NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF CRICKET: INDIA AND PAK TO CLASH TODAY AT GLASGOW

INDIA AND PAK CLASH AT GLASGOW AFTER THEIR DISASTROUS DEFEATS IN WORLD CUP
India and Pakistan, the traditional rivals who have suffered similar failures and revivals in the recent past, face off once again in an off-shore cricket one-dayer in Glasgow on July 3. The one-off tie is to raise funds for Prince Charles' charity but there would no lack of edge that goes with any Indo-Pak clash. If anything, the teams go into the match with a lot riding on the outcome than ever before. Having suffered ignominious first round exits at the quadrennial event, both India and Pakistan are experiencing a revival of sorts.
Pakistan, led by 25-year-old Shoaib Malik who succeeded Inzamam-ul-Haq, crushed Sri Lanka 2-0 in Abu Dhabi in May. India had a successful tour of Bangladesh, winning both the ODIs and Tests comfortably. And they have the momentum going into the match after a 2-1 series win over South Africa in Ireland.
Both the squads are hunting for a coach, following the tragic death of Bob Woolmer who guided Pakistan during the World Cup and Greg Chappell's decision not to renew his contract with India.

A TALE OF TWO BATSMEN: SACHIN AND YUVRAJ
India's 2-1 triumph over South Africa in the off-shore series has been a tale of two batsmen. If Sachin Tendulkar hogged the headlines at the start with his two 90-plus knocks, Yuvraj Singh put the smiles back on the Indian team by sealing victory in the last two matches.
While the return of Tendulkar's old brilliance, although in flashes, would have warmed the cackles of the Indian fans, to see Yuvraj play the crucial role of finisher to perfection would be a better reason to rejoice.
And, as if symbolising the passing of the baton, the master batsman decided to share the man of the series award with the Punjab left-hander. "It is only because of Yuvraj that we are holding this trophy," Tendulkar said.
Captain Rahul Dravid, ever the eloquent, was not at a loss for words to praise Yuvraj either. "He's got the power, he's got the skill and he's matching that power and skill with temperament, mental strength and brains. That's a deadly combination," Dravid said after the six-wicket win in the third and final one-dayer on Sunday.
"He has been a fantastic finisher for us. He is up there among the best one-day players in the world without a doubt. It's not an easy job to do under pressure and he does it really well."

INZYSPEAK: INDIA IS ON TOP, BUT WE IS TRY TO BOUNCE ON OUR BACK!!

This is an actual conversation that took place between Rameez Raza and Inzamam-ul-Haq after 3rd ODI between India and Pakistan played in Lahore on 13 February 2006

RAMEEZ RAZA: So Inzy, disappointed with your performance today?

INZY: Bismilla-e-rehman-e-rahim. Thank you allah. Ya the Indian batsman is play very good today. We is try very hard but is not win the game.

RAMEEZ: Any words for Dhoni?

INZY: Ya, Dhoni is play very well. He is hit his shot very hard in our gaps. In start, we is protect our gaps very well. The grass is also thick.. but Dhoni is split our gaps with his bat.

RAMEEZ: Another ordinary bowling performance?

INZY: Ya our balls is loose. The bowler is went for many run. Asif is bowled well. Also, after some shots the ball is out of shape. Umpire is not give another ball.. it is tough to play with one ball.

RAMEEZ: Dropped catches.. did that prove costly?

INZY: Ya the ball is not stick to our hands. We is practice a lot sticking our bat in our hands.. but now we is more practice sticking balls in our hands.

RAMEEZ: Any plans for the next match?

INZY: Ya, India is on top, but we is try to bounce on our back. Insha Allah we is play better.

RAMEEZ: All the best Inzy

INZY: Thank is you