Unabashed sport binging

Sport Saturday yesterday—holiday for some and a holy day for some. I binged on sport the whole day and reveled in it.

It started with India making a phenomenal score against Pakistan in the cricket test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. I particularly enjoyed the innings because we were at a stage where nothing to go wrong and Pakistan looked hapless, waiting for the ordeal to end. Ha! Capitalizing on the already high total, the batsmen on the pitch went for the kill with each delivery bowled. The result: a challenging total, good scores, and emotional innings.

Wasim Jaffer (202): Second double century in test cricket.

Sourav Ganguly (102): In the 157 innings that he has played and the 13 centuries he has made, this is his first century on his home ground!

VVS Laxman (112): He must’ve relived the innings, rather the match, of his life at this very venue through this century.

Other notable contributions included those of Sachin Tendulkar (82) [*groan* another century missed], MS Dhoni (a swashbuckling 50*) and Rahul Dravid (50) [Damn the umpire!]

Images: www.rediff.com

I read this beautiful article by Soumya Bhattacharya in the Hindustan Times today (pity, I cant find it online)—racy and a feel-good read It highlighted the most important aspect of the test: how the veterans in the side were giving the newbies a run for their money, resulting in an amazing output, benefiting the side. He also remarked that it is a sad prospect considering such a sight/innings is not likely to be witnessed in the future considering the constant (selection) jeopardy the veterans are in. But the article ended on a positive note, remarking that this is the best phase one could’ve asked for the team to be in before the most difficult tour of the season—the trip Down under, to the land of Oz.

Moving on, I also saw some innings in the ICL matches that are telecast throughout the day. A beautiful concept though and a great way to groom youngsters by making them play alongside veterans and greats. Will definitely see more of this!

And now the grand finale: Real Madrid versus Racing Santander. A 3-1 WIN baby! Due to the channel rights and set-top box issues ruling my life, I couldnt catch the match on TV but followed it live online. Of the 3 goals we scored, 1 was by Sneijder (I haven’t seen this yet) and 2 were by Raul

One was a trademark Raul goal, netting the ball from the penalty area to the right hand corner from a Ruud Van Nistelrooy pass. The second was scored off a freekick and was astounding, fantabulous! Whatever possessed him to take a freekick with specialists in the team…but who’s complaining!!

Images: www.realmadrid.com

The cherry on the cake: Barca DREW against Espanyol!

*drum roll*

This means that we continue to remain on top; Villareal’s a close second; and the Catalans are steadily sinking…way to go before the El clasico!

Racing bravely never threw in the towel, but the Bernabéu had plans of its own. Raúl scored off a set piece, the only way we haven’t seen the captain strike gold this season. The forward asked Sneijder for the kick, looked on goal, and perfectly curved the ball with his left foot; the eighth goal for the Pichichi—joining Messi and Luís Fabiano—of the League. The Bernabéu went wild and burst into the “Raúl, Raúl” cheer.

-www.realmadrid.com

Rahul, Raul, Real in form. All’s well.