India rout Bangladesh to win test series
India have wrapped up one of the most comprehensive wins you could imagine on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh at Dhaka. The Bangladeshis were never in contention at any stage from the end of the first session on Day 1 as India produced a near-flawless display.
Bangladesh resumed in a bad enough position at 58-5 in response to India's massive 610-3 declared, and it never really got any better. Zaheer Khan was in a destructive mood, finishing with 5-34 as the innings was wrapped up for 118.
Following on some 492 runs in arrears, it looked like being a truly humiliating defeat as the top order once again crumbled to leave the score at 10-3.Although Rajin Saleh and Mohammad Ashraful produced brief periods of resistance with innings of 42 and 67 respectively, wickets fell too regularly in the upper and middle order and again Bangladesh found themselves staring down the barrel of another score of under 200.
But enter Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh's hero of the series so far. He followed up his maiden Test half-century in the first Test with a spectacular 70 at better than a run a ball to give at least a trace of respectability to what was a lost cause in a match the home team would so dearly love to begin all over again.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out 253 as Mortaza was lapped up by Dhoni off the bowling of Sachin Tendulkar for 70 from 68 balls, Bangladesh’s highest score in the Test.
Spinners Anil Kumble, Ramesh Powar and Sachin Tendulkar shared seven second innings wickets between them to compliment Zaheer Khan’s bowling at the top, which got him two wickets. Kumble, meanwhile, also crossed yet another landmark as he crossed 550 wickets in Test cricket.
The win is also Team India’s biggest in terms of the margin of defeat, coming at a timely juncture as Bangladesh were saved by rain in the first Test.
Overall, it was a rattling performance by India considering they also won the preceding one-day series 2-0 to make amends for their shock World Cup defeat at Bangladesh's hands. What india can take from this tour is the performance of Wasim Jaffer and Karthik with England tour looming on the horizon.
Labels: Cricket
posted by Rishil Babu @ 6:49 AM,
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Explore the beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of Indian territory.
Andamans, better known as the distinct island of Indian territory.The British established their first colony in the Andaman and Nic
obar Islands in 1789, which was abandoned in 1796. The British finally annexed the islands in the 19th century adding them to their empire. They turned it into a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. The construction of the infamous Cellular Jail was completed in 1908. Hundreds of anti-British Indians were tortured to death or simply executed here. With the Second World War, Japanese troops occupied the islands and the local tribes initiated guerrilla activities to drive them out. When India achieved independence in 1947, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were incorporated into the Indian Union.Location
Located in the Bay of Bengal, this group of 572 islands lies 193 km away from Cape Negrais in Myanmar, 1255 km from Calcutta, and 1190 km from Chennai. The two important groups of islets are Ritchie's Archipelago and Labyrinth Islands. The Nicobar Islands are located to the south of the Andamans, 121 km from the Little Andaman Island. Of the total 572 islands, only 36 islands are inhabited. The Islands are located between the latitudes 6° to 14° North and longitudes 92° to 94° East.
Climate
The islands have a tropical climate. There is medium to heavy rain during the monsoon, in the months from May to mid September and November to mid December. There is no extreme climate except rains and tropical storms in late summer often cause heavy damage.
Economy
The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has a vast forest resource base with 7,171 sq km of the total area of island covered by forests. A large variety of timber is found in the Andaman group of islands. The Islands have reported the occurrence of diatomaceous earth, gold, limestone, nickel, selenite and sulphur. The Oil And Natural Gas Commission is continuing the exploration for oil and gas there.
The Union Territory has a number of small scale, village and handicrafts units. The number of export-oriented units is also increasing in the agro-processing sectors. The Andaman and Nicobar Integrated Development Corporation has made its presence felt in civil supplies, tourism, fisheries, industries, and industrial financing activities.
Around 50,000 hectares of land is under cultivation here. Paddy is the main food crop and is mostly cultivated in the Andaman group of islands, whereas coconut and areca nut are the main cash crops of the Nicobar group of islands. Different kinds of fruits such as mango, sapota, orange, banana, papaya, pineapple and some root crops are also grown on the islands.
Sightseeing
Cellular Jail
Built over twelve years from 1896 to 1908 and home to hundreds of freedom fighters whose names are now engraved on the walls of its watch tower, the Cellular Jail stands as a symbol of colonial oppression, cruelty and untold suffering. Situated in the north-east corner of Port Blair, it is a national memorial now. The prison fanned out in seven wings, stands three stories high and contained a total of 698 cells. Three wings have been now destroyed to make way for a hospital, but a visit to the remaining can only give an indication of the horrors of incarceration. Daily work routines for the prisoners included the crushing of thirty pounds of coconut and mustard oil; being unable to meet the quota would result in severe punishment shackling and flogging. There are no records of how many died or were executed.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29 Kms. from Port Blair covering an area of 281.5 Sq.Kms. This Marine Park made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, is one of the best found anywhere in the world. Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are a lifetime experience for anyone here.
Fisheries Museum
The Fisheries Museum near the Water Sports Complex houses nearly 350 species of marine life, including live coral, sharks, polyps and starfish.
Samudrika Museum
The Samudrika is a museum run by the navy. It is divided into five sections: history of the islands, their geography, people, marine life and archaeology. It houses an impres
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sive display of coral and shells, and a large relief map of the islands topography.Mini Zoo
Situated at Haddo (Delanipur - Chatham road), it houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.
Mount Harriet
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, this place is an ideal for a nice and fascinating over view of the outer islands and the sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 metres high). One can trek upto Madhuban through a nature trail and can find rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies
How to reach Andamans
By Air
Port Blair the Capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. Presently flights are operated by Alliance Air, Jet Airways, Air Deccan & Air Sahara. Air Deccan, Alliance Air and Jet Airways are operating flights between Chennai and Port Blair on all 7 days of the week. For Kolkata-Port Blair –Kolkata sector Alliance Air operates flights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday. Air Deccan & Air Sahara operates flights between Kolkata - Port Blair - Kolkata on all 7 days of the week. Air Sahara operates flights between Delhi - Port Blair - Delhi via Kolkata on all 7 days of the week.
By Sea
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Visakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 1:30 AM,
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Get the taste of Coorg, Dubbed as the Scotland of India
252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu(originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town
has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.It is about 40kms away from Madikeri, the principal town of Kodagu. It is a tank on a hilltop where water springs out from fractured rocks, trickles down the hill-slope and flows through the valley to the plains. The view of the streams a they flow down the hilltop is a feast for the eyes but it forced me to recall the nasty political battle between the two neighbou-ring states over this water.
There are many places to enjoy a spectacular view of the valley from the hilltop but the place called Raja Seat is really splendid for one can see the verdant valley amazingly change into so many shades of green. Here Nature has opened up its entire beauty. The next place worth visiting is Abbey Falls, close to the town and it also has a trekking route. Though the height of the falls is not spectacular but its lends an exotic touch to the surroundings.
The People
The Kodagu people have a unique identity of their own – that of a brave, handsome, hospitable Coorg / Kodagu / Madikeri, Karnataka community. With their origins unknown even today, visitors are overwhelmed with their customs, especially their respect for ancestors and a love of their land. A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army several Generals and Brigadiers. Kodagus or Coorgis have their own dialect & follow customs & rituals which are unlike any other people. Kodagu women have their own special variant of draping the saree. With pleats behind and the pallu in front, they draw attention to their beautiful good looks as well.
Local Sights
Madikeri Fort
This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a temple, a chapel, prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of Madikeri.
Raja's Seat
According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one can enjoy from here.
Abbey Falls
A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 kms from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there.
Nagarhole National Park
The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. The 640 sq km of gently undulating terrain at the foothills of the Brahmagiri hills is covered with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve".
The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals.
Lucky people may see a tiger or panther or even a King cobra. Both trekking and going by private vehicles is allowed, though permission has to be taken first. Huts have been built for those who wish to stay in the wilds.
Shopping:
Coffee, honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges ( season).
Local Food Specialities:
Pandhi, Koli and bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent coffee.
Climate:
Pleasant all year round. The monsoon is from June to September.
Tourist Information
1. Tourist Bureau, PWD Travellers Bungalow, Madikeri-571 201.
2. Karnataka Tourism, Old Exhibition, Mysore-570 021.
3. Assistant Conservator of forests, Wildlife division, Arnaya Bhavan, Ashokpuram, Mysore.
4. Karnataka Tourism, 64 St Marks road, Bangalore - 560001.
5. Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhawan, 18th cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.
Kodagu Valley can be visited by road from Mysore (115kms), Bangalore (260 kms), Mangalore (140 kms). Summer is pleasant (minimum 22°C), monsoon is cool (minimum 15°C) and winter is quite cold (minimum 10°C).
posted by Rishil Babu @ 9:35 AM,
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India have registered their first series win in this year by defeating Bangladesh by 46 runs in 2nd ODI
India registered their second series win against Bangladesh in ODIs - their first being by 2-1 in Bangladesh in 2004-05. India, for the first time, have won two successive games against Bangladesh in a bilateral series in BangladeshFor India, Gautam Gambhir led the batting attack with an extraordinary knock of 101 runs. For Bangladesh, Mashrafe Mortaza reduced the run margin considerably with a blistering knock of 42 runs of 22 balls. His innings included 5 sixes and a four with a strike rate of 190 runs per over.
For Bangladesh, Mashrafe Mortaza reduced the run margin considerably with a blistering knock of 42 runs of 22 balls. His innings included 5 sixes and a four with a strike rate of 190 runs per over
Bangladesh lost its first wicket when opening batsman Tamim Iqbal was awkwardly dismissed as he was run out by Piyush Chawla. Tamim was well short of his crease and as he dived to make it back, Chawla on the other hand threw the ball at wicketkeeper’s end which Dhoni gleefully collected. Tamim made his way back to the pavilion with a personal score of 7 runs off 12 balls.
Opening batsman Javed Omar who mellowed down after watching Tamim being run out, was caught amazingly by Dinesh Karthik. Omar made 11 runs from 33 balls.
After the openers were gone, it was the turn of Shakib al Hasan to make his way back to the pavilion. Shakib got a faint edge of Zaheer Khan’s outgoing delivery and was caught by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Shakib made 5 runs from 8 balls.
Mohammad Ashraful too could not stay on the crease for long and was dismissed by young Piyush Chawla. Ashraful was clean bowled by Chawla on a googly which Ashraful could not understand. Ashraful made 12 runs from 13 balls.
Impatient Mushfiqur Rahim made his way back to the pavilion as he was caught in the deep by Dinesh Karthik. Refraining himself from playing any shots against the quality spin of Romesh Powar, Rahim tried to after Yuvraj Singh. He top edged one of Yuvraj’s delivery and was caught by Karthik. He made 35 runs from 43 balls.
1 Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar was stumped by wicketkeeper Mahendra Dhoni on Chawla’s delivery. The skipper made 43 runs of 86 balls.
The Indian team, which won the first ODI here, made just one change to the side. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, was included in place of S Sreesanth. Chawla will make his one day international debut. Sreesanth is sitting out nursing a sore calf.
Under Rahul Dravid's captaincy, India registered their 35th win in 67 games (28 lost, 4 NR).
India's total of 284 for eight is now the highest ever by any team at Mirpur, obliterating the 278 for six by Bangladesh against Scotland on 17.12.2006.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 6:58 AM,
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Who will roar very hard; Indian Tigers or Bangla tigers ?
Indian team are ready to leave on Monday to their neighbouring country Bangladesh for the tour which includes three one-dayers and two Tests. ...Big question to be asked is whether we have a right combination to beat Bangladesh at their home turff.Big scare for Indian Team is the injury scare to the Indian captian Rahul Dravid.
Dravid was hit on the nose by a bouncer from left-arm paceman Rudra Pratap Singh during practice but an X-ray ruled out a fracture. The team’s administrative manager Surendra Bhave said Dravid’s injury was not serious and that he should recover in the next 48 hours. “The ball hit the visor of Dravid’s helmet. He suffered a nose trauma. It is not serious,” he told reporters.“The X-ray showed bruises and he has been advised 24-hour rest. He should be back in action in the next 48 hours,” he added.
India's cricket manager Ravi Shastri has asked fans to be patient with the team as they aim to rediscover their form on the tour of Bangladesh after a disappointing World Cup."Sachin is hungry... Just be patient with Sachin, Sehwag and (see) what
they are capable of," Shastri told a news conference on Sunday, a day before the team are to leave for Bangladesh.
"Show respect for what they have done. Guys, they have played for 15 years. Just be patient guys, give them some time and you will see what they are capable of."
Asked if Ganguly and Tendulkar would be missed in the ODIs, Shastri evasively said: 'I have been given a team. We will go there and play.''We have got a good team in both forms of the game,' he said.On the question of uncertainty of Dravid after his injury, Shastri said: 'There is no question of Rahul missing the tour.'
'Rahul is fine. He will bush that off. He is a tough cookie. His improvement
is being monitored,' he said.
On the absence of a vice-captain for the tour, a question that became pertinent after Dravid's injury, Shastri said: 'We are ready we know who will do what job in case of any eventuality.
Hopefully we would see a start of new era from this tour which could bring us the good memories of Indian cricket Team which our fans rightfully deserves.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 6:04 AM,
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