India win Twenty20 title

India has lifted the World Twenty20 Cricket title after a nail-biting 5 run victory over Pakistan. All in all, it was a wonderful advertisement for this new animal -- most skeptics viewed this as a temporary candy-fill preferring to dismiss it as a whole.

The game was played in excellent spirit with both teams giving it their all. The quality was high with fielding, batting and bowling evident how these 2 teams reached the final. Pakistan were certainly worthy runnerups.

India just seemed destined to do it especially after no-one gave them a chance and with a young side, clearly had a lot to prove. They made everyone take notice of them after losing to New Zealand when every game was do-or-die; first with Yuvraj's 6 sixes against England; against hosts South Africa - not just beating them but knocking them completely out of the competition when they were in a comfortable position to finish top of the table; then knocking out fancied Australia in the semis; and finally arch-rivals Pakistan.

It is indeed remarkable for a side that has a new captain and a relatively new team, to fire in its capacity and on such a stage: the ICC T20 World Cup. What stood out was a team effort in all matches headed by a composed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Maturity was also evident. Against South Africa, before even the game began, the experts said that India would be blasted off the pitch by SA's quick men. They even prepared a green pacy wicket for their bowlers. And with Yuvraj Singh injured, SA had begun the match ahead of India. Such notions were apparent when India lost 3 wickets in 4 balls before debutant Rohit Sharma and skipper Dhoni propelled India to a competitive score which would be more than enough. In the end, it was South Africa who were left reeling on a green top with India's quickmen, RP Singh and co demolishing SA's top order. At the end, SA were left struggling to just aim for a smaller target which could see them at least qualify. They failed in that too.

India's achievement should serve as a reminder to the Board and its selectors: give youth a chance and it will always pay. We saw it in the last 2 weeks and were not disappointed.

Man U 2:0 Chelsea

Post-Mourinho Chelsea had a daunting task: go to Old Trafford to face their closest rivals, Manchester United.

It didn't go so well, first with the sending off Mikel which appeared to be harsh and then Tevez opening his account by scoring his first United goal, before the close of the first half.

The second half was largely undramatic and appeared dull at times especially without the effervescent Jose Mourinho hovering the touchline. The introduction of Louis Saha livened it up a bit and a penalty was awarded when Ben Haim appeared to trip Saha in the area. Saha stepped up and converted to push United to 2nd in the league table.

Mourinho not to coach Portugal

The ex-Blues manager, Jose Mourinho has clearly stated to the media that he's not interested in coaching the Portuguese national team. "O Selecção is going to qualify easily for Euro 08 and are a good team. And they will do well because they are one of the best in Europe", Mourinho mentioned.

With Big Phil banned for 4 games, it wouldn't have been a bad idea for FPF to pull Jose in to help them through the crucial stages. There are only 5 games left for Portugal to secure a berth for next summer's European championship in Austria and Switzerland. Portugal are currently behind Finland and leaders, Poland.

Twenty20 WC semifinal action

Wow what a final in prospect. With Pakistan beating New Zealand and India beating Australia, the stage is set for India and Pakistan to meet again in the final. The 2 teams played each other in the group stages for that all-memorable bowlout win for India.

India, for the 3rd game running in Durban, won the toss, opted to bat and posted a winning total to beat England, hosts South Africa and now Australia.

Pakistan too, have momentum, beating Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and look in good touch.

No-one expected the Asian giants to be favourites but certainly, a mouth-watering prospect come Monday.

Ferrari 1-2 in Belgium

Ferrari regained lost ground over McLaren by securing 1-2 at Spa Francorchamps today. Kimi Raikkonen led from pole and Felipe Massa second. It was a largely uneventful race with all front four runner ending up in the exact same order they started.

Championship-wise, Kimi's now closed the gap from 18 to 13 points while Alonso is only 2 points behind leader Hamilton.

Arsenal go top of EPL

Arsenal went top of the table Saturday following their 3-1 away win over Spurs. Liverpool and Chelsea drew with Pompey and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

Manchester United earned a valuable 1-0 victory away at Everton courtesy of Nemanja Vidic's header off Nani's corner. Ronaldo returned after serving out his suspension a month ago and it would have been a welcome change for him after drawing 3 crucial Euro 08 qualifiers for Portugal.

Saha returns with a goal

Manchester United faced a tricky encounter at Old Trafford tonight against Roy Keane's Sunderland. United were again short of ideas in the final third until second half substitute, Louis Saha made an impression replacing debutant Anderson. He had 2 shots on goal both saved by Craig Gordon but ultimately headed from a Nani corner. It was a huge sigh of relief for Fergie and Co and while it was only a 1-0 win, it was a win nonetheless. There are positives however, with Cristiano Ronaldo being available after a 3 match suspension following a red card against Pompey in mid-August. Wayne Rooney has appeared to be in training and should be available in 3 weeks. Things looking promising for the champions.

Meanwhile Liverpool trashed Derby 6-0 at Anfield; Torres and Alonso with braces - thus making a huge statement as title contenders.

Chelsea play away in Aston Villa tomorrow while Arsenal host Pompey.