South Africa players support young people affected by HIV

Updated at: 2131 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

Ahead of their opening ICC Cricket World Cup match against West Indies in New Delhi, South Africa captain Graeme Smith and teammates took time out from training to interact with young people affected by HIV on Tuesday.As part of the global Think Wise partnership between ICC, UNAIDS and UNICEF which is raising awareness and reducing stigma about HIV and AIDS throughout the cricket world, the youngsters spent an hour with Smith, Johan Botha, J.P.Duminy and Wayne Parnell on the field of the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.After a fun-filled catching and throwing session, all of the participants gathered on the outfield to discuss issues relating to HIV and AIDS, including the role that cricket players can play in reducing stigma and discrimination around the disease."It was a wonderful experience for the young participants. The South African players showed excellent awareness of the issues relating to HIV and AIDS and displayed a passionate commitment to helping address these important issues," said UNICEF?s Geetanjali Masters who accompanied the young people.The visit was part of a programme of activities taking place at the ICC Cricket World Cup that includes similar interactions with other teams and a communications campaign featuring a Public Service Announcement recorded by Virender Sehwag and Kumar Sangakkara, two of a group of Think Wise champions that also includes Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shakib Al Hasan.

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Swann wants England to silence Indian crowd

Updated at: 2131 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

Graeme Swann wants to silence the passionate home crowd when England face World Cup co-hosts India in Bangalore on Sunday.
The Ashes-winning off-spinner returned to international action for the first time since the birth of his son with an impressive two for 35 during England's tournament-opening six-wicket win over the Netherlands on Tuesday.But the 31-year-old's bowling was one of the few highlights in a lacklustre display in the field littered with dropped catches and wayward fast bowling on a good batting pitch.India launched their campaign with an 87-run victory away to fellow co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka and are strongly fancied to add a second title to their 1983 World Cup trophy in front of their adoring fans."The fact it's against India in India is going to make it a huge game," said Swann after England saw off the Dutch with eight balls to spare."We had a very poor time of things in the one-day series here a couple of years ago, so that's certainly something we want to turn around because there is nothing better than silencing an Indian crowd.""You don't want them to be screaming all day because its ear-shattering. Come Bangalore it will be a huge game and one we will need to raise our standards for, particularly in the field because, let's face it, we were like a bunch of schoolboys (against the Netherlands)."The worst moment was when Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who went on to make a century, skied Swann on 47 only for James Anderson at long-on and Kevin Pietersen at long-off to leave the chance to each other as the ball fell safely between them."They both got the glare," Swann said. "When it goes 80 yards in the air and two of your best fielders stand and watch it land between them, it's never great as a bowler but I can't really complain because I dropped that high swirler near the end. Everything evens itself out."Swann was England's lone spinner in a match where the frontline quicks, especially Anderson, whose 10 wicketless overs cost 72 runs, proved expensive.England do have another slow bowler in left-armer Michael Yardy who, like Swann, performed well in the team that won the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean last year.Swann though warned it was a mistake to think Indian pitches offered excessive help to spinners."I think it is hit or miss in India with spin. People always say that spin plays a massive part and wickets turn square over here. They don't and there was a little bit of spin (against the Netherlands) but it wasn't huge."Swann, who had been struggling with a knee injury, was pleased by the way he bowled upon returning to international cricket "I'm delighted because I've let the team down a couple of times before after a bit of a break and promised I wouldn't do it this time, so I'm glad I lived up to my word."Swann joined up late with the squad following the birth of his son, Wilfred, and he admitted: "Within two days of the little fellow coming into the world I'm saying a teary goodbye. That's our lot as international cricketers.""On the plus side, I get to come here to play in a World Cup so in 18 years' time when he is giving me grief for not being there for the first six weeks I'll be able to say but I had to go and beat Holland."

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Bangladesh mull Ashraful option

Updated at: 2131 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

Bangladesh are considering playing former captain Mohammad Ashraful in the key World Cup game against Ireland that could make or break the co-hosts' campaign.The right-hander, Bangladesh's most successful one-day batsman, was a surprise omission for their opening match last Friday which India won by 87 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka.Coach Jamie Siddons said the free-stroking Ashraful stood a good chance of playing against Ireland even as the Bangladeshi media reported the batsman had already been told he will take the field."There's a chance, but it's one of a few options we have," the Australian said. "We will consider all our options, one of which is also sticking to the same team and give everyone another chance."Ashraful has played 164 one-day internationals since his debut in 2001, scoring 3,360 runs with three centuries and 20 fifties.But his less than impressive average of 23.33 suggests Ashraful has not done justice to his immense talent, often frustrating supporters by getting out to rash strokes when he had the bowling attack at his mercy."I am an Ashraful fan and of course I'd like to see him play," said Siddons. "He has all the shots and could be effective during the powerplay overs.""He generally bats two down but we are thinking of using him in the number seven position if he plays."Ashraful could replace off-spinner Naeem Islam, or even seamer Rubel Hossain if Bangladesh prefer to attack Ireland with spin on the slow track.Bangladesh must beat both the non-Test nations, Ireland and the Netherlands, and one of the established sides from England, South Africa and the West Indies, to progress to the next round.Siddons admitted victory over Ireland would be the key to his team's progress in the tournament."It's a huge game, if we lose we are almost out," he said. "We didn't pencil in the India game, we wanted to give them a go, but we have pencilled in the Ireland game and West Indies as well.""We are confident and we think we can win."Bangladesh know only too well that Ireland, the leading non-Test side, are no pushovers.The gritty Irish defeated Bangladesh by 74 runs in the Super Eights round in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean and then won by six wickets in the World Twenty20 in England in 2009.

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Ponting reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach

Updated at: 2131 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his team's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad.Ponting accepted the Level 1 charge and the proposed sanction from Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees after an incident was brought to the ICC's attention through the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Gujarat Cricket Association.He was found to have breached clause 2.1.2 of the code which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match". The charge was brought by the chairman of the Event Technical Committee David Richardson on behalf of the ICC Chief Executive, in accordance with the regulations.The incident occurred shortly after Ponting was run out in the match when he caused some damage to a television set in the team dressingroom. The damage occurred when he threw down a piece of equipment which bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television."Ricky knows that his action was in breach of the code, involving a brief moment of frustration. That said, it was clear that the damage he caused was purely accidental and without malice, he apologized shortly after the incident at the ground and immediately agreed to pay for the damage," said Mr Mahanama.As Ponting accepted the offence and the proposed sanction, there was no need to convene a formal hearing. Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to 50 per cent of a player's match fee.

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De Villiers, Smith guide Protease to easy win

Updated at: 2131 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

NEW DELHI: AB de Villiers and captain Graeme Smith guided South Africa to an easy seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in a World Cup Group B match here at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Thursday.Chasing a modest total of 223, South Africa lost two early wickets for only 20 runs. Kemar Roach got Hashim Amla caught behind for 14 and Sulieman Benn dismissed Jaquis Kallis for four.However, opener Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers rescued the Proteas, making together 119 runs for the third wicket partnership Smith’s patient innings ended when Kieron Pollard bowled him for 45, made from 78 balls. De Villiers was joined by Jean-Paul Duminy and both cruised South Africa to a comfortable win with 44 balls remaining but not before de Villiers completed his tenth ODI hundred from 97 balls.He remained unbeaten on 107 while Duminy was 42 not out.Earlier, leg-spinner Imran Tahir snared four wickets on debut as South Africa bundled out the West Indies for 222 off 47.3 overs despite a fine 73 by Darren Bravo.Tahir (4-41) was well supported by off-spinner Johan Botha who opened the attack and gave the Proteas key breakthroughs in the spin-dominated day-night clash at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.The duo justified the decision of captain Graeme Smith to field three specialist spinners on a ground which is hosting its first international in a year after being banned for a dangerous playing surface.Darren Bravo led the West Indies charge with his 82-ball knock while his older half-brother Dwayne chipped in with a 37-ball 40 with three sixes and a four after the Caribbean side were put in to bat.Bravo also shared 111 runs for the second wicket with opener Devon Smith after the early dismissal of Chris Gayle.Botha, sharing the new ball with fast bowler Dale Steyn, struck off the third ball of the innings to remove Gayle who tried to play on the leg-side but edged it to first slip where Jacques Kallis took a low catch.Botha (2-48) struck again in the 24th over, just when Bravo and Smith were threatening to put up a huge partnership.Bravo tried to flick the bowler but missed the shot and was rightly adjudged leg before wicket. He hit eight fours and a six.Tahir, 31, picked up his first wicket in one-day internationals in his third over when he caught Smith (36) off his own bowling and celebrated it by kissing the South African badge on his shirt.The Pakistan-born bowler picked up another wicket in his next over when he had the veteran Ramnaresh Sarwan (two) trapped lbw.Sarwan asked for a review of the decision but replays showed the ball would have hit the top of the middle stump.Tahir was unlucky not to collect a third wicket just three balls later, grassing a return catch off Dwayne Bravo despite a spirited attempt.He was not to be denied for long though, removing Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Devon Thomas with his guile and precision before Steyn (3-24) sent back Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Sulieman Benn in a quick three-wicket burst.

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Debutant Tahir restricts West Indies to 222

Updated at: 1751 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

NEW DELHI: Leg-spinner Imran Tahir snared four wickets on debut as South Africa bundled out the West Indies for 222 off 47.3 overs despite a fine 73 by Darren Bravo in a World Cup Group B match on Thursday.

Tahir (4-41) was well supported by off-spinner Johan Botha who opened the attack and gave the Proteas key breakthroughs in the spin-dominated day-night clash at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.The duo justified the decision of captain Graeme Smith to field three specialist spinners on a ground which is hosting its first international in a year after being banned for a dangerous playing surface.

Darren Bravo led the West Indies charge with his 82-ball knock while his older half-brother Dwayne chipped in with a 37-ball 40 with three sixes and a four after the Caribbean side were put in to bat.Bravo also shared 111 runs for the second wicket with opener Devon Smith after the early dismissal of Chris Gayle.Botha, sharing the new ball with fast bowler Dale Steyn, struck off the third ball of the innings to remove Gayle who tried to play on the leg-side but edged it to first slip where Jacques Kallis took a low catch.Botha (2-48) struck again in the 24th over, just when Bravo and Smith were threatening to put up a huge partnership.Bravo tried to flick the bowler but missed the shot and was rightly adjudged leg before wicket. He hit eight fours and a six.Tahir, 31, picked up his first wicket in one-day internationals in his third over when he caught Smith (36) off his own bowling and celebrated it by kissing the South African badge on his shirt.The Pakistan-born bowler picked up another wicket in his next over when he had the veteran Ramnaresh Sarwan (two) trapped lbw.Sarwan asked for a review of the decision but replays showed the ball would have hit the top of the middle stump.Tahir was unlucky not to collect a third wicket just three balls later, grassing a return catch off Dwayne Bravo despite a spirited attempt.He was not to be denied for long though, removing Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Devon Thomas with his guile and precision before Steyn (3-24) sent back Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Sulieman Benn in a quick three-wicket burst.The West Indies opted for just one specialist spinner in Sulieman Benn for the day-night clash.South Africa, three-time World Cup semi-finalists, have won their last 11 matches against the West Indies, champions in 1975 and 1979.

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South Africa win toss, put Windies into bat

Updated at: 1342 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011
NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to field in the World Cup Group B match against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Thursday.South Africa went in with three specialist spinners in Johan Botha, Robin Peterson and the uncapped Imran Tahir.The West Indies opted for just one specialist spinner in Sulieman Benn for the day-night clash.South Africa, three-time World Cup semi-finalists, have won their last 11 matches against the West Indies, champions in 1975 and 1979.South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Devon Thomas, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Amish Saheba (IND), Third Umpire: Asoka de Silva (SL)
Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ) 

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First worth-watching match as SA take on WI

Updated at: 0225 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

NEW DELHI: South Africa and West Indies are seeking to shed the weight of past foibles and forge new ground in this World Cup. For days now, both camps have been kept busy denying the pressure of expectation. For Graeme Smith's men, it has been a constant attempt to talk down the tag of being nervous wrecks at the crunch. They seem aware that unless they can win a title now, that tag will be an uncomfortable part of even future South African lineups. For the West Indies, a motley crew led by a young skipper, it is all about breaking free from unjustified comparisons with the great teams of the past. Their path to redemption begins with the first encounter at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Thursday, on a new surface which hasn't really been tested and might bring all their pluck and application into play. The Kotla too is looking to break free from past imperfections and ensure an even playing field which will restore the ground's dimmed reputation. Although South Africa go in as favourites and are a more complete and dynamic line-up on paper, the West Indies have, time and again, proven a stumbling block for them in World Cups and other ICC events. Last time around in the subcontinent back in 1996, a sublime Lara and Roger Harper put paid to their campaign in the quarters. At home in 2003, a three-run loss to Carl Hooper's men in the group stage again raised questions about lack of steel. In that other major event, the Champions Trophy, the Windies have had the last laugh twice. When it hasn't been Australia (2007 World Cup semis and in 1999) or India (2007 World T20) or bizarre rain rules, the West Indies have been SA's bugbear. Smith is aware the team can do little if one of the game-changers like Chris Gayle has a good day: "I think consistency-wise, they haven't been as good. But they have match-winners and that's why playing them in a one-off game makes them dangerous. They have guys who on their day can really punish you and take the game away. That's why in Cup competitions, they are a very dangerous opponent to come up against." That said, the South Africans have had the best preparation they could have asked for, a batting lineup to die for, a formidable pace battery and even a trio of spinners with Imran Tahir providing the surprise package. Given the scenario, only tactical mistakes with the playing XI need to be avoided. WI skipper Darren Sammy, on the other hand, is hoping his team will at least get through to the quarters without embarrassment. His team, which hasn't beaten a top side in almost 18 months, will slip to ninth in the rankings if they lose so it's really all about saving face. Sammy, to many a skipper by default following internal fissures, is hoping the seniors will come to the party. "We just want to see West Indies play like they did in the 1980s. We need to play to our full potential. I would rather have consistency than flamboyance." (Online)

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RSA v WI Pak v Ken Eng v NED

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First worth-watching match as SA take on WI

Updated at: 0225 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

NEW DELHI: South Africa and West Indies are seeking to shed the weight of past foibles and forge new ground in this World Cup. For days now, both camps have been kept busy denying the pressure of expectation. For Graeme Smith's men, it has been a constant attempt to talk down the tag of being nervous wrecks at the crunch.They seem aware that unless they can win a title now, that tag will be an uncomfortable part of even future South African lineups. For the West Indies, a motley crew led by a young skipper, it is all about breaking free from unjustified comparisons with the great teams of the past. Their path to redemption begins with the first encounter at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Thursday, on a new surface which hasn't really been tested and might bring all their pluck and application into play. The Kotla too is looking to break free from past imperfections and ensure an even playing field which will restore the ground's dimmed reputation. Although South Africa go in as favourites and are a more complete and dynamic line-up on paper, the West Indies have, time and again, proven a stumbling block for them in World Cups and other ICC events. Last time around in the subcontinent back in 1996, a sublime Lara and Roger Harper put paid to their campaign in the quarters. At home in 2003, a three-run loss to Carl Hooper's men in the group stage again raised questions about lack of steel. In that other major event, the Champions Trophy, the Windies have had the last laugh twice. When it hasn't been Australia (2007 World Cup semis and in 1999) or India (2007 World T20) or bizarre rain rules, the West Indies have been SA's bugbear. Smith is aware the team can do little if one of the game-changers like Chris Gayle has a good day: "I think consistency-wise, they haven't been as good. But they have match-winners and that's why playing them in a one-off game makes them dangerous. They have guys who on their day can really punish you and take the game away. That's why in Cup competitions, they are a very dangerous opponent to come up against." That said, the South Africans have had the best preparation they could have asked for, a batting lineup to die for, a formidable pace battery and even a trio of spinners with Imran Tahir providing the surprise package. Given the scenario, only tactical mistakes with the playing XI need to be avoided. WI skipper Darren Sammy, on the other hand, is hoping his team will at least get through to the quarters without embarrassment. His team, which hasn't beaten a top side in almost 18 months, will slip to ninth in the rankings if they lose so it's really all about saving face. Sammy, to many a skipper by default following internal fissures, is hoping the seniors will come to the party. "We just want to see West Indies play like they did in the 1980s. We need to play to our full potential. I would rather have consistency than flamboyance." (Online)

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Cricket World Cup: Pakistan grapple with Sri Lanka M-factor

Updated at: 0930 PST,  Thursday, February 24, 2011

COLOMBO: Pakistan will look to blunt Lasith Malinga and wily off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in their Group A encounter against Sri Lanka on Saturday, with captain Shahid Afridi confident of a win.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka, champions in 1996, and 1992 winners Pakistan are off to flying starts in the tournament with convincing wins against minnows Canada and Kenya, and are primed for their first big match."I am confident that we are up to the Sri Lankan challenge and ready for anything they throw at us, whether its Malinga or Muralitharan," said Afridi.Muralitharan, who has a world record 521 wickets in 342 one-day internationals, has a tally of 95 against Pakistan in 64 matches, and is even more dangerous in home conditions."In Sri Lankan conditions and pitches, he (Muralitharan) is always very dangerous and he could probably turn the ball on the marble as well. He has so much experience and knows conditions well and that's why he is the best," said Afridi.Afridi said Malinga, renowned for his slingy action, would find it tough after missing the Canada match due to a back strain."Malinga is a very good bowler but he is coming back from an injury, so let's see how strong he is and how much he can adjust to the conditions," said Afridi.Malinga has just ten wickets in nine matches against Pakistan including a best of 5-34.Pakistan have also handled spinner Ajantha Mendis well. He has ten wickets against them in six matches.Afridi hoped the sell-out match would be entertaining in a World Cup that needs a blockbuster clash between two of the big guns."It will be a good game. If we bowl well, bat well and go with positive body language and show more readiness for the game and willingness to win, I am sure we can pull it off," said Afridi.Pakistan have never lost a World Cup match against Sri Lanka in six previous attempts but they were all before Sri Lanka became one of the top sides in the world game."The last match Sri Lanka played against us their fast bowlers did really well and they have a very good team combination. They've got good new guys in the side so we will have to play with our full strength and to win against them we need to give more than 100 percent effort," said Afridi.Pakistan will look to improve on their starts -- both in batting and bowling -- at the match in Colombo."We are not short on motivation and our energy levels are good," said Afridi, looking to restrict the in-form Mahela Jayawardene, who scored a match-winning hundred during the team's 210-run win over Canada.Besides Jayawardene, captain Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga are in good form with the bat.Jayawardene acknowledged Pakistan were a dangerous side."They (Pakistan) are a very good side, so we look forward to playing Pakistan. The boys showed great attitude in the match against Canada," said Jayawardene.Sri Lanka will likely bring Malinga into the side in place of Thisara Perera, who took three wickets in the Canada match.Pakistan will try to squeeze in off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who has not played since his father's death in January this year. (AFP)

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Pakistan crush Kenya to make flying start in WC

Updated at: 2049 PST,  Wednesday, February 23, 2011

HAMBANTOTA: Pakistan outclassed Kenya by a huge margin of 205 runs in their opening World Cup Group A match here at the Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium on Wednesday.Set an improbable target of 318 runs, Kenya were bundled out for a mere 112 runs in 33.1 overs.Captain Shahid Afridi was the main destroyer capturing five wickets for only 16 runs while Umar Gul claimed two for 12 and Mohammad Hafeez took one for 26.Collins Obuya was the main scorer for Kenya with 47 as only three other top order batsmen could enter into double figures.Earlier, captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and decided to bat but Pakistan made a disastrous start losing both their openers in seven overs.Mohammad Hafeez was the first to go, failing to keep a drive down as a diving Seren Waters picked up a beautiful catch at short mid-wicket.Two overs later, Ahmed Shahzad, who scored his first run after 13 deliveries, was caught by skipper Jimmy Kamande off Odoyo to leave Pakistan struggling at 12-2. However, wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal and veteran batsman Younis Khan came to rescue and revived the innings through a solid 98-run stand.Kamran made 55, his ninth ODI fifty and Younis scored 50, his 40th ODI fifty.Later, Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal gave the innings the final flourish with a rapid fire 118-run stand for the fifth wicket adding 118 runs for the fifth wicket partnership.Misbah hit 65 from 69 balls with two sixes. This was his 13th ODI half-century. Umar Akmal, playing his first World Cup match, reached his seventh ODI fifty. He top scored with a 52-ball 71 with eight fours and a six.This was the fourth half century in Pakistan innings.Afridi made just seven runs and was dismissed lbw by Odoyo who finished with 3-41, conceding 20 in wides in a total of 46 extras.

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