Cricket All Stars: Five legends who rolled back the years golden days at Citi Field, New York
The legend has rolled back the years at the Citi Field. Among the 22 stars in the electric atmosphere at Citi Field five former cricketers have displayed their master class.
Ricky Ponting has scripted a 6 wicket victory for Warne’s Warriors with a six off Sachin Tendulkar. Nostalgia was pouring on social media when fans have seen their former heroes have back in the mojo to produce some fo the rollicking performances. They did not leave an inch to each other when they took the field. It was an exciting match altogether.
Here are five legends who rose on occasions among the 22 stars
Virender Sehwag
The former Indian explosive opener played a blitzkrieg 55 run innings off 22 balls. His fifty came in just 20 balls. He has stolen the show of the first phase of the match. When Sachin and Sehwag came at the crease to open the innings for a while their 85 run partnership 8 over has taken us to their days in blue, the Indian jersey. When Sehwag was batting it seemed that Sachin’s Blasters could score 200. But, the legend’s departure was felt when other batsmen struggle to reminiscence us of their golden days. Sehwag’s innings was comprised of 6 sixes and three boundaries.
Shane Warne
He is the co-organiser of the tournament. He gave us a glimpse of his venomous leg spin. His rivalry with Sachin did not last long as he won the battle. The other two victims of his 3 wicket haul were two batting greats Brian Lara and VVS Laxman. Warne’s leg spin has changed the course of the match as he kept Sachin’s Blasters flow of runs in check. Andrew Symonds, who once played with Warne for Australia, also got three wickets.
Shoaib Akhtar
The former Pakistan speed star was the man of the evening. Nothing has changed in him. He still sleeps in the fast and furious bowling. His deadly bouncer, long run-up are still inch perfect to instill fear among the batsmen. For example, his bouncer to Jacques Kallis made the 40,000 strong crowd at Citi Field to go gung ho. One of the most cherished moments of the match was Akhtar’s on field conference with captain Sachin Tendulkar with whom Shoaib shared the most adorable rivalry in international cricket. Akhtar conceded 26 runs in four overs and has taken 2 wickets.
Ricky Ponting
The two-time Word Cup winning Australian captain has played a superb knock of 48 that ensured Warne’s Warriors a 6 wicket victory over Sachin’s Blasters. Pointing’s 80 run partnership with Kumar Sangakkara made all the difference in the match. Shoaib Akhtar won the battle with Hayden while Kallis was run out by Muttiah Muralitharan. Warne’s Warriors ship was shrinking. Ponting has salvaged it.
Kumar Sangakkara
One partnership was needed for Warne’s Warriors. Sangakkara, who retired from international cricket August, was in prolific form. He did not find any difficulty against Shaun Pollock, Muralitharan and 52-year-old Curtly Ambrose, who conceded 36 runs in 3 overs. Sangakkara was caught by Mahela Jayawardene off Shoaib Akhtar after scoring a 29 ball 41. Sangakkara hit three sixes and three boundaries on the way to his 80 runs match winning partnership with Ponting.