De Villiers and Clarke become number-one ranked Test batsmen

South Africa's AB de Villiers has reached the number-one batting position for the first time in his career where he has been joined by Australia captain Michael Clarke in the latest Reliance ICC Player Rankings which were released on Friday.

De Villiers' move to the top of the batting chart is due to a combination of his own good performances in the Hamilton and Wellington Tests, as well as Kumar Sangakkara's disappointing show with the bat against England in the Galle Test.

De Villiers scored 83 in South Africa's nine wickets victory over New Zealand in the Hamilton Test and then followed up with 38 and 68 in the drawn Wellington Test. These performances have helped him earn 35 ratings points which have given him a career-best rating of 821 and a lift of two places.

Sangakkara, who had entered the Galle Test as the number-one ranked Test batsman, scored nought and 14 in Sri Lanka's 75 runs victory over England. This meant the former Sri Lanka captain has dropped from 850 ratings points to 813 ratings point which cost him three places in the batting table.

Sangakkara is now ranked fourth but can regain the number-one spot if he performs strongly in the Colombo Test which starts next week as he trails the two number one-ranked batsmen by only eight ratings points.

Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers' team-mate, has also slipped one position to third after managing just six runs in his only innings in Hamilton and then missing the Wellington Test.

So the fall of Kallis and Sangakkara has helped Michael Clarke regain the number-one position -a week before he leads his side in the three-Test series against the West Indies. It is the second time Clarke has headed the batting table after he first topped the batting list in August 2009 after he scored 93 against England in Australia's victory by an innings and 80 runs in the Leeds Test.

Apart from a reshuffle at the top of the order, South Africa's Hashim Amla has moved up two places to eighth after scores of 16 and 46 in Hamilton and 63 in Wellington, England's Jonathan Trott has jumped six places to ninth after scoring 12 and 112 in Galle, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor has gained three places and is now in 10th position after scoring 44 and 17 in Hamilton and 18 in Wellington while Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena has lifted seven places to 19th spot after scoring 180 and five in Galle.

Other batsmen losing ground include South Africa captain Graeme Smith in 12th (down by two), Alastair Cook in 14th (down by nine), Kevin Pietersen in 22nd (down by two), Matt Prior in 24th (down by two) and Brendon McCullum in 25th (down by one).

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers, South Africa's Vernon Philander has continued to climb up the chart. The fast bowler had figures of four for 70 and six for 44 in Hamilton and six for 81 and none for 29 in Wellington.

Philander has gained 148 ratings points which has not only given him a career-best rating of 764 but also led to a jump of 11 places which puts him in a career-best fifth position.

He is the third South Africa bowler inside the top 10 with Dale Steyn firmly holding the number-one position and Morne Morkel in 10th spot after slipping one place.

Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath is the other bowler to earn a career-best rating and ranking. The left-arm spinner took six for 74 and six for 97 for which he earned 92 ratings points which has put him on 752 ratings points and a seventh position in the bowling charts after a rise of six places.

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test all-rounders, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan is in number-one position but New Zealand's Daniel Vettori has slipped two places to fifth spot which has put England's Stuart Broad and Australia's Shane Watson one place up in third and fourth spots, respectively.

Meanwhile, England finds itself in a must-win situation in the Colombo Test if it has to retain its number-one position on the Reliance ICC Test Championship table. England's victory will keep it ahead of South Africa by a fraction of a point but its failure to win the Test will make South Africa as the new number-one ranked side.

If England loses the series 2-0, it will drop from 118 ratings points to 113 ratings points - three points behind South Africa - while a 1-0 defeat will mean it will slip to 114 ratings points.

Australia will also be eyeing to gain, at least, one place on the Test Championship table when it takes on the West Indies in the three-Test series in Bridgetown on 7 April.

While a series win will put it ahead of India in third position, a 3-0 series win will put Australia on equal points with England on 113 ratings points (if England loses 2-0 to Sri Lanka). And when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point, then Australia will be placed above England in second position as it will have a rating of 113.10 against England's rating of 113.045.

The Test Championship table as well as the player rankings will now be updated at the conclusion of the Colombo Test.

West Indies v Australia series schedule

7-11 April - 1st Test, Bridgetown

15-19 April - 2nd Test, Port of Spain

23-27 April - Third Test, Roseau, Dominica

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Strauss flummoxed by England's run of defeats

Captain Andrew Strauss was at a loss to explain what had gone wrong for his England team after they were beaten for the fourth test in a row on Thursday.

Sri Lanka's 75-run victory in the first test in Galle means England could lose their place at the top of the world rankings if they suffer a 2-0 whitewash in the series.

"You need to be a rocket scientist to work out where things have gone wrong," Strauss told reporters after his side were bowled out for 264 on the fourth day.

"We haven't put scores on the board and we are not going to win too many test matches if that's the case.

"I thought we showed in the second innings, technically and game-plan wise, there's a lot of skill in our dressing room against spin bowling.

"We just didn't apply ourselves in the right manner in the first innings," added Strauss, referring to their meagre total of 193.

England struggled to cope with spin when they lost 3-0 to Pakistan in their most recent series in the Gulf and the visitors were undone by the turning ball again in Galle as slow left-armer Rangana Herath picked up 12 wickets in the match.

NO EXCUSE

"In the fourth innings you can understand the odd ball spitting and you'll get the odd dismissal but the first innings was no excuse and that is what is most frustrating," said Strauss who is himself desperately out of form with the bat.

The skipper singled out second-innings centurion Jonathan Trott (112) for praise.

"Everyone has got different game plans," said Strauss. "There's always a balance between attack and defence in test cricket and Jonathan was a good example of that.

"He put the bad balls away and a lot of the time he was patient enough to wait for that bad ball.

"A lot of the guys have got great pedigree with the bat and they will get another opportunity to prove it in next week's second test in Colombo."

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was delighted with his team's win.

"It's a good challenge for us to go up against the world's number one team," said Jayawardene.

"We knew we would have to work really hard to get a result against them and the series will give us an idea where we are right now and where we need to improve.

"This is a good start for us, we just need to try and maintain it. The English batting lineup is top class and they were going to come hard at us," added Jayawardene.

"They had a few partnerships and we had to wait patiently. Once we got the new ball we knew we would create more opportunities and that's what we did.

"There were also a couple of really good catches to turn things around for us."

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South Africa rue weather but happy to win series

WELLINGTON: Poor weather undoubtedly halted South Africa's march to the top of the world test rankings after they claimed a 1-0 series win against New Zealand when the third and final test at the Basin Reserve ended in a draw on Tuesday.

Graeme Smith's side completed the series victory courtesy of a nine-wicket win in the second test in Hamilton, with the other two matches badly affected by rain. They also won both the earlier Twenty20 and one-day international series.

The Proteas did have an opportunity to clinch a 2-0 win on the final day of the third test after Morne Morkel claimed 6-23,only for Kane Williamson to graft his second test century and ensure New Zealand scratched out a battling draw.

"It's been a terrific tour for us," Smith said of the way in which the side had managed to build on their victories in theTwenty20 and one-day international series into the tests.

"Any tour where you can walk away with every trophy is a tick. There have been some great performances throughout the six-and-a-half weeks. "All teams in all formats have played well, which is what you want."

South Africa had the opportunity to claim the world's top test ranking if they swept the tests 3-0, but rain washed out the final day of play in Dunedin and more than seven hours in Wellington, something Smith rued.

"We've pretty much been on the front foot throughout this test series... (but) the weather played a big part in Dunedin and here.

"Losing close on 150-160 overs, we were the one team pushing to win... we gave ourselves an opportunity to win. "We missed some opportunities today that would have allowed us to win two-nil (but)... I think (one-nil) is a fair reflection." (Reuters)

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South Africa close in on New Zealand win

WELLINGTON: South Africa were on the verge of victory over New Zealand at tea on the final day of the third Test at the Basin Reserve on Tuesday after speedster Morne Morkel skittled through the top-order batsmen.

New Zealand, set the near impossible target of 389, were 103-5 with Morkel taking all the wickets for the remarkable figures of five for 11 off 11 overs.

With New Zealand captain Ross Taylor suffering a broken forearm and taking no further part in the Test, the hosts have only four tailend batsmen left.

Morkel was on a hat-trick after cleaning up Dean Brownlie and Daniel Vettori with successive yorkers with the last two balls of his 10th over but Kane Williamson placed the first ball of his next over through mid-on for three.

The 21-year-old Williamson has been the sole rock of the New Zealand innings, surviving a painful strike in the groin and at least four edges behind the stumps to be 58 not out at tea with Kruger van Wyk on seven.

Morkel started his destructive campaign in New Zealand's second over when Daniel Flynn gloved a rising delivery through to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher to be gone without scoring.

Brendon McCullum also failed to get off the mark before Morkel trapped him lbw and New Zealand were two down for one run in the fifth over.

Opener Martin Guptill produced a gritty display, lasting nearly 100 minutes in the middle and facing 55 balls before he edged Morkel to Jacques Rudolph at gully and was gone for 18.

With the fiery Dale Steyn, Marchant de Lange and Vernon Philander supporting Morkel New Zealand were struggling for survival.

Brownlie faced 18 balls without scoring before launching into de Lange and taking 14 off one over, including three boundaries, but he was to add only one more run before Morkel struck again.

South Africa had resumed the day at 75 without loss and cracked on a further 114 at more than seven an over before declaring at 189-3.

AB de Villiers had a rollicking time with the bat racing to 68 off 49 deliveries, including eight fours and a six, before he was caught at long on by Williamson off Doug Bracewell.

The declaration came with de Villiers' dismissal leaving JP Duminy unbeaten on 33 off 23 balls including three sixes and two fours.

Meanwhile, Taylor, who suffered a broken forearm when hit by Morkel on the fourth day, was to undergo surgery Tuesday and the New Zealand management said he would be sidelined for at least four weeks.

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Cricket: Dolphins outclass Rams by 32 runs

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Dolphins outclassed Rawalpindi Rams by 32 runs with nine balls to spare in the fourth match of the Faysal Bank Super Eight Twenty20 Cup here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After being put into bat by the Rams captain Sohail Tanvir, the Dolphins made 171 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs – the highest total so far in this tournament.

Opener Khalid Latif played the biggest innings of this tournament hitting 88 from 61 balls with eleven fours and two sixes. He got out in the final over.

Other main scorers were Asad Shafiq (31) and Rameez Raja Jr (28).

For the Rams, pace bowler Yasir Arafat took two wickets for 30.

The Rams could not chase the huge target and were bowled out for 139 in 18.3 overs.

Naved Malik scored 59 and Mohammad Nawaz made 37 while the Dolphins bowlers Faraz Ahmed and Sohail Khan captured three wickets each.

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Stallions beat Eagles in low-scoring match

RAWALPINDI: Sialkot Stallions defeated Lahore Eagles by five wickets with an over remaining in the third match of the Faysal Bank Super Eight Twenty20 Cup here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After the Stallions captain Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers restricted the Eagles to 129 for eight in the allotted 20 overs.

Saad Nasim top scored with an unbeaten 27, followed by Ali Azmat (24) and captain Taufiq Umar (22).

For the Stallions, Bilawal Bhatti was the most successful bowler with three for 33 while Raza Hasan claimed two for 21.

The Stallions achieved the target of 130 in 19 overs, thanks to an unbeaten sixth wicket partnership of 47 runs between Shahid Yousuf (27) and Ali Khan (18) after Shakeel Ansari made 32.

However, Shahid Yousuf was declared the man-of-the-match.

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Cricket: Jayawardene thwarts England in first Test

GALLE, Sri Lanka: Skipper Mahela Jayawardene crafted a classy century to steer Sri Lanka out of trouble on the opening day of the first Test against England in Galle on Monday.

Jayawardene hit an unbeaten 168 as the hosts recovered from a disastrous 15-3 by the fourth over to move to 289-8 by stumps at a Galle International Stadium packed with some 8,000 English supporters.

Fast bowler James Anderson claimed two wickets off successive balls in his second over and new-ball partner Stuart Broad chipped in with the third after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat.

Jayawardene retrieved the situation by adding 52 for the fourth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera (20) and 61 for the fifth with young batsman Dinesh Chandimal (27).

Tailender Rangana Herath contributed just five runs in an eighth-wicket stand of 62 with his captain, who reached his 30th century with a paddle sweep off Graeme Swann for a boundary.

As the bowlers wilted under the hot sun, England were left to rue three dropped catches -- two by Monty Panesar and one by Anderson -- that reprieved Jayawardene.

The Sri Lankan captain has so far hit 20 boundaries and three sixes.

Jayawardene surpassed Australian legend Don Bradman's tally of 29 Test hundreds and moved to fourth place among those still playing at the top level behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (42) and Ricky Ponting (41).

Number 10 Chanaka Welegedara kept Jayawardene company at stumps on 10, the pair having added 36 valuable runs.

Sri Lanka's South African coach Graham Ford hailed Jayawardene's "special innings" and said the fightback had ensured his team will be competitive in the match.

Anderson, who claimed his 250th Test wicket with the dismissal of opener Lahiru Thirimanne, said England needed to get over the disappointment of allowing Sri Lanka to bounce back.

Anderson had Thirimanne caught at second slip in his second over and then forced Kumar Sangakkara to edge the next ball to wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

Mahela Jayawardene denied Anderson a hat-trick with a defensive push, but saw his partner Tillakaratne Dilshan perish in Broad's next over to another catch in the slips.

Samaraweera was run out soon after lunch when he backed up too far at the non-striker's end as Anderson deflected a ball on to the stumps.

Panesar conceded just 42 runs in his 23 overs, but Swann's 23 wicketless overs cost 92 runs on a pitch that is already providing uneven bounce

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Cairns wins libel action against Modi

LONDON: Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns was awarded £90,000 ($142,000) damages on Monday after winning a libel action against former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi in London.

In the first libel action heard in England against a post on the micro-blogging site Twitter, Cairns, 41, sued over an "unequivocal allegation" of match-fixing on Modi's Twitter account in January 2010.

Judge David Bean, sitting at London's High Court, said Modi had "singularly failed" to provide any reliable evidence that Cairns was involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing, or even strong grounds for suspicion of cheating.

"It is obvious that an allegation that a professional cricketer is a match-fixer goes to the core attributes of his personality and, if true, entirely destroys his reputation for integrity," he said.

"The allegation is not as serious as one of involvement in terrorism or sexual offences (to take two examples from recent cases). But it is otherwise as serious an allegation as anyone could make against a professional sportsman."

Cairns, who captained his country in one-day internationals, was not in court on Monday to hear the ruling of the judge, who heard the case without a jury.

Earlier this month his lawyer, Andrew Caldecott, said Cairns, who lived in England as a child when his father Lance played there and had himself played seven seasons for Nottinghamshire, was extremely concerned about his reputation in Britain.

The court had heard that Modi's tweet was picked up by leading cricket website Cricinfo.

When Cairns complained, Cricinfo withdrew its report, paid damages and apologised -- but Modi declined to apologise and pleaded justification, maintaining the charge was true.

Cairns's case was that it was "wholly untrue" and a very grave libel which could destroy all he had achieved in a 20-year career where, despite being plagued by injuries, he completed the rare double of scoring over 3,000 runs and taking more than 200 wickets in Test cricket.

At the time of the tweet, Modi was one of the most powerful men in cricket.

The court was told that, in 2007 and 2008, Cairns captained the Chandigarh Lions in three competitions in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which flourished briefly before the rise of the IPL, a lucrative domestic Twenty20 competition featuring many of the world's leading players.

The allegation made by Modi related to the second and third of these competitions, between March and April 2008 and October and November that year.

Caldecott told the court that in October 2008 Cairns was called to an ICL directors meeting at a hotel where, according to the cricketer, his denial of rumours of his alleged involvement in match-fixing appeared to be accepted.

"No specific charges of match-fixing were ever put to Mr Cairns. No names of any accusers were mentioned.

"He was never informed after his departure that statements had been taken -- mainly later -- from Indian players alleging corrupt activity by various players including him."

Caldecott added Cairns was then effectively suspended for not declaring an ankle injury which had been exacerbated by a charity walk completed in memory of his late sister.

He returned to New Zealand for an operation, was never contacted with any complaint and, in 2009, was entered for the IPL auction. (AFP)

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Asia Cup: ACC rejects BCB's final over plea

KARACHI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) plea to review the final over of the Asia Cup final between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Geo News reported.

ACC Chief Executive Ashraf-ul Haq told Geo News that the field umpires didn't report about the incident and as per laws their note of concern was necessary. 'The chapter is now closed for the ACC.'

The council has also informed both the boards about the decision, the CE said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday expressed disappointment with Bangladesh for considering appealing an incident in the last over of the Asia Cup final which they believe cost them the match.

Bangladesh Saturday said it would appeal to the ACC to review the last over, accusing Pakistani paceman Aizaz Cheema of deliberately blocking batsman Mahmudullah Riyad from taking a second run.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh in a thrilling final on Thursday by two runs to lift the four-nation Asia Cup.

PCB director Intikhab Alam called Bangladesh's stance "disappointing".

It's really sad and disappointing to hear the statement from the BCB official," Alam said.

"It was a thrilling final and everyone praised Bangladesh for their fight and their decision to appeal is just an after thought after the result.

"The fact of the matter is that no match umpire of referee complained about this to Pakistan management and Bangladesh's complain will spoil a wonderful final which everyone enjoyed," said Alam.

BCB said it would seek five penalty runs for deliberate obstruction and a reversal of the result in their favour.

"We have seen video footage of the incident repeatedly. It is clear that Cheema blocked Riyad deliberately," Enayet Hossain Siraj, chairman of the BCB operations committee, told reporters.

"We will lodge a written appeal to the ACC very soon and will also give a copy to the International Cricket Council."

Bangladesh is currently considering an invitation to tour Pakistan for a limited over series next month.

They sent a delegation to assess security arrangements in Pakistan for the tour but said a final decision will only be made by the country's government.

Should Bangladesh go they will be the first Test playing nation to tour Pakistan since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore three years ago.

The attacks, which left eight people dead and seven visiting players and an assistant coach wounded, suspended all international cricket in Pakistan as teams refused to tour the troubled country because of security fears.

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Anderson, Broad rock Sri Lanka in first Test

GALLE: James Anderson and Stuart Broad ripped through Sri Lanka's top-order to hand England the early advantage in the first Test in Galle on Monday.

Anderson claimed two wickets off successive balls and Broad chipped in with a third as Sri Lanka slumped to 15-3 by the fourth over after electing to bat at the Galle International Stadium.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene (30 not out) and Thilan Samaraweera (19 not out) carried the hosts to 66-3 by lunch on the opening day as the harsh sun dried moisture from the pitch and made batting easier.

The pair have so far put on 51 for the fourth wicket.

Anderson, who had a review for leg-before against opener Lahiru Thirimanne turned down in his first over, removed the left-hander in his second over to make Sri Lanka 11-1.

Thirimanne hung his bat out to edge an easy catch to Graeme Swann at second slip and give Anderson his 250th wicket in his 67th Test.

The fast bowler added to the tally off the next delivery as veteran Kumar Sangakkara edged a rising ball to wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

Jayawardene denied Anderson a hat-trick with a defensive push, but lost his partner Tillakaratne Dilshan in Broad's next over.

Dilshan, who edged Broad twice over third-man for boundaries, was caught by England captain Andrew Strauss at first slip as he attempted another wild stroke.

The tourists awarded a Test cap to all-rounder Samit Patel, who will bat in the middle-order and bowl left-arm spin, the third slow bowler in the ranks after Swann and Monty Panesar.

Patel was preferred over Ravi Bopara, who could have played only as a specialist batsman after a side strain ruled him out of bowling in the series.

Sri Lanka left out Chamara Silva, who hit 163 against the tourists in a practice match last week, to play young batsman Dinesh Chandimal

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Philander on fire as South Africa turn screw

WELLINGTON: South African pace sensation Vernon Philander became the fastest man in 116 years to reach 50 Test wickets on Monday as New Zealand struggled to stay alive in the third Test.

Philander, 26, reached the milestone in only his seventh Test as New Zealand folded for 275 in their first innings in reply to South Africa's 474-9 declared, avoiding the follow-on by just a single run.

At stumps on the fourth day, South Africa, who hold a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series, were 75 without loss in their second innings, leading by 274 runs with one day remaining.

First innings centurion Alviro Petersen is not out 38 with captain Graeme Smith on 34 as the tourists look to bat New Zealand out of contention.

New Zealand's fading hopes of levelling the series received a severe setback when captain Ross Taylor was hit on the left forearm by paceman Morne Morkel.

He was taken to hospital where an x-ray confirmed a broken bone and team management said he was unlikely to take any further part in the game.

With the senior batsman out of action, Philander made the most of the short route to the New Zealand tail, finishing with six for 81 and tightening South Africa's grip on the Test.

New Zealand were 160-3 with Taylor on 18 when he was hit. They made it to 219-3 before they lost another wicket but slumped from 263-5 to 263-8, leaving tailenders Mark Gillespie and Chris Martin needing to add 12 runs to avoid the follow-on.

The home side resumed in the morning at 65-0 with openers Daniel Flynn and Martin Guptill fighting their way to 86 and seeing off hostile bowling from Dale Steyn and Morkel before Philander started the damage.

Flynn, in the unfamiliar role of opener and playing his first Test in two years, went for 45, nicking a ball in Philander's first over of the day to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Brendon McCullum had two lives on his way to 31, including being dropped at point by JP Duminy off Steyn.

Duminy had earlier spilled two edges from Guptill, off Steyn's bowling, when fielding in the gully. Guptill went on to make 59 before he was trapped lbw by Philander in the last over before lunch.

When Taylor was taken to hospital and diligence was required by New Zealand, Dean Brownlie and Kane Williamson made cautious progress in a 59-run stand until the new ball arrived and Brownlie top-edged Philander, dismissed for 29.

New Zealand went to tea at 231-4 and the innings collapsed soon after play resumed.

After Steyn claimed Williamson for 39, Philander came back to remove Daniel Vettori (30) and Doug Bracewell (0). Marchant de Lange picked up the wicket of Kruger van Wyk (7).

Two lusty fours from Gillespie ensured South Africa would have to bat again before he became Philander's sixth victim, caught by AB de Villiers for 10.

Petersen and Smith were untroubled, taking South Africa through to stumps, with a declaration expected on the final morning.

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Cricket: Aussies set 282-run target for Windies

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia: Australia made 281 for nine in the fifth and final one-dayer against West Indies here on Sunday, where the home side are seeking a first series win in 17 years over the Aussies.

Skipper Shane Watson, with 66 off 89 balls, and fellow opener David Warner, who crashed 69 off 61 balls, with 10 fours and a six, put on 118 for the first wicket by the 20th over as the tourists looked on course for a 300-plus total.

West Indies then slowed the rate after the openers had departed and Australia took the unusual decision to promote Brett Lee up the order after the veteran had hit a breezy, career-best 59 in Friday's fourth game which was won

by the hosts.

Lee replaced George Bailey, who had made 19, but lasted just 10 balls either side of a rain delay before he was bowled by off-spinner Sunil Narine who had earlier also dismissed the dangerous Warner.

Peter Forrest, with 53, was the fifth man out, caught by Kemar Roach off Andre Russell with the score at 241 in the 45th over.

David Hussey was out next ball when he fended off a quick, steep delivery from Russell to be caught behind for nought before Matthew Wade prevented becoming a hat-trick victim.

Wade and Mike Hussey smashed Russell for 21 runs off the seamer's last over, the 49th of the innings, but the bowler had the satisfaction of seeing Hussey caught in the deep off his last delivery.

Roach bowled an impressive final over of the innings, conceding just two runs while also seeing the back of Wade who had made a valuable 26 off 17 balls with two sixes.

Roach finished with 3 for 53 while Russell claimed 4 for 61.

West Indies lead the five-match series 2-1.

Australia won the first game by 64 runs before West Indies won by five wickets in a rain-affected second match.

That win ended the West Indies' miserable run of 15 defeats in 16 one-dayers against Australia.

The third ODI ended in a thrilling tie but Kieron Pollard crashed a blistering century to set up a 42-run win for the Windies in the fourth match.

Both sides were unchanged for the final ODI

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Faisal Bank T20: Lahore Lions outclass Karachi Zebras

RAWALPINDI: Lahore Lions defeated Karachi Zebras by six wickets with 13 balls to spare in the second match of the Faysal Bank Super Eight Twenty20 Cricket Cup here at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday.

The Zebras captain Hasan Raza won the toss and elected to bat but the Lions restricted the opponents to 135 for five in the allotted 20 overs.

Their prominent scorers were Rameez Aziz (37), Hasan Raza (33 not out) and Khurram Manzoor (31).

In reply, the Lions completed the chase in 17.5 overs for the loss of four wickets, thanks to a brilliant batting display by Ahmed Shahzad who remained unbeaten on 61 and Umar Akmal hit 43. Both added 83 runs for the third wicket partnership after the Lions were reeling on 15 for two.

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Faisalabad record thrilling win over Peshawar in opener

RAWALPINDI: Faisalabad Wolves recorded a thrilling two-wicket victory over Peshawar Panthers in the opening match of the Faysal Bank Super Eight Twenty20 Cricket Cup 2011-12 here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 128, Faisalabad achieved the target with one ball remaining, thanks to an unbeaten brilliant innings of 43 by one-down batsman Ali Waqas.

He was followed by opener Asif Ali, who made 29.

For Peshawar, Mohammad Aslam claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Peshawar batted first after their captain Umar Gul won the toss and made 127 for eight in the allotted 20 overs.

Their main scorers were Mohammad Fayyaz (23), Zohaib Khan (22) and Iftikhar Ahmed (20) whereas the top scorer was ‘Mr Extras’ with 24.

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Whatmore satisfied with Pakistan progress

KARACHI: Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore Sunday expressed satisfaction over his team's performance during their winning Asia Cup campaign, saying it would have been the icing on the cake to beat arch-rivals India.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh in a thrilling final by two runs in Dhaka on Thursday, lifting the Asia Cup for the second time.

It was Whatmore's first assignment since taking over earlier this month.

The former Australian batsman -- who guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup title in 1996 -- said his team had been consistent and competitive in all matches.

"It would have been the icing on the cake to have beaten India and go on to win the cup. We made some mistakes but were in the game late in the second 50-over block," Whatmore told AFP.

"It was just one of those games that makes you analyse more." India's Virat Kohli smashed a career-best 183 to help India chase down a daunting 330-run target but India failed to make it to the final.

Whatmore, who also helped Bangladesh reach the latter stages of the 2007 World Cup held in the Caribbean, praised the Asia Cup hosts.

"Bangladesh had a really good Asia Cup. On the evidence of this tournament, everyone would agree they have improved. They need to be consistent now," he said.

Whatmore backed Misbah-ul-Haq after the Pakistan captain came under pressure over the team's 4-0 whitewash against England in a one-day series last month.

"I wasn't aware Misbah was under pressure prior to the Asia Cup. He has some wonderful qualities as a captain and contributed well to our overall performance," said Whatmore, who played seven Tests for Australia.

Pakistan's next assignment is a tour of Sri Lanka starting in May before taking on Australia in a five-match one-day series later in the year.

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West Indies win toss, bowl against Australia

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia: The West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl in their fifth and final one-day international against Australia here on Sunday.

The home side lead the five-match series 2-1 and are bidding for a first series win over the Australians in 17 years.

Australia won the first ODI by 64 runs before West Indies won by five wickets in a rain-affected second match.

That win ended the West Indies' miserable run of 15 defeats in 16 one-dayers against Australia.

The third ODI ended in a thrilling tie, but Kieron Pollard crashed a blistering century to set up a 42-run win for the Windies in the fourth match.

Both sides were unchanged for the final ODI.

Teams

West Indies: Johnson Charles, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Carlton Baugh (wk), Darren Sammy (captain), Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach

Australia: Shane Watson (captain), David Warner, Matthew Wade (wk), George Bailey, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Peter Forrest, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty, Brett Lee, Ben Hilfenhaus

Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SL) and Peter Nero (WI), TV umpire: Shavir Tarapore (IND)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM

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Pakistan unhappy over Bangladesh Cup appeal

KARACHI: Pakistan's cricket board on Sunday expressed disappointment with Bangladesh for considering appealing an incident in the last over of the Asia Cup final which they believe cost them the match.

Bangladesh Saturday said it would appeal to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to review the last over, accusing Pakistani paceman Aizaz Cheema of deliberately blocking batsman Mahmudullah Riyad from taking a second run.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh in a thrilling final on Thursday by two runs to lift the four-nation Asia Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board director Intikhab Alam called Bangladesh's stance "disappointing".

"It's really sad and disappointing to hear the statement from BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) official," Alam told AFP.

"It was a thrilling final and everyone praised Bangladesh for their fight and their decision to appeal is just an after thought after the result.

"The fact of the matter is that no match umpire of referee complained about this to Pakistan management and Bangladesh's complain will spoil a wonderful final which everyone enjoyed," said Alam.

BCB said it would seek five penalty runs for deliberate obstruction and a reversal of the result in their favour.

"We have seen video footage of the incident repeatedly. It is clear that Cheema blocked Riyad deliberately," Enayet Hossain Siraj, chairman of the BCB operations committee, told reporters.

"We will lodge a written appeal to the ACC very soon and will also give a copy to the International Cricket Council."

Bangladesh is currently considering an invitation to tour Pakistan for a limited over series next month.

They sent a delegation to assess security arrangements in Pakistan for the tour but said a final decision will only be made by the country's government.

Should Bangladesh go they will be the first Test playing nation to tour Pakistan since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore three years ago.

The attacks, which left eight people dead and seven visiting players and an assistant coach wounded, suspended all international cricket in Pakistan as teams refused to tour the troubled country because of security fears

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Australia may go with spin against Windies: Clarke

SYDNEY: Captain Michael Clarke said Sunday Australia could play two spinners in the opening Test against the West Indies next month before he left to join up with the rest of the squad in the Caribbean.

Clarke stayed in Australia for treatment on a hamstring injury and has followed the ongoing one-day series against the West Indies on television.

"The wickets look really slow and have spun as much as any wickets around the world," Clarke told reporters at Sydney airport.

"We always talk about spin in India and Sri Lanka but the wicket in St Vincent, that's as much as I've seen the ball spin and bounce for a long time.

"If conditions are like what we've seen in the one-dayers, then it's something we definitely need to consider (playing two spinners)."

Clarke believes spinners Michael Beer and Nathan Lyon could make a good double act in the Test series, starting in Barbados on April 7.

"They're two very good spinners who have great control," he said. "I've seen them both throughout the Australian summer bowl very early in an innings, so they can control the new ball as well.

"From what I've seen in the one-dayers, I think they'll both be a handful."

While he admits Australia have not been at their best in the one-day series, Clarke said it was going to take some players time to adjust to the Caribbean conditions.

The West Indies are chasing their first ODI series win over Australia in 17 years and lead 2-1 with one match to play.

"I would like to have won every game but conditions have been tough," he said.

"It's a lot different from what we've been facing in Australia. It's been a great experience for guys who haven't been to the West Indies before.

"We've got plenty of time plus we've got a three-day tour game before the first Test and we will be 100 percent ready to go for that first Test match."

Clarke said he had come through weeks of physio treatment in great shape and would be ready to play in the opening Bridgetown Test.

He was ruled out during the home tri-series finals earlier this month with a hamstring injury suffered against Sri Lanka.

"The physio's really confident at where I'm at now. Knowing that we've got that time before the tour game, I'll be 100 percent," he said.

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Ireland beat Afghanistan in T20 qualifying final

DUBAI: Ireland defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the final of the World Twenty20 qualifying tournament on Saturday, in a battle between two sides who had already booked their places at the global showpiece in Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan, who had won all eight matches at the qualifiers going into the final, were restricted to 152 for seven off their 20 overs before the Irish reached their target with seven balls to spare.

The Irish had Paul Stirling to thank for the win, after he hit a 38-ball 79, including nine fours and three sixes, in the process scoring the second-fastest half-century in T20 history.

Man-of-the-match Stirling's effort eclipsed that of Afghanistan wicket keeper Mohammad Shahzad, whose 77 off 57 balls included seven fours and two sixes.

Stirling, who ended the tournament as the highest run scorer with 357 in 11 games, ahead of Shahzad in second on 352 in nine, praised Ireland's positive attitude and said the conditions contributed to his blistering knock.

"Under the lights, the ball came up well. Afghanistan have strong bowling, they've got one of the strongest team attacks in the tournament. The wicket suited my style," he said.

"It was my first time playing under lights and tonight showed that the runs go up when you play later in the day."

Ireland skipper William Porterfield said he was delighted with the tournament victory but warned that the win was just the start of a hard fight ahead.

"It's a long way to go now to the ICC World Twenty20. We're obviously looking forward to it, playing against Australia and the West Indies is going to be a tough task. We've got to keep working hard and improving our skills.

Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal accepted that Stirling was the difference between the sides.

"Our score was good enough. The batters achieved what we planned for, especially getting the wicket of Porterfield on the first ball was good enough start. But the way Stirling played he demolished every plan we had," he said.

"The two best teams played the final. The way they can bat is amazing. We were expecting Ireland to be in the ICC Twenty20 2012, especially as they have played a few more ICC Twenty20s than us. They have more experience than us."

Player of the tournament went to third-place Namibia's Raymond van Schoor, who notched up 324 runs in nine games at an average of 54 and also picked up six wickets.

Ireland hammered Namibia by nine wickets in the preliminary final earlier on Saturday to meet Afghanistan after making just 94-6 off their allotted 20 overs.

It was Stirling again who led the run chase, hitting nine fours and a six in an unbeaten, 32-ball 59 to see the Irish home in just 10.1 overs.

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Faysal Bank T20 Cup begins today

RAWALPINDI: Twenty20’s massive popularity and status as the most exciting format of cricket has given birth to T20 league in Pakistan. The Super Eight T20 Tournament was introduced last year in Pakistan.

Since the tremendous success of Super eight T20 tournament, it has not only become the most popular and widely watched cricket events in Pakistan but the tournament is also scheduled twice in the PCB yearly event calendar.

The Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 is a unique platform wherein the national cricket stars from various cities of Pakistan will join forces with the world class Pakistani players in a thrilling one week event.

The Faysal Bank Super-8 National Twenty20 Cricket Cup will commence from today March 25 till April 1st. at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Eight teams drawn in two groups will featuring in the tournament: Faisalabad Wolves, Karachi Dolphins, Karachi Zebras, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, Peshawar Panthars, Rawalpindi Rams, Sialkot Stallions.

The winning team will receive Rs.2.5 million as prize money and the runners-up Rs.1 million.

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Cricket: Ireland qualify for World Twenty20

DUBAI: Ireland will play in the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka after hammering Namibia by nine wickets in the preliminary final of the qualifying tournament here on Saturday.

The Irish, who will join Afghanistan as the two sides to make it through as qualifiers, made short work of a Namibia side who failed to impress with the bat.

The west Africans made just 94-6 off their allotted 20 overs, Ian Opperman top scoring with 26 not out.

South African-born Max Sorensen took 2-8 and Australian-born Trent Johnson 2-19 as Ireland pinned back Namibia, who had beaten the Irish by four runs in group play.

Ireland saw captain William Porterfield dismissed for 20 in their innings but Paul Stirling took immediate control, hitting nine fours and a six in his 32-ball knock of 59 not out that saw his side reach 96-1 in just 10.1 overs.

Afghanistan earned their ticket to the world Twenty20 on Thursday when they defeated Namibia in the first qualifying final.

The Afghans will play Ireland in the tournament final later Saturday.

The winners will join Australia and the West Indies in Group B in Sri Lanka, while the losing finalists will complete Group A, which also includes defending champions England and 2007 winners India.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat congratulated Ireland on their qualification - for the third time - at the ICC World Twenty20 event after having played in the 2009 and 2010 editions.

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Cricket: England-Sri Lanka squads for first Test

GALLE, Sri Lanka: Squads and officials for the first Test between England and Sri Lanka starting at the Galle International Stadium on Monday:

England: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Tim Bresnan, Steven Finn, Monty Panesar, Graeme Swann, Steven Davies, James Tredwell.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Chanaka Welegedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath.

Umpires: Asad Rauf (PAK) and Rod Tucker (AUS), TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS)

Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)

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South Africa build comfortable lead

WELLINGTON: A dominant South Africa built up a comfortable lead of 222-2 at tea on the second day of the rain-disrupted third Test as the New Zealand bowlers struggled in blustery conditions on Saturday.

Alviro Petersen moved to 86 not out with JP Duminy on 66 in an unbroken 116-run stand for the third wicket.

Saturday's morning session was again washed out and further rain was forecast for later in the day as the tourists targeted a large total with the aim of bowling New Zealand out twice in the abbreviated Test.

Only 42 overs were possible on the first day because of rain in the morning and bad light in the afternoon.

Although the conditions in Wellington favour the quick bowlers, New Zealand have been unable to capitalise on the few chances offered by the sturdy Petersen and Duminy.

The only bad news for South Africa was the likelihood they have lost key batsman Hashim Amla for the rest of the match after undergoing emergency surgery on his groin area.

Amla was hit on the first day by an inside edge from a Chris Martin delivery.

He was able to bat on and progressed from 33 to 63 before he was dismissed and then rushed to hospital.

South Africa, who have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, are without star all-rounder Jacques Kallis for this Test after he was ruled with a stiff neck.

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Winning captain Misbah-ul-Haq returns home

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq returned home Saturday morning after winning the Asia Cup final in a nail-biter against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, Geo News reported.

While talking to the media at Lahore airport along with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf, the winning captain congratulated the nation over winning the Asia Cup after 12 years and credited the entire team for the historic victory.

Misbah said that the achievement is a result of team effort where all the members played their role in the most effective manner.

He said that the team should not be criticized over loss, as it is part of game. He said the nation should support the team in thick and thin.

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, while talking to the reporters, told that Bangladesh team visit to Pakistan depends on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision, as the board has not given any green signal yet.

Earlier on Friday, all-rounder Shahid Afridi reached Karachi and was all praise for the team effort against the Tigers. He said that for T20 battles, the squad needed some changes which he would recommend very soon.

The team members were showered with rose petals on their arrival by a large number of fans. This is Pakistan team’s first victory under the coaching of Dav Whatmore.

Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi landed at Karachi airport around 9:00 pm while Hamad Azam and Umar Akmal landed in Islamabad at 12:00 am.

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Pollard leads West Indies to 42-run triumph

GROS ISLET: Kieron Pollard smashed a blistering century as West Indies defeated Australia by 42 runs in the fourth one-day international on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

The 24-year-old Pollard hit eight sixes and five fours in his 70-ball 102 as the West Indies made 294 for seven off 50 overs, their highest score at the picturesque Beausejour Stadium.

In reply, Australia, who were dismissed for 252, never recovered from losing five wickets in making 112 by the 21st over despite skipper Shane Watson (28), Peter Forrest (24), George Bailey (25) and Mike Hussey (26) all getting decent starts.

A sixth-wicket partnership of 67 between David Hussey and Matthew Wade kept Australia in the game. But when Wade holed out with an ugly slog off Pollard's medium pace from the last ball of the 34th over, after making a solid 16 to provide David Hussey with valuable support, the game was virtually up for Australia.

Hussey was then clean-bowled by Kemar Roach for 57 off 54 balls, an innings which featured seven fours.

His dismissal in the 39th over, with the score on 196 for seven, came just two balls after Brett Lee had been hurt when a wild Roach full toss clattered into his left hand.

But Lee valiantly hit back by making a career-best 59, an exciting cameo which featured five fours and five sixes before he ran out of partners.

Earlier, Pollard brought up his second ODI century in emphatic fashion with a huge six over midwicket in the final over off Lee.

West Indies clobbered 145 runs off the last 12 overs with veteran quick Lee finishing with figures of 2 for 72 -- 23 of those runs coming off his final over.

Openers Johnson Charles (37), playing on his home ground, and the recalled Adrian Barath (41) gave the West Indies a solid foundation with a first-wicket stand of 56 by the 11th over.

Australia won the first match in Kingstown by 64 runs before West Indies won by five wickets in a rain-affected second match on Sunday.

That win ended the West Indies' miserable run of 15 defeats in 16 one-dayers against Australia.

The third ODI on Tuesday ended in a thrilling tie while the final match takes place here on Sunday.

Australia made two changes to their team, bringing in Forrest and fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus, who was playing his first game on tour, for all-rounder Daniel Christian and offspinner Nathan Lyon.

West Indies called up Barath in place of Kieran Powell in their sole change

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Angry Afridi knocks out fan at the airport

KARACHI: To the utter disappointment of the whole nation, the great “Boom Boom Shahid Afridi” Friday night punched a fan in the face who was only begging him for an autograph, Geo News reported.

Reportedly, Afridi, who was coming out of the airport after arriving here from Bangladesh, flew off the handle, after cohorts thronged him for autographs.

It seemed he was not happy with this fan following and was seen almost running out of the airport with a swarm of his admirers in tow.

After repeated gestures of annoyance, which failed to deter the crowd, he swung a mighty right hand at one of the buffs knocking him out then and there, which proved he could be a “Bang Bang Boxer Afridi” as well.

Later talking to Geo News, Shahid Afridi's brother said that Afridi lost temper when the crowd almost trampled his (Afridi's) daughter.

He said that the reckless fans did not ever care about the three-year old girl, who could have been seriously injured in this stampede like situation.

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Tiger-hunters return home with Asia Cup

KARACHI: Pakistani cricket players returned home on Friday after winning the Asia Cup final in a nail-biter against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Geo News reported.

Talking to newsmen at the airport, Shahid Afridi was all praise for the team effort against Tigers.

To a question, he said that for T20 battles the squad needed some changes, which he would recommend very soon.

The team members were showered with rose petals on their arrival by a large number of fans.

This is Pakistani team’s first victory under the coaching of Dav Whatmore.

Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi landed at Karachi airport around 9:00 pm.

Hamad Azam and Umar Akmal will land in Islamabad at 12:00 am. However, Misbah Ul Haq, manager Naveed Akram Cheema and PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf will arrive in Lahore the next morning.

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Pakistan hails 'wonderful' Asia Cup crown

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday celebrated a nail-biting victory in the Asia Cup after a two-run win over Bangladesh that was hailed as providing some much-needed relief to the troubled country.

Pakistan clinched only their second Asia Cup title in Dhaka late Thursday, sending delirious fans pouring onto the streets in major cities to celebrate, though some missed the action on the field because of power cuts.

"Our cricket team gives us joy, otherwise we're obsessed with problems of inflation, loadshedding (power cuts) and lack of security," said fan Tehmina Siddiqui, celebrating in Karachi's upmarket Clifton area.

Congratulatory messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and other political leaders praised the team effort, captain Misbah-ul Haq's leadership and new Australian coach Dav Whatmore.

Despite orders from the prime minister for no power cuts during Sunday's match against arch-rivals India and Thursday's final, fans still complained of outages at home.

"We had to come out and watch the matches on big screens in the streets as power outages were as frequent as ever," complained Raza Elahi, a pupil at middle school.

Former players were delighted, having been sceptical that Pakistan would perform well after being routed 4-0 by England in a one-day series last month.

"It's a wonderful performance," said Moin Khan, who was captain when Pakistan won their first Asia Cup, in 2000, also in Dhaka. "Our players have given the nation great joy and we are proud of them."

"Congratulations to our team for winning the title," said chief selector Iqbal Qasim, who also had warm words for Bangladesh.

"They beat India and Sri Lanka in the tournament and proved a tough opponent," he said.

Bangladesh proved that "they are no more the minnows of cricket", said Qasim. "I hope they will carry on the good work and be reckoned as one of the major forces in Asia and the world."

Former captain and director general of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Javed Miandad, said the dramatic win was testament to the side's never-say-die attitude.

"It's a great win and showed the fighting abilities of the team, but the hosts played very well," said Miandad, a member of Pakistan's World Cup winning team in 1992.

But another former captain, Rashid Latif, cautioned that Pakistan must not run away with themselves and should "sit down and analyse our weaknesses".

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N. Zealand bowl 1st against S. Africa in final Test

WELLINGTON: New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bowl first in the third and final Test against South Africa at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

"Hopefully we can get some early wickets and put them under pressure," Taylor said at the toss, after the morning session was lost because of rain and the covers came off the pitch to show a green wicket.

South Africa lead the series 1-0 after winning the second Test by nine wickets.

New Zealand have replaced opening batsman Rob Nicol with Daniel Flynn and boosted their batting stocks with the inclusion of Dean Brownlie, who returns from injury to replace bowler Brent Arnel.

South Africa have left out Jacques Kallis, who has a sore neck, and brought in JP Duminy while Marchant de Lange replaces Imran Tahir.

Teams:

New Zealand: Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor (captain), Kane Williamson, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Vettori, Kruger van Wyk, Doug Bracewell, Mark Gillespie, Chris Martin.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Marchant de Lange.

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Cricket: Afghanistan qualify for World Twenty20

DUBAI: Afghanistan booked their place in the 2012 World Twenty20 on Thursday with a 47-run victory over Namibia in the first final of the 16-nation qualifying tournament.

In a battle of two undefeated teams, Afghanistan were bowled out for 146 in their 20 overs before Namibia were dismissed for 99 in the 19th over.

Despite the loss, Namibia will get a second chance of making the World Twenty20 when they face either Ireland or the Netherlands in Saturday's second qualifying final.

Afghanistan, who also played in the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, saw openers Karim Sadiq (28) and Javed Ahmadi (24) give their side a flying start with a partnership of 57 by the seventh over.

But Namibia slammed the brakes on the scoring rate with skipper Sarel Burger taking with 3 for 16.

However, the African side never recovered from a precarious 18 for four by the fourth over with seamer Dawlat Zadran boasting figures of 3 for 1 off his first two overs.

Burger and Nicholaas Scholtz, with 22 runs each, gave a little middle-order impetus, but Afghanistan were simply too powerful in all departments as they coasted to a place in the finals in Sri Lanka in September and October.

Right-arm fast bowler Aftab Alam claimed 4 for 25, sweeping up the tail in the process.

Earlier, Ireland swept past Canada in the play-offs, winning by 10 wickets while the Netherlands edged out Scotland by three wickets.

Ireland will face the Dutch on Friday with the winner of that game taking on Namibia on Saturday for the second available berth in Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan and the winner of Saturday's final play-off will meet in the tournament finale on Saturday night.

The winner will be slotted into Group B in Sri Lanka along side Australia and the West Indies with the runner-up going into Group A against India and defending champions England.

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Pakistan snatch Asia Cup in sensational final

DHAKA: Pakistan recorded a dramatic two-run victory over Bangladesh in a sensational final to win the Asia Cup one-day tournament for second time here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

Earlier, they had become the Asia Cup champions in 2000.

It was looking that Bangladesh, playing the final for the first time in Asia Cup history, would win the title. They played extremely well – first restricting Pakistan to 236-9 in 50 overs with their accurate bowling and alert fielding and then batted with determination to reach very close to the winning target but lost the match just three runs short.

Chasing 237, the hosts needing nine runs in the last over, finished at 234-8 in 50 overs.

Their main scorers were allrounder Shakib Al Hasan (68) and opener Tamim Iqbal (60).

Tamim with Nazimuddin (16) provided a sound start making 68 for the first wicket and later Shakib and Nasir Hossain (28) added valuable 89 runs for the fourth wicket partnership.

For Pakistan, paceman Aizaz Cheema grabbed three wickets while fast bowler Umar Gul and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal each finished with two wickets.

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first, who set a moderate target of 237 runs for the hosts.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed top scored with an unbeaten 46, followed by Mohammad Hafeez (40), Shahid Afridi (32), Umar Akmal (30) and Hammad Azam (30) as no other batsmen could not enter into double figures.

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Asia Cup Final Live updates: Pakistan 52/2 after 14 overs

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim elected to field after winning the toss against Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup in Dhaka on Thursday.

Bangladesh, making their maiden appearance in the final of the one-day tournament, retained the side that defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the last league match, on Tuesday.

Pakistan made one change from the team that lost against India, bringing in Sarfraz Ahmed in place of Wahab Riaz.

After:

Over 1: Pakistan 10/0

Over 2: Pakistan 14/0

Over 3: Pakistan 16/0

Over 4: Pakistan 16/0

Over 5: Pakistan 19/1

- Nasir Jamshed out for 9 runs

Over 6: Pakistan 22/2

-Younis Khan Lbw for 1

Over 7: Pakistan 27/2

Over 8: Pakistan 31/2

Over 9: Pakistan 33/2

Over 10: Pakistan 43/2

Over 11: Pakistan 44/2

Over 12: Pakistan 49/2

Over 13: Pakistan 50/2

Over 14: Pakistan 52/2

Teams

Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Hammad Azam, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Aizaz Cheema.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Nazmul Hossain.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG)

TV umpire: S. Ravi (IND)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh aim for a final roar against Pakistan

DHAKA: History beckons Bangladesh as they aim to rise above the minnows tag and notch up their biggest title since arriving on international scene when they take on Pakistan Thursday in the final of Asia Cricket Cup here.

With former champions India and Sri Lanka shockingly thrown out of the competition, it is most surprising summit line-up for the event which is struggling for relevance in a crowded international calendar.

Defending champions India paid price for a stunning loss to Bangladesh in league stage while four-time winners Sri Lanka failed to register a single triumph this time.

The debacles of two teams, who have dominated the tournament since its inception way back in 1984, paved way for an unlikely finalist in Bangladesh, a side which is known to upstage biggies but not for going the whole hog.

The giant-killers thrashed India, chasing down a mammoth 290, but that was seen merely as one of rare stunners that Bangladesh are so well known to throw up in multi-national events.

However, the determined side proved critics wrong by beating an already demoralized Sri Lanka as well, a result that knocked India out of the final.

"It`s a great achievement for the country, so far the biggest. We realize it`s still not over, we have another very important game. We`ll enjoy, we`ll party, but on Thursday we`ll be back to business. I hope we will fire on 22nd," said opener Tamim Iqbal, hero of win over Sri Lanka with a half century.

"I think when we talk in dressing room its like, 100 runs in 20 overs is no problem. This is sort of confidence that we have now," said in-form all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

"Cricket is a mental game so this confidence is very important. If a player goes down the wicket and thinks he`ll get stumped, he will. If he thinks he will hit a six, he`ll be successful at most times," he said.

If hosts manage to carry this confidence and clinch the big prize tomorrow, the country is set for one big party that might last quite a few days. And both Tamim and Shakib hold the key to this, at least on batting front.

But Pakistan would look to play the party poopers. Misbah-ul-Haq's men have not won the title since 2000 edition, which was interestingly held in Bangladesh.

Pakistan were given a mighty scare in league encounter that they played against hosts but would still be overwhelming favorites to win title for only the second time.

They certainly have arsenal to complete the job. Their batting looks solid with in form openers Mohammed Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed providing fine starts in the league stage. Younis Khan and Umar Akmal have made decent contributions in the middle order. Overall, Pakistan have line-up to post a huge total on board.

What probably might be slightly worrying is way their bowlers have leaked runs. Pace spearhead Umar Gul has picked up wickets but it is flow of runs that he has to check. Aijaz Cheema was ineffective, at least against India, who managed to chase down a huge target of 330 due to pedestrian effort of Pakistani bowlers.

Pakistan`s fielding too needs to improve. The reflexes haven`t been sharp enough and it could cost them dearly if Bangladesh manage to continue their superb run.

Pakistan certainly start as favorites when two captains walk out for toss tomorrow but given the high Bangladesh is on right now, it could well be the night of the underdog.

Teams (From):

Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Abdur Rehman, Aizaz Cheema, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Saeed Ajmal, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain; wk), Abdur Razzak, Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny, Imrul Kayes, Jahurul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza, Nasir Hossain, Nazimuddin, Nazmul Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal. (PPI)

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Windies and Australia thriller ends in tie

KINGSTOWN: A thrilling third one-day international between West Indies and Australia at Arnos Vale here Tuesday ended in the anti-climax of a tie.

The tourists made 220 all out after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Mike Hussey top-scoring with 67 and George Bailey hitting a maiden half-century before being dismissed on 59.

West Indies' hopes of a win appeared on a knife-edge when Australia took the wicket of Sunil Narine to leave them on 204 for nine.

Darren Sammy hit a boundary to leave the hosts on 220, needing just one run from the last three balls to win the game, but a horrible mix-up led to Sammy being run out by Brett Lee.

The five-match series is still tied at one win apiece, with the final two ODIs to come in St Lucia on Friday and Sunday.

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Tigers through to Asia Cup final for first time

DHAKA: Minnows Bangladesh maintained their astonishing record defeating formidable Sri Lanka in an exciting contest to reach the final for the first time in the history of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target, reduced to 212 runs in 40 overs under D/L method after rain interrupted the play, the Tigers recorded a five-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare.

Bangladesh after stunning defending champions India on Friday, again shocked Sri Lanka, who failed to win any of the three matches in the tournament and finished at the bottom on points table.

Now, they will face Pakistan in the final to be played on Thursday at the same venue.

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Salman Butt’s father denies Aamer’s allegation

LAHORE: The father of Salman Butt has denied an allegation leveled against his son by Muhammaed Aamer.

Butt’s father said that Aamer had in the past changed his statement several times and was leveling these allegations to make a return to cricket.

During an interview with a British news channel, Aamer claimed that former captain Salman Butt had betrayed their friendship by involving him in the spot-fixing scandal.

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Asia Cup: Tigers bowl out Sri Lanka for 232

DHAKA: Fast bowler Nazmul Hossain grabbed three early wickets as Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to 232 in a must-win Asia Cup match in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Nazmul rocked Sri Lanka in his sharp six-over opening spell, removing skipper Mahela Jayawardene (five), Tillakaratne Dilshan (19) and Kumar Sangakkara (six) to send the tourists reeling at 32-3 in the day-night match.

Chamara Kapugedera (62) and Lahiru Thirimanne (48) steadied the innings with an 88-run stand for the fourth wicket, but were not allowed to score freely by the Bangladeshi bowlers.

Upul Tharanga was the other main scorer, scoring a 44-ball 48 with one six and five fours.

Nazmul, playing his first match of the tournament, was superbly backed by left-arm spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak who bagged two wickets apiece.

Paceman Mashrafe Mortaza was the other bowler to impress, conceding just 30 runs in his tight 9.5 overs.

Thirimanne hit just three fours in his 73-ball knock before he was stumped off Razzak, the ball rolling on to the wickets after hitting wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim's pad.

Kapugedera struck only four boundaries in a 92-ball knock for his eighth half-century in one-dayers before falling to a low catch in the covers by Shakib off Razzak.

Pakistan have already made it to the final with nine points from three matches. India have eight points from three games, followed by Bangladesh (4/2) and Sri Lanka (0/2).

The hosts need a win to qualify for the final as they have beaten India in the league match.

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh put Sri Lanka in to bat

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim elected to field after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in the last league match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Pakistan have already made it to the final with nine points from three matches. India have eight points from three games, followed by Bangladesh (4/2) and Sri Lanka (0/2).

The hosts need a win to qualify for the final as they have beaten India in the league match.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Sachithra Senanayake.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Nazmul Hossain.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)

TV umpire: S. Ravi (IND)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh put Sri Lanka in to bat

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim elected to field after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in the last league match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Pakistan have already made it to the final with nine points from three matches. India have eight points from three games, followed by Bangladesh (4/2) and Sri Lanka (0/2).

The hosts need a win to qualify for the final as they have beaten India in the league match.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Sachithra Senanayake.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Nazmul Hossain.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)
TV umpire: S. Ravi (IND)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Ex-ICC chief says India is illegal betting hub

NEW DELHI: A former International Cricket Council chief on Tuesday accused India of fostering corruption in the sport, saying illegal betting in the country was the root cause of the problem.

Ehsan Mani, who headed the ICC between 2003 and 2006, estimated that Sunday's Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dhaka attracted $500 million-worth of bets, but did not say how he had arrived at the figure.

"Unless the betting industry is brought under control in India, you can't stop match-fixing," he told the New Delhi-based Mail Today in an interview.

"There's no doubt that India, certainly Delhi and Mumbai, is the epicentre of cricket betting."

"I'm a strong advocate of legalising betting in India, and bringing it under control of regulatory authorities so that... the conduct of bookies can be monitored properly," he added.

"You'll find that the risk of corrupting players around the world will reduce significantly."

Mani urged the ICC, headed by federal Indian minister Sharad Pawar, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), to pressure the government to legalise betting.

"It's a matter of how you control it because there's no way, I believe, that it can be stamped out in India. So, if (it) can't be stamped out, how do they control it in a way that it can stop corrupting the game."

Mani, a Pakistani chartered accountant, said India should look at the legal gambling systems in Britain and Australia.

Legal betting firms inform the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) if they encounter suspicious betting patterns, Mani said.

Mani said lucrative Twenty20 tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash in Australia, had emboldened illegal bookies.

"Obviously, high profile matches like the IPL and Big Bash leave a lot of scope for players to be corrupted; whether they are being corrupted or not, I can't say," he said.

"I think IPL must have added hugely to the cricket betting industry in India."

BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla was not available to comment on Mani's remarks.

Cricket has been under a cloud since 2000 when three former captains -- the late Hansie Cronje of South Africa, Mohammad Azharuddin of India and Salim Malik of Pakistan -- were handed life bans for their alleged dealing with bookmakers.

Three Pakistani cricketers were last year jailed in Britain after being found guilty of spot-fixing. Indian bookmakers have often being accused of underhand dealings with players.

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Aamer says 'brother' Butt lured him into fixing

LONDON: Disgraced Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Aamer said Monday that former captain Salman Butt had betrayed their friendship by involving him in the spot-fixing scandal that has seen him banned from cricket and serve time in a British prison.

The highly-rated 19-year-old was released from jail last month after serving half of a six-month sentence for his part in the scandal during the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in 2010.

"I'm so angry with Salman," said Aamer in an interview with former England captain Mike Atherton broadcast on Sky Sports on Monday.

"He used to call me 'innocent one'. Like how an elder brother would speak to a younger one," he added in comments translated by Sky into English from Urdu. "He should have helped me instead of involving me in all this."

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Bermuda snatches victory from the jaws of defeat

Janeiro Tucker smashed sixes off the first three balls of the last over to guide Bermuda to a stunning five wickets victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a crucial Group A fixture of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 at the ICC GCA Oval 1 on Monday.

Needing 16 off the final six balls of the match, Tucker blasted three straight sixes off PNG captain Rarva Dikana that helped Bermuda overtake the 156-run target with three balls to spare. While the victory earned Bermuda its first victory in the tournament, the defeat ended PNG's hopes of finishing in the top three in its group.

Tucker, later declared man of the match, finished unbeaten on 52 that came off 33 balls and included one four and five towering sixes. Bermuda captain David Hemp was the other main run-getter with a 27-ball 30 with a four and a six. The two batsmen added 55 runs for the fourth wicket in just over seven overs.

Tucker later said: "My personal performance was really outstanding today. I haven't really had a good last four or five games, but today came all together."

"The team has been on the par for the last 5 games but now as the tournament goes on and we're almost at the end, we're getting a little better. So hopefully we can finish off our last three games with victories and hopefully the morale is high after this victory here and we can just continue to build."

"Hitting that last ball was amazing. That was always my intention to try to get us to victory in the last over."

"I guess our strategy for the last couple of games will be pretty much the same as of today. We got a victory so I guess we've done something right."

Earlier, Vani Vagi Morea top scored with 49 not out in PNG's 155 for six. Morea hit four fours and two sixes in a 31-ball knock. Chris Amini with 32 was the other notable run-getter.

Scores in brief

Bermuda beats PNG by five wickets at ICC GCA Oval 1
PNG 155-6, 20 overs (Vani Vagi Morea 49 not out, Chris Amini 32, Geraint Jones 23; Curt Stovell 2-21, Sam Robinson 2-27)
Bermuda 158-5, 19.3 overs (Janeiro Tucker 52 not out, Curt Stovell 31, David Hemp 30)
Man of the match Janeiro Tucker

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Afghanistan and Namibia stay on course

Afghanistan and Namibia extended their unbeaten run in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 to five matches after they won their respective matches on Sunday.

Afghanistan defeated Canada by 41 runs in a Twenty20 International at the ICC Global Cricket Academy Oval 1, Dubai Sports City, to stay on top of Group A while Namibia defeated Kenya by seven wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah to continue to head Group B.

In other crucial matches of day six of the tournament, the Netherlands made short work of Papua New Guinea (PNG) by nine wickets to record its fourth win and Nepal beat Bermuda by 24 runs for its third win in Group A, while in Group B, Ireland had the better of its traditional rival Scotland by 17 runs in a Twenty20 International which gave William Porterfield's side a fourth win while Italy was back in contention with a 13 runs victory over Uganda, its third win.

The two sides that will top their respective groups will feature in the 1st Qualifying Final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 22 March with the winner sealing a place for the Sri Lanka tournament to be staged from 18 September to 7 October.

The sides that finish second and third in the two groups will play cross-over matches. The two winners will progress to the Preliminary Final to be played on 23 March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The 2nd Qualifying Final - for the second spot in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 - will take place on the morning of 24 March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium between the loser of the 1st Qualifying Final and the winner of the Preliminary Final.

The two qualifiers will then lock horns in the tournament finale on the final evening and the side that wins the match will not only lift the trophy but will also join Australia and the West Indies in Group B. The losing team will complete Group A which also includes defending champion England and 2007 winner India.

Day six produced some outstanding individual performances.

Irfan Ahmed struck 10 fours and two sixes in a 60-ball 91 and Kinchit Shah took four for 21 in Hong Kong's 35 runs victory over Denmark, Tony Ura (70) of PNG was upstaged by an all-round performance by the Netherlands' Michael Swart (two for 20 and 59 not out) and Stephan Myburgh (52), Nepal captain Paras Khadka stroked a 48-ball 65 in his side's victory over Bermuda despite Curt Stovell's impressive figures of 4-0-25-4, Ed Joyce's superb 78 not out for Ireland and equally good 62 by Kyle Coetzer for Scotland, Namibia's Louis Klazinga's spell of 3-0-9-4 which doomed Kenya, the USA's captain Sushil Nadkarni's 59 which earned his side its first win in the tournament and Italy fast bowler Gareth Berg's figures of 3.4-0-20-4 which earned the European side a 13 runs victory over Uganda.

However, Afghanistan's Samiullah Shenwari's performance stood out as the all-rounder first scored 61 off 34 balls with six fours and three sixes in his side's 174 for eight. He then returned figures of 4-0-14-4 as Canada was restricted to 133 for nine.

Shenwari, adjudged man of the match, later said: "I am grateful that I was given a chance to bat higher up the order. I am very happy to take four wickets and score 61 runs. We are all feeling very confident and I am hoping we will have six wins from six and then seven wins from seven.

"It is up to the players to keep working hard and concentrate on the cricket. We are very happy to have Kabir back coaching us and things are going well."

In the Namibia-Kenya match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Namibia's Louis Klazinga took four for nine as Kenya lost its last nine wickets for 24 runs to be bowled out for 108 in 18.4 overs. In its reply, Namibia chased down the target with 21 balls and seven wickets to spare with Raymond van Schoor returning undefeated on 49.

Klazinga, who was declared man of the match, later said: "We started off slowly by conceding a few boundaries. It was difficult to bowl seam up. But we summed up the conditions very quickly. Luckily, it worked well for us.
"I am very happy with the show. It was a good all-round performance by us. To pull it back from the position they were in at 84-1 was great for us. We batted very well and knocked off the runs pretty easily. The morale in the camp is very good. We are taking it as it comes and it has been going good for us."

In a match between the arch rivals, Ireland prevailed over Scotland by 17 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Ed Joyce clubbed the last two deliveries of Ireland's innings for maximum to lift his side to 159 for five. In turn, Scotland finished at 142 for seven, despite Kyle Coetzer's 62 off 52 balls.

Joyce, who struck six four and three sixes, later said: "We knew 160 would be a par score on a wicket which was good to bat on. So, I am really delighted that I able to hit the sixes which took us to that total which we thought we could defend.

"It was also good to hit sixes off the final two deliveries as twenty20 format is not my strength unlike the 50-over or four-day format. But I think I am playing well and hitting the ball nicely which is good as we approach a very crucial stage of the tournament."

At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Nepal captain Paras Khadka hit an unbeaten 65 and claimed one for 31 to help his side score 24 runs victory over Bermuda.

He later said: "Bermuda didn't play that badly against us but they were always going to struggle to chase down 150 against our bowling. It was a good effort by our bowlers but maybe we could have improved a bit, but that's always the case in any game."


Scores in brief

Group A

Afghanistan beats Canada by 41 runs at ICC GCA Oval 1, Dubai Sports City

Afghanistan 174-8, 20 overs (Samiullah Shenwari 61, Karim Sadiq 36, Mohammad Shahzad 27; Zahid Hussain 3-16, Harvir Baidwan 2-49)

Canada 133-9, 20 overs (Nitish Kumar 38, Samiullah Shenwari 4-14, Dawlat Zadran 2-23)

Man of the match: Samiullah Shenwari (Afghanistan)

Hong Kong beats Denmark by 35 runs at ICC GCA Oval 1, Dubai Sports City

Hong Kong 170-5, 20 overs (Irfan Ahmed 91, James Atkinson 31, Babar Hayat 28; Bobby Chawla 3-19)

Denmark 135-9, 20 overs (Aftab Ahmed 39, Frederik Klokker 27, Kamran Mahmood 25; Kinchit Shah 4-21, Munir Dar 2-18)

Man of the match: Irfan Ahmed (Hong Kong)

Netherlands beats PNG by nine wickets at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

PNG 140-7, 20 overs (Tony Ura 70, Chris Amini 44; Peter Borren 3-24, Michael Swart 2-20)

Netherlands 141-1, 16.1 overs (Michael Swart 59 not out, Stephan Myburgh 52)

Man of the match: Michael Swart (Netherlands)

Nepal beats Bermuda by 24 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Nepal 151-6, 20 overs (Paras Khadka 65 not out, Sharad Vesawkar 44; Curt Stovell 4-25, Josclyn Pitcher2-29)

Bermuda 127-5, 20 overs (Janeiro Tucker 32, David Hemp 26; Shakti Gauchan 3-17)

Man of the match: Paras Khadka (Nepal)

Group B

Ireland beats Scotland by 17 runs at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai Sports City

Ireland 159-5, 20 over (Ed Joyce 78 not out, Gary Wilson 26, Alex Cusack 22; Majid Haq 2-18)

Scotland 142-7, 20 overs (Kyle Coetzer , Fraser Watts 33; Kevin O'Brien 3-34, Trent Johnston 2-23)

Man of the match: Ed Joyce (Ireland)

Namibia beats Kenya by seven wickets at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Kenya 108 all out, 18.4 overs (Duncan Allan 40, Collins Obuya 31; Louis Klazinga 4-9, Christoffel Viljoen 2-5)

Namibia 109-3, 16.3 overs (Raymond van Schoor 49 not out, Gerrie Snyman 22)

Man of the match: Louis Klazinga (Namibia)

USA beats Oman by 30 runs Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City

USA 141-7, 20 overs (Sushil Nadkarni 59, Abhimanyu Rajp 20; Zeeshan Siddiqui 2-19)

Oman 111-7, 20 overs (Vaibhav Wategaonkar 30, Adnan Ilyas 24; Japen Patil 3-29, Abhimanyu Rajp 2-23)

Man of the match: Usman Shuja (USA)

Italy beats Uganda by 13 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadum, Sharjah

Italy 131-7, 20 overs (Damian Crowley 44, Carl Sandri 26, Andrew Northcote 23; Jonathan Sebanja 2-14, Deusdedit Muhumuza 2-19)

Uganda 118 all out, 19.4 overs (Charles Waiswa 25 not out, Deusdedit Muhumuza 24; Gareth Berg 4-20)

Man of the match: Gareth Berg (Italy)

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR
Afghanistan	5	5	0	0	0	10	1.764
Netherlands	5	4	1	0	0	8	1.008
Canada	5	3	2	0	0	6	0.396
Nepal	5	3	2	0	0	6	0.328
PNG	5	2	3	0	0	4	-0.005
Hong Kong	5	2	3	0	0	4	-0.196
Denmark	5	1	4	0	0	2	-2.101
Bermuda	5	0	5	0	0	0	-1.292

GroupB

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	NetRR
Namibia	5	5	0	0	0	10	1.032
Ireland	5	4	1	0	0	8	1.793
Italy	5	3	2	0	0	6	0.405
Scotland	5	3	2	0	0	6	0.34
Uganda	5	2	3	0	0	4	-0.362
Kenya	5	2	3	0	0	4	-0.897
USA	5	1	4	0	0	2	-0.648
Oman	5	0	5	0	0	0	-1.731

Monday's schedule

Netherlands v Nepal (1000-1300), Global Cricket Academy No.1, Dubai Sports City

Scotland v Italy (1000-1300), Global Cricket Academy No.2, Dubai Sports City

Kenya v USA (1000-1300), Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Afghanistan v Hong Kong (1000-1300), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

PNG v Bermuda (1400-1700), Global Cricket Academy No.1, Dubai Sports City

Ireland v Uganda (1400-1700), Global Cricket Academy No.2, Dubai Sports City

Canada v Denmark (1400-1700), Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Namibia v Oman (1400-1700), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

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