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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