Chennai,the Champions

Indian Cricket League 20-20 Tournament(2007) should be one hell of a tournament ever in Indian cricketing history.The six teams that competed in this tournament were Chennai Superstars,Mumbai champs,Kolkata Tigers,Hyderabad Heros,Delhi Jets and Chandigarh Lions.When the squad was announced for each team,i was terribly disappointed with my home team chennai squad as it dint possess any hard hitting players who can change the game like Cairns for Chandigarh,Rassaq n Inzi for Pakistan sorry Hyderabad,Mcmillan n Klusener for Kolkata and Lara n Astle for Mumbai.But the main plus for Chennai was Bevan being the coach and experienced Stuart Law with Ian Harvey(all being Australians).But i felt Chennai and Delhi would be the first 2 teams to get eliminated and Mumbai would win the tournament.I guess everyone would have had the same opinion initially but everything turned upside down.Mumbai champs(???) were the first to be eliminated then the Hyderabad Heros followed them.In semi finals ,Chennai Superstars defeated strong Kolkata Tigers and Chandigarh Lions defeated weak Delhi Jets.

It was today the final held between Chennai Superstars and Chandigarh Lions.Batting first after losing the toss, the Chennai Superstars made 155/8 in their stipulated 20 overs, largely due to useful contributions from their two Aussie imports -- opener Ian Harvey making 36 off 31 balls and captain Stuart Law making 34 off 28 balls.Daryl Tuffey was the most successful bowler for the Chandigarh Lions with figures of 2/32.In reply, the Chandigarh Lions could muster only 143/8.Tejinder Pal Singh top scored with 35 off 33 balls while South African all-rounder Andrew Hall [Images] was left unbeaten at 30 off 27 balls.

Pakistan seamer Shabbir Ahmed impressed with the ball for the Superstars with figures of 4/23 with a Hat-Trick was announced the Player of the Match.Ian Harvey with his all around performance both with bat n ball through out the series was announced the Player of the Tournament.

I was very much excited of my Chennai Superstars winning this Tournament and i convey my hearty congrats to them.They deserve every bit of it.