As anticipated, the political masters of Pakistan have finally directed its national cricket team to lift the boycott and play India on 15 February, 2026, as scheduled in Colombo . The Masters must've thought the money at stake is too lucrative to continue indulging in such kind of grumpy politics. Of course, they had imposed some pre-conditions that included making the 'handshake' a mandatory protocol, but the ICC looked the other way. So, the PCB takes it as protecting the 'spirit of cricket'. The Indian cricket board , the sponsors, the TV channels and millions of fans who do not necessarily mix patriotism with sports, if it's cricket in particular, must be deliriously ecstatic that all the revenues and hype and excitement shall be there for harvest thr oughout the ICC Men's T20 World Cup-2026 , co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka . Most of the Indians fans must also be ecstatic to have their heroes go on vanquishing the enemy neighbor and humiliating t...
New Zealand beat India by 15 runs on Duckworth/Lewis method in the rain-interrupted second one day international (ODI) match in Hamilton today delivering one more professional performance in all areas of batting, fielding and bowling. India, by virtue of this fourth consecutive ODI defeat, lose the NO.1 ODI ranking that they enjoyed since January, 2013. Australia thunders back to No.1 position after they lost it in the beginning of 2012.
There is not much to write home about this match. It followed almost the same pattern, spirit or the lack of it as far as India is concerned and the performances except, of course, for the several rain interruptions that reduced the match to a 42-over affair. Dhoni again won the toss, and again due to lack of faith in his batsmen or due to fear of the short and bouncing stuff decided to hand over the good batting opportunity to New Zealand, Again, Anderson, the blossoming all-rounder, was instrumental in plundering 100 runs in the last 8 overs. This time Williamson scored the highest individual knock of 77 runs with useful contributions from Guptil and Taylor. For India Kohli had to be the key again with the Indian highest of 78 runs with captain Dhoni managing a half century and other batsmen failing or getting on again. The Indian bowlers were lackluster, again. Shami took three wickets, but hardly controlling the free-style New Zealand scoring.
Overseas woes continue for India. New Zealand lead the five-match ODI Series 2-0 now. India is facing the uphill task of fighting back. What they desperately need is regrouping in all areas of activity and giving it back as a team. At the moment that possibility looks bleak. Like the Arving Kejriwal flop show back home Team India’s flop show abroad continues. The Scorecard:
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