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Hats off to Yuvraj's magic moment

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Phil Long | 11:21 UK time, Thursday, 20 September 2007

Every so often you have to take off your England sunhat, sit back and enjoy a once-in-lifetime 'I was there" moment.

The thing with anything as extraordinary as in Wednesday's Twenty20 match against India is that is impossible to see that moment approaching and even harder to digest as it is taking place.

Looking back now, the scene had already been set with the hour-long between-games interval transforming Kingsmead into Kanpur or Kolkata with hundreds of Indian flags being waved in the breezy Duban evening sky and the music from the DJ booth taking on a distinct Bollywood beat as the game got under way.

Yuvraj Singh blasts his way to six sixes in an overBut even so, with the score at 171-3 off 18 overs and Stuart Broad coming on to bowl his final over to Yuvraj Singh, there was no real indication of the five minutes of carnage that was about to unfold both on and off the pitch.

As early as the second ball of the over, events could have taken a dramatic and potentially tragic turn.

With the ball dumped way into the crowd, one of the industrial strength fireworks, launched from the top of the scoreboard each time a maximum is scored, malfunctioned, and fizzed, fully ignited directly over the heads of the packed stand and into the Kingsmead turf!

By the end of the over we didn't need to worry about incoming fireworks as the pyrotechnics out on the pitch meant the supply on top of the scoreboard had also been long since exhausted!

The pitchside podium dancers entertain the crowdAlso looking exhausted were the four dancers in front of me whose particularly energetic routine everytime 'Whoops, Where's a Six? Whoops, There it is!' blasted out of the massive PA speakers was starting to flag and become less enthusiastic by the end of the over!

By the time Broady came running for the sixth and, potentially history-making, delivery the 16,000 or so inside Kingsmead were in a state of frenzied anticipation that I've rarely seen in all my cricket travels around the globe.

And I'm not afraid to admit, and this might upset a few Englishmen out there, that a little part of me wanted Yuvraj to clear the boundary for a sixth time and create history.

We all know now that that sixth ball did indeed fly into the stand to send the little man who seems to be measuring every six in this tournament scurrying into the crowd to compute Yuvray's total 'yardage' for the over!

Better judges than me will have their say on each of the sixes and what Broad and Yuvraj did or didn't do and should or shouldn't have done but as pure sporting theatre goes it truly could not have been bettered.

After that unbelievable and truly unforgettable over anything other than a stunning England victory meant the rest of the game could have been a slight anti-climax.

However, the packed crowd stayed spellbound by England's right to the end, savouring a night, or more importantly, an over, to remember.

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  • 1.
  • At 12:09 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • simmy wrote:

I think arrogant Flintoff was answered in the best possible way by the Great Yuvraj...,

It must be a lesson for all those players who are arrogant in the field with the opposition players...and I think arrogance comes when one looses his form and can't do anything but to shout!!!

  • 2.
  • At 12:17 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Harry Jethwa wrote:

WELL FEW WEEKS A GO WE WERE SAYING BROAD IS A ENGLISH FUTURE.WHAT A BEATING YUVRAJ GAVE HIM.WISH RAVI BOBARA WAS PLAYING INTHAT MATCH.YOU KNOW WHAT I AM SAYING.[BOPARA&BROAD}ENGLANDS FUTURE????????

  • 3.
  • At 12:23 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Harry Jethwa wrote:

WELL FEW WEEKS A GO WE WERE SAYING BROAD IS A ENGLISH FUTURE.WHAT A BEATING YUVRAJ GAVE HIM.WISH RAVI BOBARA WAS PLAYING INTHAT MATCH.YOU KNOW WHAT I AM SAYING.[BOPARA&BROAD}ENGLANDS FUTURE????????

  • 4.
  • At 12:24 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Neil wrote:

Hats off indeed. That was one of the most amazing cricket experiences I have ever watched.

There have been a lot of great and memorable games between England and India recently. How many great football games have we seen in recent times??

Well done Cricket. Keep it up.

neil

  • 5.
  • At 12:40 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Ben, Liverpool wrote:

Was great to watch. And great to see a fantastic demonstration of the basics of clean hitting - standing still with his head motionless and hitting through the line. Obviously Broad's choice of deliveries made the feat possible but why didn't England's big guns take note rather than scurrying across their stumps to be bowled on the move trying to lap it to fine leg?! Stand there and hit it out of the park man!!

Top work Yuvraj, chin up Broady (welcome to Notts by the way!) & keep your mouth shut next time Freddie please!!!

  • 6.
  • At 12:41 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Satya Issar wrote:

Mr Phil Long has said it all. It was a truly fantastic over. Sorry Stuart Broad. Wish it had happened to Fred Flintoff.

Congratulations to Yuvraj Singh! and what a record. It has made the tournament even more interesting.

  • 8.
  • At 12:46 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • STEPHIN MATHEW wrote:

start of 19th over
son: dad why arent we(indian batsmen) hitting
any sixers yet

dad:i know we dont have a good total and they need to hit hard on the these last overs.

son: oh my what a shot.

dad:i think they heared us son

son: not again

dad:god its a hatrick!

son:a fife in a row, we r sure having a firework

dad:six!!! i must be dreaming he scored 36 runs in an over. its a world record! god!!!!!!!!

  • 9.
  • At 01:04 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Vishram Rambaran wrote:

Seeing a stump cart wheeling across the turf, a splendid diving catch, a direct for a run out and balls sailing over the boundary is all about twenty20. I envy every individual that was Durban. I love this game.

  • 10.
  • At 01:23 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho wrote:

Indian cricketers continue to do the unthinkable. After their rather successful tour of the UK, Team India has made a positive impression in the ongoing T20. Scoring 6 sixes in an over and an entertaining half century in 12 balls in an international fixture is a rare distinction. The quick thinking and hard-hitting Yuvraj is a top quality cricketer and a fine sportsman on the international horizon. Hats off to the Indian batter.

  • 11.
  • At 01:34 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Arshad wrote:

Hats off to Yuvraj much as I hate any indian success, I applaud the first ever true six sixes between top playing nations.

Gibbs, sorry mate, but you slapped a bunch of dutch cheese producers, not a top test playing nation.

Good on you Yuvraj, Pakistan for the Cup!!

  • 12.
  • At 01:37 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Satya Issar wrote:

Phil Long has said it all. I also witnessed an awesome display in the 19th over. Poor Stuart Broad. Pity it wasn't Freddie Flintoff instead.

  • 13.
  • At 01:42 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Satya Issar wrote:

Phil Long has said it all. I also witnessed an awesome display in the 19th over. Poor Stuart Broad. Pity it wasn't Freddie Flintoff instead.

  • 14.
  • At 01:47 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • vimal datta wrote:

Indians finally showing some bottle and spirit!

Standing up to the intimidatory tactics (employed by flintoff et al)and answering them in the best way possible....

Perfect retribution for Yuvraj after the mauling he received from Dibi....

Indians need to continue to play with pride, passion and overall agression to progress in all forms of the game!

  • 15.
  • At 01:57 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • mikey wrote:

bad for engalnd, but history in the making indeed- the twenty20 WC has been good at that- lees hatrick, yuvrajs sixes.,..

  • 16.
  • At 02:03 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • griff wrote:

note to freddie flintoff: next time you feel like winding up batsmen in the 19th over of a 20:20 game - make sure england are the ones batting......

  • 17.
  • At 02:18 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Rahul wrote:

Funny cause whenever someone says something to him, he gets angry.

Against O. Shah: when Shah hit him for a four and winked at him, Yuvraj got angry. And the next ball, Shah was bowled.

Against Flintoff: Flintoff ticks him off and there go six sixes in an over. He even hit Flintoff for a six.

  • 18.
  • At 02:19 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Bob wrote:

Yuvaraj, stood there and delivered.
Please ask English batsmen to stand in one plance and play

Please let us stop the bulling and play a gentlemen game.

England experience :
Jelly Bean - Zaheer
Flintoff - Yuvaraj

Enough - Please stop here

  • 19.
  • At 02:26 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • TheCritic wrote:

Phil, you are absolutely right. It was a "once in a lifetime" moment and the fortunate few were able to witness it in person. Yuvraj must be ecstatic over his achievement as each of the six strokes had the ball middled to the very best.
At the same time Stuart Broad must be devastated at the end of his over. Bowling each ball with a sense of hope that it dosen't get clobbered. Feel sorry for the young man as this might have cost him his spot in the English team for a while to come. At least till everyone gets over it. And he is a fine bowler too.
He is as much a part of history now as Yuvraj is. And the best thing for him would be to meet Yuvraj in person and congratulate him on his feat. This will make him a very sensible bowler in the history of the game who did his best, but for those six moments the bat made better of the ball. As for me, Stuart Broad remains the "unsung hero" of this saga.

  • 20.
  • At 03:30 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Andrew Flintoff wrote:

Phil, you are absolutely right. It was a "once in a lifetime" moment and the fortunate few were able to witness it in person. Yuvraj must be ecstatic over his achievement as each of the six strokes had the ball middled to the very best.
At the same time Stuart Broad must be devastated at the end of his over. Bowling each ball with a sense of hope that it dosen't get clobbered. Feel sorry for the young man as this might have cost him his spot in the English team for a while to come. At least till everyone gets over it. And he is a fine bowler too.
He is as much a part of history now as Yuvraj is. And the best thing for him would be to meet Yuvraj in person and congratulate him on his feat. This will make him a very sensible bowler in the history of the game who did his best, but for those six moments the bat made better of the ball. As for me, Stuart Broad remains the "unsung hero" of this saga.

Nothing is impossible for Yuvraj singh. he is a fine cricketer like Kevin Pietersen. He can change a match within few balls. Sorry for Stuart Broad.

  • 22.
  • At 05:09 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Desai wrote:

Stewart Broad should not be disheartened by the chastening experience. He is very young and his shoulders are broad enough to bear one bad experience. He did nothing wrong; Yuvraj was simply too good. Hopefully, Stewart will get his revenge in due course

  • 23.
  • At 05:15 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • naras wrote:

I think it was a good slogging competition, provided by yuvraj. It was nothing wrong with broads bowling, it was not his day.

  • 24.
  • At 05:35 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Abdul razza wrote:

James Wheeler...

Your a sad pathetic individual...cant just applaud a moment of brilliance from an Indian player.

Talkin about chokin in big games...isn't that an English speciality?

India have come to this tournament without Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Kahn and Laxman, and they still managed to do better than the english. Imagine what Tendulkar would have done to ya!

  • 25.
  • At 06:59 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • dave wrote:

he is good

  • 26.
  • At 07:41 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • malhar wrote:

Just posting

  • 27.
  • At 07:42 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

It was a good job Anderson wasn't bowling the over. He probably would have bowled a few wides and no-balls, leading to free hits and even more runs.
Brilliant batting. Great to watch.

  • 28.
  • At 08:18 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • David Abraham wrote:

Mr. Wheeler,

Would you like some Indian curry to garnish your words before you eat them? I hope you had fun watching your predictions get whitewashed by another solid performance.

India is through to the next round. Kudos to a great game well played.

  • 29.
  • At 08:49 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • RRM wrote:

@James Wheeler

The result is out... see who is out of this tournament.

  • 30.
  • At 08:51 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Vik wrote:

People need to lay off Flintoff. He was being his usual aggressive self and in his own way is one of England's most competitive and passionate players.

Plus both Yuvi and Freddie are good friends off the pitch so cricket fans need to stop creating personal nonsense when there is none.

The true lesson for BOTH teams should be that they have some very good young talent that needs to be encouraged and nurtured.

Team India and their selectors could learn a lot from the current Indian team who are athletic, aggressive and successfull instead of picking the same old tired hands in ODIs like Ganguly.

Good luck to England on their tour to Sri Lanka and India on their semifinal contest against the Aussies!

  • 31.
  • At 09:13 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • puneet agarwal wrote:

very well written.

  • 32.
  • At 09:15 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Ajeet Gill wrote:

Was this once again a confirmation that we, British, are poor losers? There was no need for Flintoff to mouth off the way he did. There can only be one winner and people should take defeat gracefully.

this happens in every sport, be it motor sport, cricket, football or whatever !!

  • 33.
  • At 09:45 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • JP wrote:

Dear James Wheeler.

Well done for predicting the semifinal line up..................

  • 34.
  • At 09:59 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Ramesh Chennagiri wrote:

#21 James Wheeler

"Well played India in a dead rubber! You guys always choke in big games"

CAN'T HEAR YOU.... SPEAK UP PLEASE!!!!!!

  • 35.
  • At 10:02 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Akber Kassam. wrote:

It was a great match. Keep it up !!!!

  • 36.
  • At 10:08 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Savvy wrote:

Well ..what do u say James Wheeler, now that India has thrashed South Africa out of the tournament ..

  • 37.
  • At 10:21 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Ramesh Thanki wrote:

Yuvraj's 666666 will be long remebered , no dought about it but he is 4th to do so and he is 2nd Indian of that club too no one should surprised about that too.

  • 38.
  • At 10:23 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • KIRAN SHEKAR wrote:

I agree with Phil-moments like this are very special and out of ordinary.Eventually that 19th over made all the difference to the outcome of the game.Twenty 20 cricket seems to be a huge success and may be more appropriate and relevent in this fast changing world.Cricket can only be more popular with this format attracting more nations to play cricket.Should we be still playing Fifty 50 cricket!.England can still be proud of thier performance.

  • 39.
  • At 11:40 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Perry wrote:

It's not Wheeler's fault. He just forgot that South Africa are even bigger chokers than India :-)

  • 40.
  • At 11:43 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Nind wrote:

Alright James Wheeler. You must be 'Choking' on your own words now!!! India beat them convincingly without a full strength team.

So what's your prediction on England against SL coming up?

  • 41.
  • At 11:45 PM on 20 Sep 2007,
  • Amright wrote:

Now onwards, evrytime there will be 36 runs to score in 1 over, indians will still watch cricket and wont' go away from TV.

  • 42.
  • At 03:17 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • glen wrote:

Mr James Wheeler - Eat your words and heart out, you poor sod. So, how much did you lose on the SA defeat. Go, lick your wounds at home, now. India is going nowhere. but to the top.

  • 43.
  • At 04:45 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • DAVIS K. Lona wrote:

super performance by Yuvrajand will remain in golden letters in the history of cricket.

Like to bring the following facts to the genine attention of the Indian cricket Lords:
-- Do we still need the pretty lame old dilapidated donkeys ( Ganguly, Sachin, Dravid, Laxman, Zaheer etc.) in our fast mode of cricket? They are monotonus to the glory of cricket, they are scared to face the fast cricket and thats why they keep away from the competitiopn and without them India can achieve the targets.

Let the old goats take permanent rest and the present boys will do the job for India.

  • 44.
  • At 05:09 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • samarendra m wrote:

wel done Yuvraj, i fill proud to be an indian

  • 45.
  • At 05:36 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Pradeep Kumar wrote:

I fully agree with Davis K. Lona. Why the lame goats kept away from this world cup? Dont they have the responsibility of playing for India when India needs them? Are they scared of the speed and fast cricket mode? Selectors should ingore them for any 20 or one day cricket in future, we are fed up of their lame old styles and approcahes.

Let them take permanent rest or let them do their advertisment projects only instead of responding to India's call for their service to the nation..!!! The present young team with Yuvraj is more than enough for Cricket Lovers....

  • 46.
  • At 06:56 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • G Bahri wrote:

I like what Stephin Mathew, below, has written about that over.

I just wish I was there......great job Yuvraj Singh. You deserve some kinda academy award for cricket or something.

  • 47.
  • At 08:05 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

I fully agree with Davis K. Lona. Why the lame goats kept away from this world cup? Dont they have the responsibility of playing for India when India needs them? Are they scared of the speed and fast cricket mode? Selectors should ingore them for any 20 or one day cricket in future, we are fed up of their lame old styles and approcahes.
-------------------------------------------------------
I think Sachin and Ganguly were the reason why India managed to win 3 ODIs in England. All the 3 matches in which they fired and got a century partnership India won. The matches were they failed, India failed. Also, T20 is a format that helps in identifying fresh talent and getting them into the longer version of the game. Amd if you heard what Sachin said in an interview you would not be making such insane comments. He very clealry said that T20 will be part of the future of cricket and as he no longer sees himself to be part of the future , he prefered opting out and giving youngsters a chance who will be part of that future. So first understand the perspective of the cricketer who opted out of the torunament rather than writing utter nonsense.

  • 48.
  • At 08:24 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • dijen sahadeo wrote:

For all, I was there when yuvraj hit 666666. i was there for the bowl out with pakistan and im gona be there 2mrw supporting india against the aussies..
wednesday tho will remain as my most memorable live sporting moment and even when im senile and someone screams SIX i will scream yuvraj.hehehe
quoting james wheeler "Well played India in a dead rubber!
You guys always choke in big games so expect South Africa to smash you and send you home early with us!"
were the h€ll are you now..it takes a big man to aplogise but seems you definetely arent..
GO INDIA...CHAK DE INDIA

  • 49.
  • At 09:56 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • robin wrote:

it didnt take too long to find out what flintoff said..i've heard it through one of the indian players..
as a proud mancunian, and i see flintoff as one of us, i'm disgusted with his behaviour and sad to know that all the friends he made in india, would turn against him once word gets out of what he actually said!
pity, but i guess you cannot compete with ten thousand years of history and culture with 2 minutes of fame!
enjoying watching india..

  • 50.
  • At 10:22 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Stephen Hill wrote:

@ Abdul razza

Ever thought that the reason Tendulkar etc... weren't selected was because they are ageing crickets in a prodominantly young mans tournament? Do you think Tendulkar and Ganguly would be running quick two's inside the circle?! I think not! They're not good enough for 20/Twenty cricket, simple. Stop living in a dream world.

As for Yuvraj, yes, great moment I say through gritted teeth, and I just hope Broad has the character to come back from that and chalk it down to experience.

As for the Indians in this thread? You have the audacity to chastise the likes of Freddy Flintoff, KP etc... when you yourselves are guilty of similar, if not worse! Deliberate beemers? Taking the mick of players that you've just got out (Singh to Philander last night), deliberately making contact with players currently in bat / that have just been dismissed (Vaughan in the tests, Pollock last night - I'm just glad that Pollock kept his cool).

You like to give the impression that you just need to let the cricket do the talking, when in fact you're just as guilty as Flintoff, KP etc...

  • 51.
  • At 10:36 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • raj wrote:

Very spirited and honest review of the events.

What makes this even more significant is that all were pure cricket shots, no slogging, good oppenents in England, good fast bowler and a high pressure game for India as they had to win.
We often hear records posted against minnows (like Gibbs sixes against Holland) but not this one....

  • 52.
  • At 10:43 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • cricketmad-ram wrote:

Robin

You must tell us what Flintoff said to yuvraj.
I find it sad that even after the Jelly babies incident England players have not learnt to treat the opposition players with respect. They are the worst in using the gamesmanship. Even Aussies respect the opposition players whether they win or loose. Flintoff used to be my favourite english player. English players must remember to win by using their talent and not their mouth or jelly babies.

Come on Flintoff apologise . Otherwise you will lose many, many fans from all over the world.

  • 53.
  • At 11:30 AM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • chichoo wrote:

hai there! india entered semifinals and faces titan kangarus on saturday. pakistan faces kiwis on the same day. how about india vs pakistan final! wow. it would set the entire sub-continent in fire! lets see.

Fantastic stuff by Yuvraj - who would deny him that, apart from Broad, that is. I'll be even happier though if he can do something similar against the Australians tomorrow. Teams have paid them too much respect...

  • 55.
  • At 12:04 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Sigmar wrote:

You just have to feel sorry for Stuart Broad. Strewth, what a record to have against you at the beginning of your international career - I only hope it isn't the end of his International participation !

I haven't heard too much negative criticism yet so hopefully he isn't suffering too much (it is the thing of nightmares though !)

Sigmar

  • 56.
  • At 01:09 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

Broad will do fine. It was awesome hitting but the over wasn't that bad except for the full toss. maybe should have mixed it up a bit but its hard to bowl a slower ball when you've been hit for 3 sixes in a row!

  • 57.
  • At 01:29 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Phil Long wrote:

Thanks for all the positive comments on the piece.

I saw Broady, Luke Wright and Jimmy Anderson out on Florida Road last night- I think it's fair to say Broad still looked a little shell-shocked!!

What price now a India v Pakistan final?!? See you there!!

  • 58.
  • At 01:31 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • kk wrote:

just wanna say james weener isit...dosnt know a thing about cricket. Fact...
India through to the semis BEATING S.Africa and they going ALLLL the way mate :-)
do it again Yuvraj your soo capable! ur a G!

  • 59.
  • At 01:49 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • paddu wrote:

Yuvraj is definitely one of India's terrific hitters. It would have been mind blowing if he had taken on mascarenhas a couple of weeks back. Ironically, it was an Englishman who got it!

  • 61.
  • At 01:52 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Paresh Vadgama wrote:

I thought I would never witness such a feat in International Cricket in my lifetime, but dreams do come true.

I watched Yuvraj hit 6 sixes with my 3 year old son and the delight in his face as the balls soared into the night sky made it even sweeter!

  • 62.
  • At 02:00 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • diablo wrote:

I felt as if Stuart wasn't bowling at his regular pace. He seemed out of place compared to his performances in England. Hopefully, this doesn't dent his confidence and cause a breakdown. Great Knock from Yuvraj. It was truly fun watching him. Hopefully India pull an upset over snotty Australians tomorrow.

  • 63.
  • At 02:40 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Dharmender Singh Rathod wrote:

Perhaps Mr Flintoff will keep his mouth shut the next time he faces Yuvraj! LOL

  • 64.
  • At 03:13 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • James McQuaid wrote:

I was an India fan last night; aside from the close ties between our countries, I was desperate to see some egg-covered Saffer faces...

I didn't truly start to believe you could do it until about 3 overs to go, but I was cheering every wicket, dot ball and single, and when SA fell short I was almost as happy as if England had gone through :)

A very well written article which would compare with the style of Mike Selvey. As for yuvraj he's in great company now. Looks like England haven't learnt from jelly beans or sledging. maybe they should change their diet to wheat chappathis. What did Flintoff achieve in this 20/20 world cup!!

  • 66.
  • At 03:54 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • KS wrote:

"Ever thought that the reason Tendulkar etc... weren't selected was because they are ageing crickets in a prodominantly young mans tournament? "

Um, Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly weren't "not selected". They voluntarily opted out of the Twenty20 World Cup. And if they're ageing, so are Ponting, Hayden. Just being young doesn't guarantee success at this format. Great cricketers adapt to any situation. Despite the absence of three of India's still premier batsmen (even if they aren't up to their past glories, they still outshine many of their younger counterparts, as they showed in England), India has made it to the semis, a fine effort, and hopefully one they can maintain and improve upon (especially the fielding - Tendulkar, "old" as he is, is still a better fielder than some of the younger guns). The best thing about this format is that it's given teams the chance to showcase other players and possibly find some options for the future.

  • 67.
  • At 03:54 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • pradeep wrote:

With regard to James Wheelers comments -

You sad pathetic loser - you should appreciate good cricket when you see it. Well India are through to the semis , therefore I hope you choke on your words.

Enjoy Sri Lanka.

  • 68.
  • At 06:50 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • bharat wrote:

so now that england is out. we expect that even this version of the game will see empty stadiums in UK.
english people were not interested in cricket because they were loosing big time in all forms of the game. so they created twenty20 and forced it upon the rest of the world.
now they have flopped in this version also, what are we to expect ? Ten10 or five5?
and why do english captains (flintoff, colingwood etc.) prefer to freak out just the night before their big games? so that they can creat a newer version of cricket?

  • 69.
  • At 08:21 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • a.r.seetharaman wrote:

Dear sir,
Mr.Pill Long appreciation of the grand feat of hitting 6 sixtures in one over by Yuvaraj singh is worth the compliment equal to noble prize to my country man!s grand duty to his patriotism which has tilted all the Indian community. Hats off to the writer. Thanks. A.R.Seetharaman.

  • 70.
  • At 08:28 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • a.r.seetharaman wrote:

Dear sir,
Mr.Pill Long appreciation of the grand feat of hitting 6 sixtures in one over by Yuvaraj singh is worth the compliment equal to noble prize to my country man!s grand duty to his patriotism which has tilted all the Indian community. Hats off to the writer. Thanks. A.R.Seetharaman.

  • 71.
  • At 11:29 PM on 21 Sep 2007,
  • Cecil Chaudhry wrote:

Well done Yuvraj, you deserved to enter the history books of cricket with an excwllent performance throughout the tournment. Broad do not loose heart you are a very talented player who has lots and lots of cricket ahead of you - don't look back, look ahead son. Flintoff you failed to rise as a captain at that crucial moment by not being beside Broad after being hit for a six and before the next ball - you may have saved the youngester from being humiliated

  • 72.
  • At 03:44 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • sri-usa wrote:

Guys,
This is just a game.
I did feel sorry for the boyish looking Broad. You have to admire the fact that Broad did not bowl a bouncer or a beamer to avoid six in a row.

  • 73.
  • At 06:27 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Esjaysen wrote:

Sri-usa said "You have to admire the fact that Broad did not bowl a bouncer or a beamer to avoid six in a row" ... too right, that's the way Englishmen play their national game (sorry, Sir Alex) ... with a straight bat.

Sri, you might have added "Broad also did not bowl under-arm (a la Trevor Chappel)".

  • 74.
  • At 07:42 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Jessy Thomsonson wrote:

Hii Guys,

Request all to take the defeats with a sportsman spirit. Appreciate the winners and encourage the losers. This is not a war between the players or between the nations..

Wnning and losing are the alternate sides of the same coin...

Congratulate Yuvraj for the unparalleled achievement and at the same time be kind to Broad. Who can criticize the angelfaced innocent boy who really did not resort to any bouncers, beamers or any unlawful deliveries of the sort ...

To me, Broad's innocence was much valuable than the master magician Yuvraj's power display!!!

  • 75.
  • At 07:48 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Jessy Thomson wrote:

Hii Guys,

Request all to take the defeats with a sportsman spirit. Appreciate the winners and encourage the losers. This is not a war between the players or between the nations..

Wnning and losing are the alternate sides of the same coin...

Congratulate Yuvraj for the unparalleled achievement and at the same time be kind to Broad. Who can criticize the angelfaced innocent boy who really did not resort to any bouncers, beamers or any unlawful deliveries of the sort ...

To me, Broad's innocence was much valuable than the master magician Yuvraj's power display!!!

  • 76.
  • At 10:38 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • aj wrote:

Yuvraj played excellent, a true sportsman!

  • 77.
  • At 11:51 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • online wrote:

I can advise for Dhoni Before a math for austrial

he can use the virander shewag. he is good baller I did not like srisanth balling becuase is he is very expensive baller.

  • 78.
  • At 11:55 AM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • rajiv wrote:

blame Flintoff for psyching yuvi up the over before

  • 79.
  • At 01:58 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • bobby wrote:

i can;t beleive how crap the pakistan cricket team has become, there attituted is one to be ashamed of, there never try to win a game but just mearly participate. the way they bowled at the end of the india match... i mean my 6 year old boy could hit the wicket!!... come on guys make more of an effort.

  • 80.
  • At 02:27 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Balakrishnan wrote:

I am very proud that an Indian Cricketer has been able to achieve this feat in International cricket.Remember Ravi Shastri has done it only in a
domstic tournament.Congradulations to Mr.Yuvraj Singh.He does deserve something special from BCCI.

Doesn't matter, it was a bad luck for England but they were doing very good.

  • 82.
  • At 08:25 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • KS wrote:

India through to T20 final against Pakistan - what a match-up. Defeated England, South Africa and Australia along the way.

What say you James Wheeler!!:)

  • 83.
  • At 09:03 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • C Shah wrote:

Wow,,,

India going big guns,,,

they pulled off a tie when all was dead and gone against pakistan and won a bowl out....

they mercilessly killed england to keep their chances alive,when everyone knew that england was the one with most T20 experience and India with the least!

they sent South Africa packing, when everyone (usually means other teams n fans) were thinking it was a goner......

and then,, they sent Aussies to join the Flight with the Kiwis so that the cup comes home to Asia and set up a big spicy final with pakistan....


and regarding Yuvraj's sixes... i must clarify one thing that the previous comments haven't...

Gary Sobers and Ravi Shastri's both of them had hit sixes yes,, but against Spinners and that too in First Class , Shastri against Baroda, and Sobers against a county in a county contest....

Gibbs hit 6 sixes as well,, but once again against a Spinner and that too a Dutch team spinner...

You have got to give credit to Yuvi for doing it of an English Seamer Stuart Broad, who is by no chance a to-be-taken-for-granted bowler, he is a bowler who is as good as anyone on his day, and will surely always be, though young as of now...but to hit 6 sixes of seamers and all to have been well timed shots rather than down-the-ground slogs, and all to have been around the ground...

Guys,,please dont blame destiny or call it luck,, Give credit where its due,, and relish it,,,any true cric-fan would have relished it on any day even if i were a pakistani or a west indian or an australian or an englishman,,


i hope india score 250 in the final and pakistan lose after scoring 249,, with a hatrick in the last over!... woww,,, cant wait

  • 84.
  • At 10:19 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Nilesh Ghaghda wrote:

This is the final all Asains and the neutral cricket fans wanted to see. It doesn't get any bigger than this when it comes to rivalry in sport.
Go on India go on Youvraj.

  • 85.
  • At 10:22 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Mouli Banerjee wrote:

With the progress of the T20 world cup, more interest in this form of cricket has been generated worldwide. It seems to be fusion of baseball and cricket and following the name of 'pyjama cricket' given to one day form of the game, this current incarnation can very well be labelled as 'cricket -butter-masala' (especially with presence of DJs and dancers on the ground providing spicy parallel live entertainment - even Kerry Packer did not dare to introduce similar stuff) !!! Whatever the puritans may call it, it is proving to be a format which is providing a lot of entertainment to the crouds and will be good for cricket on the whole. I think this form of cricket is here to stay and will find a place alongwith test and one day internationals.

  • 86.
  • At 10:33 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Rav wrote:

Six...Six...Six...Six...Six...Six...

I Feel sorry for England.

Yuvraj is the man.

  • 87.
  • At 10:35 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Rav wrote:

Six...Six...Six...Six...Six...Six...

I Feel sorry for England.

Yuvraj is the man.

  • 88.
  • At 10:45 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Captain Planet wrote:

YUVRAJ THE REAL MATCHWINNERRR...congrats

  • 89.
  • At 11:40 PM on 22 Sep 2007,
  • Vineet wrote:

An India-Pakistan Final of a major world cricket tournament. Who is salivating the most ?

Further, T20, which so far had negligible presence in India, will surely gain massive popularity.

Notwithstanding some individual heroics, there seems to be an obvious conspiracy theory. Any takers.

  • 90.
  • At 12:25 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Amol S wrote:

thanks for this article to walk us through the as-it-happened.. I missed watching it live on tv.. even watching score of that over on website was super exciting !! Yuvi is in top form, kind of in enlightened state !! Wishing India all the best for the finals against arch rivals.

  • 91.
  • At 01:11 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • aj wrote:

Vineet, either you can sit and think about the conspiracy theories or simply enjoy the game and your life man !

  • 92.
  • At 01:21 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • g ria wrote:

i have followed Yuvraj closely ever since he was a child and knew he was a special talent. I often was amazed nobody else could see that. He is still improving and will getter better and better so much for all the short sighted knockers.

The best part is that it will inspire other sikh boys to take up cricket, its not so big in punjab.

More punjabis in the indian team and it will improve considerably, they are good athaletes and india's best hope for producing fast bowlers.

  • 93.
  • At 01:25 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • g ria wrote:

i have followed Yuvraj closely ever since he was a child and knew he was a special talent. I often was amazed nobody else could see that. He is still improving and will getter better and better so much for all the short sighted knockers.

The best part is that it will inspire other sikh boys to take up cricket, its not so big in punjab.

More punjabis in the indian team and it will improve considerably, they are good athaletes and india's best hope for producing fast bowlers.

  • 94.
  • At 01:32 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • g ria wrote:

i have followed Yuvraj closely ever since he was a child and knew he was a special talent. I often was amazed nobody else could see that. He is still improving and will getter better and better so much for all the short sighted knockers.

The best part is that it will inspire other sikh boys to take up cricket, its not so big in punjab.

More punjabis in the indian team and it will improve considerably, they are good athaletes and india's best hope for producing fast bowlers.

You were there. I was not. And therefore, I keep on watching the vidoe clip of the delightful display of daring deeds by Yuvaraj. Self-confident, precise in timing, perfect power, and proper choice of placement of balls. It was awesome. His performance today against Aussies proved he is no fluke. He is real.

Poor Stuart Broad! Worry not, young Stuart, this experience will wise you up, help you hone your skill.

  • 96.
  • At 03:25 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Denis wrote:

Yuvraj is a magnificent batsman. I remember at Lords in the Nat West final when England had set India 326 to win, an elderly English gent was referring to Wisden. I told him then, dont waste your time just wait till you see Yuvraj and Kaif and then discard Wisden because these boys will rewrite the cricket books. They did that day and now the 20/20 has given added scope.

It's taken a while for Yuvraj and Kaif's story is yet to unfold. I am Indian - I know.

  • 97.
  • At 03:27 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Yogesh wrote:

Yuvraj is the best, It is unfogotable.
keep continue.....

  • 98.
  • At 03:43 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • israr wrote:

Comment 83 C. Shah was a good sumnation of Yuvraj's performance. I support Pakistan, but can't help but admire the manner in which Yuvi attained his record breaking feat. His focus and concentration were so intense. Even if someone was to bowl a set up scenario to hit sixes it would be almost impossible to, and the free hits show this to be true. What did Freddie say to get him so fired up to hit with such power? The Indian team should hire Freddie to put yuvi in that frame of mind for all future matches, a very daunting prospect for the opposing teams. Their is no doubt that the Indian cricket team are brilliant, players such as Sreesanth impressed me the moment they came on the scene.
None of this has been acheived without perseverence, when considering recent past performances. The same for Pakistan also, they've shown that their players are very capable also. This level of exciting cricket has its roots in Sri Lanka's ODI world cup win in 1995 and consequently Australias setting of a standard so high that its only now that other teams are beginning to get their players to achieve on par. Australia have shown that their cricket no longer goes on a decline thanks to the way they train and select. Also the Aussies like other teams to be as strong as possible to maximise the greatness of their own performances a psychology still not shared by England teams. The Twenty20 has made cricket watchable again.
So come on Pakistan lets see a great performance from you in the best of spirits and may the best team win.

  • 99.
  • At 04:01 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Israr Sheikh wrote:

Comment 83 C. Shah was a good sumnation of Yuvraj's performance. I support Pakistan, but can't help but admire the manner in which Yuvi attained his record breaking feat. His focus and concentration were so intense. Even if someone was to bowl a set up scenario to hit sixes it would be almost impossible to, and the free hits show this to be true. What did Freddie say to get him so fired up to hit with such power? The Indian team should hire Freddie to put Yuvi in that frame of mind for all future matches, a very daunting prospect for the opposing teams. There is no doubt that the Indian cricket team are brilliant, players such as Sreesanth impressed me the moment they came on the scene.
None of this has been acheived without perseverence, when considering recent past performances. The same for Pakistan also, they've shown that their players are very capable also. This level of exciting cricket has its roots in Sri Lanka's ODI world cup win in 1995 and subsequently Australias setting of a standard so high that its only now that other teams are beginning to get their players to achieve on par. Australia have shown that their cricket no longer goes on a decline thanks to the way they train and select. Also the Aussies like other teams to be as strong as possible to maximise the greatness of their own performances a psychology still not shared by England teams. The Twenty20 has made cricket watchable again.
So come on Pakistan lets see a great performance from you in the best of spirits and may the best team win.

  • 100.
  • At 05:11 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Israr Sheikh wrote:

Comment 83 C. Shah was a good sumnation of Yuvraj's performance. I support Pakistan, but can't help but admire the manner in which Yuvi attained his record breaking feat. His focus and concentration were so intense. Even if someone was to bowl a set up scenario to hit sixes it would be almost impossible to, and the free hits show this to be true. What did Freddie say to get him so fired up to hit with such power? The Indian team should hire Freddie to put Yuvi in that frame of mind for all future matches, a very daunting prospect for the opposing teams. There is no doubt that the Indian cricket team are brilliant, players such as Sreesanth impressed me the moment they came on the scene.
None of this has been acheived without perseverence, when considering recent past performances. The same for Pakistan also, they've shown that their players are very capable also. This level of exciting cricket has its roots in Sri Lanka's ODI world cup win in 1995 and subsequently Australias setting of a standard so high that its only now that other teams are beginning to get their players to achieve on par. Australia have shown that their cricket no longer goes on a decline thanks to the way they train and select. Also the Aussies like other teams to be as strong as possible to maximise the greatness of their own performances a psychology still not shared by England teams. The Twenty20 has made cricket watchable again.
So come on Pakistan lets see a great performance from you in the best of spirits and may the best team win.

  • 101.
  • At 05:46 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • emma wrote:

well,yuvraj played well.
but,broad was the one who suffered bcoz of that small fight between flintoff and yuvraj.
we all know that broad is also an excellent player.so,i am supporting him as well as yuvraj.
broad,dont lose hope.u can and u will do better.

  • 102.
  • At 06:05 AM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • Arvind wrote:

Yuvraj is having a purple patch, its like he's seeing the ball in slow motion. Stuart Broad was unfortunate to be at the receiving end after Yuvi's altercation with Freddie. But don't forget he hit Bret Lee for the biggest six in the tournament, a clean 119 M while the longest Yuvi hit Stuart for was 110. Stuart, that's some solace for you.

  • 103.
  • At 12:41 PM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • neil wrote:

yuvraj is truly a world class player and India with its young team without Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble and Zaheed Khan is truly a transformed, energetic and self believing team under Dhoni's leadership.

  • 104.
  • At 11:18 PM on 23 Sep 2007,
  • pakistan wrote:

hmm nah i think shahid afridi is much better than him no doubt and i am sure he will show it in the final of the 20/20 world cup final

  • 105.
  • At 10:42 AM on 24 Sep 2007,
  • kapil wrote:

India have been hungry ever since their exit from the world cup & defeatt in the natwest sereis ! this is what you expect after all this hunger !! there is more yet to come my friends !!

  • 106.
  • At 12:59 PM on 24 Sep 2007,
  • wrote:

yuvaraj is extradinary

  • 107.
  • At 05:12 PM on 24 Sep 2007,
  • daycruz wrote:

Dude, it's not whoops there it is. It's whoop there it is!

  • 108.
  • At 07:44 PM on 24 Sep 2007,
  • Indian Captain wrote:

Hello,

Shahid Afridi is just a hype. He could not even score a single in the final.

Yuvraj can not be compared with anyone.

  • 109.
  • At 09:05 PM on 24 Sep 2007,
  • vasant patel wrote:

What a game...Congrats to Dhoni and co....Bye bye 50/50

  • 110.
  • At 06:24 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • wrote:

This is Rasel from Bangladesh.

Some events remain unforgettable as well as glorious because of unique demonstration of performance.

Really, Yuvraj made it done the way one can stand out. WOW!!! he showed his talent, style, confidence, methodical performance and amazing cricketer like personality.

I am amazed at his every outstanding shots during Aus vs Ind match and think Aussies will not forget the storm they had to endur.

I love cricket cz from this game I most often find similarities with life. Life and cricket both can be contrasted and we can avail clues for solution for life.

  • 111.
  • At 07:49 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • anjan lamichhane wrote:

best of luck 4 india always win do good & entertain us sachin should have played this

  • 112.
  • At 07:53 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • Amit-india wrote:

Final T-20..uffff...a most wonderful, memorable , classic match ever played between any cricket playing county. No wonder the best side won but I would also appreciate Pakistan for the great match they played. They have a wonderful side with great players. They just took the match in 18th and 19th over, a great comeback from Pakistan. This is why cricket is so popular. I praise India for their win and wish them all the luck. Thanks to India-Pakistan for this pleasure.
Cricket is a real winner :)

  • 113.
  • At 07:56 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • anjan lamichhane wrote:

best of luck 4 india always win do good & entertain us sachin should have played this

  • 114.
  • At 11:38 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • charu wrote:

Hi i am from Holland

INDIA is realy INCREDIBLE, i start to belief this now.
They show some very good cricket technique

With the support of 1 billion cricket lovers only in India this boy,s can make impossible to possible.

I wish them lot of sucses in comming futuer""""""

Love from Holland

  • 115.
  • At 11:54 AM on 25 Sep 2007,
  • charu wrote:

Hi everybudy i,m from Holland

INDIA is realy INCREDIBLE i start to belief this now.

The Indian boy,s show some very good cricket technique, with support of 1 billion cricket lovers from india alone they can make impossible to possible it was good to watch them.

I wish them lots of sucsses in coming future""""

Love from Holland

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