We are confident ahead of 2011 WC, says Netherlands captain

Updated at: 1814 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
Netherlands caused one of the biggest shocks in cricket's history defeating England in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and more recently, beat Bangladesh in an ODI in July 2010. Dutch captain Peter Borren is confident his team can also cause some upsets in the World Cup despite being in a difficult group. Borren also says there is a positive environment in the squad where everyone will try to get results and express themselves. Borren picks out Alexei Kervezee as the player to watch in the Netherlands squad. Excerpts from an interview with Inside Cricket:
This is the Netherlands' fourth appearance in the ICC World Cup. What are the expectations for the Dutch team from the 2011 World Cup?

We are going with some preparation. We have a talented team and we can cause some upsets during the tournament. As cliche goes we will take it game by game. Obviously at this stage our main target is to reach the second round. If we get to the quarter-finals it will be fantastic.

Netherlands caused one of the biggest shocks in cricket's history defeating England in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and more recently, beat Bangladesh in an ODI in July 2010. Have these results infused confidence among the players that they can compete with the stronger teams?

Absolutely. There is no doubt that we don't get opportunities against top teams always. Whenever we get a couple of opportunities, we need to make most of it. The real plus now is the confidence in the team. We have caused a few upsets, there is no doubt we can do it again. At the end of the day it will be a challenge because we don't play opposition of this quality that often. But we have got the confidence that we have a capable batting line-up which can take on the quality attacks from around the world.

The squad includes six players who will be playing in their first World Cup and an uncapped player in Berend Westdijk. Will this inexperience be a disadvantage for Netherlands in the 2011 CWC?

I don't think six players is an awful lot. Lots of teams have players who will be playing in a World Cup for the first time. We also have nine guys who have played in a World Cup. We have a reasonable mix of youth and experience. It is not a serious problem.

Tom Cooper and Ryan Ten Doeschate have already established themselves as players of repute in their respective domestic stints in Australia and England respectively. How important is it for Netherlands that these two are in form heading into and during the World Cup?

There is no doubt that they are big players for us. We are hoping that they will contribute a lot. They have been playing domestic cricket in Australia, which is at a very good level. I hope they will fit in right away and will come after scoring some good runs. We also have plenty of other guys who can step up. We have had a very decent preparation. The team is here in Dubai three weeks in advance. Then we have atleast four warm up games plus nets before the tournament. The key is that this is a 11-man game, we are not relying on two or three guys. Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Cooper are very good players. But we have got plenty of good players in the side.

Who are the other key players in Netherlands' squad who can be expected to make an impact on the 2011 World Cup?

Everyone will hear a lot about Alexei Kervezee. He plays for Worcestershire in English county cricket. This will be his second World Cup. He played the last at the age of 16. He has developed into a very classy player. I have no doubt one day he will become a world class player. He is the player to watch out.

Are you happy with the balance of the squad?

Absolutely happy. We have got experienced player and a few youngsters. At the end of the day, we have to do what we can. The side is keen to do a good job. We have 15 guys who work together. There is a positive environment in the squad where everyone will try to get results, express ourselves and hopefully create some upsets.

How well has the squad been able to train for the World Cup considering that several of the players are not full-time professional cricketers?

That's not easy. But what we have is the commitment in the squad. Even if the guys who are not full time cannot make it, they inspire with their work ethic. We have 9-10 players who work or study. They try hard to find time to train for five sessions a week. Whether it is early in the morning or late at night, they train. That says a lot about their commitment, which helps our team. The guys work bloody hard to get to this level and also make a lot of sacrifices. I know it is not ideal, but it works for us as we have fantastic camaraderie in the squad.

What is the support and infrastructure for Cricket like in Netherlands, considering football and hockey are two of the more popular sports in your country?

There is absolutely no doubt that football and hockey are massive sports in Netherlands, cricket is a minor sport. We have a committed bunch of hardcore supporters. It is a developing sport. It would be great if more people become aware of cricket. We are all really trying hard. Our performances as a national team is really important to gain some exposure for the sport in Netherlands.

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The year of the rabbit

Updated at: 1814 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
The main focus of the Reliance ICC Player Rankings is to determine who the peakperformers in world cricket
are, be they in Test cricket or in the
One-Day International format of the game.However, as we enter the Chinese Year of the Rabbit, we examine the other
end of the scale - the true 'rabbits' with the bat - those batsmen who
can often be found lurking at number eleven praying they are not required to make it
to the crease with a bat in their hands.
Firstly, we need to set some parameters. It is relatively straightforward to discover the players who have achieved the highest number of Ratings points, but how should we judge the lowest? A player who debuts and fails to score has a total of zero points, but that isn't really a fair way of measuring his lowest point. So we have two points of reference in order to help us discover the true 'rabbits' of the world game.

Secondly, it is probably only really fair to limit our investigations to the Test arena. This is due to the fact that in the ODI game, players batting down the order only have a limited amount of time in which to make an impression, and often they fall early on in the quest for quick runs. In addition, they bat far more irregularly than their top-order colleagues.

In order to have a 'full' rating, a player has to have batted at least forty times in his career. To date, a total of 551 players have managed this, so more than enough to be getting on with. They range from Sachin Tendulkar with his 290 innings - 51 of which he has converted into centuries - to the fifteen batsman including George Headley and Dilhara Fernando to have batted on exactly forty occasions in their Test careers.

Of these 551 players it will probably come as no surprise to discover the names of the players with the best and worst batting averages. Don Bradman's average of 99.94 is more than 50% better than anyone else, and at the other end of the spectrum, Chris Martin's current average of 2.53 is comfortably worse than anyone else. In fact he would need to score 71 in his next innings to edge ahead of Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.

Returning to the Ratings, whereas when we look at the high flyers we examine their highest-ever points totals, here we are interested in their lowest points totals, once the player has qualified for a full Rating. So - how do they stack up? Here are the lowest batting Ratings achieved once a player has played the required forty Test innings:

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Steyn says Sehwag and White are the ones to watch at CWC 2011

Updated at: 1814 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 just around the corner, South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn tips India's opening batsman Virender Sehwag and Australia's Cameron White as two players who will be key to their respective sides at the upcoming tournament on this week's ICC Cricket World Radio Show.

"I think the players that you're most weary of are from India at this tournament as it's in their home country. As an opening bowler, you want to get someone like Virender Sehwag out early because he's very dangerous in those first 10 overs when the ball can travel lightning-fast with the pitch conditions in the sub-continent.

"You've got to have good game plans for someone like him and then there are some other bigger hitters who come in to take part in the later stages of the game who can be destructive in the power plays – players like Australia's Cameron White, can take the game away from you," says Steyn.

Steyn also admits his favourite ever World Cup moment is from fellow South African and current Kenya assistant coach, Jonty Rhodes, who also features on the show this week.

"My favourite ICC Cricket World Cup moment is from 1992 when Jonty Rhodes ran out Pakistan's Inzamam Ul Haq. I had a poster of that dive in my room throughout primary school and most of high school so that would definitely go down as my favourite World Cup moment ever," says Steyn.

The show can be used in whole or part by radio stations that want cricket content, while the public can also download it straight from the ICC website at http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/media_interactive_zone/podcast.php.

Also on this week's show, former Proteas batsman Rhodes talks about his work as assistant coach with the Kenya side as it prepares for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Rhodes, who is currently with the side training in Dubai, says: "I've come in to help the Kenya team with their fielding as well as their batting as I've a bit of experience in that too. I'm here to provide them with advice and help them to prepare this Cricket World Cup as best I can. They have a great attitude and play very much for the love of the game."

Finally, Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke reflects on his team's victory over Papua New Guinea to secure the trophy at Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 in Hong Kong.

"It's fantastic to be promoted into Division 2 and to top it off by winning the tournament was really good for the guys which will hopefully give them confidence going into the next division," says Burke.

Apart from these exclusive interviews, the show has the usual round up of cricketing news plus an update of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test and ODI cricket.

The 15-minute ICC Cricket World audio show has been put together by the ICC's global broadcast partner, ESPN STAR Sports.

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Sehwag feels India is poised to create history

Updated at: 1814 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
Virender Sehwag is not concerned of the injuries and dip in form to some of India's key players ahead of World Cup and feels that his side is primed to win the title in front of the home crowd.

Sehwag himself is coming out of a shoulder injury, Gautam Gambhir is recuperating from a hand injury while Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are struggling for form. But the dashing opener contended that every cricketer goes through the rough patch at some point of time.

"I am not worried with all these (injuries and slump in form to some players). Sometimes you perform well and sometimes you don't. I was not performing well in 2006- 07 but my time came in 2008, 2009 and 2010. I performed well and scored runs in both one- dayers and Tests. These things happen in every player's career. I am not concerned," he said.

"Time is coming for Indian batsmen to perform in front of the home crowd. I am looking forward to that. Everyone has not been scoring big hundreds of late but now is the time for us with World Cup round the corner. I am confident everybody will score," said Sehwag.

Asked about playing under pressure of huge expectations and a tough World Cup group comprising England, South Africa, West Indies and underdogs Bangladesh, Sehwag said the Indians have done their home work well to give their best shot at glory.

"Bangladeshi people would be expecting their side to beat us again like in 2007 World Cup. But this time we are prepared well and confident of beating them in Bangladesh. It's a revenge game for us. We will not take it lightly.

"We are playing in India and know the conditions better than other teams in our group. We know how wickets will behave. When we played against England last time, we have won 5- 0. Against South Africa, we have done well against them in their country and in India. We recently won the Test series 2- 1," he said.

"West Indies, they have got good players in Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle and if they click on, it's difficult for us but India has a very strong side in Sachin, Gambhir, Pathan, Kohli, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Raina. I am looking forward to see Yusuf Pathan in this World Cup," he said.

Sehwag said it's a special moment for him with World Cup happening in India.

"World Cup is coming to India and it is my third. Every cricketer wants to play the World Cup and I am lucky enough to have plated two. I am very lucky that I am playing at home. All the players are very happy that it is happening in India. I hope we will deliver and give our best shot. If the day belongs to us, we can beat any side," said Sehwag.

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Pak trio charged with 'spot-fixing'

Updated at: 1614 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011 LONDON: British prosecutors on Friday charged three Pakistan cricketers with taking bribes to fix incidents in an international match in England last year.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir are accused of fixing certain incidents, such as the bowling of no-balls at pre-agreed times, during the fourth test at Lord's last August.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said the trio, along with a fourth man, sporting agent Mazhar Majeed, had been charged with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and with conspiracy to cheat.

"These charges relate to allegations that Mr Majeed accepted money from a third party to arrange for the players to bowl `no balls' on 26 and 27 August 2010, during Pakistan's Fourth Test at Lord's Cricket Ground in London," said Simon Clements, head of the CPS Special Crime Division.

He said Majeed had been ordered to appear at London's City of Westminster Magistrates Court on March 17.

"Summonses for the same court date have been issued for the three players and they have been asked to return to this country voluntarily, as they agreed to do in September last year," Clements said.

"Their extradition will be sought should they fail to return," he added

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January 22, 2011	Saturday	6:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	1st ODI	Westpac Stadium, Wellington	New Zealand won by 9 wkts
January 26, 2011	Wednesday	3:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	2nd ODI	Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown	Match abandoned due to rain
January 29, 2011	Saturday	6:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	3rd ODI	AMI Stadium, Christchurch	pakistan won by 50 runs
February 01, 2011	Tuesday	6:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	4th ODI	McLean Park, Napier	pakistan won by2 wkts
February 03, 2011	Thursday	6:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	5th ODI	Seddon Park, Hamilton
February 05, 2011	Saturday	3:00 AM	Pakistan	vs	New Zealand	6th ODI	Eden Park, Auckland

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Afridi named skipper for mega event: Intikhab

Updated at: 0619 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) late on Thursday night resolved to retain Shahid Khan Afridi as captain to lead the Pakistan side in the cricket World Cup, to be held from February 19 to April 2 in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam claimed this while talking to media after Pakistan won an ODI series against Kiwis by 3-1 after 17 years in New Zealand.

The PCB announced their 15-man squad for the showpiece event on January 18 but did not announce a skipper until today (Friday).

Pakistan’s current limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi and the Test skipper Misbahul Haq were the two contenders for leading the team in the World Cup.

They downplayed the ongoing row but former players lashed out PCB, saying the decision was likely to harm team’s unity.

Afridi had earlier said: “It would not be an issue for me if I am removed from captaincy.”

“It doesn’t make a difference whether Misbah leads the side or I lead the side because we both are playing for our country.”

Afridi had also dismissed reports of differences with Misbah. “We don’t have any differences. He is a good player who remains focused on his job,” Afridi maintained.

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UK to announce decision on trio today

Updated at: 0830 PST,  Friday, February 04, 2011
LONDON: British prosecutors will announce on Friday whether three Pakistan cricketers accused of taking bribes to fix incidents in an international match in England last year will be charged with criminal offences.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were questioned by London police over claims they fixed certain incidents, such as the bowling of no-balls at pre-agreed times, during the fourth test at Lord's last August.

All three deny any wrongdoing.

A spokesman for Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said the decision on whether to charge them would be given shortly after 1100 GMT by Simon Clements, the head of its Special Crime Division.

A fourth man, sporting agent, Mazhar Majeed will also learn if he is to face charges of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.

Former test captain Butt, and fast bowlers Asif and Amir have been suspended by the International Cricket Council while the allegations are investigated.

An International Cricket Council anti-corruption tribunal will announce on Saturday its verdict on the "spot-fixing" allegations. If they are found guilty, they face lengthy career-threatening bans.

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New Zealand v Pakistan, 5th ODI, Hamilton Blazing Shehzad seals series triumph

Updated at: 1113 PST,  Thursday, February 03, 2011

Pakistan 268 for 9 (Shehzad 115) beat New Zealand 227 (Taylor 69, Guptill 65, Riaz 3-51) by 41 runs

Pakistan's World Cup preparations only got better as their youngest batsman scored a maiden ODI century to set up a series win - their first in a bilateral rubber since November 2008 - over New Zealand, whose fortunes continued to slide at home after a miserable time in the subcontinent. Ahmed Shehzad batted with utmost confidence during his calculated assault, overcoming a cautious start in overcast conditions by launching a counter-attack that snatched the initiative New Zealand had worked hard to gain at the beginning of the game. He was backed up by a determined performance from Pakistan's bowlers, who stepped up in areas where New Zealand had erred, and completed the job quite comfortably in the end.

A miserly first spell by Kyle Mills appeared to have justified Ross Taylor's decision to bowl, as it cramped the usually fluent openers through nagging lines outside off stump and crafty variations in pace. He conceded just two runs in his first four overs, including the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez who was fresh from a century in the previous match.

Shehzad, though, was intent on pulling things back. He had warmed up with a crisp straight drive off Hamish Bennett but turned to power play to release the pressure created by the early wicket. Mills' tight lines were countered with a mow past mid-off and an agricultural slog over midwicket, catching the bowler off guard and marking a turn in the tide. Shehzad had won the psychological battle when Mills strayed onto the pads the next over, to be glanced to the fine-leg boundary.

A feature of Shehzad's knock was his domination of Bennett, which offset any pressure New Zealand were able to inflict with the fall of a wicket. Bennett overpitched too often, or dropped too short, and was picked off consistently for boundaries. He squandered some hard work by conceding fours off the last balls of his first two overs and was struck for consecutive boundaries by an initially rusty Kamran Akmal before Shehzad singled him out for treatment. He was launched for a straight six and welcomed in his second spell with a violent pull over the midwicket boundary followed by a clean strike over long-on.

While Shehzad took timely risks and had the power and ability to back them up, he was ruthless against the opportunities doled out by the bowlers when Pakistan had been forced to shift gears in the middle overs. The run-out of Kamran resulted in four boundary-less overs before Nathan McCullum, otherwise quite tidy, gifted a short and wide delivery that Shehzad slashed through point. Scott Styris met a similar fate while James Franklin was a victim of Shehzad's subtleties as he was twice scooped over fine leg.

The constant, throughout Shehzad's innings, only his seventh in this format, was his assuredness and determination to keep the hosts worried at one end. When he fell, miscuing Styris to deep square leg, with plenty of ammunition left in the batting, New Zealand were staring at an intimidating target. The bowlers, however, hit back to restrict Pakistan in the death overs. Only once had a team lost chasing at Seddon Park since 2002 but with New Zealand's recent ODI record in a shambles, Pakistan needn't have worried about past results at the venue.

The start to the chase could not have been worse for the hosts as Jesse Ryder backed up too far and was run out without facing a ball by a direct hit from Misbah-ul-Haq. Unlike New Zealand's bowlers who had provided ample scoring opportunities to ease the pressure on Pakistan after each dismissal, Pakistan's fast bowlers hardly ever overpitched, bowled consistently in the channel outside off and dried up the runs.

Martin Guptill, watching the proceedings at the other end, faced the pressure with a combination of bravado and opportunism. He dealt harshly with deliveries bowled wide or pitched up on middle - there weren't too many of them - and improvised to clear the infield. Guptill ensured a steady flow of singles, ran well between the wickets as the field spread out and continued to be ruthless when freebies came his way. But having survived a close lbw shout early in his innings, Guptill failed to take full toll, as a short delivery from Shoaib came on a touch too quickly and he holed out to deep square leg.

The onus was on a determined Ross Taylor, who took his time to settle in and overcome the nervy start that has plagued him this series. He appeared to be getting back to his groove when just a firm push off Afridi raced to the extra-cover boundary and, in the company of Guptill, to whom he had ceded floor, kept his team in the hunt. It was in the attempt to rebuild after Guptill's fall that New Zealand lost it. Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez got through their overs quickly, produced a spate of dot balls and deprived the hosts of a boundary for 11 straight overs. The resultant frustration from New Zealand yielded wickets for Pakistan, as Brendon McCullum got a leading edge to long-on while Styris was run out by a direct hit from Younis Khan.

Taylor fought on, managing a six off his favoured slog-sweep and began the batting Powerplay in the 41st over with a lofted drive against Riaz. Despite the field restrictions and with five wickets in hand, an asking rate of almost nine an over was going to be difficult to measure up to. In the next over he stepped across to sweep Afridi, only to miss and be trapped in front. And when James Franklin was cleaned up by a Wahab Riaz yorker, the depth in the New Zealand batting just didn't prove enough to secure the remaining runs or salvage some pride after 13 defeats in their last 14 completed games.

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This is a list of major tournaments that the ICC runs.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the showpiece event of the cricket calendar and takes place every four years, with matches contested in a 50 overs per side format. The next tournament takes place between 19 February-2 April 2011 in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The 2015 event will take place in Australia and New Zealand.




ICC Test Championship
In October 2010, the ICC Board approved the recommendations from the ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) to create a Test league to provide context for Test matches and that the league would determine the top four teams to qualify for an ICC Test play-off. It also agreed that the play-off should be held once every four years to determine the Test champion team with a request to hold the first such play-off in 2013. Further details of the league will be announced soon.










ICC One-Day League 
In October 2010, the ICC Board agreed that the FTP should also consist of a One-Day International league, the first to run from April 2011 until April 2014, culminating in the crowning of an ODI league champion. This would run separate to the ICC Cricket World Cup. Further details on this competition will be announced soon.

 
ICC Champions Trophy 2013
The ICC organises a second 50-overs per side event in addition to the ICC Cricket World Cup called the ICC Champions Trophy, which takes place every two years. The event, formally known as the ICC Knockout, has been contested six times and Australia is the only side to have won the competition on two occasions. The next event will be held in England in 2013.

ICC World Twenty20
The inaugural ICC World Twenty20 competition took place in South Africa in September 2007. The competition, which lasted for just two weeks, was a thrilling event which culminated in India's dramatic five run defeat of Pakistan. The second event was won by Pakistan in the men's competition and by England in the women's event which was played for the first time. West Indies hosted the next event in April-May 2010 which was won by England while Australia picked up the women's title. The next event will take place in Sri Lanka in 2012, while Bangladesh will host the tournament in 2014.

ICC Women's World Cup
The ICC Women's World Cup was staged in Sydney, Australia in March 2009 and was the first to be played under the auspices of the ICC since its merger with the International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC) in 2005. England claimed the title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over a spirited New Zealand. The next event will be held in India in 2013.




 

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ICC announces umpire and match referee appointments for CWC 2011

Updated at: 1000 PST,  Thursday, February 03, 2011
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced umpire and match referee appointments for the warm-up and group stage matches for its flagship event - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 - which will be staged from 19 February to 2 April in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
Steve Davis of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Kumar Dharmasena of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires and a former World Cup winner with Sri Lanka in 1996, will stand in the tournament opener which will be played between Bangladesh and India in Mirpur on Saturday 19 February.

Billy Doctrove and Asad Rauf, both from the elite panel, will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively while Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referee will be the match referee.

The 58-year-old Davis has so far umpired in 95 ODIs. If all goes according to plan, on 9 March in New Delhi he will become the 14th umpire to complete a century of ODIs when he will officiate in the India-Netherlands match.

The 39-year-old Dharmasena, who played 31 Tests and 141 ODIs as on off-spinner for Sri Lanka from 1993-2004, has officiated in 19 ODIs to date.

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, Dharmasena was Sri Lanka’s second most successful bowler, along with Chaminda Vaas, with six wickets while the table was topped by Muttiah Muralidaran who took seven wickets. In the final against Australia at Lahore, Dharmasena had match figures of 10-0-47-1 as Sri Lanka won by seven wickets with 22 balls to spare.

Besides Davis and Dharmasena, others who will share the on-field responsibilities in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 include ICC Umpire of the Year 1009 and 2010, Aleem Dar, Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, Daryl Harper, Tony Hill, Asoka de Silva, four-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel, Rod Tucker (all from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires), Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Amish Saheba and Shahvir Tarapore (all from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires).

The match referees for the event, besides Madugalle, are Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Roshan Mahanama and Andy Pycroft (all from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees).

Appointments for the knock-out matches will be announced in due course.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (warm-ups)

Saturday 12 Feb: Zimbabwe v South Africa (d/n), Chennai - Simon Taufel and Rod Tucker, Asoka de Silva (third), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Saturday 12 Feb: West Indies v Kenya (d), Colombo - Nigel Llong and Daryl Harper, Ian Gould (third), Graeme La Brooy (referee)

Saturday 12 Feb: New Zealand v Ireland (d/n), Nagpur - Marais Erasmus and Buddhi Pradhan, Sanjay Hazare (third)

Saturday 12 Feb: Sri Lanka v Netherlands (d/n), Pallekele - Shahvir Tarapore and Tony Hill, Ranmore Martinesz (third), Alan Hurst (referee)

Saturday 12 Feb: Bangladesh v Canada (d/n), Chittagong - Enamul Hoque-Moni and Kumar Dharmasena, Asad Rauf (third), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Sunday 13 Feb: India v Australia (d/n), Bengaluru - Richard Kettleborough and Aleem Dar, Amish Saheba (third), Sudhir Asnani (fourth) Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 15 Feb: Australia v South Africa (d/n), Bengaluru - Amish Saheba and Aleem Dar, Richard Kettleborough (third), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 15 Feb: Bangladesh v Pakistan (d/n), Dhaka - Steve Davis and Billy Doctrove, Bruce Oxenford (third), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Tuesday 15 Feb: Ireland v Zimbabwe (d), Nagpur - Marais Erasmus and Buddhi Pradhan, Sanjay Hazare (third)

Tuesday 15 Feb: Netherland vs Kenya (d/n), Pallekele - Shahvir Tarapore and Tony Hill, Tyron Wijewardena (third)

Tuesday 15 Feb: Sri Lanka v West Indies (d/n), Colombo - Ian Gould and Nigel Llong, Daryl Harper (third), Chris Broad (referee)

Wednesday 16 Feb: India v New Zealand (d/n), Chennai - Rod Tucker and Asoka de Silva, Simon Taufel (third), Sudhir Asnani (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Wednesday 16 Feb: England v Canada (d), Fatullah - Enamul Hoque-Moni and Asad Rauf, Kumar Dharmasena (third), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Wednesday 18 Feb: England v Pakistan (d/n), Fatullah - Bruce Oxenford and Billy Doctrove, Steve Davis (third), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (group stage)

Saturday 19 Feb - Bangladesh v India (d/n), Dhaka- Steve Davis and Kumar Dharmasena, Billy Doctrove (third), Asad Rauf (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 20 Feb - New Zealand v Kenya (d), Chennai - Rod Tucker and Marais Erasmus, Aleem Dar (third), Sudhir Asnani (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 20 Feb - Sri Lanka v Canada (d/n), Hambantota - Ian Gould and Shahvir Tarapore, Tony Hill (third), Daryl Harper (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Monday 21 Feb - Australia v Zimbabwe (d/n), Ahmedabad - Asoka de Silva and Richard Kettleborough, Amish Saheba (third), Simon Taufel (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Tuesday 22 Feb - England v Netherlands (d/n), Nagpur - Asad Rauf and Brice Oxenford, Kumar Dharmasena (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Wednesday 23 Feb - Pakistan v Kenya (d/n), Hambantota - Tony Hill and Nigel Llong, Daryl Harper (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Thursday 24 Feb - South Africa v West Indies (d/n), New Delhi - Simon Taufel and Amish Saheba, Asoka de Silva (third), Richard Kettleborough (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Friday 25 Feb - Australia v New Zealand (d), Nagpur - Billy Doctrove and Kumar Dharmasena, Asad Rauf (third), Bruce Oxenford (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Friday 25 Feb - Bangladesh v Ireland (d/n), Dhaka - Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker, Billy Bowden (third), Marais Erasmus (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Saturday 26 Feb - Sri Lanka v Pakistan (d/n), Colombo - Daryl Harper and Ian Gould, Nigel Llong (third), Tony Hill (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Sunday 27 Feb - India v England (d/n), Bengaluru - Billy Bowden and Marais Erasmus, Rod Tucker (third), Aleem Dar (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Monday 28 Feb - West Indies v Netherlands, (d/n) New Delhi - Amish Saheba and Simon Taufel, Richard Kettleborough (third), Asoka de Silva (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Monday 28 Feb - Zimbabwe v Canada (d), Nagpur - Asad Rauf and Bruce Oxenford, Steve Davis (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 1 Mar - Sri Lanka v Kenya (d), Colombo - Tony Hill and Shahvir Tarapore, Ian Gould (third), Daryl Harper (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Wednesday 2 Mar - England v Ireland (d/n), Bengaluru - Aleem Dar and Billy Bowden, Marais Erasmus (third), Rod Tucker (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee )

Thursday 3 Mar - South Africa v Netherlands (d), Mohali - Asoka de Silva and Richard Kettleborough, Simon Taufel (third), Amish Saheba (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Thursday 3 Mar - Pakistan v Canada (d/n), Colombo - Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong, Tony Hill (third), Ian Gould (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Friday 4 Mar - New Zealand v Zimbabwe (d), Ahmedabad - Aleem Dar and Marais Erasmus, Rod Tucker (third), Billy Bowden (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Friday 4 Mar - Bangladesh v West Indies (d/n), Dhaka - Kumar Dharmasena and Steve Davis, Asad Rauf (third), Bruce Oxenford (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Saturday 5 Mar - Sri Lanka v Australia (d/n), Colombo - Tony Hill and Ian Gould, Shahvir Tarapore (third), Nigel Llong (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Sunday 6 Mar - India v Ireland (d/n), Bengaluru - Billy Bowden and Rod Tucker, Marais Erasmus (third), Aleem Dar (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 6 Mar - England v South Africa (d), Chennai - Simon Taufel and Amish Saheba, Asoka de Silva (third), Richard Kettleborough (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Monday 7 Mar - Kenya v Canada (d/n), New Delhi - Asad Rauf and Billy Doctrove, Bruce Oxenford (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 8 Mar - Pakistan v New Zealand (d/n), Pallekele - Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong, Ian Gould (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Wednesday 9 Mar - India v Netherlands (d/n), New Delhi - Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis, Billy Doctrove (third), Kumar Dharmasena (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Thursday 10 Mar - Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe (d/n), Pallekele - Marais Erasmus and Nigel Llong, Tony Hill (third), Ranmore Martinesz (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Friday 11 Mar - West Indies v Ireland (d), Mohali - Asoka de Silva and Shahvir Tarapore, Bruce Oxenford (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Roshan Mahnama (referee)

Friday 11 Mar - Bangladesh v England (d/n), Chittagong - Daryl Harper and Rod Tucker, Aleem Dar (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Saturday 12 Mar - India v South Africa (d/n), Nagpur - Ian Gould and Simon Taufel, Billy Doctrove (third), Kumar Dharmasena (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 13 Mar - New Zealand v Canada (d), Mumbai - Shahvir Tarapore and Bruce Oxenford, Steve Davis (third), Asoka de Silva (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 13 Mar - Australia v Kenya (d/n), Bengaluru - Asad Rauf and Richard Kettleborough, Billy Bowden (third), Amish Saheba (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Monday 14 Mar - Pakistan v Zimbabwe (d/n), Pallekele - Nigel Llong and Tony Hill, Marais Erasmus (third), Ranmore Martinesz (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Monday 14 Mar - Bangladesh v Netherlands (d), Chittagong - Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker, Daryl Harper (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Tuesday 15 Mar - South Africa v Ireland (d/n), Kolkata - Kumar Dharmasena and Billy Doctrove, Simon Taufel (third), Ian Gould (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Wednesday 16 Mar - Australia v Canada (d/n), Bengaluru - Amish Saheba and Billy Bowden, Richard Kettleborough (third), Asad Rauf (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Thursday 17 Mar - England v West Indies (d/n), Chennai - Asoka de Silva and Steve Davis, Shahvir Tarapore (third), Brice Oxenford (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Friday 18 Mar - Sri Lanka v New Zealand (d/n), Mumbai - Richard Kettleborough and Asad Rauf, Amish Saheba (third), Billy Bowden (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Friday 18 Mar - Ireland v Netherlands (d), Kolkata - Simon Tuafel and Ian Gould, Kumar Dharmasena (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Saturday 19 Mar - Australia v Pakistan (d/n), Colombo - Tony Hill and Marais Erasmus, Nigel Llong (third), Tyron Wijewardena (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Saturday 19 Mar - Bangladesh v South Africa (d), Dhaka - Daryl Harper and Aleem Dar, Rod Tucker (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Sunday 20 Mar - Zimbabwe v Kenya (d), Kolkata - Billy Doctrove and Kumar Dharmasena, Ian Gould (third), Simon Taufel (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 20 Mar - India v West Indies (d/n), Chennai - Steve Davis and Bruce Oxenford, Asoka de Silva (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Appointments are subject to changes.

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Ahmed Shehzad medin century lifts Pakistan

Updated at: 1000 PST,  Thursday, February 03, 2011

AUCKLAND: Ahmed Shehzad notched his first one-day international century to help Pakistan reach 268 for nine in the fifth match against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday. Shehzad brought up his century in 101 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes, as the visitors set a challenging target for New Zealand to chase in order to save the six-match series. Pakistan hold a 2-1 lead with the final game in Auckland on Saturday.The 19-year-old was eventually caught in the deep by James Franklin off Scott Styris for 115 in the 38th over.New Zealand's bowlers had varied their pace and length to restrict the free-scoring Pakistani batsmen in the final few overs and the visitors would be disappointed not to have scored more runs.New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori did not play after he sustained a hamstring injury in the fourth match in Napier on Tuesday. Jesse Ryder, who missed the game at McLean Park with a finger injury, returned to the side.

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Kiwis go for bowling first in crucial ODI

Updated at: 0600 PST,  Thursday, February 03, 2011
HAMILTON: New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial fifth one-day international at Seddon Park on Thursday.

A win for Pakistan would give them the six-match series with a game to spare while New Zealand need to win to keep the series alive.

Taylor was handed the New Zealand captaincy when regular skipper Daniel Vettori was ruled out on the morning of the match because of a hamstring strain suffered in the fourth game in Napier on Tuesday.

Opening batsman Jesse Ryder, who missed the Napier match because of an injured finger returns to the side.

New Zealand are resting Tim Southee, who has played in every match so far, as well as Kane Williamson, and have brought back regular new ball bowler Kyle Mills.

In the the Pakistan side Shoaib Akhtar replaces Sohail Tanvir in their bowling line up.

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Vettori, Ryder injury worries for 5th Pakistan match

Updated at: 1328 PST,  Wednesday, February 02, 2011
AUCKLAND: New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and Jesse Ryder are injury concerns for their side's must-win fifth one-day international against Pakistan in Hamilton on Thursday.

Vettori suffered a hamstring injury in the two-wicket loss in Napier on Tuesday that gave Pakistan a 2-1 lead in the series, while Ryder was a late withdrawal from that match after he suffered a bruised finger at the weekend.

"We'd be pretty hopeful about Jesse," coach John Wright told reporters in Hamilton on Wednesday. "I'm not quite so sure about Dan, I think it's just general stiffness but we'll have to have a look.

"He's probably more uncertain but we've got a physio who is very experienced so we'll act on the expert's advice."

New Zealand's entire World Cup squad are in Hamilton so they should be able to cope with late decisions on Vettori and Ryder, though the hosts had hoped to field their strongest line up for the final two matches of the six-game series.

"I've always believed at this level you pick your best side, that tends to solve a lot of problems because you have your best chance of winning and getting some momentum going," Wright said.

"Players identify with the opportunity to play and those who miss out want to take their place, so I've always thought survival of the fittest.

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Misbah guides Pakistan to tight win over New Zealand

Updated at: 1501 PST,  Tuesday, February 01, 2011
NAPIER: Misbah-ul-haq overcame the loss of late wickets to keep his cool and guide Pakistan to a two-wicket victory over New Zealand in their fourth one-day international match in Napier on Tuesday.

Misbah, who has anchored Pakistan's batting throughout the tour of New Zealand, proved once again a thorn in the side of Daniel Vettori's team, scoring 93 not out as Pakistan finished on 264 for eight in 49 overs having chased down the host's 262 for seven.

The Pakistan test captain, who had been coasting to the victory target while batting with Younus Khan (42), was forced to take all the responsibility of getting his side home when
Younus was run out in the 38th over.

Umar Akmal then scratched around for 10 off 17 balls before he was well caught in the 43rd over by Nathan McCullum off Vettori, who trapped Shahid Afridi in front two balls later to give New Zealand a faint hope of running through the bowlers to win the match and take a 2-1 lead in the best of six series.

Misbah, however, and Abdul Razzaq (23) managed to keep pace with the required run rate and while Razzaq was well caught by a hobbling Vettori, Misbah smashed 10 runs off two balls from Scott Styris and Sohail Tanvir (14) hit three boundaries off Tim Southee the next over to see their side home.

Late call-up James Franklin had proved the saviour of New Zealand's innings, which was about 30 runs short of a par total on a good batting wicket with short square boundaries.

Franklin was only brought into the side after Jesse Ryder, who injured a finger while playing for Wellington at the weekend, withdrew before play began.

The left-hander, who had scores of 72 not out, 98 not out and 17 not out in his previous three innings in India last December, top-scored with 62 to help arrest New Zealand's
mid-innings slump.

The hosts had romped to 40 without loss but lost three wickets for four runs and then slumped to 79 for five before Franklin's 62-run partnership with Brendon McCullum (37) and a stand of 64 runs with Nathan McCullum (53 not out) halted the slide.

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4th ODI: Pakistan chasing 263 to win over NZ

Updated at: 0950 PST,  Tuesday, February 01, 2011
4th ODI: Pakistan chasing 263 to win over NZ
New Zealand 262/7 (50 ov)
Pakistan 238/7 (27.0 ov)
Pakistan require another 25 runs with 3 wickets and 23.0 overs remaining
Pakistan need an achievable 263 to overhaul New Zealand's total for seven wickets in their fourth one-day international cricket match at McLean Park, Napier today.
Black Caps openers Jamie How and Martin Guptill went after opener Sohail Tanvir before Wahab Riaz struck, claiming the scalp of Guptill for 21 runs before How holed out at square leg to Umar Akmal from an Abdul Razzaq delivery for 13. At 2-44, vice-captain Ross Taylor arrived but lasted only five balls with just one boundary to show for. No 4 Scott Styris could only contribute 11 runs after Umar Gul ran him out off a Mohammed Hafeez delivery following a mix-up with No 5 Kane Williamson, who held his ground as Styris attempted to dart back to his crease. James Franklin, who came in for injured opening batsman Jesse Ryder, assumed the mantle of anchoring the innings but Williamson departed for 15, mistiming a shot to Younis Khan at drive as the Kiwis were left teetering at 5-79 in 20.3 overs. Enter unwanted opener at No 7 Brendon McCullum (22 runs) who laboriously took the hosts to 100 runs with Franklin (32 runs) off 159 balls in 106 minutes in the 26th over. The pair brought up their 50-run partnership off 61 balls in 32 minutes. Just when the explosive Otago batsman/wicketkeeper looked like resurrecting New Zealand's innings with three boundaries, before a rush of blood saw him edge a ball to wicketkeeper Karam Akmal off a Riaz delivery for 37 runs off 39 balls. McCullum, who had charged down the wicket to an earlier ball, did not take heed of the degree of deviation from Riaz's delivery. But Franklin continued playing a subdued innings, bringing his half ton off 67 balls in 97 minutes, including six boundaries as the Caps sat on 187-6 with 57 balls to come with No 8 Nathan McCullum feeding him the strike at the other end. Franklin and Nathan McCullum brought up their 50-run seventh-wicket partnership in 56 balls but a ball later the crowd took a collective sigh of relief as Franklin survived a run out when bowler Gul botched a thrown in, the ball spilling out of his hands in haste as the frustrated Pakistani knocked a bail off with his swinging hand. New Zealand's 200 runs came with 44 balls to spare. 12th man Jacob Oram ran out with a message in a bottle and Franklin obliged, holing out to Kamran off a Riaz ball to finish with 62 runs with New Zealand on 205-7. McCullum, coming off the rotation policy, persisted with 53 unbeaten runs, mixing it with several air shots. He brought up his 50 off 54 balls in 81 minutes, shortly before his 50-run partnership with skipper Vettori as the Caps carved up 256-7 with an over to spare. McCullum's innings included five boundaries and a six. Vettori was unbeaten on 13.

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ICC CRICKET RANKING ALERT

Updated at: 0950 PST,  Tuesday, February 01, 2011

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Franklin, Nathan steer NZ to 262-7 against Pakistan

Updated at: 1021 PST,  Tuesday, February 01, 2011
WELLINGTON: Late call-up James Franklin continued a golden run of form with a third half century in four one-day international innings to guide New Zealand to 262 for seven in their fourth match against Pakistan in Napier on Tuesday. The left-hander, who had scores of 72 not out, 98 not out and 17 not out in his previous three innings in India last December, top-scored with 62 to help arrest New Zealand'smid-innings slump at McLean Park. The hosts had romped to 40 without loss but lost three wickets for four runs and then slumped to 79 for five before Franklin's 62-run partnership with Brendon McCullum (37) and a stand of 64 runs with Nathan McCullum (53 not out) arrested the slide.
Franklin was only brought into the side after Jesse Ryder, who injured a finger while playing for Wellington at the weekend, withdrew before play began. The series is locked at 1-1 after the second match in Queenstown was washed out.

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Bengaluru confirmed as venue for India v England match

Updated at: 1526 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
The ICC today confirmed its decision to relocate the venue for the India v England match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, which had been originally scheduled for Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 27 February. It will now take place in Bengaluru on the same date.
In a letter to the BCCI yesterday, the ICC outlined a schedule of works that needed to be carried out at Eden Gardens ahead of the ground’s other scheduled fixtures on 15, 18 and 20 March. As such, an inspection team will visit Kolkata again on 7 February to assess progress in line with that schedule.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has responded to the ICC nominating Bengaluru as its preferred alternate venue for the India v England match, a recommendation the ICC agrees to.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "This decision now clarifies and gives us certainty over the fixture. We can now work with our various partners and stakeholders to make sure that match - along with the rest of the tournament - is all it should be."

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PCB set to retain Afridi as skipper for World Cup

Updated at: 1526 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, in all likelihood, will announce Shahid Afridi as the captain of the Pakistan team for the upcoming World Cup although some players are backing Misbah-ul Haq as the leader.

According to sources, Butt has decided to now stick with Afridi as captain although there is still a divided opinion about the fact that some consider Misbah to be a better choice.

The scales seemed to have heavily tilted in favour of Afridi after the dashing batsman smashed 65 off only 25 deliveries during Pakistan's series levelling win against New Zealand on Saturday.

"Butt has come to the conclusion after discussing the captaincy issue with the team management and others that it would be unwise to change the captain at such a stage and since Afridi has been the ODI captain since late 2009," a source indicated.

He said the board would most likely end the captaincy debate by announcing the captain in next 24 hours.

There was plenty of debate in the cricketing circles after the PCB announced the World Cup squad of 15 players last month but did not name the captain.

Many former players consider Afridi to be too temperamental to be given the responsibility of captaining in the World Cup and others warning against changing the captain at such a late stage.

Former Pakistan captain, Shoaib Malik has also added his voice to the captaincy debate supporting Afridi.

"I don't think it is a good move to change the captain now. Since Afridi has been leading the team for the last year, it makes no sense to change him now," Malik said. "Changing captains frequently has already damaged the team in the past."

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Vettori, Ryder return to NZ squad

Updated at: 1008 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
Skipper Daniel Vettori and opener Jesse Ryder have made a return to the New Zealand squad for the fourth ODI in Napier on Tuesday.
New Zealand selectors made two changes to the squad for the fourth One-Day International against Pakistan in Napier.Ryder and Vettori come back into the reckoning with Luke Woodcock and Kyle Mills heading back to domestic cricket.All-rounder James Franklin will remain with his domestic side Wellington.
The six-match series is currently tied at 1-1. Pakistan won the third ODI by 43 runs at Christchurch.Team: Daniel Vettori (captain), Hamish Bennett, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Scott Styris, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson.

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Afridi hints at limited role for Akhtar

Updated at: 1008 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi has indicated a limited role for experienced fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the remaining matches in New Zealand and next month's World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.After Pakistan's win over New Zealand in Christchurch in the third ODI, Afridi said that Akhtar was left out of the matchas he still needed to work harder on his fitness and form."Shoaib might be given a chance to play if we manage to win the series in the next two games," Afridi said."He is working hard in the nets and our coach Waqar Younis is spending lot of time with him. It is clear he still needs to work hard on his fitness and form," Afridi added.The seasoned fast bowler played in the first one-dayer that Pakistan lost and was then left out in the next two matches indicating a reduced role for him in the coming Worl dCup.Pakistan preferred to play Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir in the second and third ODIs."Shoaib needs to be match fit and should train. [Coach] Waqar Younis is working hard with him," Afridi maintained.

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Ajmal, Tanvir rate India as favourites

Updated at: 1008 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir feel that India will be the biggest threat for all teams including Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup.

"I think India, Australia and South Africa can pose big threat as they have very strong squads for the tournament," Ajmal told Pakistan's former captain and now well-known commentator Ramiz Raja on a television show.

Ajmal said hopefully if Pakistan managed to get through to the knockout stages it would have to contend with India in the crunch stage of the event.

"Matches against India are always played with extra hype and spirit and if such a match up takes place in the World Cup at any stage it would be great for the sport," the offie stated.

He also feels that he has been in the form of his life and would make an impact in the World Cup in which the pitches are expected to assist the slow bowlers.

"I want to come out of the World Cup with appreciable performances and with people saying Saeed bowled well for the team," he said.

His teammate Tanvir said, "Both India and Sri Lanka have strong one-day combinations and both can pose a challenge to any team in the tournament and in the knockout stage," he said.

"I am confident our team can perform well in the tournament and I see India or Sri Lanka as our main threats in the latter stages of the event," Tanvir said.

The all-rounder who has made a comeback to the national team after remaining out of action for nearly a year due to a major knee operation ruled out England as a major contender for the title despite their recent success in the Ashes and after winning the ICC World Twenty20.

Both also felt that the role of the captain and coach was crucial in getting the best performance out of their players.

"The captain and coach can do a lot to lift a player if he is going through a bad patch. A captain must back his player and tell him "I know you can deliver for me,"" Ajmal said.

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Windies elect to bat in Sri Lanka one-dayer

Updated at: 1008 PST,  Monday, January 31, 2011
COLOMBO: West Indies captain Darren Sammy elected to bat after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in the opening one-day international on Monday.

The remaining two matches will also be played in Colombo on Friday and Sunday.

West Indies: Darren Sammy (capt), Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kieron Pollard, Carlton Baugh, Nikita Miller, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis.

Umpires: Asoka de Silva (SRI) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS)
TV umpire: Tyron Wijewardene (SRI)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

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Bangladesh beggars to be 'paid' during World Cup

Updated at: 1458 PST,  Sunday, January 30, 2011
DHAKA: The mayor of Chittagong city in southern Bangladesh said Sunday that he would pay hundreds of beggars a daily wage to keep them off the streets during the cricket World Cup.

Manzur Alam said that about 300 disabled beggars would be given 150 taka (two dollars) a day after the tournament's opening ceremony on February 17 to compensate them for loss of earnings.

"We want to keep them off the streets at least for two months during the World Cup. Bangladesh is a host of the prestigious event. A lot of tourists will be here and they don't like to see beggars," he told a news agency.

Alam said he would meet with beggars' representatives on Wednesday to organise the payments and discuss other benefits such as free food and clothes.

"We want to treat the issue as humanely as possible. Many of these beggars are disabled and many have families and their children studying in schools and colleges. So obviously, they must be compensated well," he said.

Excitement is building in impoverished Bangladesh as it prepares to co-host the cricket World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka.

Local sports fans are desperate to see their team play on home soil, and riot police have been called in to quell unrest in huge queues for tickets.

The national side, captained by superstar all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, have enjoyed a recent improvement in form and hopes are high for success in group stage matches against major teams such as India and England.

After the opening ceremony in Dhaka, the capital will hold six games and Chittagong will host two matches.

According to a 2005 study, Bangladesh has about 700,000 beggars, with those in urban areas earning an average of 100 taka a day from donations.

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Australia take series after Brisbane victory

Updated at: 1654 PST,  Sunday, January 30, 2011
BRISBANE: Australia wrapped up a morale-boosting one-day series victory over England with two games to spare after a 51-run win in the fifth match at the Gabba on Sunday.Michael Clarke's team took an unassailable 4-1 lead in the seven-match series after hitting 249 in 49.3 overs and then bowling out the visitors for 198.Pace pair Brett Lee and Doug Bollinger reduced England to 22 for three before Kevin Pietersen (40) and Ian Bell (36) combined for a 73-run partnership.England,
however, self destructed when they still had plenty of overs remaining and two well-established players batting.Pietersen again succumbed to a rush of blood to the head when he misread a slower John Hastings delivery and spooned the ball to Lee at mid-on to leave his team 95 for four.Eoin Morgan (two) also threw away his wicket when he smashed Steve Smith straight to Mitchell Johnson at long off while Bell chopped Hastings on to his stumps to leave England 103 for six.Shane Watson then dismissed Paul Collingwood (18) and Chris Woakes (eight) in his first over, the 33rd of the innings, to all but end the run chase despite some final-wicket defiance from James Anderson (22 not out) and Steve Finn (35).
Earlier, Clarke ended his poor run of scores with a half century while the tail provided a late flurry to help the home side post a good total despite man of the match Woakes claiming six for 45.Clarke, who had been under pressure, combined for a 65-run partnership with David Hussey (34) for the fifth wicket.He then needlessly charged Woakes in the 41st over and top edged a simple catch to opposing skipper Andrew Strauss on 54.Clarke's dismissal left Australia 190 for six but Smith (24 not out), Johnson (16) and Hastings (13) combined well in the latter stages to set up a victory charge that will give them confidence heading into next month's World Cup.The match was also used to help raise money following recent flooding.The floods have swamped the eastern seaboard of Australia, killing 35 people, crippling coal mines, ruining crops, damaging infrastructure, destroying homes and causing an estimated A$5 billion (US$4.98 billion) in damage in Queensland alone.

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Hafeez, Afridi help Pakistan level series against Kiwis

Updated at: 1001 PST,  Saturday, January 29, 2011
CHRISTCHURCH: Mohammad Hafeez scored his first one-day century and Shahid Afridi blasted the equal-fastest half century in New Zealand as Pakistan levelled their one-day series against the hosts following a 43-run victory at Lancaster Park on Saturday.

New Zealand never really challenged Pakistan's imposing 293 for seven, with Martin Guptill (39), Jamie How (24) Scott Styris (46) and Kane Williamson (42) all getting starts but leaving too many runs for the lower order to overhaul the total.

Skipper Afridi also cleverly rotated his bowlers, who expertly changed their pace and angles, bowled to their fields and took wickets just as New Zealand's batsmen appeared set to push on.

Tim Southee (13 not out) hit a six off the last ball to drag New Zealand to 250 for nine. Hamnish Bennett was with Southee on four.

The six-match series is locked at 1-1 after New Zealand won the first match in Wellington by nine wickets last week and the second in Queenstown was washed out on Wednesday.

Pakistan's innings had been held together by Hafeez (115), who also shared a 94-run partnership with Misbah-ul-haq (35) and 52 runs with Umar Akmal (44).

Afridi then scored a blistering 65, which included five sixes and five boundaries, as he and Umar blasted a destructive 69-runs off 26 balls as Pakistan made full use of the final powerplay, scoring 126 runs in the last 10 overs.

Afridi's half century was brought up on his 19th delivery, equalling the fastest one-day international half century scored in New Zealand, which is also held by Brendon McCullum. 

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Pakistan set 294-run target for Kiwis in 3rd ODI

Updated at: 1001 PST,  Saturday, January 29, 2011
CHRISTCHURCH: Allrounder Shahid Afridi blasted 25-ball 65 runs and opener Mohammad Hafeez scored a brilliant maiden ODI hundred to steer Pakistan to an impressive total of 293 for seven in the allotted 50 overs in the third One-day International here at the AMI Stadium on Saturday.

Hafeez was superb in mastering a green pitch after New Zealand stand-in captain Ross Taylor won the toss.

The Pakistan opener stroked 12 boundaries and slammed two sixes before eventually departing for 115, caught by Taylor at mid-on after he got a leading edge to a Kyle Mills full toss.

Visiting captain Shahid Afridi then scored a blistering 65, which included five sixes and five boundaries, as he and Umar Akmal (44) blasted a destructive 69-run partnership off 26 balls with Pakistan making full use of the final powerplay.

Afridi also equalled the fastest one-day half century in New Zealand, bringing up the mark on his 19th delivery.

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Pak-NZ 3rd ODI at Christchurch Saturday

Updated at: 2132 PST,  Friday, January 28, 2011
CHRISTCURCH: The third One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Pakistan is scheduled to be played on Saturday at the AMI stadium, Christchurch.

New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the series and Pakistan are still in the hunt of a series leveller as the washed out second game of the six-match series wooed their hopes of making a comeback.

Before the rain interruption at Queenstown, the Pakistani openers put up a good show in the face of bowling-friendly conditions. Ahmed Shehzad in particular made Tim Southee look like an ordinary bowler after his heroics in the first match and the hat-trick in the T20I at Auckland.

The start to the series has been a typical Pakistani one. They rose up to the expectations and gave the world of cricket a glimpse of their stumbling capabilities yet again.

The batting line-ups of both the teams are fragile, having the tendency to collapse like a house of cards. The Kiwi batsmen in this series, however, seem to have learned their lessons as they have looked like a resolute unit against the Pakistani bowlers ever since the start of the tour except that one collapse in the second innings of the first Test match, at Hamilton, that cost them the series.

The men in green on the other hand have a lot to think about. Except for the Test series, their batting form in the T20 series and the one ODI so far has been deplorable except for the consistent skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq.

New Zealand are continuing with their rotation policy and in the third match they are going to make considerable changes, Jesse Ryder and James Franklyn both have been rested, they will return to play for their domestic side, Jamie How, and, Luke Woodcock are going to replace them.

After the explosive innings of Jesse Ryder upfront in the first match, Jamie How, is going to open the batting with Martin Guptill, which makes things a little ambiguous about the roles of the two.

Being the senior of the two, Guptill, will have the immense responsibility to attack as well as keep the innings together for the team.

In another shocker the authorities have also decided to rest Daniel Vettori in this match and Ross Taylor will take the leading role, Kyle Mills, is likely to make a comeback.

Ross Taylor might toss the new ball in Hamish Bennett’s hands tomorrow in the absence of James Franklyn. His ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce from the pitch along with good pace might well prove lethal for the vulnerable Pakistani upper order.

As far as this venue is concerned the Kiwis have an excellent record here winning three of every four matches they have played at the AMI stadium, Pakistan have lost all except one. The toss is going to be important as the teams batting second have a clear advantage but it is still unclear as to how the pitch and more importantly the ball is going to behave under floodlights.

There are chances of a few showers on the big day so we can only hope that we get to see a complete and uninterrupted competition.

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Kolkata says can be ready for World Cup

Updated at: 1602 PST,  Friday, January 28, 2011
NEW DELHI: The bosses of Kolkata's Eden Gardens insisted Friday they could be ready to host next month's India-England World Cup clash after the venue was ruled out because of unfinished renovation work.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) sparked a logistical nightmare for organisers on Thursday by asking for an alternative stadium for the February 27 match because of concerns about unfinished facilities at the famous ground.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which runs the stadium, asked the the ICC to reconsider its controversial ruling, which raised further questions about India's ability to host major sporting events.

CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, a former ICC president and himself a construction company owner, wrote to the Indian cricket board on Friday to convince the governing body to stick to the original schedule.

"(The ICC's decision) comes as a shock because when their inspection team was in Kolkata, we were given to understand that they were happy with the progress of the work and had suggested only a few minor modifications," said the letter.

CAB chiefs promised they would hand over a completed Eden Gardens to the ICC on February 7, "provided we are given an extension."

"Finally, we also state that we will address the bulk of the ICC concerns by January 31, 2011 itself and the remaining little, if any, in another seven days," the letter said.

World Cup organisers were struggling to find a different venue and organise travel, ticketing and security.

"It's a challenge for sure, but we are working on solving the issue at the earliest," tournament director Ratnakar Shetty told reporters at the World Cup headquarters in Mumbai.

The ICC was concerned about work in the renovated stands of Eden Gardens, as well as corporate boxes, the media centre and the location of the radio commentary boxes.

The problems echoed similar trouble before the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October that were marred by severe delays in construction work and shoddy finishing.

Tour operators said they hoped the matter would be resolved soon with the tournament looming.

"England v India is the biggest of all the group games," Shirley Rattray of Cricket Logistics, the ICC's official travel partner, told a cricket website.

"It is the most popular because Eden Gardens is such an iconic venue to watch cricket. A match there is regarded as one of the sporting things to do before you die.

"So it's a big shame that the game has had to be moved."

Rattray said tickets needed to be relocated and fresh flights and hotels booked.

"It's never easy when things like this happen, but it will get done. That's the way things work in India, things can be turned around at the last minute very quickly."

Eden Gardens, which hosted the World Cup final in 1987 and a semi-final in 1996, is due to host three other matches. A decision on whether they will go ahead will be taken by the ICC at a later date.

The three games are South Africa v Ireland on March 15, Ireland v the Netherlands on March 18 and Zimbabwe v Kenya on March 20.

The World Cup is being co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2.

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Kolkata says can be ready for World Cup

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England beat Australia to avoid series defeat

Updated at: 1245 PST,  Friday, January 28, 2011
ADELAIDE: Inspired by a Jonathan Trott century England secured a 21-run victory over Australia on Wednesday, keeping alive their hopes of winning the one-day series after trailing 3-0.

The tourists needed a win to claw their way back into the seven match series and a fine century by man-of-the-match Trott helped them to 299-8, the first time they have lasted their full complement of overs in this series.

Australia never looked comfortable in reply at the Adelaide Oval and their chances all but evaporated with the wicket of opener Shane Watson for 64, caught behind of Ajmal Shahzad.

Captain Michael Clarke's season-long woes with the bat deepened when he was clean bowled by part-timer Paul Collingwood for just 15 as the home team fell short with just 278 for seven.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the tourists looked poised for a huge score when they brought up their century for the loss of one wicket in the 15th over.

But the middle order stuttered and the innings lost its way, regaining momentum through a late flourish from Michael Yardy, who hit 39 not out from 27 balls.

Trott (102 from 126 balls), who also picked up two wickets in the Australian innings, set up the win with his second ODI century while opener Matt Prior belted 67 from 58 balls.

The pair set England on course for a bug score, piling on 113 in quick time for the second wicket.

They were helped by poor bowling from Australia's pacemen, with Brett Lee conceding 68 runs from eight overs and Doug Bollinger 55 from nine.

Lee's wayward bowling helped the English get off to flyer, his first delivery resulting in five wides in an opening over that cost 12 runs.

However, the loss of Prior in the 23rd over slowed the innings.

Prior, who was coming off successive ducks, brought up his 50 with a six off Lee, but fell to Steve Smith in the spinner's second over, top-edging an attempted cut.

The English middle order struggled with Kevin Pietersen making just 12 and Ian Bell going for duck, the pair both falling within three balls in one Smith (3-33) over.

Eoin Morgan's indifferent form continued when he fell to part-time spinner David Hussey attempting a reverse sweep for 24.

Hussey bowled just four overs, but picked up 4-21, also removing centurion Trott, who dragged a ball onto his stumps, Paul Collingwood (27) and Ajmal Shahzad (4).

England were forced to leave out spinner Graeme Swann and all-rounder Tim Bresnan, both sent home early because of injury in a bid to have them fit for next month's World Cup.

Swing bowler James Anderson returned for his first game of the series at the expense of youngster Chris Woakes, while Pietersen was recalled for Luke Wright.

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