World Cup Cocktail

Mumbai man Jignesh Sanghrajka, 28, entered a Facebook competition conducted by tournament sponsor Emirates last month, the Indian newspaper Mid-Day reports. After correctly predicting that India would beat Pakistan in Adelaide in a pool game on February 15, Sanghrajka was informed by the airline on February 24 that he was the lucky winner of the trip for two. The prize included two economy-class return tickets to Melbourne, match tickets for the World Cup final and three nights' hotel accommodation at a five-star hotel.

Jignesh chose his older brother Mehul as his travel companion and they requested a detour via Adelaide to visit their sister to complete a dream trip. But after applying for an entry visa with relevant documents and a supporting letter from the International Cricket Council, the brothers were shocked to learn that their application had been rejected.

According to Mid-Day, Sanghrajka received a letter which stated: "Regarding your financial circumstances, I note that your income as per the income tax documents is not significantly high and therefore, I am not satisfied if such an income/occupation would constitute an incentive for you to return. Considering this, I am not satisfied that a genuine visit is intended."

Mehul, 41, an investment consultant and insurance agent, insists he has been paying substantial income tax for years and had provided details of savings and house valuations.

A spokesperson from the Australian High Commission in India told Mid-Day: "We're looking into it and will contact the applicants to see what can be done."

A letter explaining your leave of absence, from none other than the captain of your national cricket team – that is what the bosses at the companies in Auckland have been getting, ahead of the first semi final between New Zealand and South Africa.

In a bid to garner as much home-support for his team, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has written a letter to all the company bosses, to give their employees a day off, on Tuesday.

With the home crowd behind them, and undefeated in this World Cup so far, New Zealand would be the favourites to win the semi final.

Dhoni Aces Raina

While one batsman practiced in the net allocated for pacers, one for spinners and other for throwdowns, Raina was at the extreme left net with coach Fletcher in tow with a tennis racquet and a ball in hand. To everyone's surprise, Raina batted against Fletcher's service.

The concept for using a tennis racquet and tennis serve is simple: a tennis serve on a grass turf will kick up considerably (as opposed to a leather ball) thereby ensuring that the batsman gets good practice against short deliveries.

Fletcher was seen aiming at Raina's body as the left-hander was trying to play the hook shot. He connected a few, missed a few and miscued some. While Fletcher did this for 15 minutes, the coach felt the need for someone who could impart more power on those tennis serves. In came skipper Dhoni and started unleashing some booming serves for Raina, who didn't look comfortable at all. Once in between the serves, Dhoni was seen summoning Raina for a mid-pitch discussion.     

--Compiled