July 15  
Indian media hails Kaif and Khan for victory

NEW DELHI: India's media on Sunday lavished praise on young Indian cricketers Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, whose batting steered the team to a remarkable two-wicket win over England at Lord's.

India's win on Saturday followed defeats in nine consecutive one-day finals. Photographs of man of the match Kaif and reports detailing the nail-biting finish were splashed across the front pages of the main newspapers, with the Times of India titling its piece "India stun England; Hero Kaif scripts historic win, breaks jinx."

"An incredible win" said the Hindustan Times, while the Asian Age headlined its article: "India win Operation Overlord."

India's total on Saturday was the second highest score to win a one-day international following Australia's 330 against South Africa earlier this year. Chasing England's 325 for five, India finished on 326 for eight with three balls remaining.

Zaheer Khan, who had earlier been the visitors' most effective bowler with three wickets, was four not out. India were almost out of the game at 146 for five in the 24th over with 20-year-old Yuvraj Singh on three when 21-year-old Kaif came to the wicket.

Kaif's career-best one-day score, an unbeaten 87, came from 75 balls including two sixes and six fours. "The victory will always have a special favour because it was not achieved by the success of the seniors," the Hindustan Times said, noting that India's master batsman Sachin Tendulkar had "failed again when it mattered the most."

"What was refreshing was the temperament and the strokeplay Kaif and Yuvraj displayed," the report added. The Indian Express in its report noted that "miracles" did happen, adding that "Just when everything seemed lost Yuvraj and Kaif, the young Indian brigade of the team pulled it with a remarkable performance not seen for a long, long time."

"Full marks to Yuvraj and Kaif for believing in themselves," the Indian Express said in a piece written by former cricketer Dilip Vengsarakar.