Post Line-ups Legends At Battle XII | Round 3 - The greatest ODI batter who never was..

We need to bat it out and draw it somehow now? No win for us sure, shame we put our worst performance in the final. Saffers deserve it now..
 
No they dont
 
Great stuff! Openers laid the platform & then Nourse & Pollock smashed them all over the park. Later, AB & Barry consolidated on the good work done at the top & piled up further misery on them. We should win it from here. Excellent presentation btw.
 
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THE FINAL
scaled.php
VS
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WEST INDIES vs SOUTH AFRICA
at Kensington Oval,Barbados
postcard_cricket_kensingtonoval.jpg

Pitch Condition: Normal

Toss: South Africa won the toss and chose to field

WEST INDIES 1st innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gordon Greenidge                   b. Procter       0     3    0    0    0.0%
Desmond Haynes                     b. S Pollock    15    14    3    0  107.1%
Vivian Richards     c. Smith       b. Donald       16    21    4    0   76.2%
George Headley      c. Donald      b. Kallis       75   143   16    0   52.4%
Garry Sobers*                      b. S Pollock    19    32    4    0   59.4%
Clyde Walcott      lbw            b. Donald       11    18    2    0   61.1%
Curtly Ambrose                     b. Donald       14    15    3    0   93.3%
Courtney Walsh      c. Nourse      b. Donald        3    13    0    0   23.1%
Lance Gibbs         lbw            b. S Pollock    16    29    4    0   55.2%
Andy Roberts        not out                        14    35    3    0   40.0%
Michael Holding     c. B Richards  b. Kallis        8    33    2    0   24.2%
 
 Total:  207/10       Overs:  59.0         Run Rate:  3.51     Extras:  16 
   
                             Day 1  2:28 PM
   
  
                                     -X-
 
WEST INDIES Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
Greenidge     D Haynes                                                0 (3)
V Richards    D Haynes                                       20 (19)
V Richards    G Headley                                        15 (29)
G Sobers      G Headley                        52 (81)
C Walcott     G Headley                                   26 (42)
C Ambrose     G Headley                                     22 (27)
C Walsh       G Headley                                              4 (24)
L Gibbs       G Headley                                  29 (48)
A Roberts     G Headley                                   27 (25)
A Roberts     M Holding                                         12 (56)


     Fall of Wickets    0/1       20/2      35/3      87/4      113/5
                        135/6     139/7     168/8     195/9     207/10    

 Total:  207/10      Overs:  59.0          Run Rate:  3.51    Extras:  16   
  
                                     -X-

SOUTH AFRICA Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Mike Procter          7.0      4      13      1      1.86     0      0 
Neil Adcock          10.0      0      47      0      4.70     1      1 
Jacques Kallis       10.0      2      34      2      3.40     0      0 
Shaun Pollock        12.0      2      50      3      4.17     1      0 
Allan Donald         12.0      5      27      4      2.25     0      0 
Barry Richards        8.0      1      26      0      3.25     0      3 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 2      No Balls: 4      Leg Byes: 9      Byes: 1 

 Total:  207/10       Overs:  59.0         Run Rate:  3.51    Extras:  16   
                                     -X-
The West Indies were bowled out for just 207 on a decent pitch for batting after a very disciplined bowling performance from South Africa with George Headley making the only notable contribution scoring 75 while all his other team-mates couldn't even reach 20. Allan Donald picked up 4 wickets, Shaun Pollock three, Jacques Kallis scalping two and Mike Procter with one.

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After being sent in to bat first on a decent track, the West Indies got off to the worst of starts when their in-form opening batsman Gordon Greenidge played on to his stumps much to the delight of Mike Procter and South Africa. Vivian Richards joined Desmond Haynes at the wicket and both started to play some brilliant shots but their partnership lasted for only 20 runs as Haynes was clean bowled by Shaun Pollock and not long after, Richards too played a loose drive which gave some catching practice to Graeme Smith at cover to leave the West Indies struggling at 35 for 3.

George Headley and Garry Sobers put up a stand of 52 to steady the ship for the West Indies. Sobers could contribute only 19 before bad luck brought about his downfall by an inside edge which struck his stumps as Pollock celebrated his second wicket. The last recognised batting pair of Headley and Clyde Walcott also couldn't contribute much as Walcott was given out lbw to Allan Donald after scoring just 11 leaving his team in a bad position at 113 for 5 with only one recognised batsman remaining.

Barbados+George_Headley.jpg


George Headley batted well and played his shots and was able to take West Indies past 200 with some help from the long tail comprising of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Lance Gibbs, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding before the innings folded.


SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gary Kirsten*       c. Sobers      b. Roberts      20    49    4    0   40.8%
Graeme Smith        c. Gibbs       b. Sobers       52    60   12    0   86.7%
Dudley Nourse       c. Holding     b. Ambrose      96   172   18    0   55.8%
Graeme Pollock                     b. Holding      91    94   20    0   96.8%
Jacques Kallis      lbw            b. Roberts      23    20    4    0  115.0%
AB de Villiers     c. Walsh       b. Gibbs        52    64   10    0   81.3%
Barry Richards      lbw            b. Sobers       91   125   19    0   72.8%
Shaun Pollock       lbw            b. Gibbs        10    41    1    0   24.4%
Mike Procter                       b. Holding      33    95    6    1   34.7%
Allan Donald        c. Haynes      b. Walsh         0     9    0    0    0.0%
Neil Adcock         not out                         5     8    1    0   62.5%
 
 Total:  491/10       Overs:  122.3        Run Rate:  4.01     Extras:  18 
   
                             Day 3  10:08 AM
   
  
                                     -X-
 
SOUTH AFRICA Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
G Kirsten     G Smith                               69 (103)
D Nourse      G Smith                                               9 (13)
D Nourse      G Pollock          135 (178)
D Nourse      J Kallis                                    45 (57)
D Nourse      A Villiers                           72 (98)
B Richards    A Villiers                                          15 (21)
B Richards    S Pollock                                  48 (84)
B Richards    M Procter                       90 (153)
A Donald      M Procter                                              3 (17)
A Donald      N Adcock                                               5 (11)


     Fall of Wickets    69/1      78/2      213/3     258/4     330/5
                        345/6     393/7     483/8     486/9     491/10    

 Total:  491/10      Overs:  122.3         Run Rate:  4.01    Extras:  18   
  
                                     -X-

WEST INDIES Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Michael Holding      22.0      3     109      2      4.95     1      2 
Curtly Ambrose       16.0      3      67      1      4.19     1      1 
Courtney Walsh       14.3      1      54      1      3.72     0      1 
Andy Roberts         19.0      2      73      2      3.84     0      1 
Lance Gibbs          22.0      5      69      2      3.14     0      0 
Garry Sobers         29.0      4     108      2      3.72     0      0 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 2      No Balls: 5      Leg Byes: 7      Byes: 4 

 Total:  491/10       Overs:  122.3        Run Rate:  4.01    Extras:  18   
                                     -X-

Graeme-Smith-001.jpg


South Africa's openers Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten got them off to a good start with an opening partnership of 69 in 17.1 overs. Smith frequently hit boundaries and scored runs at a very good rate while his partner Kirsten played a supportive role with a few elegant shots as well. The first breakthrough came for the West Indies when Gary Kirsten top edged a lethal bouncer from Andy Roberts into the safe hands of the West Indian skipper Garry Sobers. The second breakthrough didn't take very long when Sobers himself dismissed Smith who was giving his bowlers a hard time.

110041.2.jpg


Dudley Nourse and Graeme Pollock took over from there. Pollock gave every bowler a thrashing during his stay at the crease and took only 47 balls to bring up his fifty. Nourse on the other hand occupied the crease playing every ball on its merit and some beautiful shots. Soon the partnership between them had already crossed the 100-run mark and Pollock was nearing his century when he played an adventurous shot only to get bowled off the bowling of Michael Holding. South Africa were already in a strong position at 213 for 3 having already taken the lead with Jacques Kallis joining Nourse at the wicket. Kallis started hitting fours from the word go but his innings was brought to a close when on only 23 when he fell lbw to Andy Roberts who was just re-introduced into the attack.

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AB de Villiers and Nourse put up a stand of 72 for the 5th wicket with de Villiers playing the role of the aggressor. Nourse who had stayed patient for his entire innings of 96 tried to bring up his century in style with a six but he didn't hit it well enough to clear the long-on fielder Holding who easily pouched it.

AB-de-Villiers-Picture-e1326791258163.jpg


AB de Villiers soon reached his half-century by hitting Courtney Walsh for a four but the very next over, he mis-timed a pull straight to Walsh as the off-spinner Lance Gibbs provided his team with very crucial wicket with South Africa at 345 for 6 leading by 138.

3626.3.jpg


The lower order comprising of Barry Richards, Shaun Pollock and Mike Procter added 141 runs more to the lead. Richards and Procter shared a stand of 90 for the 8th wicket leaving the West Indian bowlers frustrated. Richards became the third South African batsman in the innings to fall in the nervous nineties when he missed an attempted sweep shot which struck him on line of the stumps and presented Sobers with his second wicket. Procter was bowled by Holding for 33 and Allan Donald became the final nail in the box when he edged a delivery from Walsh straight in the hands of Desmond Haynes at first slip. South Africa lead by 284 runs at the fall of the last wicket putting them in a very comfortable position and leaving the West Indies in a fix.


WEST INDIES 2nd innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gordon Greenidge                   b. B Richards  209   305   41    2   68.5%
Desmond Haynes      c. S Pollock   b. Adcock       54    97   11    0   55.7%
Vivian Richards                    b. B Richards  124   178   23    1   69.7%
George Headley      not out                       128   187   26    1   68.4%
Garry Sobers*       lbw            b. Kallis       77   129   13    1   59.7%
Clyde Walcott      not out                        35    62    7    0   56.5%
Curtly Ambrose       
Courtney Walsh       
Lance Gibbs          
Andy Roberts         
Michael Holding      
 
 Total:  649/4        Overs:  159.1        Run Rate:  4.08     Extras:  22 
   
                             Day 4  3:45 PM
   
                             INNINGS DECLARED
  
                                     -X-
 
WEST INDIES Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
Greenidge     D Haynes                           141 (206)
Greenidge     V Richards         256 (371)
G Headley     V Richards                                             1 (2)
G Headley     G Sobers                          152 (240)
G Headley     C Walcott                                 99 (136)


     Fall of Wickets    141/1     397/2     398/3     550/4     
                                                                          

 Total:  649/4       Overs:  159.1         Run Rate:  4.08    Extras:  22   
  
                                     -X-

SOUTH AFRICA Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Mike Procter         38.1      9     140      0      3.67     0      0 
Neil Adcock          26.0      5      80      1      3.08     1      0 
Jacques Kallis       23.0      6      79      1      3.43     1      1 
Shaun Pollock        26.0      1     157      0      6.04     1      0 
Allan Donald         24.0      3     111      0      4.63     0      1 
Barry Richards       22.0      7      66      2      3.00     0      1 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 3      No Balls: 3      Leg Byes: 7      Byes: 9 

 Total:  649/4        Overs:  159.1        Run Rate:  4.08    Extras:  22   
                                     -X-


West Indies were under huge pressure trailing by 284 runs. Their only chance was to bat out for a draw or post a huge total to set South Africa an unlikely target. They chose the latter.

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Prolific openers Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes took up the responsibility of setting the platform for a big total. They were batting at their best leaving the same South African bowlers who troubled them in the first innings in shock and awe. Greenidge drove well and played aggressive brand of cricket as he brought up his half-century in just 55 balls. Haynes took longer as he mostly rotated the strike to Greenidge who was playing brilliantly and punishing the bowlers particularly being harsh of Shaun Pollock. He brought up his fiftieth run which almost brought about his downfall as he was nearly run-out by Dudley Nourse. Neil Adcock dismissed Haynes when he edged an out-swinger straight into the safe hands of Shaun Pollock at slip which ended a brilliant opening stand of 141 in 206 deliveries.

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One of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket walked out to the middle after the dismissal of Haynes- Vivian Richards. He knew well that this was the opportunity he was long waiting for with his team in a good position which allowed him to play in his natural aggressive style. Both batsmen started accumulating runs at a very good rate and hitting boundaries after boundaries which left the South African captain in a position where neither he nor his bowlers could do anything to stop the dominance. Greenidge went past his century and Richards also got his half-century and they soon took West Indies past South Africa's lead of 284.

viv-richards.jpg


They continued their run-fest as the likes of Mike Procter, Neil Adcock and Allan Donald failed to break the partnership. Shaun Pollock who had a disappointing opening spell being smashed by Greenidge was re-introduced into the attack in order to bring about a breakthrough like he did on so many occasions for South Africa throughout the tournament. As a result Greenidge once again took him apart smashing his for two consecutive sixes to bring up his 150 and then Richards too hit a huge six making it the most expensive over of the innings conceding 19 runs in which three sixes were hit as Pollock once again vanished into the wilderness.

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From there on, Kirsten was forced to use run-saving defensive tactics as he used Barry Richards, Mike Procter and Jacques Kallis for a long period and successfully reduced the scoring rate of the batsmen but they still went about hitting occasional boundaries as Richards brought up his century and Greenidge a marvellous double-century.

In the 97th over, luck finally came South Africa's way when the off-spinner Barry Richards dismissed Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards in the space of three balls. A magnificent 256-run partnership came to an end and West Indies were already leading by 114 runs. George Headley, the most consistent run-scorer in the tournament and the West Indies captain Garry Sobers were out in the middle. They both started cautiously but eventually began scoring runs and hitting boundaries at a consistent rate.

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During their stay, South Africa's fielding was ordinary and a number of catches were dropped and run-out opportunities missed as the batsmen took advantage. The 4th wicket stand between Headley and Sobers lasted 240 deliveries in which they scored 152 runs at ease. Sobers was trapped lbw by Jacques Kallis for 77. As he departed with the lead at 266, he gave Headley the message to score runs quickly so that he could declare with a healthy lead before the conclusion of Day 4.

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George Headley who was then batting on 52 off 112 deliveries followed his captain's orders and hit his next 76 runs in just 75 balls while his partner Clyde Walcott supported him well by rotating the strike and also hitting his share of boundaries.
At the score on a mammoth 649 for 4 and a lead of 364, Sobers declared leaving a relieved South Africa to chase 365 to lift the trophy with a day remaining. Headley finished on an unbeaten 128, his 7th century in the tournament while Walcott was unbeaten on 35.


 
Great Job By WI Batsmen Message To Dipak-Kesa Diya Nahi Diya Acha
 
OMG! That is a champion material. What a 2nd innings that was! 365 to get for them, hopefully we bowl them out to win this now. The bowlers are very much capable of doing it.
 
And there you have a twist in a tale. Thats why I love test match cricket. 365 to get in 4 around sessions' time looks pretty unachievable to me despite Proteas' long batting line-up. Another Protea choke on the cards?
 
Niru did a very good job managing INDIA all alone,as i wasn't active here.Sad that we couldn't qualify for the finale,but was a great season for us.Again,Well done niru :cheers
 
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THE FINAL
scaled.php
VS
scaled.php


WEST INDIES vs SOUTH AFRICA
at Kensington Oval,Barbados
postcard_cricket_kensingtonoval.jpg

Pitch Condition: Normal

Toss: South Africa won the toss and chose to field

WEST INDIES 1st innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gordon Greenidge                   b. Procter       0     3    0    0    0.0%
Desmond Haynes                     b. S Pollock    15    14    3    0  107.1%
Vivian Richards     c. Smith       b. Donald       16    21    4    0   76.2%
George Headley      c. Donald      b. Kallis       75   143   16    0   52.4%
Garry Sobers*                      b. S Pollock    19    32    4    0   59.4%
Clyde Walcott      lbw            b. Donald       11    18    2    0   61.1%
Curtly Ambrose                     b. Donald       14    15    3    0   93.3%
Courtney Walsh      c. Nourse      b. Donald        3    13    0    0   23.1%
Lance Gibbs         lbw            b. S Pollock    16    29    4    0   55.2%
Andy Roberts        not out                        14    35    3    0   40.0%
Michael Holding     c. B Richards  b. Kallis        8    33    2    0   24.2%
 
 Total:  207/10       Overs:  59.0         Run Rate:  3.51     Extras:  16 
   
                             Day 1  2:28 PM
   
  
                                     -X-
 
WEST INDIES Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
Greenidge     D Haynes                                                0 (3)
V Richards    D Haynes                                       20 (19)
V Richards    G Headley                                        15 (29)
G Sobers      G Headley                        52 (81)
C Walcott     G Headley                                   26 (42)
C Ambrose     G Headley                                     22 (27)
C Walsh       G Headley                                              4 (24)
L Gibbs       G Headley                                  29 (48)
A Roberts     G Headley                                   27 (25)
A Roberts     M Holding                                         12 (56)


     Fall of Wickets    0/1       20/2      35/3      87/4      113/5
                        135/6     139/7     168/8     195/9     207/10    

 Total:  207/10      Overs:  59.0          Run Rate:  3.51    Extras:  16   
  
                                     -X-

SOUTH AFRICA Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Mike Procter          7.0      4      13      1      1.86     0      0 
Neil Adcock          10.0      0      47      0      4.70     1      1 
Jacques Kallis       10.0      2      34      2      3.40     0      0 
Shaun Pollock        12.0      2      50      3      4.17     1      0 
Allan Donald         12.0      5      27      4      2.25     0      0 
Barry Richards        8.0      1      26      0      3.25     0      3 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 2      No Balls: 4      Leg Byes: 9      Byes: 1 

 Total:  207/10       Overs:  59.0         Run Rate:  3.51    Extras:  16   
                                     -X-
The West Indies were bowled out for just 207 on a decent pitch for batting after a very disciplined bowling performance from South Africa with George Headley making the only notable contribution scoring 75 while all his other team-mates couldn't even reach 20. Allan Donald picked up 4 wickets, Shaun Pollock three, Jacques Kallis scalping two and Mike Procter with one.

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After being sent in to bat first on a decent track, the West Indies got off to the worst of starts when their in-form opening batsman Gordon Greenidge played on to his stumps much to the delight of Mike Procter and South Africa. Vivian Richards joined Desmond Haynes at the wicket and both started to play some brilliant shots but their partnership lasted for only 20 runs as Haynes was clean bowled by Shaun Pollock and not long after, Richards too played a loose drive which gave some catching practice to Graeme Smith at cover to leave the West Indies struggling at 35 for 3.

George Headley and Garry Sobers put up a stand of 52 to steady the ship for the West Indies. Sobers could contribute only 19 before bad luck brought about his downfall by an inside edge which struck his stumps as Pollock celebrated his second wicket. The last recognised batting pair of Headley and Clyde Walcott also couldn't contribute much as Walcott was given out lbw to Allan Donald after scoring just 11 leaving his team in a bad position at 113 for 5 with only one recognised batsman remaining.

Barbados+George_Headley.jpg


George Headley batted well and played his shots and was able to take West Indies past 200 with some help from the long tail comprising of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Lance Gibbs, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding before the innings folded.


SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gary Kirsten*       c. Sobers      b. Roberts      20    49    4    0   40.8%
Graeme Smith        c. Gibbs       b. Sobers       52    60   12    0   86.7%
Dudley Nourse       c. Holding     b. Ambrose      96   172   18    0   55.8%
Graeme Pollock                     b. Holding      91    94   20    0   96.8%
Jacques Kallis      lbw            b. Roberts      23    20    4    0  115.0%
AB de Villiers     c. Walsh       b. Gibbs        52    64   10    0   81.3%
Barry Richards      lbw            b. Sobers       91   125   19    0   72.8%
Shaun Pollock       lbw            b. Gibbs        10    41    1    0   24.4%
Mike Procter                       b. Holding      33    95    6    1   34.7%
Allan Donald        c. Haynes      b. Walsh         0     9    0    0    0.0%
Neil Adcock         not out                         5     8    1    0   62.5%
 
 Total:  491/10       Overs:  122.3        Run Rate:  4.01     Extras:  18 
   
                             Day 3  10:08 AM
   
  
                                     -X-
 
SOUTH AFRICA Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
G Kirsten     G Smith                               69 (103)
D Nourse      G Smith                                               9 (13)
D Nourse      G Pollock          135 (178)
D Nourse      J Kallis                                    45 (57)
D Nourse      A Villiers                           72 (98)
B Richards    A Villiers                                          15 (21)
B Richards    S Pollock                                  48 (84)
B Richards    M Procter                       90 (153)
A Donald      M Procter                                              3 (17)
A Donald      N Adcock                                               5 (11)


     Fall of Wickets    69/1      78/2      213/3     258/4     330/5
                        345/6     393/7     483/8     486/9     491/10    

 Total:  491/10      Overs:  122.3         Run Rate:  4.01    Extras:  18   
  
                                     -X-

WEST INDIES Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Michael Holding      22.0      3     109      2      4.95     1      2 
Curtly Ambrose       16.0      3      67      1      4.19     1      1 
Courtney Walsh       14.3      1      54      1      3.72     0      1 
Andy Roberts         19.0      2      73      2      3.84     0      1 
Lance Gibbs          22.0      5      69      2      3.14     0      0 
Garry Sobers         29.0      4     108      2      3.72     0      0 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 2      No Balls: 5      Leg Byes: 7      Byes: 4 

 Total:  491/10       Overs:  122.3        Run Rate:  4.01    Extras:  18   
                                     -X-

Graeme-Smith-001.jpg


South Africa's openers Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten got them off to a good start with an opening partnership of 69 in 17.1 overs. Smith frequently hit boundaries and scored runs at a very good rate while his partner Kirsten played a supportive role with a few elegant shots as well. The first breakthrough came for the West Indies when Gary Kirsten top edged a lethal bouncer from Andy Roberts into the safe hands of the West Indian skipper Garry Sobers. The second breakthrough didn't take very long when Sobers himself dismissed Smith who was giving his bowlers a hard time.

110041.2.jpg


Dudley Nourse and Graeme Pollock took over from there. Pollock gave every bowler a thrashing during his stay at the crease and took only 47 balls to bring up his fifty. Nourse on the other hand occupied the crease playing every ball on its merit and some beautiful shots. Soon the partnership between them had already crossed the 100-run mark and Pollock was nearing his century when he played an adventurous shot only to get bowled off the bowling of Michael Holding. South Africa were already in a strong position at 213 for 3 having already taken the lead with Jacques Kallis joining Nourse at the wicket. Kallis started hitting fours from the word go but his innings was brought to a close when on only 23 when he fell lbw to Andy Roberts who was just re-introduced into the attack.

1294023_display_image.jpg


AB de Villiers and Nourse put up a stand of 72 for the 5th wicket with de Villiers playing the role of the aggressor. Nourse who had stayed patient for his entire innings of 96 tried to bring up his century in style with a six but he didn't hit it well enough to clear the long-on fielder Holding who easily pouched it.

AB-de-Villiers-Picture-e1326791258163.jpg


AB de Villiers soon reached his half-century by hitting Courtney Walsh for a four but the very next over, he mis-timed a pull straight to Walsh as the off-spinner Lance Gibbs provided his team with very crucial wicket with South Africa at 345 for 6 leading by 138.

3626.3.jpg


The lower order comprising of Barry Richards, Shaun Pollock and Mike Procter added 141 runs more to the lead. Richards and Procter shared a stand of 90 for the 8th wicket leaving the West Indian bowlers frustrated. Richards became the third South African batsman in the innings to fall in the nervous nineties when he missed an attempted sweep shot which struck him on line of the stumps and presented Sobers with his second wicket. Procter was bowled by Holding for 33 and Allan Donald became the final nail in the box when he edged a delivery from Walsh straight in the hands of Desmond Haynes at first slip. South Africa lead by 284 runs at the fall of the last wicket putting them in a very comfortable position and leaving the West Indies in a fix.


WEST INDIES 2nd innings
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gordon Greenidge                   b. B Richards  209   305   41    2   68.5%
Desmond Haynes      c. S Pollock   b. Adcock       54    97   11    0   55.7%
Vivian Richards                    b. B Richards  124   178   23    1   69.7%
George Headley      not out                       128   187   26    1   68.4%
Garry Sobers*       lbw            b. Kallis       77   129   13    1   59.7%
Clyde Walcott      not out                        35    62    7    0   56.5%
Curtly Ambrose       
Courtney Walsh       
Lance Gibbs          
Andy Roberts         
Michael Holding      
 
 Total:  649/4        Overs:  159.1        Run Rate:  4.08     Extras:  22 
   
                             Day 4  3:45 PM
   
                             INNINGS DECLARED
  
                                     -X-
 
WEST INDIES Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
Greenidge     D Haynes                           141 (206)
Greenidge     V Richards         256 (371)
G Headley     V Richards                                             1 (2)
G Headley     G Sobers                          152 (240)
G Headley     C Walcott                                 99 (136)


     Fall of Wickets    141/1     397/2     398/3     550/4     
                                                                          

 Total:  649/4       Overs:  159.1         Run Rate:  4.08    Extras:  22   
  
                                     -X-

SOUTH AFRICA Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Mike Procter         38.1      9     140      0      3.67     0      0 
Neil Adcock          26.0      5      80      1      3.08     1      0 
Jacques Kallis       23.0      6      79      1      3.43     1      1 
Shaun Pollock        26.0      1     157      0      6.04     1      0 
Allan Donald         24.0      3     111      0      4.63     0      1 
Barry Richards       22.0      7      66      2      3.00     0      1 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 3      No Balls: 3      Leg Byes: 7      Byes: 9 

 Total:  649/4        Overs:  159.1        Run Rate:  4.08    Extras:  22   
                                     -X-


West Indies were under huge pressure trailing by 284 runs. Their only chance was to bat out for a draw or post a huge total to set South Africa an unlikely target. They chose the latter.

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Prolific openers Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes took up the responsibility of setting the platform for a big total. They were batting at their best leaving the same South African bowlers who troubled them in the first innings in shock and awe. Greenidge drove well and played aggressive brand of cricket as he brought up his half-century in just 55 balls. Haynes took longer as he mostly rotated the strike to Greenidge who was playing brilliantly and punishing the bowlers particularly being harsh of Shaun Pollock. He brought up his fiftieth run which almost brought about his downfall as he was nearly run-out by Dudley Nourse. Neil Adcock dismissed Haynes when he edged an out-swinger straight into the safe hands of Shaun Pollock at slip which ended a brilliant opening stand of 141 in 206 deliveries.

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One of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket walked out to the middle after the dismissal of Haynes- Vivian Richards. He knew well that this was the opportunity he was long waiting for with his team in a good position which allowed him to play in his natural aggressive style. Both batsmen started accumulating runs at a very good rate and hitting boundaries after boundaries which left the South African captain in a position where neither he nor his bowlers could do anything to stop the dominance. Greenidge went past his century and Richards also got his half-century and they soon took West Indies past South Africa's lead of 284.

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They continued their run-fest as the likes of Mike Procter, Neil Adcock and Allan Donald failed to break the partnership. Shaun Pollock who had a disappointing opening spell being smashed by Greenidge was re-introduced into the attack in order to bring about a breakthrough like he did on so many occasions for South Africa throughout the tournament. As a result Greenidge once again took him apart smashing his for two consecutive sixes to bring up his 150 and then Richards too hit a huge six making it the most expensive over of the innings conceding 19 runs in which three sixes were hit as Pollock once again vanished into the wilderness.

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From there on, Kirsten was forced to use run-saving defensive tactics as he used Barry Richards, Mike Procter and Jacques Kallis for a long period and successfully reduced the scoring rate of the batsmen but they still went about hitting occasional boundaries as Richards brought up his century and Greenidge a marvellous double-century.

In the 97th over, luck finally came South Africa's way when the off-spinner Barry Richards dismissed Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards in the space of three balls. A magnificent 256-run partnership came to an end and West Indies were already leading by 114 runs. George Headley, the most consistent run-scorer in the tournament and the West Indies captain Garry Sobers were out in the middle. They both started cautiously but eventually began scoring runs and hitting boundaries at a consistent rate.

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During their stay, South Africa's fielding was ordinary and a number of catches were dropped and run-out opportunities missed as the batsmen took advantage. The 4th wicket stand between Headley and Sobers lasted 240 deliveries in which they scored 152 runs at ease. Sobers was trapped lbw by Jacques Kallis for 77. As he departed with the lead at 266, he gave Headley the message to score runs quickly so that he could declare with a healthy lead before the conclusion of Day 4.

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George Headley who was then batting on 52 off 112 deliveries followed his captain's orders and hit his next 76 runs in just 75 balls while his partner Clyde Walcott supported him well by rotating the strike and also hitting his share of boundaries.
At the score on a mammoth 649 for 4 and a lead of 364, Sobers declared leaving a relieved South Africa to chase 365 to lift the trophy with a day remaining. Headley finished on an unbeaten 128, his 7th century in the tournament while Walcott was unbeaten on 35.


SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings (Target: 366)
Code:
Player              Status                        Runs  Blls  4s   6s    S/R
Gary Kirsten*       c. Greenidge   b. Roberts     181   226   37    0   80.1%
Graeme Smith        c. V Richards  b. Roberts      10    16    2    0   62.5%
Dudley Nourse       c. Greenidge   b. Roberts      69    89   16    0   77.5%
Graeme Pollock      not out                        80   104   17    0   76.9%
Jacques Kallis      c. Greenidge   b. Roberts       4     3    1    0  133.3%
AB de Villiers     not out                        14    15    3    0   93.3%
Barry Richards       
Shaun Pollock        
Mike Procter         
Allan Donald         
Neil Adcock          
 
 Total:  367/4        Overs:  75.1         Run Rate:  4.88     Extras:  9 
   
                             Day 5  2:15 PM
   
  
                                     -X-
 
SOUTH AFRICA Partnerships

Batsmen                                                            Runs (Balls)
G Kirsten     G Smith                                         33 (50)
G Kirsten     D Nourse           152 (173)
G Kirsten     G Pollock           150 (193)
J Kallis      G Pollock                                              4 (3)
A Villiers    G Pollock                                        28 (32)


     Fall of Wickets    33/1      185/2     335/3     339/4     
                                                                          

 Total:  367/4       Overs:  75.1          Run Rate:  4.88    Extras:  9   
  
                                     -X-

WEST INDIES Bowling

Player               Overs   Mdns    Runs   Wkts      E/R    Wds    NBs
Michael Holding      11.0      2      54      0      4.91     0      2 
Curtly Ambrose       13.0      2      64      0      4.92     0      0 
Andy Roberts         13.0      1      63      4      4.85     1      1 
Courtney Walsh       12.0      0      70      0      5.83     0      1 
Garry Sobers         12.1      3      61      0      5.01     0      0 
Lance Gibbs          14.0      1      52      0      3.71     1      0 


 EXTRAS          Wides: 2      No Balls: 4      Leg Byes: 3      Byes: 0 

 Total:  367/4        Overs:  75.1         Run Rate:  4.88    Extras:  9   
                                     -X-


South Africa needed to chase a unlikely target of 366 in order to win Season 2 and the West Indian bowlers needed to take all 10 wickets to achieve it in their second successive final in LAB.

South Africa started positively with Gary Kirsten and Grame Smith playing some brilliant drives which got them early boundaries.

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However, West Indies drew first blood when Graeme Smith edged a peach of a delivery from Andy Roberts to Vivian Richards at slip and was out for 10.
The in-form Dudley Nourse joined his captain at the wicket. Kirsten who was already settled started hitting more boundaries while his partner Nourse rotated the strike well till he was comfortable at the crease.

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Michael Holding, Garry Sobers and Curtly Ambrose were treated harshly by the two batsmen who continued scoring runs at an over five and over. Lance Gibbs then managed to keep things tight for a while but he wasn't backed up by his bowling partners so he too couldn't do much. Kirsten was bombarding the bowlers with his flicks, cuts and drives and soon Nourse too left his usual cautious style and made merry as the partnership went over the 100-run mark.

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They managed to add 50 more runs to it before Dudley Nourse was out caught at third slip by Gordon Greenidge off the bowling of Andy Roberts who scalped his second of the innings.

With the fall of Nourse's wicket, Sobers set aggressive fields for the new batsman Graeme Pollock but the plan back-fired as he straightaway started smashing fours and even hit Courtney Walsh for 20 runs in one over hitting five consecutive boundaries.

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This put extra pressure on West Indies as South Africa deficit soon became less than 150 with a handful of batsmen left to bat. Kirsten reached a fine century and Pollock kept on scoring runs and neither the famed quicks nor the spinners could do anything to stop them. Pollock reached his half-century off just 49 balls as the run-fest continued, the deficit soon became lower than 100 and then lower than 50 as Kirsten reached another milestone by scoring 150.

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With the score at 335 for the loss of just 2 wickets with the match already in South Africa's bag, Andy Roberts dismissed Gary Kirsten for 181 and three balls later he accounted for Jacques Kallis's wicket.

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South Africa soon leveled the scores and AB de Villiers hit the winning runs in the form of a boundary off the bowling of a dejected Garry Sobers.

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There was huge celebration as the whole South African team stormed into the field to congratulate Pollock and de Villers while the West Indian players shook hands and Sobers congratulated Kirsten and walked back into the pavillion along with his team-mates. The West Indians lost their second consecutive final which was clearly disappointing for them as they played excellent cricket throughout the tournament.

MATCH SUMMARY
Code:
West Indies         207 & 649/4d
South Africa        491 & 367/4              
   
South Africa won by 6 wickets
  
Man of the match: Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten who led from the front in the match was rightfully given the Man of the match award for his amazing match-winning knock of 181 during South Africa's run-chase.

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South African spectators raised their flags high proudly and soon the team were presented with the coveted trophy to which there were loud cheers from the crowd and Makhaya Ntini who was probably watching the match as a spectator emerged out of nowhere and started entertaining the players and spectators with his dancing moves.

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After this the scene closed with the South African players led by Kirsten heading back to their dressing room with the trophy.​
 
Wow! The Proteas did it! What a match! Finally shrugged off the "chokers" tag, at least in virtual cricket. Congratulations Dipak and Gaurav, better luck next time.
 
Wow! The Proteas did it! What a match! Finally shrugged off the "chokers" tag, at least in virtual cricket. Congratulations Dipak and Gaurav, better luck next time.

West Indies turned out to be chokers. They lost the finals of both Season 1 & 2.
 

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