Warne’s Warriors celebrate after whitewashing Sachin’s Blasters 3-0
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara smashed 47, 43 and 42 respectively to lead Warne’s Warriors to a four-wicket win over Sachin’s Blasters in Los Angeles.
Sachin Tendulkar would have been delighted with his decision to bat first as he hammered 56 off 27 balls, which included two boundaries and six sixes, before Sourav Ganguly came in and walloped 50 off 37 deliveries, which included three boundaries and three sixes.
Tendulkar and Ganguly were well supported by Mahela Jayawardene, who blasted 41 off just 18 balls, which included two boundaries and four sixes as Sachin’s Blasters finished on 219/5 off their 20 overs.
Daniel Vettori was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Andrew Symonds and Courtney Walsh chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 220 to win, the top order of Warne’s Warriors failed to have a major impact, but Sangakkara steered the innings back in the right direction with his knock of 42, which came off 21 balls and included four boundaries and three sixes.
Kallis and Ponting kept the runs flowing with an 88-run partnership before Kallis was caught and bowled by Virender Sehwag for 47 off 23 deliveries, which included four boundaries and four sixes.
Ponting and captain Shane Warne mopped up the remaining runs to complete the whitewash.
Ponting finished on 43 off 25 balls, which included three boundaries and two sixes, while Warne smashed a six off the one ball he faced.
Graeme Swann was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Sehwag, Carl Hooper and Curtly Ambrose claimed one wicket each.
Tendulkar was disappointed to have lost again, and said: “I thought Ricky and Jacques batted well at the end and again Sanga played a brilliant innings. The ball got wet because of dew and the bowlers found it difficult to grip. We were a bit short on runs and the ball was coming onto the bat. 200-plus is a good total anyway. It has been a dream come true for all of us. We are going back with fond memories. This has been really really special, you guys have made it special. Hopefully, more guys pick up a cricket bat with a baseball bat. Invariably exciting finishes and we want people to enjoy the sport, not just in America. Once again, congratulations to Warnie.”
Warne was delighted to have whitewashed Sachin’s Blasters 3-0, and said: “I think we have had 100,000 fans across all three stadiums. The camaraderie has been brilliant. We have mixed in with fans and it has been a fantastic week and there is a lot more to come. The Cricket All Stars, they have enjoyed it, and we have tried out part to globalise the game. Sachin’s boys came out firing and Jacques was fantastic and Ricky was great. Sanga was unbelievable. Punter has been great for our team as well, it is good to have him in the group. We have 30 characters out there with big hearts and we love giving back to the game and giving back to fans. When more people retire, more people will come for All Stars. Working with Sachin over the last eight to ten months has been fantastic. Sachin has to take a bow for everything he has done over the last few weeks.”
Kallis was named Man of the Match, and said: “I never thought I would be playing cricket in a baseball stadium; probably one of the highlights of my career. All these 30 guys are competitive and it showed. It [taking over as KKR coach in the IPL] is something new. Looking forward to some good fun in Kolkata.”