs to get, 50 Test centuries, 100 international centuries. All landmarks that once seemed impossible, all now seemingly within touching distance. But first, how about a triple?

Kapil first to complete 'Quadruple Double'

The first bowler to take a hat-trick was 'The Demon' Spofforth for Australia against England at Melbourne on January 2, 1879 in only the third Test match played.

Spofforth was also the first bowler to take 10 wickets in a match when he returned the figures of 13 for 110 in the same Test.

The first bowler to take all ten wickets in a Test innings was England's Jim Laker, who took 10 for 53 in Australia's second innings after taking 9 for 37 in the first innings in July 1956. Laker also achieved the distinction of becoming the first bowler to dismiss all 11 batsmen in the match.

The first batsman to aggregate 1,000 runs in a calendar year was Australia's Clem Hill in 1902.

The first player to make 100 wicketkeeping dismissals was Australia's Bert Oldfield when he stumped England's Hedley Verity off Clarrie Grimmett at Lord's on June 23, 1934.

The first keeper to make 200 dismissals was Godfrey Evans when he caught 'Collie' Smith in West Indies' second innings at Headingley, Leeds on July 27, 1957 in his 80th Test.

The first fielder to hold 100 catches was Wally Hammond of England. He reached that landmark on July 25, 1939 against West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester in his 76th Test.

The first instance of allround double (1000 runs & 100 wickets) was recorded in 1896. Not until 1963 did the first player (Richie Benaud) achieve the 'Double Double' of 2000 runs and 200 wickets. Twenty-one years later the first instance of the 'Treble Double' (3000 runs and 300 wickets) was completed by Ian Botham.

India's Kapil Dev became the first player to complete the 'Quadruple Double' (4000 runs and 400 wickets).

The first player to score a hundred and take 10 wickets in a match was England's Ian Botham against India in the Golden Jubilee Test at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, in February 1980.

The first player to play in 100 Tests was England's Colin Cowdrey, while the first to appear in 100 consecutive Tests was India's Sunil Gavaskar.

Gavaskar first to score 10000 runs in Tests

India's diminutive opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar was the first to score both 9000 and 10000 runs in Tests. He reached the 9000-mark during his undefeated 166 against Australia at Adelaide on 17 December 1985. He became the first to notch five figures shortly after tea on 7 March 1987, against Pakistan at Ahmedabad's Gujarat Stadium and playing his penultimate Test. A jubilant crowd invasion halted play for more than 20 minutes.

Australia's Allan Border became the first batsman to score 11000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved this feat during his innings of 84 against South Africa at Adelaide on 29 January 1994 in his 150th consecutive Test, his 90th in succession as captain and his final international match on home soil.

West Indies' Brian Lara surpassed Border's tally but he ended his Test career 47 short of 12000-mark. India's Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to reach both 12000 (against Australia at Mohali on 17 October 2008) and 13000 runs (against Bangladesh at Chittagong on 17 January 2010).

Bannerman was the first batsman to score a Test century

The first batsman to score a hundred in Test cricket was Australia's Charles Bannerman who on 15 and 16 March 1877 in the very first innings in Test cricket, scored 165 not out (retired hurt) out of Australia's total of 245.

The first batsman to score a hundred in each innings of a Test match was Warren Bardsley when he scored 136 and 130 for Australia at The Oval in August 1909.

The first batsman to score a double hundred in Test cricket was Australia's Billy Murdoch who scored 211 for Australia against England at The Oval in August 1884.

The first batsman to score a triple hundred in Test cricket was England's Andy Sandham when he scored 325 against West Indies at Kingston in April 1930. Sandham's record score was surpassed by Don Bradman (334 in 1930), Wally Hammond (336 not out in 1932-33), Len Hutton (364 in 1938). West Indian Gary Sobers then scored 365 not out against Pakistan at Kingston in 1957-58) and it remained a record until another West Indian Brian Lara made 375 against England at St. John's in 1993-94.

Australia's Matthew Hayden broke Lara's record with 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003-04, but Lara got the record back on his name against England once again against England at St. John's in the same season. Lara also became the first batsman to score a quadruple century (400 not out) in Test history.

The first batsman to score 1000 runs in Test cricket was England's Aurthur Shrewsbury. He reached that landmark during the last of his three centuries for England, against Australia at Lord's on 17 July 1893.

Clem Hill, the Australian left-hander, was the first to score both 2,000 and 3000 runs in Tests. He reached the 2000-mark against England on his home ground, the Adelaide Oval, on 15 January 1904. He completed the 3000 runs on the same ground almost exactly seven years later against South Africa.

Having exceeded Hill's final and record aggregate of 3412, Jack Hobbs went on to become the first batsman to reach both 4000 (at Lord's against Australia on 28 June 1926) and 5000 runs (on 14 March 1929 at Melbourne).

Wally Hammond continued this sequence by taking the record beyond 6000 (against South Africa at Johannesburg on 24 December 1938) and, past the 7000-mark (on 19 August 1946 at The Oval against India).

Hammond's record of 7249 survived until 29 November 1970 when Colin Cowdrey overtook it at Brisbane. Then, against England at Kingston, Jamaica, on 20 February 1974, Gary Sobers became the first to score 8000 runs in Test cricket.

At the age of 19 Sachin Tendulakr became the youngest player to score 1000 test runs, during India's tour of South Africa (1992/93).

At 29 years and 196 days Sachin became youngest player to play 100 tests on Sept 5, 2002 at Oval, England

Briggs was the first to 100 wickets in Tests..

38 years old Muttiah Muralitharan became the first bowler to take 800 wickets in Test cricket when he dismissed Pragyan Ojha caught in the slip by Mahela Jayawardene on July 22, 2010 in the Test match against India at Galle .

Here is a chronology of first player to reach every important milestone in Test cricket:

The first bowler to take 100 wickets in Test matches was the England left-arm slow bowler, Johnny Briggs. He reached the landmark just before tea on the first day of the Fourth Test against Australia at Sydney on 1 February 1895 in his 25th match.

The first bowler to take 200 wickets was Australia's New Zealand-born leg-break bowler, Clarrie Grimmett. He reached that total on 17 February 1936 at the Old Wanderers, Johannesburg, in the penultimate Test of his career.

Fred Trueman was the first bowler to take 300 wickets in Test cricket. He reached that total at The Oval in his 65th Test on 15 August 1964 when he had Neil Hawke of Australia caught at slip by Colin Cowdrey.

The first bowler to take 400 Test wickets was Richard Hadlee on 4 February 1990 against India on his home ground at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. He reached this landmark at the age of 38 years 216 days after 80 Tests spread over 17 years and two days.

Courtney Walsh was the first bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket. He reached the landmark at Port-of-Spain on 19 March 2001 in his 129th match when he had trapped Jacques Kallis in front of the wickets.

The first bowler to take 600 Test wickets was Shane Warne on 11 August 2005 at Old Trafford against England in his 126th match when he had opener Marcus Trescothick caught behind by Adam Gilchrist.

Shane Warne also became the first bowler to reach the 700-wicket mark on 26 December 2006 at Melbourne once again against England by clean bowling Andrew Strauss.

Ind beats SL comprehensively to lift Asia Cup after 15 years!

India finally manages to break the jinx of Final to lift the Asia Cup title with the help of collective batting and bowling effort from the players. The under-fire seam attack came good when it mattered to bowl out the Sri Lankans for just 187 in 44.4 overs to give India a comprehensive 81 runs win in the Asia Cup Final.
With this win a 1 5-year-old title drought came to an end. This is the fifth time India manage to win Asia Cup title, last time India have won in 1995 under the captaincy of Md. Azharuddin after beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Sharjah.
After electing to bat first India posted a competitive 268/6 in their 50 overs, with fine half-century by late comer Dinesh Karthik (66 runs off 84 balls). He got good support from G.Gambhir (15 runs off 16 balls), V.Kohli (28 runs off 34 balls), M.S.Dhoni (38 runs off 50 balls) and R.Sharma (41 runs off 52 balls).
At 146/3 in the 28th over India were cruising and looking well on course to reach close to 300 run mark but some needless shot by D.Karthik and M.S.Dhoni on part-timer T.Kandamby peg India back and in the end they manage just 268/6 in their 50 overs.
Sri Lanka got off to disastrous start loosing in-form opener T.Dilshan for duck in the very first over bowled by P.Kumar. Indian seamers bolwed with impeccable line and length in the helping condition under light accounting for the scalps of Tillakaratne Dilshan (0), Upul Tharanga (16 runs off 30 balls), Mahela Jayawardene (11 runs off 19 balls), Angelo Mathews (0 runs off 2 balls) and Captain Kumar Sangakkara (17 runs off 38 balls) in just 16overs. At 51/5, the game was already over for the Lankan’s but a superb half-century partnership between T.Kandamby (31 runs off 45 balls) and C.Kapugedara (55 runs off 88 balls) put some halt on Indian much awaited victory.
However a complete misunderstanding between Kandamby and Kapugedara resulted in a needless run-out to send Sri Lankan’s packing.
D.Karthik was declared Player of the Match his match winning 66 runs off 84 balls.
S.Afridi was declared Player of the Series.

Match Summary (India Won by 81 Runs)
India– 268/6 in 50 Overs
D.Karthik – 66 R.Sharma- 41
L.Malinga- 10-0-57-2 T.Kandamby– 7-0-37-2
Sri Lanka – 187/10 in 44.4 Overs
C.Kapugedara- 55* T.Kandamby– 31
A.Nehra– 9-0-40-4 R.Jadeja- 6.4-0-29-2

Asia Cup Final -Favorable stars may help India win the cup

Positive planetary and numerology combination indicates that Indian Cricket team may do well and might win the 2010 Asia Cup Final to be played in Dambulla, on Thursday June 24, 2010. June 24 adds up to number 6 (2+4+6+20+10=15) which is India's fate number and hence indicates good news for the country. Transiting Moon in Scorpio will be well aspected by Jupiter, Saturn and Mars which further boosts the confidance of the team. However, the team sould be careful of the injury and over agression. I hope they make the most of it. I wish Dhoni & the team all the best!

Sachin, the greatest batsman ever!

Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score a double century in One-Day Internationals, the first ever double century in the history of ODI cricket lead India to a crushing 153-run victory over South Africa

The master batsman, who holds the record for most runs and centuries in Test (13,447) and one-day (17,398) cricket, was at his vintage best as he blazed his way to 200 from a mere 147 deliveries, inclusive of 25 boundaries and three sixes. In carrying his bat through the innings he propelled India to a mammoth 401 for three in 50 overs.

The 37-year-old batsman underlined his reputation as the greatest player in the history of cricket by breaching the 200-run mark, the first instance since the 50-over format was introduced in 1971.

His previous best was an unbeaten 186 against New Zealand , at Hyderabad, in 1999.

Tendulkar, who registered his 46th ODI century in the process, got to 200 with a single off Charl Langeveldt in the final over of the game, having earlier broken the World record for the highest individual innings, of 194, jointly held by Pakistan's Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry. Anwar rattled up that total against India in May 1997 while Coventry hit 194 not out against Bangladesh last year.

The cricket fraternity on Wednesday hailed Sachin Tendulkar on becoming the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to smash a double century, describing the feat as an incredible achievement.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar led the tributes, saying Tendulkar has established himself as the greatest batsman ever.

"There is just no question about that. He is the greatest batsman the game has ever seen," declared Gavaskar.

"See his record! Who else has got 90-plus centuries, 17000-plus runs in ODIs and 13000-plus runs in Test cricket? He is comfortably the greatest batsman ever," added Gavaskar.

Former Test player Bapu Nadkarni found it difficult to find words to describe the feats of Tendulkar and said, "Whatever record is seen to be impossible to achieve, he makes it possible. That's all I can say.

"It seems as he's getting older, he is becoming more and more mature. No wonder Sir Donald Bradman saw himself in the way Sachin bats," Nadkarni said.

The greatest accumulator of runs in the history of cricket, Tendulkar possesses nearly all major batting records even though he insisted he never chased milestones.

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar said records are meant to be broken and he would be glad to see an Indian eclipsing his epic unbeaten 200. "No record is unbreakable. Records are made to be broken and I would like to see an Indian breaking this record," Tendulkar said, dedicating the knock to all his fans.

Harbhajan leads India to innings victory at Eden

India thwarted stubborn resistance from South Africa's Hashim Amla and the tailenders to clinch a series-leveling innings and 57 runs victory in the second Test at Kolkata.

Playing a role of match winner, Harbhajan Singh (five wickets for 59 runs) and Amit Mishra (three for 78) claimed eight wickets as India beat South Africa by an innings and 57 runs on a thrilling final day in the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1 and remain the number one Test team in the world. South Africa was bowled out for 290 despite a fighting 123 not out by Hashim Amla.

The home team was in serious danger of losing the top spot after SA won the Nagpur Test last week and then bad weather on Wednesday allowed only 31 overs of play.

The victory ensured M S Dhoni's men retain the ICC Championships mace, which they won after beating Sri Lanka 2-0 in the home series in December last year.

Dhoni, Laxman tons light up Eden

VVS Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit centuries in a record partnership before India declared their first innings on 643 for six, on Day 3 of the second and final Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday. The total is India's highest against South Africa, beating the 627 they scored at Chennai in 2007-08, and gave them a huge lead of 347 runs. In their second innings, South Africa faced just five deliveries, scoring six for no loss, before play was called off early due to bad light. In their first essay, they were dismissed for 296. Laxman continued his love affair with the Eden Gardens, bringing up his fourth century in his ninth match at the historic venue. He was unbeaten on 143 off 260 deliveries, inclusive of 16 boundaries. Dhoni registered his first Test century in Kolkata, scoring 132 from 187 deliveries, inclusive of 12 boundaries and three sixes. The duo were involved in an unbroken stand of 259 runs, a new record partnership for the seventh wicket. It bettered the 235-run stand between Ravi Shastri and Syed Kirmani against England at the Wankhede in 1984-85.

Sehwag, Tendulkar put India in control

Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar hit their second successive centuries before South Africa staged a late fightback on day two of the second and final Test, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.
At close, India were 342 for five in 76 overs, a lead of 46 runs, after South Africa were bowled out for 296 in their first innings in the morning.
Sehwag benefitted from two lifelines to score 165 from 174 deliveries, inclusive of 23 boundaries and two sixes, before falling to part-timer J P Duminy. He was involved in a huge partnership of 249 runs off 348 deliveries for the third wicket with Tendulkar, who scored his fourth century on the trot.
Tendulkar continued his good run with the bat, scoring 106 from 206 deliveries, inclusive of 12 boundaries, before he was caught at first slip off Paul Harris.
South Africa staged a late comeback, claiming three wickets for five runs, including those of Tendulkar, Sehwag and S Badrinath, to regain a bit of the initiative the hosts had.
Earlier, resuming on 266 for nine, South Africa's last pair added 30 runs before Zaheer Khan trapped Wayne Parnell leg before wicket for 12 to finish off the tourists' first innings.
Zaheer played a crucial role in India's comeback, claiming four for 90 in 22 overs, while Harbhajan Singh claimed three for 64.
Hashim Amla (114) and Alviro Petersen (100) had scored centuries on Day 1 to set up a solid foundation before the middle order failed to come to the party. South Africa had lost their way completely after the tea break, losing seven wickets for 38 runs in 25 overs in the post-tea session.

IND vs SA- Second Test outlook

Planets alignment during Ind & SA last test match (Feb 14 -18, 2010) at Kolkatta are in a favorable position. Team India may put an impressive performance during the first three days. Retrograde Saturn's may impact the match too negatively on 17 & 18th Feb 2010, so i hope India takes enough advantage during first three days of the match and may be able to level the series :)

India tests first Test defeat after 15 matches..

While India crashed to a humiliating innings and six runs defeat against South Africa in the first Test in Nagpur on Tuesday, Sachin Tendulkar's managed to score a (100) defiant ton. Tendulkar's 46th century, his fourth against the South Africans and first at home against the Proteas, was the lone significant knock in the entire Indian innings. Tendulkar was lucky to see his glide off Parnell grassed by Jacques Kallis in the slip cordon, when he was on 45. Tendulkar subsequently was watchful but at the same time walloped the bad deliveries. He and Dhoni rekindled India's hopes with a steady 70-run partnership and the sparse crowd at the VCA Stadium roared in appreciation after Tendulkar reached his 46th Test century. Following on, India resumed on 66 for two this morning, but folded for 319 in their second essay to allow South Africa to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. It was South Africa's fifth Test win in India in 11 attempts. More importantly, it was India's first Test defeat in 15 matches. Since losing the third Test at Colombo to Sri Lanka in August 2008, India had won eight -- including the last four in succession and drawn six of its last 14 Tests. It was also M S Dhoni's first Test loss at the helm of affairs. Indian's captain had an impeccable (and flawless) record thus far, winning eight (and drawing three) of his 11 previous Tests since an injury to Anil Kumble ahead of the third Test (also against South Africa) at Kanpur in April 2008, handed him the leadership for the first time. Hashim Amla who scored 253 not in South Afirca's first innings, was named man of the match, while Dale Steyn who wrecked India's first innings, claiming seven wickets for 51 runs, was adjudged all-rounder of the match.

Hopefully we will draw the match: Sehwag

It is a difficult to do the explanation on a day when nothing has gone in your team's favour. Team India's plight on Monday no different.

Having witnessed South Africa post a mammoth 558 for six (declared) in their first innings in the first two days, the hosts' response was disappointing to say the least.

They could muster only 233 in their first innings, after being 221 for four at one stage. To make matters worse, they lost both their openers before stumps (66-2) on day three to have the ignominy of an innings defeat staring at their face.

Explaining the collapse was a tough ask. And the person sent to do that was the one who impressed the most in an otherwise vapid batting display.

And to his credit Virender Sehwag did put up a brave face, trying to remain positive ahead of the impending negative result.

"We'll try hard. And hopefully we can draw the match," he said, when asked if it was possible now for India to get something out o this match. "Sachin is still there and is playing well.

"And I think we have good enough batsmen to do the job but they just need to be patient," added Sehwag.

The opener didn't hide his disappointment at the Indian batting collapse.

"We are obviously disappointed that we couldn't have many good partnerships," he explained, adding, "It was not that difficult a wicket to bat on but we managed just one 100-plus partnership. And that wasn't enough."

Sehwag was, however, quick to give credit to the bowler who plotted the Indian downfall -- Dale Steyn

"I think Steyn bowled really well," admitted Sehwag, adding, "Especially his dismissals of Murali Vijay and Sachin were great, in one case the ball came in and in the other, it went away."

The veteran admitted though that a change of ball after tea had helped the South Africans considerably.

"The old ball had got soft and the umpire accepted their request for a change," explained Sehwag, adding, "And the new ball benefitted them."

With the pitch deteriorating with each passing day, batting isn't going to be easy. But Sehwag nonetheless remained hopeful of a positive outcome.

"The wicket isn't going to get any better for sure," he said. "The only thing we should do is to try and spend more time at the wicket," added Sehwag.

IND vs SA -First Test Outlook

The First test between India and South Africa at Nagupr may end on a positive note for India as per India's fate number 6 (Feb 6), the Venusian number indicates a good start to the match for India. Interestingly, the number on last day of the match is also 6 (10+2+2010= 6) which again indicates India may have an upper hand in the match on the last day-given all -is- well in between.

However, planets indicate team India may be in trouble on the 2nd ((Sachin may do well :)) and 3rd day as moon is not favorable. 3rd day numbers are a combination of 8 & 4 (8.2.2010 =13) ruled by Saturn and Rahu respectively, indicating a difficult day with lots of ups and downs over all.

4th day numbers are 9 & 5 (9+2+2010=14) indicate aggression and injuries. You may have no clue which way match will turn.

Over all this test will have lots of troubles in store for India!

Tendulkar-Dravid set world record stand

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid on Monday registered the world record for most 100-plus run partnerships by any pair in the history of Test match cricket on the second day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur.

Tendulkar and Darvid have now 17 100-plus partnerships, one more than the Australian pair of Mathew Hayden and Ricky Ponting and West Indians Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, who have shared 16 such stands.

The Indian duo's world record of most number of 100-plus partnerships came after the drinks break in the post-lunch session when Tendulkar also reached his 55th Test fifty in his 164th match when he drove past extra cover for a four.

Tendulkar and Dravid's 100-run partnership for the third wicket came from 25.3 overs and included 10 boundaries.

Dravid and Tendulkar were involved in an unbroken stand of 222 runs for the third wicket before the former had to withdraw with injury. Dravid made a solid 111 from 188 deliveries in his 29th ton, inclusive of 11 boundaries.

Tendulkar scored a fluent 143 from 182 deliveries, inclusive of 13 boundaries and a six, before hitting Shakib Al Hasan straight to the midwicket fielder. Murali Vijay eased himself to 30 from 49 deliveries before he hit Shakib straight to the mid-on fielder.

Harbhajan Singh fell off the last delivery of the day as India closed the second day on a comfortable 459 for five in 102.5 overs in their first innings to stretch their lead to 226 runs in reply to Bangladesh's 233.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was batting on 22 at close of play.

Earlier, twin half-centuries by Sehwag and Gambhir gave India to a flying start.

Resuming on his overnight personal score of 41, Sehwag reached his half-century in the third over of the morning with a boundary off Shahadat who, four overs later, had the batsman caught behind. Sehwag needed 61 balls for his quick knock of 56 which he made with the help of seven fours.

Mirpur test match out look

The second test match at Mirpur Between India and Bangladesh beings on Sunday Jan 24, 2010. Jan 24 numbers add to 6 & 1 (24+1+2010=10) Indicate India may do quite well on the first day in this match, however, Moon will be transiting in the unfavorable zone indicates we may loose the toss.

Second day numbers indicate match will keep you on your toes following sudden turns and positive surprises.

Third Day numbers (8&3) indicates day may be a bit difficulty for India...

Fourth & Fifth Day Planets Indicates unfavorable situation for India. We may have to pray for India's win.

Team India wins Chittagong

India inflicted a 113-run defeat on Bangladesh in the first Test, with a session of play left on the fifth and final day, at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong on Thursday Jan 21,2010.

Sachin Tendulkar was declared the man of the match for his masterclass effort (105 not out) in the first innings.

Chasing 415 to win, the hosts -- resuming at 67 for two overnight -- were dismissed for 301 in two sessions of play on day five, their best second innings total against the visitors.

Stumper Mushfiqur Rahim scored a valiant 101, an almost run-a-ball knock that comprised of 17 hits to the fence and one over it, in a late charge that helped Bangladesh reduce the margin considerably. But it wasn't enough to help them save the match.

For India, Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma impressed with the ball, taking four and three wickets respectively. Zaheer Khan helped himself to a couple.

The win ensured India's unbeaten run extended to 13 Tests -- seven wins and six draws -- their last defeat dating back to August 2008 (against Sri Lanka ).

It also enabled the team celebrate their recently-attained top ranking with a positive result in the first Test since.

Stand-in India captain Virender Sehwag on Thursday lavished praise on his bowlers for the team's comprehensive 113-run win over Bangladesh in the first cricket Test in Chittagong.

Sehwag said after his side's famed batting order folded for 243 in the first innings, it was important not to let the hosts take a lead and the Indian bowlers stuck to that task, restricting Bangladesh to 242 in their first essay.

"It's nice to have a win in pocket. We were charged up after Bangladesh bowled us out under 250 in the first innings. The bowlers did a terrific job by not letting them take lead," Sehwag said after the match.

"Zaheer (Khan) and Ishant (Sharma) were outstanding with the new ball. Both Ishant and Zaheer were quick and got appreciable bounce from the wicket," he said.

The Indian bowlers did a tidy job in the second innings as well, bowling out the hosts for 301.

Sehwag was of the view that India would have to play consistently well if they desired to remain the number one Test team.

"We have to play good cricket all throughout if we have to stay at the number one spot," Sehwag said.

Man-of-the-Match Sachin Tendulkar also lauded the Indian bowlers for not allowing Bangladesh to dominate the match. "The bowlers fought back nicely and got them out for 242 (in the first innings) which was terrific," Tendulkar said.

He also said that his 44th Test century in India's first innings was a special one for him as it came at a crucial juncture and helped the team.

"The century was an important one because we lost wickets at that stage after a good opening partnership. The conditions were little difficult because the spinners were in action and the ball was also not coming onto the bat," said Tendulkar, whose unbeaten 105 pulled India out of the hole in the first innings.

Sachin Tendulkar completes a 44th Test ton

Sachin Tendulkar completes his 44th Test ton, even as India were dismissed for just 243 in their first innings at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium, in Chittagong, on Monday Jan 18, 2010.

Play on day 2 commenced after yet another 90-minute delay, because of fog and bad light, akin to the opening day. And it took Bangladesh a ball less than eight overs to polish off the Indian tail.

Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 105, his knock comprising 11 hits to the fence and two huge ones over it. The ace batsman began the day with a flourish. Unbeaten on 76 overnight, he took seven runs off the day's first over (by Hossain), including a pull to the square leg fence.

In the next over (by Shakib) he danced down the pitch and lofted the ball over mid-on for yet another boundary.

With just two wickets left, the 36-year-old realized that he had to take a calculated risk at some point and made his intentions clear at the outset.

The last ball of Shakib's next over went beyond the mid-on fence, Tendulkar's second maximum of the innings.

But Ishant could give him company only for a little less than five overs, edging a Hossain delivery to Mushfiqur Rahim behind the stumps. India 230 for nine.

Ishant's wicket gave Hossain his third five-wicket haul in Tests. The batsman failed to add to his overnight score of one.

However, in the final two balls of the same over, Tendulkar first smashed the ball to the cover fence and repeated the feat with the next, this time steering it between gully and backward point to complete his 44th Test hundred.

The Master Blaster, who crossed the 13,000 Test runs milestone on the first day, bolstered his records tally with yet another addition.

But S Sreesanth (1) failed to provide the requisite support for Tendulkar to carry on, getting caught at silly point by Imrul Kayes (off Shakib).

It was the Bangladesh skipper's sixth five-wicket haul in Tests and ensured the visitors were dismissed for a paltry 243.

It was the second lowest total by a team against Bangladesh -- after a second string West Indies side had been dismissed for just 237 at St George's Park last year.

Shahadat Hossain and captain Shakib Al Hasan were the pick of the host's bowlers, both helping themselves to five-wicket hauls.

Ind-Ban 1st test Match Outlook

17th Jan adds up to 8, which is India's destiny number who's ruling planet Saturn is currently in retrograde motion-is not favorable..This indicates Indian Test Cricket team may find itself in a difficult situation in this test match.

However, Jan 17 , 2010 adds up to 3 (1+7+1+20+10=12) the destiny number of Sachin Tendulkar and Fate Number of Yuvraj Singh, indicates these guys may do well for India in this test.

2nd day numbers add up to 9 & 4 indicates a very aggressive day indicating lots of ups and downs. You will have no Idea which way the match going!

3rd day, numbers (1 & 5) indicate India may have an upper hand in the match.

4th day (2 & 6), numbers indicate game may take an interesting turning point with India having upper hand in the game.

5th day....Tendulkar may be adjudged man- of -the match :)

Overall outlook indicates Indian team may not be up to the mark in this test match due to Saturn's retrograde motion.