Pakistan’s Sri Lanka tour itinerary announced

COLOMBO: Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka next month for three Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Monday.

The Pakistanis will kick off the six-week tour with two Twenty20 matches in the southern port town of Hambantota on June 1 and June 3.

The first two one-day internationals will be played in Pallekele on June 7 and June 9, followed by the remaining three at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo on June 13, 16 and 18.

The three back-to-back Tests will be held in Galle (June 22-26), the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo (June 30-July 4) and Pallekele (July 8-12).

Pakistan last toured Sri Lanka in 2009 where they lost the Test series 2-0. The two sides met in the United Arab Emirates last year where Pakistan won both the Test and one-day series and also clinched the lone Twenty20 international.

Tour itinerary: June 1: First Twenty20 international, Hambantota, June 3: Second Twenty20 international, Hambantota, June 7: First one-dayer, Pallekele June 9: Second one-dayer, Pallekele June 13: Third one-dayer, Colombo, June 16: Fourth one-dayer, Colombo June 18: Fifth one-dayer, Colombo June 22-26: First Test, Galle, June 30-July 4: Second Test, Colombo, July 8-12: Third Test, Pallekele.

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IPL: Chennai and Kolkata clash today

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings will face Kolkata Night Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL-2012) today, Geo News reported.

The match will start in the afternoon at 3.30 P.M (Pakistan Time).

Delhi Daredevils top the list with 14 points to its credit, while Kolkata Night Riders with 11 points and Mumbai Indians with 9 points trailing behind.

Geo Super is televising all the matches of this event live.

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IPL: Mumbai beat Deccan in low-scoring match

MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians defeated Deccan Chargers by five wickets in a low-scoring match in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Now, Mumbai Indians went to third position with ten points whereas Deccan Chargers remained on bottom of the points table.

Deccan Chargers were bowled out for 100 in 18.4 overs after Mumbai captain Harbhajan Singh won the toss and put them into bat.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga was the main destroyer who captured four wickets for 16 runs while off-spinner Harbhajan and left-arm fast-medium bowler from New Zealand claimed two wickets each for 13 and 18, respectively.

Shikhar Dhawan (29) and South African Jean-Paul Duminy (25) were the main scorers for Deccan.

Then, Mumbai achieved the easy target of 101 in 18.1 overs losing five wickets as Rohit Sharma top scored with 42.

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn took two wickets for 10 runs.

Geo Super televised this match live from Mumbai.

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Delhi snatch one-run thrilling win against Rajasthan

DELHI: Delhi Daredevils recorded a thrilling one-run victory against Rajasthan Royals in a nail-biting finish in the Indian Premier League season – V here at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Sunday.

Needing 12 runs to win in the final over with eight wickets in hand and Ajinkya Rahane on 75, Rajasthan could not make it against some intelligent bowling from Umesh Yadav and finished at 151-3 in 20 overs.

Rahane remained not out on 84 as he hit nine fours and a six in his 63-ball innings. He along with his captain Rahul Dravid (40) made 99 runs for the first wicket partnership.

Earlier, Delhi scored 152 for six in the allotted 20 overs after their captain Virender Sehwag won the toss and opened the innings.

He led from the front and smashed 63 off 39 balls with eight fours and two sixes. He was followed by Yogesh Nagar (27) and new Zealand’s Ross Taylor (25).

Sehwag and Taylor added 80 runs for the third wicket stand.

For Rajasthan, pacemen Pankaj Singh and Amit Singh claimed two wickets each.

Geo Super, Pakistan’s first sports tv channel showed this match live from Delhi.

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IPL: Two matches today

DELHI: Two matches will be played in the Indian Premier League (IPL-2012) today, Geo News reported.

Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals will lock horn in the first match, which will start in the afternoon at 3.30 P.M. (Pakistan Time).

In the second match Mumbai Indians will be facing Deccan Chargers. This will start in the night at 7.30 P.M. (Pakistan Time).

Delhi Daredevils with 12 points to its credit stand on the top, while Kolkata Night Riders with 11 points trailing behind.

Geo Super is televising all matches of this event live.

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IPL: Kolkata outplay Bangalore by 47 runs

KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Royal Challenger Bangalore by 47 runs in the season five of the Indian Premier League here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

The Knight Riders amassed 190 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs after captain Gautam Gambhir won the toss.

Gambhir leading from the front smashed 93 from 51 balls with five sixes and nine fours whereas New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum made 43 with eight boundaries and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis scored 41 in 27 balls with three sixes and a four.

For the Royal Challengers, R Vinay Kumar took two wickets for 31 runs.

In reply, Bangalore could make 143 for six despite a blazing innings by West Indies’ Chris Gayle who struck six sixes and seven fours in his 58-ball 86.

Kallis claimed two wickets for 31 runs for Kolkata.

Geo Super showed this high-scoring match live from the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

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IPL: Clarke looks to make IPL impact under Ganguly

ROSEAU, Dominica: Michael Clarke headed for his first stint in the Indian Premier League on Friday, insisting that he was looking forward to playing under former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.

Clarke masterminded Australia's 2-0 Test series win in the West Indies, taking his record as national team captain since succeeding Ricky Ponting last year to nine wins, three draws and two defeats.

But at the Pune Warriors, he will have to play under Ganguly whose international career featured a number of fierce, competitive clashes with the Australians.

"I think that Sourav's always been a nice guy. I've always got along with him well and I look forward to playing under him," said Clarke, after Australia beat West Indies by 75 runs in the third and final Test.

"It seems like he's doing a really good job as captain-coach over there and I've spoken to a couple of the boys and they seem to be really happy about how things are so for me it's an eye-opener."

Clarke will have to reacquaint himself with the Twenty20 cricket in India having already quit the shorter international form of the game to concentrate on his Test and ODI career with Australia.

"I've never been to the IPL. I've said for a long time that when the opportunity comes up and I feel that it's right for me that I'd love to get over there and have a crack and see what it's like," he said. (AFP)

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IPL: Punjab beat Chennai in nail-biting finish

CHENNAI: Kings XI Punjab beat Chennai Super Kings by seven runs in a thrilling match in the season five of the Indian Premier League here at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk on Saturday.

Chasing 157, Chennai could manage 149 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

Dwayne Bravo of the West Indies made 30, Faf du Plessis of South Africa scored 29 and Subramaniam Badrinath hit 25 as only two other batsmen could get into double figures.

Pakistan-born English county all-rounder Azhar Mahmood captured three wickets for 25 runs and India’s leg-break bowler Piyush Chawla claimed two for 20 for Punjab.

Earlier, Kings XI Punjab made 156 for eight in the allotted 20 overs after their captain David Hussey won the toss.

Mandeep Singh top scored with 56, followed by Shaun Marsh of Australia who made 32. Both openers provided a good start of 68 but later no other batsman could get into double figures except South Africa’s David Miller (19) and Azhar Mahmood (18).

For Chennai, Albie Morkel of South Africa got three wickets for 29 and Bravo took two for 28.

Pakistan’s premier sports tv channel Geo Super televised this interesting match live from Chennai

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Delhi still on top crushing Mumbai by 37 runs

DELHI: Delhi Daredevils defeated Mumbai Indians by 37 runs to remain on top of points table in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Friday.

Chasing an improbable target of 208, Mumbai were restricted to 170 runs for nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Main scorers were Ambati Rayudu (62 off 39 balls with three sixes and five fours) and Dinesh Karthik (40 off 28 balls with seven fours).

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, and pace bowlers Umesh Yadav and Irfan Pathan got two wickets each for Delhi.

Earlier, sent into bat by Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh, Delhi Daredevils piled up a massive total of 207 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

This was the second highest total by any team in the tournament after 208-5 by Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore some two weeks ago.

Captain Virender Sehwag smashed 73 from 39 balls hitting four sixes and eight fours – his third successive fifty - and later was declared the Man-of-the-Match.

Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka and Kevin Pietersen of England also hit half-centuries – Jayawardene made 55 with eight fours and Pietersen scored an unbeaten 26 ball-50 with three sixes and six fours.

For Mumbai, left-arm spinner Robin Peterson of South Africa claimed three wickets for 37 while Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga took two for 31.

Geo Super showed this match live from Delhi.

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No plan to change Misbah: Ashraf

Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf Saturday said he had no plans of changing Misbah ul Haq as the captain of the national team.

We did not decide about the selection of the captain, he told the local media when quizzed.

Ashraf also stressed that Pakistan is a safe country for hosting international cricket and promised to provide a head-of-state like security for visiting countries.

His comments came ahead of the announcement of the squad for the Sri Lankan tour.

Earlier, Younus Khan had reportedly expressed a desire to lead the team if the board offered him the job, while coach Dav Whatmore had backed Shoaib Malik as the Twenty20 skipper after monitoring his captaincy skills during the recently-concluded National Twenty20 Cup.

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Clarke keeps lid on great Aussie expectations

ROSEAU: Michael Clarke celebrated a year in charge of Australia with a 75-run victory over West Indies in the third and final Test, but insisted his team is far from the finished article.

Since succeeding Ricky Ponting as skipper, Clarke has built an impressive record with nine wins, three draws and just two defeats in 14 Tests.

"A lot more grey hairs, but I've really enjoyed it," said Clarke, after Australia wrapped-up their Caribbean series 2-0.

"I've been very lucky to have some other great leaders around me, wonderful support staff who have played a part in me having success. And the captain is only as good as his stock.

"Come our next tour to England, the one-day series, we'll be looking to continue to play some really good cricket and keep Australian cricket in the right direction."

Clarke has been through the mill during his time in charge, with a series of great highs and embarrassing lows.

He led Australia to an impressive 4-0 home win over India, scoring 626 runs at an average of 125.20.

He also became only the third player after Don Bradman and Wally Hammond to have made a triple century and a double century in the same series.

But he also saw his team bowled out for just 47 by South Africa in Cape Town, before squaring the series in Johannesburg just days later.

Then came the shock defeat to New Zealand in Hobart in December last year.

Those ups and downs have forced Clarke not to get too carried away by making predictions over what the future may hold for Australia.

"Cape Town showed us how quickly things can change for the worse and then to be able to pull off a win in Jo'burg -- and we're talking about a very strong Test team in their own back yard -- so to be able to level that series was a great learning curve for us.

"And we continue to learn, especially, from those two games, Cape Town and Hobart.

"I still think we're a way off the number one spot. We have a lot of improvement to become the number one team. It's not just about one series or one summer. It's about consistency over a period of time."

Australia's South African coach Mickey Arthur praised the contributions of Matthew Wade, who made a maiden Test century here and spinner Nathan Lyon, who was his team's leading wicket-taker in the series with 13.

Ed Cowan also won plaudits from Arthur after the opener made a battling 55 in the first innings of the final Test.

"It's been excellent for the development of a lot of players who haven't played out of Australia before. I'm thinking of the likes of Matthew Wade, Ed Cowan, Nathan Lyon," said Arthur.

"I think we've played solid cricket, we've had a lot of young players that are playing in these conditions for the first time and I think they all go back to Australia better players.

"We go back to Australia with a lot of answers as to where we're going as a squad and I'm very, very happy that we're just creating depth within our structures because with the amount of cricket we play these days there's going to be injuries and we've got guys that are going to be match-hardened and ready to step up to the plate.

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Wasim Akram has always been my inspiration: Zia

Islamabad: Upcoming left hand pace bowler Zia ul Haq names  legendary Wasim Akram as the hero he looks up to in his bid to become a top rated cricketer.

Since his first class debut on October 2010 at the age of 15, Zia has turned heads in the cricket world and the media despite his young career. His debut season saw him take 10 wickets in 4 matches at just under 29 apiece.
His journey into first class cricket was uncertain due to strong competition and his illustrious involvement with the Pakistan Under -19 set up.
However, his chance came when he impressed PIA with his performance at the National One Day Cup first division last year, taking 13 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of just under 4.5. The opposing team’s batsmen are wary even of his slow wickets, said his team mates.
“Wasim Akram has always been my inspiration, I just loved watching him bowl. I only watched him when he was at the tail end of his illustrious career but the collection of videos and DVDs of his bowling have always been an inspiration to me,” Zia told Pakpassion.net.
Zia was so in awe of the great cricketer that he dared not approach Akram when he visited once at a PIA practice session.
“He was chatting to some of the other players but I was just too shy to speak with him. Hopefully at some point in the future I will see him again and this time I am determined to speak with him and get some advice regarding my bowling.”
Zia is presently based in the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, receiving one-on-one guidance from some of the best coaches on his bowling as well as his physical conditioning.

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Domestic cricket: A job well done

The domestic Super Eight Twenty20 Cup 2011-12 was a star studded affair featuring almost all the familiar faces from the national team. The tournament lived up to its reputation and provided for some awe-inspiring and thrilling cricket. Sialkot Stallions remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and emerged as the deserving winners under the leadership of Shoaib Malik. The tournament was important in the sense that it was held ahead of the Fourth T20 World Championship scheduled to be held in September. It was keenly watched by the selectors as well as Dav Whatmore—the newly appointed coach of Pakistan. They must have taken note of some of the exciting youngsters who displayed their prowess in the shortest format of the game. One hopes that the T20 team selected for the World Championship is a combination of specialists who have the ability to tackle the best in the world. It must be kept in mind that majority of the competing players will be coming almost straight from the two-month grind of Indian Premiere League (IPL) and hence will already be in T20 groove. The tournament featured some great individual performances. Openers Imran Nazir and Khalid Latif showed that they still have the consistency and the firepower to excel in this particular format of the game. Stallions’ left-handed middle-order batsman Haris Sohail was also a star performer and impressed with his ability to dominate the bowling while keeping his orthodox style intact In addition, batsmen like Ahmed Shehzad, Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Taufeeq Umar and Iftikhar Ahmed also showed their brilliance in patches. Stallions’ wicket-keeper-batsman Shakeel Ansar struck the only century of the tournament which took his team to the final. He, along with Peshawar Panthers’ keeper Gauhar Ali, impressed with athleticism behind the stumps. Shoaib Malik’s fluent half-century in the final and his five-wicket haul against the same opposition in an earlier round match made it evident that he is still the best all-rounder on the domestic circuit. On the bowling front, it was an excellent tournament for the slow left-armers. Stallions’ Raza Hasan was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 wickets. The last over bowled by him in the final was probably the difference between the two sides.
His four wickets in that over not only stalled the Dolphins’ progress but also prevented the in-form Khalid Latif from getting the strike. Other slow left-arm bowlers who impressed during the tournament were Raza Ali Dar of Lahore Lions, Mustafa Iqbal of Lahore Eagles, Faraz Ahmed of Karachi Dolphins, not to forget the veteran Abdul Rehman who was simply impossible to get away. Off-spinner Adnan Rasool also bowled with guile and took wickets at vital stages to prevent the opposing batsmen from scoring freely. Among the fast bowlers, young pacemen Zia-ul-Haq of Lahore Lions, Emmad Ali of Lahore Eagles and Anwar Ali of Karachi Eagles bowled with hostility. Umar Gul—captaining his native Peshawar Panthers—bowled his heart out but was unable to take his team past the semi-final stage; however, his incisive opening spell against the fancied Lions was one of the highlights of this tournament Some of the biggest disappointments of the tournament included spin wizard Saeed Ajmal, young guns Umar Amin and Rameez Raja Jr and the experienced fast bowling quartet of Mohammad Sami, Tanvir Ahmed, Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir. Saeed was highly ineffective and was taken apart by the Lahore Lions batting powerhouse. Umar Amin was the cornerstone of Rawalpindi Rams’ batting during last year’s Super Eights and this year’s T20 National Championship. He had been the nucleus around which the team’s batting revolved and impressed with his ability to pace the innings; unfortunately, he was an abject failure this time around Rameez’s explosive batting during the previous two T20 tournaments earned him a place in Pakistan’s T20 team against Zimbabwe last year; however, he also appeared off colour throughout this championship. Despite their experience, Sami, Tanvir, Sohail and Wahab were unable to make regular inroads during the tournament and even failed to stem the flow of runs at crucial junctures of the tournament. Sohail—who had emerged as one of the most intelligent captains last year—failed miserably in motivating his talented team. Abdul Razzaq’s bowling also witnessed a sharp decline. Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Fawad Alam were conspicuous by their absence It was heartwarming to see packed houses at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on almost all the days. Although it is still too early to invite foreign teams to Pakistan but the public enthusiasm definitely proved that regional domestic cricket—if marketed properly—has the potential to generate fan following.
The one negative of the tournament was the live television commentary. At times, it was painful to hear the experts harping endlessly about the new chairman of the PCB and his initiatives. The non-stop mantra had reached a point where the proceedings on the ground almost seemed to have become irrelevant to the commentary panel. Perhaps it is time for the media bosses to introduce some rules and regulations that can govern the quality and ethics of live commentary.

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Maybe the authorities don’t like me: Razzaq

Pakistan’s star all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has turned to England, after failing to appeal to the selection committee at home.
Razzaq will represent Leicestershire in the team’s Twenty20 campaign next month, but has not ruled out playing for the country.
“I’ll definitely love to make a return to the team like any other national cricketer,” the 32-year-old said.
Razzaq, who has played 265 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 46 Tests for Pakistan, cited that a lack of interest at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) end had left him sidelined since the series against Sri Lanka. The ongoing fitness tests conducted by Dav Whatmore in Lahore also bore no fruit for him.
“I keep getting overlooked, maybe the authorities don’t like me,” Razzaq said in an interview, expressing his disappointment.
Razzaq was involved in a controversy for participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) earlier this year.
According to then chief selector Mohammad Illyas, the all-rounder cited a shoulder injury for his unavailability in the ODI series against England in UAE, but later went on to play in the BPL and even bowled full-throttle at times.
Razzaq on the other hand, claimed that he communicated to the official that he was unable to deliver a full quota of 10 overs due to the shoulder pain

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Captaincy not out of the question for Younis

Captaining the national cricket team again is not out of the question for senior Pakistan batsman Younis Khan even after his unceremonious exit from the post in 2009.Leading the national team has been an honour and if the board has any offer I will consider it,” said the 34-year-old cricketer, while conceding that he was not after the title and had no issues playing under any other captain.
Khan led Pakistan to the 2009 World Twenty20 title as well as the Champions Trophy semifinal later that year, but resigned after the home series against New Zealand in the UAE, claiming he was not getting support from his team members.
Since then, he has declined offers to lead the side, telling the authorities that he wanted to focus on his batting.
Sources close to Khan said he is not interested in the captaincy anymore, despite his public announcement.
“He is a sensitive soul and after what happened in 2009 and the way some players went against him, he has definitely ruled out taking on the responsibility of leading the team again,” a source said.
Although his future as captain remains uncertain, Khan who has played 76 Tests, made it clear that he had no intention of retiring from the game soon.
“I plan to touch the 100 Test mark before I think of retiring,” he said

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Chanderpaul says 10,000 runs due to hard graft

ROSEAU: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, only the 10th player in history to make 10,000 Test runs, believes hard graft and long hours in the nets propelled him to his landmark.
The 37-year-old became only the second West Indian to reach the magic figure when he went to 14 in his side's second innings in the ongoing third and final Test against Australia at Windsor Park.
Playing in his 140th Test, the veteran went on to make a typically patient 69 off 122 balls -- his 58th Test half-century -- before he was dismissed by Australian skipper Michael Clarke off the last ball of Thursday's play.
The only other West Indies batsman to reach the 10,000-run milestone was Brian Lara, who ended his career with 11,953 runs.
"I have been batting well and spending a lot of time at the crease and to reach 10,000 Test runs is something special for me," said Chanderpaul, who made his debut in 1994 and now averages over 50.
"It was one of the goals I set myself and I believe I have reaped the reward for the hard work I put in. When I go to bat, I know I have a job to do for the team and the people of the West Indies."
Chanderpaul has been his country's standout batsman in the three-match series against Australia, making 103 not out in the first Test in Barbados followed by 94 in Trinidad. He also made 68 in the first innings of the ongoing match.
He has 25 Test hundreds and 58 half-centuries with his highest Test score of 203 not out coming against South Africa nine years ago in Guyana.
Teammate Darren Bravo, who shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 110 with Chanderpaul which kept West Indies in the game on Thursday, paid tribute to the veteran.
"He puts his heart and soul into the way he practices. Shiv's a guy who will bat first at practice and then be the last to leave the nets," said Bravo.
"The way he goes about an innings is special, he plays the ball on its merits and his concentration level is very good."
Australia coach Mickey Arthur admitted he was relieved to see the end of Chanderpaul, the last major barrier to the tourists, who had set the West Indies a 370-run target, winning the final Test.
The home side will resume on Friday on 173 for five and with virtually no hope of avoiding losing the three-match series 2-0.
Arthur believes the dogged Chanderpaul was always destined to make Test runs.
"I saw him when he was very young. He toured South Africa and he looked a very, very good player then," said the coach.
"In my last series that I had with South Africa as coach against the West Indies I think Shiv got a hundred in every first innings.
"You can't help but admire the application and desire to keep scoring runs. You've got to marvel at that -- a fantastic achievement." AGENCIES

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Deccan stun Pune to record first win in IPL

PUNE: Deccan Chargers defeated Pune Warriors by 18 runs to achieve their first victory in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium on Thursday.

The Chargers who never won any match prior to this now finally recorded their maiden win after five successive losses in the tournament.

Chasing 178, the Warriors could reach 159-7 in the allotted 20 overs.

Their main scorers were Robin Uthappa (29), Steven Smith (26), captain Sourav Ganguly (23), Mithun Manhas (22 not out) and Manish Pandey (21).

For Deccan, Ashish Reddy and Rusty Theron claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Deccan made 177 for four in 20 overs batting first after their captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss.

Cameron White of Australia top scored with 78, scored off 46 balls as he smashed six fours and five sixes.

Geo Super, Pakistan’s first sports tv channel, televised this match live from Pune.

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Australia set 370-run target for West Indies

ROSEAU, Dominica: Australia dismissed opener Adrian Barath for nought as West Indies suffered a miserable start to their pursuit of 370 to win the third and final Test at Windsor Park on Thursday.

After Australia had been bowled out for 259 in their second innings to set West Indies the sixth highest run chase in Test history, the home side failed to get through the seven overs to lunch unscathed.

Barath clipped a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery off his legs into the air and Ed Cowan dived to his right to take a fine catch in the third over.

Only two runs were scored before lunch with Kraigg Brathwaite ending his run of three consecutive scoreless innings.

Australia, who have already wrapped up the series, started the day on 200 for six and looking determined to keep the scoreboard ticking despite the difficulty of scoring on the slow track.

Mike Hussey had taken his score to 32 when off-spinner Shane Shillingford found the edge and skipper Darren Sammy took a neat catch around ankle height at first slip.

Mitchell Starc decided that the aerial route was the best option against Shillingford.

The ball seemed to be either beating the edge or flying in the air off the bat towards the boundary as the pair duelled.

When Narsingh Deonarine came on, Ryan Harris tried to slog his second ball but it took the top edge and went high in the air where Carlton Baugh took it easily in his gloves with the batsman on nine.

Hilfenhaus, on six, then received a brute of a delivery from Shillingford that took a big bounce off the wicket and hit the splice of the bat.

Brathwaite, at silly point, snared an excellent one-handed catch.

Just as Kemar Roach achieved in the last Test in Trinidad, Shillingford was able to celebrate a 10-wicket haul in the match, becoming the the first West Indian spinner to achieve the feat since Lance Gibbs in 1966.

Roach then came on for his first bowl of the day and, coming around the wicket, beat Starc's bat and clipped the bails after the tail-ender had made 21

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Indian legend Tendulkar offered political role

NEW DELHI: India's prime minister has put forward batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar for membership of the upper house of parliament, reports said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written a letter to the president recommending the cricketer be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, an India news channel quoted sources as saying.

Tendulkar, who turned 39 this week, was in New Delhi to play an Indian Premier League match for the Mumbai Indians against the Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Tendulkar and his wife had called on ruling Congress party president Sonia Gandhi at her residence -- a meeting described as a "courtesy visit" by the local media.

The vast majority of the 250 seats in the upper house of India's parliament are filled by members elected by the legislatures in their home states.

But 12 seats lie in the favour of the president and are normally awarded to people who have excelled in such fields as the arts, science and sport.

Tendulkar's name is among four that the government has recommended to the president to fill seats currently lying vacant, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and has played more Tests (188) and one-day internationals (463) than any other player.

He is the highest run-getter in both forms of the game and last month became the first batsman to complete 100 international centuries -- 51 in Tests and 49 in one-dayers.

Reports of his Rajya Sabha nomination are likely to spark fresh speculation about his immediate future, although Tendulkar himself has dismissed talk of retirement anytime soon.

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IPL: Switch-hitter Peterson does a Pietersen

NEW DELHI: Unheralded South African Robin Peterson became an overnight sensation in the Indian Premier League after leading Mumbai Indians to victory with a stunning batting display.

Peterson, 32, adopted the switch-hit made famous by his former countryman Kevin Pietersen after his team needed 32 off the last two overs against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday night.

The left-hander, who said he had not even practised the shot, switch-hit the first two deliveries of the penultimate over from leg-spinner Piyush Chawla for boundaries and then pulled the third for a six.

The over produced 27 runs as batting partner Ambati Rayadu smashed the last two balls for sixes, leaving Mumbai Indians needing just five runs off the final over.

Victory was achieved with one ball to spare with Rayadu making an unbeaten 34 off 17 balls and Peterson, better known as a left-arm spinner, returning with 16 from seven balls.

Peterson, whose highest score in six Tests, 55 one-dayers and nine Twenty20 games for South Africa is 61, said he had never played the switch-hit before Wednesday night's game.

"The switch-hit was played by instinct," he said. "I had not practised them. But I am happy my innings helped the team win. It is nice to get over the line in such close games."

It was Peterson's first game for Mumbai Indians, who secured his services for a relatively modest $100,000 this season, but kept him on the bench for the first six matches.

Batting superstar and Mumbai Indians team-mate Sachin Tendulkar was delighted by the power-hitting at the end.

"The 19th over changed everything for us," Tendulkar tweeted. "It is definitely one of the most exciting overs I have seen in my life.

"Some extraordinary innovative hitting by Robin (and) unbelievably strong finish by Rayudu."

Pietersen, the South Africa-born England batsman, has been using the innovative shot for Delhi Daredevils in the Twenty20 tournament. (

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Deccan to face Pune in IPL today

PUNE: Deccan Chargers will arrive in Pune buoyed by the fact that they have finally got their first point of the tournament, courtesy the washout against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday.

A couple of wins, however improbable it may seem after five successive losses, is all that it takes to lift a team. Pune Warriors, on the other hand, have four wins and they have nicked points off strong units such as Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Playing at their home ground, they wouldn't want to lose points to bottom-placed Chargers.

Geo Super will show this match live from Pune at 7-30 pm today.

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West Indies fight back against Aussies

ROSEAU, Dominica: West Indies grabbed the wicket of David Warner just before lunch to finish off a good morning for them here at Windsor Park on Wednesday on the third day of the third and final Test between West Indies and Australia.

The tourists hold a lead of 128 runs over the hosts after they had earlier bowled the West Indies out for 218 in their first innings - a typically stubborn innings of 68 by veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul limiting the damage.

However, the Australians are in a strong position as they only need a draw to take the series having won the opening Test.

West Indies had been 165 for eight overnight with Chanderpaul and Ravi Rampaul having already put on 45 for ninth wicket.

They took their partnership to 66 before Nathan Lyon broke through. Rampaul came down the wicket but got a thick outside edge and the ball flew up to Warner at point.

The visitors took the new ball after 83.1 overs and in the end it was Chanderpaul that fell.

Mitchell Starc was bringing the ball back in off the seam and one finally got past the obstinate West Indian's bat and struck him on the pad and he was judged lbw.

Chanderpaul had faced 164 balls for his 68 as he once again top scored.

He is also the highest scorer in the series with 277 runs at an average of 92.33. He has managed to face up to the Australian's bowling for more than twice as many balls as any of his team mates.

Kemar Roach played his part too. He provided stubborn resistance to frustrate the Australians and ended up not out having played his third longest Test innings in facing 65 balls for his nine runs.

It left Australia to face a tricky five overs before lunch and the West Indies got the breakthrough that they would have wanted.

Warner had already struck Rampaul for two boundaries. However, in the last over before the interval he drove loosely at a Roach delivery and edged to the only fielder in the slip cordon, Chanderpaul.

The next ball almost brought a second wicket. Shane Watson played the delivery out towards mid-wicket and non-striker Ed Cowan anticipated a single.

Watson didn't move from his crease and Cowan had to scamper back. A direct hit might have caught him short of the mark but he survived.

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Mumbai snatch 4-wkt win from Punjab

MOHALI: Mumbai Indians defeated Kings XI Punjab by four wickets when Ambati Rayudu smashed a boundary off penultimate ball from Azhar Mahmood in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 169, Mumbai Indians completed the stunning victory in 19.5 overs with an unbeaten 14-ball 36-run seventh wicket stand between Rayudu and Robin Pietersen.

Rayudu remained not out on 34,hitting two sixes and as many fours in 17 balls while South Africa’s Pietersen scored an unbeaten 16 off seven balls with two fours and a six.

However, Mumbai’s top scorer was Rohit Sharma who blasted a fifty in 30 balls with three sixes and three fours whereas star batsman Sachin Tendulkar contributed 34.

For Punjab, Parvinder Awana took three and Pakistan’s Azhar Mahmood claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Kings XI Punjab made 168 for three in the allotted 20 overs after their captain David Hussey decided to bat first.

He was also the top scorer, hitting 68 from 40 balls with four sixes and as many fours. He was supported by South Africa’s David Miller who made an unbeaten 34 off 17 balls with a four and three sixes.

Both added 89 runs in just 7.1 overs for an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership.

Geo Super showed this interesting match live from Mohali, Chandigarh.

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South Africa decline Bangladesh tour

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa has declined an invitation to play limited-overs and Twenty20 internationals in Bangladesh next month.

"Unfortunately there are too many practical obstacles that prevent us from accepting this commitment," CSA chief executive Jacques Faul said.

"At the moment most of our senior Proteas are spread around the world ... and those who are at home are undergoing rehabilitation from injuries picked up during the past season.

"We also have to bear in mind that the Proteas squad has a hectic schedule ahead." South Africa tours England and Australia either side of the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September.

The South African Cricketers' Association said the request from Bangladesh came too late. "Unfortunately this request has come through very late in the day by which stage most of the senior players had committed themselves to professional contracts abroad and it would be unfair to ask them to renege on them," SACA chief executive Tony Irish said.

"The Proteas team management and players have also put their plans in place in the build-up to their tour of England and it would be impossible to change them at this stage." South Africa's tour to England starts in July.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has been trying to line up international matches since being forced last week to postpone a two-match tour of Pakistan when the country's High Court ordered it be delayed because of security concerns.

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IPL: Kolkata-Deccan match abandoned due to rain

KOLKATA: The second match to be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers here at the Eden Gardens was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain on Tuesday.

Both teams were awarded one point each after the umpires called off the match.

In the wake of this decision, Deccan Chargers who never won any match after six matches in the tournament are not pointless anymore.

Kolkata Knight Riders are second in the league with nine points behind Delhi Daredevils who are on top of the table with ten points.

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Wade's maiden century frustrates Windies

ROSEAU, Dominica: Matthew Wade's maiden test century guided Australia to a respectable first innings total of 328 all out here at lunch on the second day of the third and final Test with the West Indies.

Wade's innings of 106 rescued Australia from a perilous looking overnight score of 212-7 - they had been 169-7 at one point on the opening day - and gives them a great chance of avoiding defeat here and securing the result that will give them the series.

Wade finally fell to the impressive Dominican-born paceman Shane Shillingford, who went on to snaffle Ben Hilfenhaus and finish with a career best 6-119 and make it a memorable moment for being the first Dominican to play a test on his home island.

It could have been so different had not Kemar Roach dropped Wade off his own bowling in his third over of the morning when the batsman had yet to add to his overnight score of 22.

The hosts did strike next ball, though, as a sharp piece of fielding by Kraigg Brathwaite ran out Mitchell Starc for a test career best of 35. Starc was at fault as he was ambling back and carrying his bat rather than sliding it in for a third run.

Wade upped the tempo as he approached his maiden Test fifty and brought it up with a sweep shot that yielded two runs. This mark having been reached Wade went on the attack with the highlight consecutive sixes off Shillingford.

He took seven from the next over and brought up a wonderful century by driving Roach through the covers for four. It had taken 143 balls but the second fifty was struck in just 33 deliveries.

In Shillingford's next over, Wade went for another six over mid-wicket but another brilliant bit of fielding brought his downfall.

Darren Bravo took a catch just inside the rope but realised that his momentum was taking him over the boundary. He threw the ball up, gathered himself and returned to the field of play to hold on to the ball.

Wade and Hilfenhaus had added 102 runs for the eighth wicket in just 20 overs.

The batsmen had crossed as Bravo took the catch and two balls later Hilfenhaus was bowled as he tried a slog over mid-wicket for 19.

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IPL: Sehwag powers Delhi to 8-wkt win over Pune

PUNE: Captain Virender Sehwag led from the front to guide Delhi Daredevils to a comfortable eight wicket win with 24 balls to spare against Pune Warriors in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium on Tuesday.

This was interesting to note that only four wickets fell in the entire Twenty20 match which produced 294 runs.

Chasing 147, Sehwag opened the innings and blasted an unbeaten 87 from 48 balls to get an easy victory for Delhi in 16 overs.

He struck ten fours and three sixes and added 89 runs for the second wicket stand with Kevin Pietersen, who hit two sixes in his 27.

Earlier, Pune Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss and decided to bat first but lost two early wickets for only one run on the board.

However, Pune reached 146 for two in the allotted 20 overs due to an unbeaten second wicket 145-run partnership between Manish Pandey and Robin Uthappa.

Pandey remained not out on 80, scored off 56 balls, with the help of three sixes and seven fours while Uthappa made an unbeaten 60 with six boundaries.

Geo Super televised this match live from Pune for cricket lovers in Pakistan.

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Ponting answers critics with run landmark

ROSEAU: Australian veteran Ricky Ponting answered questions about his retirement in customary style as he became Test cricket's second-highest run-scorer in the third match against West Indies.

The 37-year-old, who has repeatedly faced down calls to quit, overtook Rahul Dravid's 13,288 by the narrowest of margins -- a single run -- when he was out for 23 on day one at Windsor Park, Roseau.

The former Australian captain, who compiled his 13,289 in 165 matches, now trails only India's Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time list. The "Little Master" is on 15,470.

"My love for the game and passion and desire to play and be successful hasn't changed," said Ponting on Sunday, the eve of the final Test, when asked if he was considering quitting. "Even when things were really tough a few months ago, all I wanted to do was try to give myself the best chance to be able to play well again.

"I felt I got there through the summer and I feel like I'm batting really well at the moment. I've still got a few things I want to achieve and a few games of cricket I want to be a part of and win for Australia. "As long as I feel I can play a role winning games of cricket for Australia I'll continue to do it. I'm enjoying it as much as ever and probably working harder than ever on my game."

Ponting had previously scored four, 14, seven and 41 in the three-Test series, renewing questions about his future.

The World Cup-winner was axed from Australia's one-day set-up in February, despite roaring back from a lean spell by averaging 108.80 in the 4-0 Test sweep of India. But he received backing from captain Michael Clarke, who said runs had been hard to come by on the Test tour which Australia lead 1-0.

"He's hitting the ball well, probably hasn't got that big score that he'd like but none of us have. Conditions haven't been great for making big hundreds," Clarke told www.cricinfo.com. "If you wanted to make runs here you had to bat for a hell of a long time, and need a bit of luck as well along the way.

"Ricky's one of the guys that has put the team above himself and sacrificed his wicket or tried to take the game forward because we've needed to, to try and help us win the game."

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PCB sends official communique to BCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has not given up hope on getting Bangladesh to fulfil commitment of playing in the country and has termed the writ petition filed in the Dhaka High Court against the tour as devoid of merit and not in public interest.

The PCB issued a press release today in which it said that it has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board to keep it updated and share details of any appeal filed against the writ petition in the High Court.

"After perusing the copy of the writ petition regarding Bangladesh tour of Pakistan, pending in Dhaka High Court Division, PCB sent an official communique to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) asking it to submit copy of the court order and copy of the appeal (if any) filed by BCB against the stay order," the PCB spokesman said.

"After perusal of the writ by officials of PCB assisted by legal advisor, prima facie the writ petition is devoid of merits and has been filed against public interest which will be detrimental to the game of cricket," the release said.

The PCB spokesman reminded that the revival of international cricket in the country has been supported at various ICC forums.

"PCB is hopeful that BCB will leave no stone unturned to get the stay order vacated."

No foreign team has visited Pakistan because of security fears since March 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team here and killed six Pakistani policemen and a van driver. The militants also wounded five of the visiting players.

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Muhammad Yousuf out to revive career

LAHORE: Veteran Pakistan batsman Muhammad Yousuf took part in a fitness test on Tuesday to try to revive his international career, insisting he could still compete at the highest level.

The 37-year old played the last of his 90 Tests against England at Lord's in 2010 a match marred by the spot-fixing scandal involving three of his teammates.

He has not been considered for selection in the last two years because he has not played in domestic matches in Pakistan, but he took part in a workout led by new Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore on Tuesday.

"I have given a fitness test and now the result is in the hands of PCB," Yousuf told reporters outside the national academy here. "I am ready to play for my country and still have enough cricket left in me."

Yousuf rose from a poor background to become one of the most stylish batsmen Pakistan had ever produced, smashing 1,788 Test runs in 2006 a world record for a calendar year.

His career drifted after the PCB banned him for an indefinite period in March 2010 following the disastrous tour of Australia, which he captained.

The ban was overturned to allow Yousuf a comeback on the 2010 England tour, during which Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were charged and eventually jailed for arranging deliberate no-balls for money.

Yousuf, who has played 288 one-day and three Twenty20 internationals, said he has been playing regular cricket and wanted to feature in the English county championship, though a deal with Leicestershire fell through.

Whatmore said the fitness of all Pakistani players will be assessed before next month's tour to Sri Lanka.

"The fitness test was designed to give everyone an idea where they stand now and after a prescription of work to re-test and see the improvement," he said.

Pakistan play two Twenty20s, five one-day internationals and three Tests on their tour of Sri Lanka from late May to mid-July. (AFP)

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Tendulkar turns 39, urged to carry on

NEW DELHI: Batting great Sachin Tendulkar turned 39 on Tuesday with an impassioned plea from his childhood coach to carry on playing cricket for India since he is "far from finished".

"All those murmurs about his retirement must stop, this is not the right time to go," said Ramakant Achrekar, 80, the man credited with the early training of the leading scorer in Test history.

"He must not retire now. He must go on playing and scoring runs for the country," the celebrated coach told the Hindustan Times.

Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and has played more Tests (188) and one-day internationals (463) than any player. He is the highest run-getter in both forms of the game and last month became the first batsman to complete 100 international centuries -- 51 in Tests and 49 in one-dayers.

But Tendulkar took more than a year to move from 99 to 100 hundreds -- against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup in Dhaka -- and many fans started to believe he needed to rethink his career, especially in one-dayers.

The Mumbai batsman has himself dismissed talk of retirement, saying it would be "selfish" for him to quit when he still had a lot to offer Indian cricket.

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IPL: Two matches today

PUNE: Two matches will be played in the Indian Premier League (IPL-2012) Tuesday, Geo News reported.

After being undone at their home stadium, Delhi Daredevils will look to avenge their defeat when they take on Pune Warriors in the return fixture of the IPL 5, played at the latter’s home, the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, today, April 24, 2012.

This match will start in the afternoon at 3.30 P.M. (Pakistan Time).

In the other mach, Kolkata Night Riders will be facing Deccan Chargers. This match will be played in Kolkata in the night at 7.30 P.M (Pakistan Time).

Geo Super is televising all the matches of the event.

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Indian company shows interest in PPL

LAHORE: Indian broadcasting giant Nimbus has reportedly expressed an interest in organizing the proposed Pakistan Premier League.
Quoting official sources, a media report suggested on Saturday that a representative for Nimbus sports gave a presentation to the PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and other senior officials last week on the so-called PPL.
“Basically Nimbus is interested in just organising the PPL for a fee but has not shown interest in procuring rights for the event,” one source said.
“But the fact that an Indian company has shown interest in the PPL has come as a encouraging sign for the PCB,” the source said.
He said another renowned international sports management company and broadcaster which also has big stakes in India had also shown interest in giving a presentation on the PPL.
“The other presentations came from local companies but the fact is that this is just the initial stage and most of the presentations were based on ideas,” another source said.
Independent sources confided that the PCN was keen to organise the PPL in a befitting manner with the franchises concept on the lines of the IPL and BPL.
“But at the presentations most of those people who gave presentations made it clear that finances needed to be generated from the Indian and other markets to sustain such a major league including the franchises,” the source said.
“The PCB at present is looking at a sale out price of around 4 to 4.5 million dollars for a franchise.”
After being snubbed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the PCB hierarchy is now keen to focus on launching the PPL this year. “Basically they also see October as the ideal time to launch the PPL as the ICC has kept a window open for the Champions League tournament as well and foreign players could be available as well,” the source said.

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IPL: Bangalore outplay Rajasthan by 46 runs

JAIPUR: Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals by 46 runs in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday.
Chasing an improbable target of 190 runs, Rajasthan Royals batsmen failed to meet the challenge and were restricted to 143 for seven in 20 overs.
Only captain Rahul Dravid batted sensibly to make 58 with eight fours. The second highest scorer was Stuart Binny who was 20 not out.
Left-arm spinner KP Appanna captured four wickets for 19 runs and Harshal Patel took two for 32.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and put royal Challengers Bangalore into bat who amassed 189 runs for the loss of only three wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
All credit for this huge total went to a big unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 122 runs between Tillekaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka and AB de Villiers of South Africa.
Dilshan remained not out on 76, scored off 58 balls with ten fours and a six while de Villiers smashed five towering sixes and three boundaries in a breezy innings of 59 from just 23 balls.
For Bangalore, Australian left-arm spinner Brad Hogg claimed two wickets for 39.
This match was shown live by Geo Super, the premier sports tv channel of Pakistan

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Australia consolidate after early loss of Cowan

ROSEAU, Dominica: Australia consolidated after losing opener Ed Cowan early on to reach 69 for one at lunch on the first day of the third and final test at Windsor Park on Monday.

West Indies paceman Ravi Rampaul, drafted in for the injured Fidel Edwards, struck with his second ball as Cowan (one) offered no shot to a sharp inswinger in the second over and was trapped leg before.

Rampaul, generating some impressive pace as well as his trademark movement off the pitch, should also have removed Australia's other opener.

Dave Warner, on five, reached for a wide delivery and edged to Darren Sammy at third slip but the West Indies skipper spilled a straightforward chance.

Warner and Shane Watson then got their heads down against some tight bowling from the hosts although the former was lucky with a couple of mis-timed strokes.

By the interval, Warner had reached 28 while Watson was on 30.

Shane Shillingford, the first Dominican to play in a Test match on home soil much to the delight of the local crowd, was given four overs of spin.

It is only the second test on the island, one of the smaller components of West Indies cricket.

Australia lead the series 1-0.
(Reuters)

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Australia win toss, bat against Windies in third Test

ROSEAU, Dominica: Australia won the toss and chose to bat against West Indies in the third and final Test match of the series at Windsor Park on Monday.

West Indies have made two changes to the side that played in Trinidad.

Ravi Rampaul has replaced Fidel Edwards, who has been suffering from a sore back. Rampaul had been out of the side since December 2011 having gone down with dengue fever and also a shoulder injury.

Assad Fudadin had been called up to the squad but was left out of the team.

The pitch has patches of grass on it and there was enough there for Australia to decide on using a three man pace attack.

James Pattinson and Peter Siddle both returned to Australia last week with back injuries.

This has given a chance to left-armer Mitchell Starc, who comes into the team replacing off-spinner Michael Beer.

Australia lead the series one-nil and have already retained the Frank Worrell Trophy.

Michael Clarke's team is focused on taking out the series with another win.

West Indies are still seeking their first Test win against Australia for nine years. If they can achieve it then they will be satisfied knowing that the visitors would head home having drawn the series in each format of the game.

The ground has only held one other Test and that was against India last year and the match was drawn.

In the few first class matches played at the venue, the bowlers have been on top in most cases.

This time around, though, it's thought that conditions could be more balanced.

Shane Shillingford becomes the first Dominican to play Test cricket in his home country.

Only four others have played for the West Indies and one stand is named after two of them, the Grayson Shillingford and Irving Shillingford Stand, two of Shane's distant cousins.

If the weather holds then a result can be expected as both captains have shown that they are intent on winning Test matches after bold moves in each of the first two Tests in the series.


Teams:
West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Kieran Powell, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Shane Shillingford

Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Umpires: Tony Hill (NZ), Marais Erasmus (SA), Third umpire: Ian Gould (ENG)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)

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No security concerns in Pakistan: Whatmore

LAHORE: Pakistan's Australian cricket coach Dav Whatmore Monday voiced disappointment at Bangladesh postponing their tour, saying he had felt no security concerns during his two months in the country.
Last week Bangladesh agreed to visit Pakistan for a one-day match and a Twenty20 international but the tour was delayed on Thursday by a Dhaka high court ruling over security fears.Pakistan had hoped the short tour would help revive international cricket in the country, suspended in the wake of deadly terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009."Like everyone else in Pakistan, I am also disappointed (with the postponement of the series)," Whatmore said. "We were close to choosing the team but now Bangladesh not coming everything is finished which is a bit disappointing."Whatmore, 57, played seven Tests for Australia and as coach guided Sri Lanka to their famous victory in the 1996 World Cup."From my personal view, having (been) born in Sri Lanka and lived through the civil war there, and now staying in Lahore I have faced no security problems," he said.He also coached Bangladesh to the Super Six Stages of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies."I have not seen very many areas in Lahore and if I know some other areas I would like to go there, but I have faced no problems here," he said.Under Whatmore, Pakistan last month won the Asia Cup, also involving world champions India."It is very difficult for a nation so rich of cricket history to keep the game going without being able to host international teams," said Whatmore of Pakistan, who have been forced to play their "home" series on neutral venues, mostly in United Arab Emirates, since the Lahore attack.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) voiced hope on Monday that its Bangladeshi equivalent, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would appeal against the court order."PCB is hopeful that BCB will leave no stones unturned to get the stay order vacated," said a statement from the Pakistan board.PCB said it has asked the BCB to send copies of the court orders and any appeal documents that are lodged

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Kolkata defeat winless Deccan by five wickets

CUTTACK: Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Deccaan Chargers by five wickets with six ball remaining in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 127 to win, the Knight Riders reached the target with ease in 19 overs for the loss of five wickets.
Their main scorers were Manoj Tiwari (30 not out), captain Gautam Gambhir (30) and South African allrounder Jacques Kallis (23).
For the Chargers, South Africa’s fast bowler Dale Steyn claimed two wickets for 24.
Earlier, Deccan Chargers sent into bat by Kolkata captain Gambhir, were restricted to 126 for seven in the allotted 20 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan top scored with 50 whereas for Kolkata, medium-fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji and West Indies off-break bowler Sunil Narine captured two wickets apiece.
Geo Super, the first sports tv channel of Pakistan showed the match live from Cuttack.

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First Pak cricket team captain, Kardar being remembered today

KARACHI: Former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team Abdul Hafeez Kardar is being remembered on his death anniversary today (Saturday).

Abdul Hafeez Kardar was born in Lahore Punjab in 1925. He is the first captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Commonly referred to as the father figure of Pakistan cricket, Kardar’s contribution toward cricket in Pakistan are numerous.

Under Kardar’s captaincy, Pakistan played 23 test matches against all the leading teams of that time and was victorious against all of them.

Pakistan got its test status in 1952 and toured India; there they lost the series 2-1 but Pakistan managed to win the second test at Lucknow comprehensively.

Pakistan’s greatest achievement under Kardar’s captaincy was the victory against England at Oval. Australia was also beaten by Pakistan in Karachi in 1957 by Kardar’s men.

Kardar was a dauntless left handed batsman known for cracking the ball right over the bowler’s head. As a left hand spin bowler, he was equally effective. Kardar was also associated with Warwickshire. In his career as a cricketer, Kardar score 6,832 runs and captured 344 wickets.

Kardar was a visionary who modernized Pakistan cricket and popularized the game. He was instrumental in putting Pakistan on the international cricket map.

Kardar was also a strong advocate of promoting the game of cricket in Asia. Kardar retired in 1958. He later served Pakistan cricket as the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Passionate about cricket and sincere, he never compromised on his principles.

Kardar later became Pakistan’s ambassador to Switzerland. This great cricketer passed away in his hometown Lahore in 1996. SAMAA

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Wagner given ICC clearance to represent New Zealand

DUBAI: South Africa-born pace bowler Neil Wagner has been declared eligible to play for New Zealand after the International Cricket Council ruled there were special circumstances why he did not meet residency regulations, NZ Cricket said on Thursday.

The ICC requires a player to spend at least 183 days in a country for four successive years to be considered for selection.

The 26-year-old Wagner, who moved to New Zealand in 2008, failed to achieve the minimum number of days on two occasions.

Once because he was playing a Twenty20 competition overseas with his New Zealand province Otago and the second time due to a family wedding.

NZC then sought dispensation from the world governing body to select the left-armer, who took a record five wickets in one over in a first class match in 2011.

"Approval was given for both occasions meaning the South African born player is now available for selection by New Zealand," NZC said in a statement on Thursday.

New Zealand, who were beaten by Wagner's native South Africa in their Twenty20, one-day and test series last month, tour the West Indies in July and August before a trip to India in late August and September.

If selected, Wagner would join a growing list of recently capped New Zealand players born in South Africa.

Wicketkeeper batsman BJ Watling and wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk both played tests earlier this year, while all rounder Grant Elliott played for New Zealand in 2008 and 2009.

Middle order batsman Dean Brownlie also spent most of his life in Western Australia and moved to Christchurch in 2009 but qualified for his adopted country through his New Zealand-born father. AGENCIES

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Cricket: Clarke vows to keep pressing for victory

PORT OF SPAIN: Australia captain Michael Clarke vowed to keep making ambitious declarations even if it meant risking seeing his plans come back to haunt him.

Clarke set the West Indies a 215-run target off 61 overs in the second Test on Thursday, after declaring on 160 for eight early in the afternoon, only for torrential rain to wash away any chance of a result.

His decision to tempt the West Indies to force a result had paid dividends in the first Test in Barbados, which his team won by three wickets, despite declaring his team's first innings 43 runs behind.

Thursday was also set for an intriguing finish when West Indies reached 53 for two off 11 overs before rain returned to end the weather-battered contest.

"My goal my whole career has been to help the Australian team win as many games as possible and I guess now that I am captain I have the opportunity to show that," said Clarke.

"At times with my declaration, when there is a chance for winning, you've got to have a go at it.

"There's going to be times that it might backfire and we might lose every now and then. But I enjoy the brand of cricket that we're playing at the moment.

"I know the guys are really focused on the team having success and trying to win as many games as we can. And I think it's bringing the best out of the team."

The draw meant that Australia retained their two-decade grip on the Frank Worrell Trophy with just the final Test to play starting in Dominica on Monday.

In an effort to win on Thursday, West Indies captain Darren Sammy switched his batting order, moving Kieran Powell to open and placing himself at number three.

But Australian seamer Ben Hilfenhaus soon had the West Indies rocking, trapping Powell lbw for just four in his second over which allowed Sammy, himself, to come to the crease.

Hilfenhaus had both openers back in the dressing room just two overs later when he produced a beautiful outswinger that took the edge of Adrian Barath's bat and the catch was taken by Clarke at first slip.

That left West Indies on 13 for two.

Sammy, though, still had his sights firmly set on an unlikely win and launched into an attack on Hilfenhaus, striking him for two boundaries and a six over long-off.

He reached 30 not out from 26 balls with his team still needing another 162 runs to win when the weather brought an end to the contest.

"Sixty overs was enough. We thought we could get the runs. Our plan was to see how far we could get by tea and then reassess after that," said Sammy, who believes his team are still capable of levelling the series.

"The guys believe now that we can not only compete but we can win matches against top opposition and we go into every game thinking we can."

Sammy's optimism was boosted by seeing fast bowler Kemar Roach bag another five wickets to become first West Indian sincde 2005 to take 10 wickets in a match.

"It was difficult. The wicket wasn't assisting fast bowlers much. You had to be accurate," said man-of-the-match Roach.

"I am very proud of the way we fought. Now we will practise hard for Dominica and on Monday we will be ready and raring to go."

Australia have injury worries ahead of the third Test after fast bowlers Peter Siddle and James Pattinson were forced to return home with back injuries.

But they do have two cover in the squad -- Ryan Harris, who played in the first Test, and left-armer Mitchell Starc, who last played in the Perth Test against India in January.

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Ganguly inspires Pune to beat Delhi by 20 runs

DELHI: Captain Sourav Ganguly’s allround performance guided Pune Warriors to beat Delhi Daredevils by 20 runs in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Saturday.
The former India captain first hit 41 and then grabbed two wickets to lead his team from the front while Australia’s Steven Smith also contributed 32..
But the star was New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder who smashed 86 from 58 balls with four sixes. He together with Ganguly added 93 for the second wicket stand which helped Pune plunder 192 for three in 20 overs.
However, Delhi accepted the challenge as captain Virender Sehwag blasted 57 off 32 balls with four sixes and five fours but as soon he got out other batsmen could not resist against Pune bowlers except England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who made 32 with three sixes.
South African pacer Alfonso Thomas captured three wickets for 22 runs besides Ganguly’s 2-27.
Pakistan’s first sports tv channel Geo Super televised the match live from Delhi.

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Windies coach Gibson fined for DRS outburst

PORT OF SPAIN: West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after hitting out at the DRS review technology system during the drawn second Test against Australia.
The incident took place on Tuesday when, during the post-third day's play media briefing, Gibson challenged the DRS and its implementation by the match officials.
He was subsequently charged with breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
"In the pre-series meetings it was agreed that players and coaches should not engage in negative media comments. Ottis accepts that he overstepped the mark during the game and has now accepted his sanction," said Jeff Crowe of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
Gibson had been frustrated by what he saw as inconsistencies in the system caused by the absence of Hot-Spot and Snicko technology.
"I can't say what I really want to say about the DRS because the ICC will sack me or ban me or whatever," Gibson had said.
"If the ICC is going to use DRS I think they should use all the technology and I think if we haven't got all the technology we shouldn't use it at all."
Australia won the first Test in Barbados before the rain-affected second Test here ended in a predictable draw.
The final match starts in Dominica on Monday.

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Plessis guides Chennai to down Rajasthan by seven wickets

CHENNAI: South African batsman Faf du Plessis hammered a brilliant 52-ball 73 to help Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier league here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk on Saturday.
Chasing 147, Chennai reached the target off the final ball when captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni flicked off Kevon Kooper on fine leg for a quick two.
Suraish Raina also made a useful contribution of 26 while medium-pacer Cooper claimed two wickets for Rajasthan.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals made 146 for four in the allotted 20 overs batting first after captain Rahul Dravid won the toss.
England allrounder Owais Shah top scored with 52 with four fours and three sixes followed by Ashok Menaria (36) and Dravid (26).
Geo Super showed this match live from Chennai for cricket lovers in Pakistan.

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Gayle, de Villiers help Bangalore beat Punjab

MOHALI: The 131-run fourth wicket partnership between Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers paved the way for an easy five-wicket win for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kings XI Punjab in the 25th match of the Indian Premier League – V here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.
Chasing 164, Bangalore completed their third victory in 19.3 overs after Gayle and de Villiers hit half-centuries.
Gayle made 87 off 56 balls with four sixes and eight fours while de Villiers scored 52 from 39 balls with six boundaries.
Their partnership was the fourth century stand and the highest for any wicket so far in the tournament.
For Punjab, medium-pacer Parvinder Awana captured four wickets for 34 runs.
Earlier, Bangalore captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and put Punjab into bat who scored 163 for six in the allotted 20 overs.
Main scorers were Australiann batsman David Hussey hit 41 and Pakistan-born English county allrounder Azhar Mahmood, who was playing his first match in the tournament, remained not out on 33.
Seamers Zaheer Khan and Andrew McDonald claimed two wickets each for Bangalore.
Pakistan’s first sports tv channel Geo Super televised this match live from Mohali

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Samuels lashes out at critics of his bowling action

NEW DELHI: West Indies spinner Marlon Samuels on Friday lashed out at critics of his bowling action in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), saying they were "evil".

"They are doing it because they can't play my bowling," the Pune Warriors all-rounder told the Times of India. "If I was hit into the galleries, my action would never have been questioned."

The off-spinner was reported last week by match officials for a suspect bowling action following his team's match against defending champions Chennai Super Kings.

According to IPL rules, Samuels, 31, will be suspended from bowling for the rest of the tournament if his action is reported again.

Samuels has faced problems with his action in the past, particularly when bowling his faster deliveries.

The West Indies star was suspended from bowling when reported for a suspect action after the third Test against South Africa in Durban in 2008.

He underwent remedial work and was cleared to bowl by the International Cricket Council last year.

Samuels, who has claimed 19 Test and 67 one-day international wickets, said the "faster ball" was a spinner's weapon.

"I have worked very hard on my bowling," he told the newspaper. "Slow bowlers these days need to have variations and the faster ball is surely a great weapon to have."

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who is leading the Pune Warriors, defended Samuels.

"I'm surprised that he has been warned," Ganguly told reporters. "If you look around the IPL, I'll be honest, there are worse actions going on."

Samuels lauded Ganguly for backing him. "He is a great captain and I am happy that he has so much faith in me," he said.

The 76-match Twenty20 IPL has nine teams playing each other on a home-and-away basis before the top-four sides qualify for the play-offs. The final will be played on May 27.

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Chennai emerge victorious in tight game against Pune

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings held their nerves to win by 13 runs against Pune Warriors to whom they had lost five days ago.
Chasing 165, Pune needed 21 off the last over but they could not manage due to some sharp catching and fierce bowling by Chennai and in the end they were restricted to 151 for seven in the allotted 20 overs.
Main contributors for Pune were Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (27), West Indies’ Marlon Samuels (26), captain Sourav Ganguly (24) and Australia’s Steven Smith (23).
Sri Lankan Nuwan Kularasekara and West Indian Dwayne Bravo took two wickets each for 10 and 28, respectively.
Earlier, openers Faf du Plessis (58) of South Africa and Subramaniam Badrinath (57) provided a solid start of 116 runs in 15.3 overs to Chennai who batted first after being sent in by Pune. This was the first century opening stand of the tournament.
Captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni also blasted a 12-ball 28 with fours and a six.
For Pune, Marlon Samuels of the West Indies captured three wickets and India’s pacer Ashish Nehra claimed two.
The match was shown live by Geo Super, the first sports tv channel of Pakistan.

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NZ U19 CWC squad announced

New Zealand Cricket today announced a 15 player squad to travel to Australia for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in August this year.

The squad includes 13 members from the side which played in the Under 19 Quadrangular Series in Townsville last week.

Arnie Yugaraja of Canterbury and Robert O'Donnell from Auckland are the new inclusions in the team, while Will Young maintains his role as captain.

A further 15 players will be named to form cover for the side and fulfil the 30 man squad ICC requirements.

Sixteen teams will compete in the tournament, with New Zealand in Group B. They will play warm-up matches against South Africa and Nepal, before facing Pakistan, Scotland and Afghanistan in the pool stages.

The Under-19's first match in the world cup is on August 12th against Scotland.

Under-19 World Cup Squad

Will Young (captain)    Central Districts
Ben Horne    Auckland
Michael Davidson    Canterbury
Joe Carter    Northern Districts
Robert O'Donnell    Auckland
Henry Walsh    Wellington
Arnie Yugaraja    Canterbury
Connor Neynens    Central Districts
Cameron Fletcher    Auckland
Sean Davey    Northern Districts
Jacob Duffy    Otago
Matthew Quinn    Auckland
Edward Nuttall    Canterbury
Theo van Woerkom    Canterbury
Ish Sodhi    Auckland

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W. Indies vs. Australia second test drawn

PORT OF SPAIN: Rain ruined an intriguing final afternoon of the second Test between West Indies and Australia in Trinidad, meaning the tourists keep their 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The hosts had been set a target of 215 from 61 overs and were 53-2 after 11 when the weather, which had already caused delays, forced the close.

Earlier, Australia captain Michael Clarke declared with his side 160-8 in order to try and force a result.

The final Test begins on Monday.

Australia, who dramatically won the first Test by three wickets, had resumed the day on 73-3, but lost overnight batsmen Ricky Ponting (41) and Clarke (15) to Fidel Edwards and Darren Sammy respectively.

Kemar Roach then took over to complete his second five-wicket haul of the match for combined figures of 10-146, the first 10-wicket match haul by a Windies bowler since 2005.

Roach's two strikes after lunch came as the Australians look to attack and, after Nathan Lyon top-edged Shane Shillingford to Sammy, Clarke made his aggressive declaration.

Despite slipping to 13-2, West Indies were certainly looking in the mood to take on the challenge and record their first Test win against Australia since 2003.

Ben Hilfenhaus trapped Kieran Powell lbw then had Adrian Barath caught at slip before home skipper Sammy, moving himself up the order, went on the attack.

He was unbeaten on 30 from 42 balls when the elements intervened for a final time, meaning Australia retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

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Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan cancelled: PCB

LAHORE: Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of Pakistan has been cancelled. According to the Pakistan Cricket Boards (PCB) chief operating officer, Bangladesh and informed the PCB of its decision to not tour Pakistan.

PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf also expressed his disappointment over the stay order issued by the Dhaka High Court.

“The boards of both countries should have resolved the matter on their own,” Ashraf said.

The Dhaka High Court on Thursday had ordered the national team's upcoming tour of Pakistan to be postponed for at least four weeks due to security fears.

Bangladesh were set to play a 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, the first international cricket matches in the country following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus.

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