Yuvraj discharged after cancer treatment

NEW DELHI: India's World Cup cricket hero Yuvraj Singh announced Sunday that he has been discharged from hospital after undergoing chemotherapy for a cancerous tumour.

"3rd chemo cycles over, back from hospital n I am free.... Can't wait to be back home," the 30-year-old all-rounder said via Twitter from the United States, where he has been receiving treatment.

Left-handed Yuvraj, named man of the tournament after India's World Cup triumph at home last April, was diagnosed with a rare condition, mediastinal seminoma -- a malignant tumour between his lungs -- soon after the event.

Thousands of well-wishers, including US cycling great Lance Armstrong, have sent messages to the player, who is known for his aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling.

Thanking fans for their support, Yuvraj also doffed his hat to Indian cricketing superstar Sachin Tendulkar for achieving the "unachievable" after becoming the only player to score 100 international centuries on Friday.

"Overwhelmed and full of emotions Tendulkar take a bow What he has achieved is immeasurable and what he has done is unachievable," he said.

Yuvraj, who scored 362 runs and bagged 15 wickets in nine World Cup matches, has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of the three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

He has scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000

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Proteas come up big in key moments to seal win

South Africa's crushing nine-wicket victory over New Zealand to win the second test inside three days on Saturday was achieved by three 20-minute periods of superb pace bowling and their tail contributing a valuable 165 runs when they were in deep trouble.

Graeme Smith completed the victory when he drove part-time spinner Rob Nicol through the covers to take his side to 103 for one, two more runs than they needed, shortly before tea on the third day at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Skipper Smith, who finished on 55 not out, and Hashim Amla (46) had needed less than 90 minutes to score the 101 runs that gave their side a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The victory, however, had been set up through the exploits of their fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, when they captured five New Zealand wickets for no runs late on day one to trigger a collapse from a comfortable 133 for two to 133-7.

Philander and Steyn also provided the spark needed in New Zealand's second innings when they reduced Ross Taylor's side to 7-3 just after tea on the second day, while the former ran trhough the lower middle order either side of lunch on Saturday.

Philander finished with combined figures of 10-114, his second 10-wicket haul in just his sixth test to be named man of the match.

"I thought Philander and Steyn bowled well in both innings and they put pressure on the batsmen and pressure told at the end of the day," Taylor said in a televised interview.

"It was a pretty flat wicket but they put the ball in the right areas and put us under pressure."

VALUABLE LEAD

Despite being comprehensivbely outplayed in the match, which lost more than two hours of play due to rain on the first day, New Zealand had an opportunity to impose themselves on the South Africans' first inning after Mark Gillespie had ripped the heart out of their order.

Gillespie took 4-24 from seven overs as the Proteas collapsed to 88-6, before AB de Villiers (83) rallied the tail and the final four wickets added 165 runs that gave the visitors a valauable 68-run first innings lead.

"At 88-6, things were a bit squeaky in our changing room but it is the sign of a good test team that we were able to get ourselves out of trouble and then able to dominate the game," Smith said.

"Crucial knock," Smith added of de Villier's innings. "He marshalled the innings very well when we were under pressure and each of our tail was grafting very hard and it's a big part of the team when they contribute."

Taylor also said his side's inability to finish off the South African tail had been crucial in the first innings and they needed to make the most of such opportunites as they headed to Wellington for the third and final test next week.

"With the ball, I thought we were okay. We had them at six for 90-odd but we weren't able to put the ball in (those good) areas for long enough to put them under pressure.

"(But) we're not out of the series, we have to pick ourselves up and can still draw the series come Wellington."

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Asia Cup 2012: Pakistan cross swords with India today

DHAKA: The battle is being predicted to be bloody as well as beautiful when traditional rivals, Pakistan and India, cross swords in Asia Cup Cricket Tournament’s One Day International match in Dhaka on Sunday (today),
With a few hours remaining in the clash of titans --after almost a year’s hiatus-- the excitement is peaking across the divide.

Cricket crazy fans have set up giant screens in public and amusement parks to make every moment sheer fun for friends and families.

For many Pakistanis the Asia Cup encounter is a chance for their country to avenge the World Cup semi-final defeat in Mohali exactly a year ago.

As expected most of the television channels have also prepared special programmes for the match, with advertisers and sponsors keen to cash in on the hype.

Pakistan is in high spirits after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday almost booking their place in the final of the Asia Cup.

On the other hand India was under pressure as, Bangladesh beat the former by five wickets, despite Sachin Tendulkar's 100th ton making India's next match versus Pakistan crucial for the team.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, whose team were blanked 4-0 by England recently, said the match against India would be a highlight.” Against India it is something special because of the supporters of Pakistan and India,” he said.

“Everyone wants to enjoy India-Pakistan rivalry and that adds to the pressure. But we want to play good cricket and improve our own performance. It’s going to be a tough tournament.” India severed cricket links with its neighbour after the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi blamed on militants based across the border in Pakistan.

The Asia Cup will be the first assignment for new Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore, the former Australian international who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996. The tournament provides Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar with yet another opportunity to record an unprecedented 100th international century.

The world record-holder has gone a year without a three-figure knock since scoring his 99th ton in a World Cup match against South Africa in Nagpur last March. India hope to make amends after their disastrous tours of England and Australia, where they lost both the Test and one-day series.

India, who won the last Asia Cup title in Sri Lanka in 2010, have rested hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag and key paceman Zaheer Khan, but will feel at home on the low, slow pitches in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka, who finished runners-up to India in the World Cup, have produced encouraging results after reappointing Mahela Jayawardene as captain and South African Graham Ford as coach.

They not only knocked India out of the recent tri-series in Australia, but also gave the hosts a close run before losing the best-of-three final 2-1. Bangladesh are boosted by the return of opener Tamim Iqbal, who was initially dropped by the country’s cricket chief before being added as a 15th member of the squad on Thursday.

Each side will play the other once in the round-robin league, with the top two advancing to the final on March 22.

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Thanks a ton - India in awe of Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: World and Indian greats on Saturday bowed to Sachin Tendulkar - "the best" - for scoring 100 international centuries, but speculation about his future threatened to overshadow the achievement.

Fevered Indian media seemed unconcerned that their side had lost the Asia Cup match to Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday despite Tendulkar's hundred, as newspapers devoted several pages to celebrate the unprecedented feat.

"Thanks a ton", screamed identical headlines in the Times of India and Hindustan Times newspapers, while the front page in the Indian Express gave scores of the 38-year-old's centuries above the headline, "Mathemagic".

West Indies legend Viv Richards, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all-time alongside Don Bradman and Tendulkar, said he was a great admirer of the record-breaking Indian.

"I have seen Sachin bat and I think I have seen the best," Richards wrote in a front-page tribute in the Times of India. "The 100th century was a testimony to his self-belief and his unwavering focus."

Amid calls for Tendulkar to retire from one-day cricket to prolong his Test career, Richards urged everyone to let the batsman decide his own future.

Tendulkar himself played down talk of retirement, saying he had not made up his mind.

"If I decide to retire, it won't be done secretively," he told a media conference in Dhaka late on Friday night. "I will let you guys know. As of now, I am enjoying the game."

Tendulkar was disappointed that India lost the game to Bangladesh despite making 289-5 following his 147-ball 114.

Tendulkar said the year-long wait to reach his 100th century after scoring his 99th on March 12 last year had frustrated him at times.

"I am not God. I am Sachin Tendulkar," he said.

Asked what could be his next milestone, Tendulkar replied: "I've never played cricket for milestones. I play cricket just because I enjoy the game."

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said the 100th ton was unlikely to be the last for Tendulkar, who turns 39 next month.

"Amazing, incredible, unbelievable," Ganguly wrote in the Hindustan Times about his long-time team-mate, who is the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket.

"I can surely tell you, hundred hundreds is not the ultimate figure for Sachin and many more are still due from the 'Special One'

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South Africa beat New Zealand by nine wickets

HAMILTON: South Africa beat New Zealand by nine wickets on the third day of the second Test in Hamilton on Saturday.

New Zealand were all out for 168 in their second innings leaving South Africa a 101-run target, which they easily reached in 20 overs and with more than two days to spare.

Kane Williamson top scored in New Zealand's second innings with 77 while Vernon Philander was the most successful of the South African bowlers with 6-44.

After South Africa lost Alviro Petersen in the second over for one, Graeme Smith (55 not out) and Hashim Amla (46 not out) carried the tourists through to the finish at Seddon Park.

They now lead the three-Test series 1-0, after the rain-disrupted first Test ended in a draw.

The final Test starts in Wellington next Friday.

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Tendulkar becomes first to score 100 centuries

India's Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries during the Asia Cup one-dayer against Bangladesh on Friday.The 38-year-old Indian stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in tests and 49 in one-day internationals.Here are six facts about one of the all-time greatest batsmen and the face of Indian cricket for over two decades.


A teenage prodigy, Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973 in Mumbai and made his test debut against Pakistan as a curly-haired 16-year-old, becoming the youngest Indian test player. A year later, he hit his maiden test hundred in England.
Tendulkar holds a number of batting records, including the aggregate one-day runs (18,360 at the time of reaching his 100th ton) and centuries (49). He also holds the record for most test hundreds (51).
He had two unsuccessful terms as India captain, the first aged 23 in 1996 before being axed 17 months later after his batting suffered. He was reappointed in 1999 but stood down after a 3-0 test series rout in Australia the following year. * Tendulkar was named player of the 2003 World Cup, scoring a record 673 runs to help India reach the final, where they lost to Australia. The next year, he equalled compatriot Sunil Gavaskar's world record of 34 test hundreds while compiling 248 not out, his highest score, in Australia.
Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997
Surpassed West Indies' Brian Lara as the highest test run-scorer in 2008. Lara had scored 11,953 runs before he retired from international cricket in 2007. Tendulkar has scored 15,470 test runs .
Became the first batsman to score 200 runs in one-day internationals against South Africa in Gwalior, India in Feb 2010. He finished 200 not out off 147 balls with 25 fours and three sixes.
Became the first batsman to score 100 international centuries after stroking a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in an Asia Cup one-dayer against Bangladesh.

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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to reach Asia Cup final

DHAKA: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday to virtually book their place in the final of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing 189, Pakistan made a disastrous start losing three early wickets for 33 but captain Misbah-ul-Haq and young Umar Akmal came to rescue and steered their team to a comfortable victory in 39.5 overs.

This was Pakistan’s second successive win after a 21-run victory over Bangladesh on March 13. Now, Pakistan will face India in their last league match on March 18.

Both hit half-centuries, 19th for Misbah and 14th for Umar in one-day international cricket.

They were involved in an impressive fourth wicket partnership of 152 runs which was Pakistan’s second century stand for any wicket in this tournament.

Misbah remained not out on 72, scored off 93 balls with a six and nine fours while Umar hammered 77 from 72 balls with two sixes and seven boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, paceman Suranga Lakmal claimed two wickets for 37.

Earlier, the defending champions were bowled out for 188 runs in 45.4 overs after captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and decided to bat first.

Kumar Sangakkara (71) and Upul Tharanga (57) hit half-centuries while only openers Jayawardene (12) and Tillekaratne Dilshan (20) were the only other batsmen to get into double figures.

Paceman Aizaz Cheema was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 43 runs and later won the man-of-the-match award while off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal captured three for 27 and pacer Umar Gul two for 20.

Umar Gul also completed his 150 ODI wickets – the tenth Pakistani bowler to reach this milestone.

Sri Lanka were well-placed at 161-4 following a 96-run fifth wicket stand between former skipper Sangakkara before losing their last six wickets for 27 runs.

Saeed Ajmal started the slide when he bowled Tharanga and then removed Farveez Maharoof and last-man Suranga Lakmal.

Cheema, who conceded 21 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to dismiss openers Mahela Jayawardene (12) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (20) in quick succession before removing Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga.

The Pakistani bowlers were backed by their fielders, with Younis Khan taking a superb catch to his left in the slips to account for Dinesh Chandimal off Gul.

Sri Lanka raced to 33 in the opening five overs before they were reduced to 65-4, with Cheema taking two wickets and Gul and Hammad Azam one apiece.

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Asia Cup: India record 50-run win over Sri Lanka

DHAKA: India defeated Sri Lanka by 50 runs in the second day-night match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a huge target of 305 runs, Sri Lanka took the challenge in a brave manner as their two main batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara posed threat for India.

Jayawardene hit a brilliant 78 from 59 balls with ten fours and two sixes while Sangakkara played a patient innings of 65 from 87 balls with only two fours and a six.

At one stage, Sri Lanka needed 109 runs in 15 overs with eight wickets remaining but then the collapse began as Indian bowlers dominated the scene.

Irfan Pathan was the most successful bowler with four for 32 while Vinay Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets each.

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No British visa for Salman Butt’s baby boy

ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission has denied the visa application for the baby boy of former Pakistani captain Salman Butt.

According to family sources, Butt’s wife along with their two children wanted to visit her husband in Britain. The elder son already has a British visa, but the baby’s application was denied.

The visa application was rejected twice.

Salman Butt is imprisoned in a British prison for his role in the spot-fixing scandal and is yet to see his younger son who was born after his sentence was announced.

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Cricket: Baugh replaces Ramdin for Aussies clash

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Carlton Baugh was called up by the West Indies on Sunday to replace the injured Denesh Ramdin for the first three matches of their one-day series against Australia.

Ramdin suffered a fractured right thumb while batting on Saturday in the second West Indies warm-up match at the 3Ws Oval and will now return to Trinidad to start rehabilitation.

augh made 140 while playing for Jamaica against Trinidad and Tobago in the regional four-day tournament.

The five-match one-day series gets underway in St Vincent on Friday.

West Indies squad:
Darren Sammy (captain), Carlton Baugh, Tino Best, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels

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Afghanistan eye World Twenty20 after Asia Cup snub

DUBAI: Afghanistan are determined to use their resentment over being snubbed for the Asia Cup to fire them to a second appearance at the World Twenty20.

The Afghans are among the favourites to land one of the two places up for grabs at the 2012 finals in Sri Lanka in September and October when the 16-nation qualifying tournament starts on Tuesday.

But such has been the team's remarkable progress in recent years - from a ramshackle unit developing a love of the sport in refugee camps on Pakistan's wild frontier to attaining one-day status - that they believe they deserve more respect.

The team are angry that they were overlooked for the Asia Cup in Dhaka this week, where they could have faced regional powers India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"We are not featuring in the Asia Cup, that is really disappointing," said hard-hitting batsman and off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, who was the leading wicket-taker when Afghanistan qualified for the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

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Asia Cup: India amass 304-3 after Tendulkar’s cheap dismissal

DHAKA: Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli smashed centuries as India set a huge target of 305 runs for Sri Lanka in the second match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

After Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and put India into bat in the day-night match, India lost their star batsman Sachin Tendulkar when they were 19 runs.

Tendulkar, chasing an elusive 100th international century, could make only six runs before pushing a Suranga Lakmal full-toss straight to Jayawardene in the covers.

Then Kohli joined Gambhir and both batted steadily to take India to a formidable position as India piled up a huge 304 for three in 50 overs.

Kohli scored a solid 120-ball 108 and left-handed opener Gambhir a 118-ball 100, each hitting seven boundaries.

Interestingly, each of them completed his tenth hundred in one-day international cricket.

It was Kohli's second successive hundred against Sri Lanka, having made an unbeaten 133 at Hobart in a recent triangular one-day series in Australia.

The pair added 205 runs which was a new Asia Cup record for the second wicket partnership. The previous record was 198, set by Virender Sehwag and Suraish Raina, also from India, against Pakistan at Karachi in 2008.

Both reached their centuries in the 42nd over before both falling in the next over off seamer Farveez Maharoof as they bid to step up the run-rate.

Gambhir, dropped on 36 by Dinesh Chandimal at long-on off, made the most of the chance and hit seven fours, while Kohli also struck the same number of boundaries.

Later, captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni and Suraish Raina plundered 78 runs off the last 7.1 overs, with Dhoni smashing a 26-ball 46 not out and Suresh Raina an unbeaten 30 off just 17 balls.

Pacemen Maharoof and Suranga Lakmal were the only wicket-takers for Bangladesh, with two for 57 and one for 67.

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Cricket: Gambhir, Kohli set new Asia Cup record

DHAKA: India batsmen Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli set a new partnership record for the second wicket in the Asia Cup while playing against Sri Lanka in the second match of the tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Both hit centuries during their 37-over second wicket stand of 205 runs eclipsing the previous record of 198, set by Virender Sehwag and Suraish Raina, also from India, against Pakistan at Karachi in 2008.

Gambhir made 100 from 118 balls while Kohli hit 108 off 120 balls. Both struck seven fours each.

Interestingly, each of them completed his tenth hundred in one-day international cricket.

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Asia Cup: Sri Lanka win toss, put India into bat

DHAKA: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and put India into bat in their first match in the Asia Cup 2012 one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

India's Sachin Tendulkar needs just one more hundred to complete an unprecedented 100 international centuries.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 21 runs in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.

Each side will play the other once in the round-robin league, with the top two advancing to the final on March 22.

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain & wk), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG), TV umpire: Shozab Raza (PAK)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Spot-fixing: 'Indian Police had information about bookie'

NEW DELHI: Indian Police said they have had information about bookie Vicky Seth's involvement in match fixing for quite some time now.

According to a report published in India's 'The Times of India' quoting police sources: "Seth is a well-known bookie attached to a very big betting syndicate. He started operating out of Delhi and was on the police's radar for his alleged involvement in match-fixing but he has never been arrested".

"Seth's syndicate is operated very professionally. They are always one step ahead of the administration and they are equipped with latest gadgets and software too," the report added.

"If Seth and his group would have been targeting to fix that particular World Cup match, they would have struck the deal when the Indian team was in South Africa or the Pakistan team was touring New Zealand before the World Cup," the paper said.

"You will be surprised to know that these bookies mainly operate from countries where there is very little cricket or no cricket at all. Seth is known for his luxurious life style."

Britain's Sunday Times had reported that Indian bookmakers fixed the World Cup semifinal between Indian and Pakistan in Mohali on March 30 last year.

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Cricket: Nupur Mehta denies any role in match fixing

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Nupur Mehta on Monday rubbished allegations that she was involved in match-fixing in last year's World Cup Cricket semi-final between India and Pakistan at Mohali and threatened to sue a London daily.

The Sunday Times carried out a sting operation on a Delhi-based bookie who claimed that the 2011 semi-final was rigged. The paper said that a Bollywood starlet was used to lure Pakistani players to under perform, but did not name her.

An image with a blurred face was published in the newspaper with a report claiming that match-fixing is rampant in international cricket and UK's domestic county as well. The image seems to be of Nupur.

Nupur, who has worked in Sunny Deol starrer Jo Bole So Nihal (2005), told PTI, "I have been accused of something that I have not done. All I would say is I am not guilty of any such thing."

"The picture that they have used was taken during my film, 'Jo Bole So Nihal'," she said.

She has threatened to take legal action against the British daily. "I intend to take action against them."

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England's Patel eyes Test spot in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Samit Patel said Monday he was hopeful his all-round talents would help him win a Test cap for England during the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

The 27-year-old Nottinghamshire player will vie with Ravi Bopara for the batting spot left vacant after the exclusion of Eoin Morgan for the two-Test series starting on March 26.

Patel, a left-arm spinner and right-hand batsman who has played 25 one-dayers and eight Twenty20 internationals for England, hoped to prove his Test credentials in the two warm-up matches in Colombo.

"I am looking forward to getting a spot on the Test team," Patel told reporters in Colombo. "Its a massive opportunity and I will push my case in the warm-up games.

"One of my goals is to play Test cricket. I've always wanted to do that. I want to play all formats for England.

"It's easy to get here, the toughest bit is staying in the squad and staying in the team.

"I'm ready to come in and bat where I'm asked to bat, and do the job with the ball. I'm comfortable with the role I've been set."

Patel conceded beating Sri Lanka in their own backyard was a challenge for England, the number one Test side in the world, who were stunned 3-0 by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates recently.

"Beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is a massive challenge," he said. "Having said that, staying on top of the Test ranking and hanging onto it for another year is also challenging."

Patel, who had been dropped earlier from the England one-day squad for being overweight, said he had worked hard on his fitness regime.

"Fitness is a key factor and everyone has to work hard on their fitness -- some more than others," he said. "It's probably an issue that will stay with me, but I'm not frustrated.

"The more work you do, the better you feel. Hopefully I am doing the right things now."

England will take on the President's XI in a three-day match at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo from Thursday.

The tourists will play another three-day fixture at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo from March 20, before the two back-to-back Tests in Galle and Colombo.

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Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in thrilling opener

DHAKA: Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal bowled Pakistan to an exciting 21-run victory with eleven balls to spare in the sensational opening match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Bangladesh, chasing a target of 263, were well set after Shakib Al Hasan (64) and Nasir Hossain (47) added 89 runs for the sixth wicket before Gul and Ajmal derailed their chase and the hosts lost their last five wickets for 17 runs.

The hosts were 224 for five when Gul bowled Nasir to end the partnership and in the next over Ajmal dismissed tailenders Abdur Razzak and Mashrafe Mortaza.

In Gul's next over, he trapped Shafiul Islam leg before and delivered the final blow when he bowled Shakib to finish with 3-58.

Spinners Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal took two wickets apiece.

Opener Tamim Iqbal laid the foundation for Bangladesh's run chase with 64 off 89 balls before he dragged a low ball off Mohammad Hafeez on to his stumps.

Hafeez earlier made 89 and shared an opening stand of 135 with Nasir Jamshed (54) as Pakistan made 262-8 from their 50 overs after being put into bat by Bangladesh.

Shahadat Hossain triggered a mid-innings collapse by taking three wickets before Gul thumped a career-best unbeaten 39 with some lusty late blows.

He added 53 vital runs for the eighth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed (19 not out) to help Pakistan cross the 250-mark in the day-night match.

India face Sri Lanka in the next game on Tuesday. The final will be held on March 22.

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Sangakkara, Dilshan and Chandimal aim for further improvements in Asia Cup

Sri Lanka's batting trio Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal will be aiming to carry their recent good form into the Asia Cup starting in Mirpur from Sunday.

If they can do that then it will help them maintain upward movement in the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen after the trio stormed up the batting chart at the conclusion of the three-nation series which finished in Adelaide on Thursday.

Sangakkara has jumped five places to fourth position after finishing as the fourth leading run-getter with 420 runs, Dilshan has moved up four places to 10th place after ending as the leading scorer with 513 runs, while Chandimal has broken into the top 20 for the first time and lies in 18th spot after scoring 419 runs, success that saw him rise 18 places.

The latest rankings, which reflect player performances in the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and South Africa which finished on 3 March, were released on Friday.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena is the other Sri Lanka batsman to improve his ranking in the tri-series in Australia, which also featured world champion India. Jayawardena chipped in with 406 runs and has been rewarded with a rise of two places which has put him in 17th position.

Three Australia batsmen have also been rewarded for their consistent performances.

Captain Michael Clarke has moved up two places to eighth spot after scoring 331 runs in six matches, David Warner has been rewarded with a jump of 97 places which puts him in 53rd position after he aggregated 506 runs in the series and David Hussey has gained eight places and is now in 34th position after scoring 439 runs at an average of just under 55.

Other players to improve their rankings include New Zealand's Brendon McCullum 19th (up by eight places) and JP Duminy of South Africa in 22nd (up by two places).

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for ODI bowlers, South Africa's Lonwabo Tsotsobe has achieved the number-one ranking for the first time in his career.

The South Africa left-arm fast bowler took six wickets in his side's 3-0 win over New Zealand which has been enough to lift him ahead of Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal.

Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn are the other South Africa bowlers on a move in the right direction.

Morkel was the most successful bowler in the series with seven wickets which has helped him leapfrog England's Graeme Swann in third position while Steyn has moved up three places to 13th position.

Australia's trio Shane Watson, Clint McKay and Xavier Doherty have also improved their rankings. Watson has vaulted 15 places to 25th position, McKay has moved up six places to 28th position and Doherty has gained a place and is now in 29th spot.

In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for ODI all-rounders, Watson has dislodged Shakib Al Hasan from the number-one position. The Australia leads the former Bangladesh captain by three ratings points.

With the Asia Cup starting in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Sunday, India's iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar will be eyeing to score his hundredth international century and, in the meantime, also improve his rankings.

Tendulkar has scored 51 Test and 48 ODI centuries in an illustrious 23-year career but the 100th century has been eluding him since last year's ICC Cricket World Cup.

In addition to this, Tendulkar's current ranking of 29th is his lowest since December 1991, when he slipped to 31st position. The 38 year-old's highest career ranking is at the top of the listings, a mark he first achieved in February 1996.

In the Reliance ICC ODI Championship table, the main battle appears to be for the number two position as Australia has all-but-sealed top spot for the third successive year and ninth time in 11 years.

The only way Australia can slip behind second-ranked South Africa is in the highly unlikely scenario of it losing all the five ODIs against the West Indies. In other words, Australia just needs to win an ODI of the five-match series to retain the prestigious ODI shield and with it win a cheque of US$175,000.

However, battle for second position remains tight with South Africa leading India by just one ratings point.

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ICC to probe fresh fixing claims: report

LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating claims that Indian bookmakers are fixing the results of England county games and international fixtures, Britain's Sunday Times reported.

The newspaper said it had uncovered evidence that tens of thousands of pounds (dollars) was on offer to players to throw part or all of international matches, including last year's World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan.

It cited one Delhi bookmaker boasting that English county cricket was also a "good new market", as it involved "low-profile matches and nobody monitors them. That's why good money can be made there without any hassle".

The allegations come just weeks after former Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield became the first English cricketer to be jailed for corruption after admitting accepting money to fix a match against Durham in September 2009.

An ICC spokesman said it would investigate the new allegations.

"We are grateful for the information you have provided and will launch an inquiry into these serious allegations," he told The Sunday Times.

"Betting on cricket in the legal and illegal markets continues to grow rapidly and, with many, many millions of dollars being bet on every match, the threat of corrupters seeking to influence the game has not gone away."

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Australia experience gives rivals edge in Asia Cup: Misbah

DHAKA: The tough experience that India and Sri Lanka went through in Australia in their recent tour will give them an advantage over their rivals in the Asia Cup,Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq said on Saturday.

The biennial four-nation Asia Cup begins in Dhaka on Sunday with Pakistan and Bangladesh vying for the top spot in the continent along with India and Sri Lanka.

India had just a few days break before flying to Dhaka after a tough Australia tour where they lost all four test matches and failed to qualify for the finals of the tri-series one-day
tournament.

Sri Lanka, beaten by Australia in the best of three finals of the tri-series, flew to Dhaka directly from Australia on Saturday.

"I think the way they have played cricket in Australia, it will always be difficult... to play against them as they have played tough cricket over there," Misbah told a news conference in Dhaka about their opponents.

"To compete with them we have to work very hard and have to improve our performance."

Pakistan toured Bangladesh in December and won both Test and one-day series by a clear margin.

They also beat England in a test series 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates before losing the one-day series 4-0 to the same opponents.

"Regardless of the situation that we have played here and have some advantage, but it will hardly matter as they have played some tough cricket. A lot of teams get mentally strong after playing over there (Australia)," he said.

Misbah said they want to forget the poor showing in the one-day series against England and take inspiration from the past good test results.

"Every game and every series is a different ball game. You can't just stick to the series that you have lost," said Misbah.

"If you look at the series before we won six series in a row, I think this is part of the game. What we want to do is just forget the one-day series and just look forward," he said. (Reuters)

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Cricket: South Africa set New Zealand record mark

DUNEDIN: New Zealand need to break their record highest fourth-innings winning total if they are to snatch victory from South Africa in the first Test on Sunday.

South Africa declared their second innings on Saturday at 435-5 giving New Zealand a 401-run target -- a winning fourth-innings total beaten only four times previously in cricket history.

At stumps, with one day remaining, New Zealand were 137-2 -- requiring a further 264 runs -- with Brendon McCullum on 58 and Ross Taylor on 48.

The Black Caps' current record fourth innings winning total is 324-5 against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994.

The West Indies hold the record for the highest winning run chase when centuries by Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan laid the foundation for their fourth innings 418-7 to beat Australia at St John's in 2003.

South Africa scored 414-4 to beat Australia at Perth in 2008, India scored 406-4 to defeat the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1976, and Australia were the first Test side to surpass 400 in a successful fourth-innings run chase when they made 404-3 against England at Leeds in 1948.

The highest unsuccessful fourth innings total is 654-5 by England when chasing a target of 696 to beat South Africa at Durban in 1939.

There should be 98 overs available on Sunday for New Zealand to score the runs or South Africa to take the last eight wickets, although morning rain is forecast in Dunedin.

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Cricket: McCullum, Taylor lead New Zealand run chase

DUNEDIN: New Zealand battled to 137 for two at the close of play on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa on Saturday after being set an imposing 401-run target to win.

The home side lost both openers cheaply before Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor came together and reduced the required total to 264 with eight wickets in hand by stumps.

When bad light stopped play four overs early, McCullum was not out 58 with Taylor unbeaten on 48.

If New Zealand do pull off an unlikely victory they will have to post their highest successful fourth-innings run chase, or alternatively they could salvage a draw with the arrival of forecast rain.

The Black Caps' current record fourth innings winning total is 324-5 against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994.

South Africa declared their second innings at 435-5 midway through the fourth day with Jacques Rudolph unbeaten on 105 -- the third centurion of the innings after Graeme Smith (115) and Jacques Kallis (113).

They then dismissed the New Zealand openers on either side of the tea break with Martin Guptill the first to fall for six, edging Vernon Philander to AB de Villiers in the slips. Rob Nicol was dismissed for 19.

Nicol had been at the crease for 90 minutes and weathered a torrid spell of pace bowling from Philander and Morne Morkel before losing his wicket to a full toss from leg spinner Imran Tahir which he lofted to Smith at mid-on.

At 55-2, Taylor joined McCullum in the middle and the pair set about rebuilding the innings, putting on an unbeaten stand of 82.

Until New Zealand's most experienced Test batsmen came together the day had belonged to South Africa, who resumed their second innings at 268-3 and added a further 167 for the loss of two more wickets before Smith declared.

New Zealand's hopes were boosted early with Kallis adding only six runs to his overnight 107 before he played an uncharacteristic lofted shot off left-armer Trent Boult and was caught by Nicol at midwicket for 113.

But de Villiers joined Rudolph at the crease and they built on South Africa's lead, adding 70 runs for the fifth wicket.

The partnership was broken when New Zealand turned to part-time spinner Kane Williamson, who had de Villiers caught at deep midwicket by McCullum for 29, leaving Mark Boucher (34 not out) to partner Rudolph until the declaration.

South Africa declared after Rudolph brought up his century, the sixth of his career, with a four off Daniel Vettori.

Doug Bracewell was the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers with three for 70 while Williamson finished with 1-16 and Boult 1-93.

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Rahul Dravid announces retirement

BANGALORE: Veteran Indian batsman Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday, ending a distinguished 16-year career.

"It is time to move on and let a new generation of players make their own history," Dravid, 39, told reporters at a crowded news conference in Bangalore.

The stylish batsman was the number two run-getter in Test cricket behind compatriot Sachin Tendulkar with 13,288 runs from 164 matches at an average of 52.31 with 36 centuries.

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Tendulkar hails Dravid as retirement nears

NEW DELHI: India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar added to growing speculation that Rahul Dravid will announce his retirement on Friday by paying rich tributes to his team-mate.

"There was and is only one Rahul Dravid. There can be no other," Tendulkar told the NDTV news channel. "I will miss Rahul in the dressing room and out in the middle."

Dravid is scheduled to address a joint news conference with Indian cricket chief Narayanaswamy Srinivasan in Bangalore at 12:30 pm (0700 GMT), amid speculation the player is set to end his 16-year career.

Dravid, 39, is the number two run-getter in Test cricket behind Tendulkar with 13,288 runs from 164 matches at an average of 52.31 with 36 centuries and 63 fifties.

He is also one of only 10 batsmen to score more than 10,000 runs in one-day cricket. His tally stands at 10,889 runs from 344 matches at 39.16 with 12 centuries.

Dravid, popularly known as "The Wall" for his immaculate technique, had already quit limited-overs international cricket last year to concentrate on prolonging his Test career.

Tendulkar, who made his debut seven years before Dravid, said he shared some of the "best moments" with him both on and off the field.

"Our many century partnerships are testimony to the hours we spent together in the middle," said Tendulkar. "For someone with a record like that, no tribute can be enough."

The famous, but ageing batting stars Dravid, Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Venkatsai Laxman are all under pressure after India endured a Test crisis following the victory in the limited-overs World Cup last year.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men crashed to identical 4-0 Test defeats in England and Australia, and failed to win the one-day series.

Dravid was one of few players to emerge with any credit after the disastrous tour of England where he defied the years to crack three centuries in four Tests.

But he managed just 194 runs in eight innings in Australia, where he was bowled six times, indicating perhaps that his reflexes were slowing down.

Dravid is expected to continue playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 event where he will lead Rajasthan Royals this year after the retirement of Australian spin legend Shane Warne.

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Cheema ready for honour of leading Canada

Canada's new captain Rizwan Cheema is confident of starting off his tenure by helping his side become one of the two sides to qualify from the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 scheduled to be held in UAE from 13-24 March.

The tournament will see 16 teams from across ICC's five regions competing for the remaining two places at the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 which will be staged from 18 September to 7 October in Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele.

All-rounder Cheema, who averages 30 with the bat, took over the mantle from Khurram Chohan who was injured during the team's recent training camp in Sri Lanka ahead of the tournament in Dubai but the big-hitting Cheema is confident that he can lead his side to one of its stated goals for 2012.

"We've had good preparation as a side having been away at the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament where we played a number of matches against good quality sides.

"We've also learnt a lot on our recent training camp in Sri Lanka while I've also been a part of the Bangladesh Premier League which has provided me with a good preparation. I feel things are very much coming together for the side.

"We have a strong bowling attack with both pace and spin which are important for games in the UAE, plus we've got good batsmen to put the runs on the board. Having watched plenty of the Pakistan v England series in the UAE, I've been looking at how the pitches behave and I think we've the full pack of what's needed on these surfaces," said Cheema.

Canada will take the field in the tournament without its former captain and one of its most experienced campaigners, Ashish Bagai. Cheema believes his side can make up for Bagai's absence.

"Ashish Bagai led our team to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, he is not only an amazing player but a good person and there is no doubt that he is a very important player. But I have total confidence in Rustam Bhatti who will be keeping wicket this tournament," opined Cheema.

It will be a fresh start for Canada in many ways as the side also has a new coach in Michael Deighton who took over the job recently. Cheema believes his bowling attack is key for this event, with two of his most senior bowlers coming in the form of Henry Osinde and Harvir Baidwan, the latter claiming 13 wickets for the side in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"Harvir and Henry are definitely two of our key bowlers, they are strong in the attack and I will be looking to both of them to lead from the front as they are now also both senior players in the side. That said, we have the likes of the talented and exciting Nitesh Kumar who experienced the ICC CWC 2011 last year and has also performed well in Twenty20s who is always keen to go that extra mile for the side," commented Cheema.

Canada is placed in Group A of the 16-team event alongside Afghanistan, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Denmark and Nepal, it automatically qualified for this event since it is one of the top six Associate and Affiliate teams in the world. Cheema is confident that his side will measure up to the challenge.

"This side is a bit different to the side that featured at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, but sides need to differ. Different players play different formats of the game better and I think the players at this tournament are going to do well and I have faith in their abilities.

"We've obviously played Afghanistan and Netherlands before, while Bermuda is a side we have faced in the ICC Americas region, however the other teams we've not played before in our group so we have been sure to research the opposition we will be facing. You can't take anyone lightly in this format of the game, we will play with our strengths, it's a fast format so we need to be on our toes."

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Bangladesh recall Tamim after fitness row

DHAKA: Fit-again opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, at the centre of a selection row earlier this week, was recalled to the Bangladesh squad on Thursday for the four-nation Asia Cup that starts at the weekend.
"Tamim has been included after passing a fitness test," said selector Minhajul Abedin.
The batsman, who has had a groin injury, was picked in the original squad earlier this week but Bangladesh Cricket Board president AHM Mustafa Kamal then elected to drop him.
Tamim's uncle, chief selector Akram Khan, resigned in protest at Kamal's decision.
Hosts Bangladesh play Pakistan in the first match of the biennial tournament on Sunday. India and Sri Lanka are the other competing teams. AGENCIES

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Smith, Kallis lead South Africa fightback

DUNEDIN: Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis steered South Africa out of trouble after early setbacks against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test at University Oval on Friday.

At tea South Africa were 175 for two in their second innings, leading New Zealand by 140 runs with Smith unbeaten on 80 and Kallis not out 66.

The New Zealand first innings was wrapped up early in the morning session for 273 after some powerful hitting by tailender Trent Boult, giving the home side a 35-run lead.

Shortly after the visitors knocked off the deficit, Doug Bracewell removed Alviro Petersen and Hashim Amla in the same over, bringing Smith and Kallis together with the score at 47-2.

But the South African captain and the veteran all-rounder were seldom troubled by the New Zealand attack as they methodically added 87 runs in the middle session.

Bracewell has been the only successful New Zealand bowler.

Petersen was a soft dismissal, with the opener lofting the ball straight to Tim Southee at mid-off when on 25.

Amla, who starred with the bat in the recent one-day series and made 62 in the first innings, was quickly gone for two, brilliantly caught by a diving Martin Guptill at second slip.

New Zealand resumed on the third day with a five-run lead. Lusty hitting from Boult saw 34 runs put on for the last wicket with Chris Martin, who was the final wicket to fall, caught by Amla off Dale Steyn for five.

Boult finished unbeaten on 33 with 22 of the runs coming off one over by Vernon Philander, who was the pick of the South African bowlers with four for 72.

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Cricket: McKay helps Aussies snatch tri-series win

ADELAIDE: Paceman Clint McKay bowled Australia to a 16-run victory over Sri Lanka to capture the one-day international tri-series in the third final at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Man of the match McKay claimed five wickets for 28 off 9.5 overs to go with his 28 off 32 balls in Australia's innings as he proved the winning difference over the World Cup finalists.

Australia looked as though their total would not be enough when they were dismissed for 231 with three balls left of their 50 overs.

But inspired bowling by McKay, backed up by veteran paceman Brett Lee's three wickets, squeezed the home side across the line.

The Australians head to the West Indies on Friday buoyed by their victory, which came on top of a 4-0 thumping of India in the Test series to complete an arduous international season at home.

McKay helped rescue Australia following a middle-batting collapse that ruined hopes of a big total after Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene had won the toss and sent the home side into bat.

The Victorian paceman, mixing it up with deceptive slower deliveries out of the back of his hand, snared his best one-day figures in a match-winning performance.

McKay bowled Jayawardene for 15 and trapped the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal leg before wicket for five, before claiming the wickets of Chamara Kapugedera, Rangana Herath and last man Lasith Malinga.

A fired-up Lee snared the initial two victims -- man-of-the-series Tillakaratne Dilshan (eight) and the experienced Kumar Sangakkara (19 off nine balls) before later taking the key wicket of big-hitting Nuwan Kulasekara for 15.

Upul Tharanga, batting at number six, hit a resilient 71 off 122 balls before he was caught behind off stand-in captain Watson in the 46th over.

Watson took over the captaincy after Michael Clarke was ruled out with an injured left hamstring, which will also see him miss Australia's ODI series against the West Indies next week.

Earlier, opening batsman Matthew Wade top scored for Australia with 49 off 74 deliveries and batting partner David Warner hit 48 off 45.

The home side got away to a breezy start with Wade and Warner scoring 75 off the opening 14 overs, but their progress stalled as Sri Lanka's bowlers and fielders, coupled with Jayawardene's imaginative captaincy, reeled in the Australians' run-rate.

They were 115 for one in the 21st over but fell away losing five wickets in the next 12 overs.

Farveez Maharoof claimed three for 40 off 10 overs, while left-arm spinner Herath picked up three for 36 from his 10 overs as well as taking a brilliant tumbling catch to dismiss Watson for 19.

Australia won the opening final in Brisbane by 15 runs with Sri Lanka taking the series into a decider after an eight-wicket win in Adelaide on Tuesday.

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New Pakistan coach Whatmore geared up for first challenge

KARACHI: New Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore has is looking forward to the challenge of taking charge of a third Asian team and is confident the side can improve their standing in world cricket.

The Australian agreed on a two-year deal last week and departed for Dhaka on Thursday to lead Pakistan on his first assignment with the team, the four-nation Asia Cup which starts on Sunday and includes India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.

"I see this tournament as the first of many challenges ahead of us. The other teams are good one-day sides and strong competitors," he told reporters at the airport.

Prior to his Pakistan posting, Whatmore led Sri Lanka to victory at the 1996 50-overs World Cup and had a stint at the helm of Bangladesh.

Whatmore, who was capped seven times by Australia as a player, said he did not need reminding that Pakistan would face arch rivals India at the Asia Cup but was also aware of the other fixtures at the event and not just the March 18 showdown.

"It is good for the sport when there is so much interest revolving around a match but as a team, we have to focus on all the matches not just one game," he said.

Along with Whatmore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brought in Englishman Julian Fountain as fielding coach to help improve Pakistan's performances following one-day international and Twenty20 series defeats to England last month.

Whatmore said Pakistan had an abundance of talent, as displayed in the 3-0 test series win over England prior to the one-dayers, and he was looking forward to studying the players up close.

"It is an exciting prospect for me as a coach looking at the future but right now the immediate task is to ensure Pakistan do well in this event," he added. AGENCIES

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Pak cricket team leaves for Asia Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team has left for Bangladesh to participate in Asia Cup, reported on Wednesday.

Pakistan will play its first match of the tournament against Bangladesh on March 11 (Sunday).

The national team will be playing for the first time under coaching of Whatmore and the fielding coach Julian.

The four-nation event includes defending champions India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

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Mangal - "Kabir's return is a huge motivation for glory"

Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal is hoping that the return of coach Kabir Khan will act as a motivation for his side at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier from 13- 24 March.

The 16-team ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 (WT20Q) will be staged across five venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. At stake in the UAE will be the two available places in the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 which will be played in Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele from 18 September to 7 October.

A former Pakistan fast bowler, Kabir, was the man responsible for fashioning Afghanistan's qualification to the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in West Indies. That incidentally was Afghanistan's first appearance at a major ICC global event.

Kabir was replaced by another Pakistan player, former captain Rashid Latif, but late in 2011 Latif moved on from his job.

"We have prepared well and have played a few practice games. We have prepared with specific plans where Kabir has made a big impact. We have analysed other teams, we have talked about combinations and the specific roles for batsmen. Kabir's made a huge impact, yet again and it is good to have him for a new three-year term," said Mangal.

In his continuing assessment of Kabir, Mangal added that his advice was simple and yet covered all aspects of the Twenty20 format.

"He said that this format is about 120 balls which is a lot to score runs. He has spoken in detail about how and when to use spinners. So it has been fascinating having him back. He helped us get ODI status and helpedd us qualify for the last ICC World Twenty20," added Mangal.

The Afghanistan captain heaves a huge sigh of relief as he looked back on the brief period between Latif moving on and Kabir's appointment.

"We used to have a new coach on every tour. The combination and understanding was never really there. The benefit with Kabir is that he knows us, knows our psyche because he has been a player himself. This will help us forge a winning combination yet again," revealed Mangal.

Now, with the tournament just a few days away, Mangal is keen for his side to remember all the good tidings from the last qualifier in 2010, also held in UAE.

"We will try to use all the confidence from the fact that we have been champions from here back in 2010 in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. We will fight every inch because it is our mission and target for Afghanistan to qualify. We have to live up to our high standards," opined Mangal.

Two years is a long time in sport and Mangal confirms the same when he talks about the changes in the squad since the ICC World T20 Qualifier in 2010.

"Then we were not that experienced. We have had a few new faces added to the squad. So overall the squad is positive, but there won't be any pressure on us. I have also gained a lot experience as a player and captain," added Mangal.

The make-up of his squad is another cause for Mangal's optimism. He says that his side has a good complement of fast bowlers in Hamid Hassan along with the likes of Dowlat Zadran, Zamir Khan who have made it through good performances in domestic cricket.

Afghanistan played its first One-Day International against a Test playing nation, Pakistan, last month. According to Mangal that was the best experience his side could have before the global qualifier for the ICC World Twenty20 2012.

"We learnt that at the highest level you cannot be hitting every ball out of the ground. You need to look for single and play each ball on its merit. On pitches in UAE we need to play sensibly. It was a good experience for us because it has given something for the boys to plan," said Mangal.

Much like the other sides, Mangal too kept an eye on the recent Pakistan v England T20I series. Mangal believes the series gave an indication of how sides should approach the qualifier.

"It was a good to watch them play. These are not pitches for 180-200. On the pitches in UAE, even 130-135 is fine. So we have to sensible when thinking of a target to set," said Mangal.

Afghanistan's travelling supporters in the UAE is another reason why Mangal and his squad can hope to have a good time during the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Qualifier. Afghanistan made headlines worldwide by qualifying for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. Now if it repeats that feat in 2012, it will be another talking point worldwide.

"If we qualify it will have a big impact on our cricket. It is our mission. If we play well, then it is all up to our fate. We hope we can do it again," concluded Mangal.

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Sri Lanka restrict Australia to 231 in ODI final

ADELAIDE: Sri Lanka dismissed Australia for 231 with three balls left to be in a strong position to win the tri one-day international series at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and sent the Australians into bat and his bowlers rewarded him by restricting Australia's run chase and leaving the World Cup finalists around 4.6 runs an over to win the third final and the series.

Opening batsman Matthew Wade topscored with 49 off 74 balls and batting partner David Warner hit 48 off 45 balls for the home side, who were without their injured skipper Michael Clarke (hamstring) and paceman James Pattinson (strained buttock).

Farveez Maharoof claimed three for 40 off 10 overs, while left-arm spinner Rangana Herath picked up three for 36 from his 10 overs as well as taking a brilliant low catch to dismiss Australia's stand-in skipper Shane Watson for 19.

The Australians got away to a breezy start with Wade and Warner scoring 75 off the opening 14 overs, but their progress stalled as Sri Lanka's bowlers and fielders, coupled with Jayawardene's imaginative captaincy, reeled in Australia's run-rate.

The home side were 115 for one in the 21st over but fell away losing five wickets in the next 12 overs.

Veteran paceman Brett Lee hit 32 off 54 balls and Clint McKay 28 off 32, but Australia's total looked under par on the same pitch that yielded 545 runs in Tuesday's ODI, which Sri Lanka won by eight wickets with 34 balls to spare

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Rahul Dravid to announce retirement: reports

NEW DELHI: Indian batting superstar Rahul Dravid, the second-highest runscorer in Tests of all time, is set to announce his retirement from international cricket on Friday, reports say.

The Press Trust of India and the Cricinfo website both said the 39-year-old was set to end his career in the national team after his wretched tour of Australia, where India were whitewashed 4-0 in the Test series.

Dravid, popularly known as "The Wall," scored only 194 runs in eight innings and was bowled out in six of them as Australian paceman Ben Hilfenhaus repeatedly breached his defence with ease.

India's once-formidable but now ageing batting stars Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are all under pressure after the team's performance in India.

Dravid is to address a press conference in Bangalore on Friday alongside the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, N. Srinivasan, the Press Trust of India reported, citing a statement.

The one-time India captain retired from short formats of the international game last year, but had vowed to continue in Tests.

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New Zealand 243-9 v South Africa 238 at close

DUNEDIN: New Zealand were 243 for nine at the close of play on the second day of the first test against South Africa at University Oval in Dunedin on Thursday.

New Zealand were 40 for one at lunch on the second day of the first after bowling out South Africa for a first innings total of 238.

Opener Martin Guptill was not out 16 and Brendon McCullum was unbeaten on 18, with Vernon Philander claiming South Africa's only wicket, Test debutant Rob Nicol, for six.

South Africa resumed at 191 for seven, adding 47 to their overnight total as New Zealand wrapped up the lower order in the first 45 minutes of play

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Bangladesh series: 'non-neutral officials in case of unsafe circumstances'

DUBAI: The ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) has taken some important decisions in it's meeting held here regarding various aspects of the game.

The ICC has given the green light to Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan. The Chief Executive Committee (CEC) of the ICC determined that decisions regarding a particular tours taking place was for the participating countries to decide.

The CEC also noted that in the event of the participating countries deciding that the tour should proceed and the ICC determining that it was unsafe to appoint match officials to the tour, a special dispensation to depart from the Standard Playing Conditions to allow non-neutral match officials to participate in the matches would be required from the ICC Board.


Following are the decisions as released by the ICC in a statement:

Independent Governance Review
The CEC received a presentation on the independent Woolf report on ICC Governance. The presentation was to allow the CEC, an important grouping, to better understand or to seek clarification or explanations of any proposals contained in the report. The CEC noted that Member Boards and the ICC Board of Directors in particular will need to consider the recommendations in detail, a number of which were already work in progress.

Proposed Bangladesh tour of Pakistan
The CEC recognised that the ICC Board had determined that a decision as to whether a particular tour should take place or not is one for the participating countries and the ICC's role was limited to considering the safety and security of the match officials after a tour had been confirmed and a security plan produced.

The CEC also noted that in the event of the participating countries deciding that the tour should proceed and the ICC determining that it was unsafe to appoint match officials to the tour, a special dispensation to depart from the Standard Playing Conditions to allow non-neutral match officials to participate in the matches would be required from the ICC Board.

While acknowledging that the granting of such dispensation must involve a wide range of important considerations, the CEC agreed to recommend to the ICC Board that, from a cricket perspective only, the granting of the special dispensation would be justified.

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive, said: "Bearing in mind that safety and security is the sole responsibility of individual Member Board's for bilateral matches, the CEC regarded this as an exceptional circumstance in which the appointment to matches of non-neutral match officials could be justified but stated clearly that it should not to be regarded as a preferred option or precedent if the dispensation were to be granted."

T20 strategy
The CEC held a strategic discussion on Twenty20 cricket and agreed to recommend the following to the ICC Board:

- three additional Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) should be allowed in the year in which the ICC World Twenty20 is being played (the current regulations permit a maximum of 12 T20Is for each Full Member in any one year). This would allow teams the opportunity to prepare for the event;

- the next ICC World Twenty20 tournament in 2014 in Bangladesh should be increased to 16 men's teams;

- the Associate and Affiliate Members should consider submitting a detailed proposition to host a future ICC World Twenty20 event in a developing country or region; and

- the ICC World Twenty20 should continue to be a joint event for men's and women.

Haroon Lorgat said: "It was an important discussion and the CEC agreed that further conversations to strategically manage T20 cricket and also to promote all three formats would be beneficial."

ICC Cricket Committee
The CEC has reappointed Ravi Shastri for a second three-year term as the media representative and has appointed David White, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, to replace Justin Vaughan as the CEC representative on the ICC Cricket committee.

The CEC also supported the women's committee chairperson, Clare Connor, to continue as a representative of the women's game on the Committee and also noted the nomination of John Stephenson to replace Keith Bradshaw as the MCC representative.

The ICC Board will consider nominations for the role of chairman of the committee as Clive Lloyd's term has expired.

International venues
The CEC approved a framework for revised regulations dealing with the required standards of venues staging international matches.The revised regulations will include a consolidated list of the current minimum requirements complimented by best practice guidelines.

Haroon Lorgat said: "Ensuring the best world-class venues is essential to produce quality cricket and also attract spectators to the game."

Other cricket matters
The CEC confirmed that the existing ICC Test and ODI ranking systems are fit for purpose and recommended to the ICC Board that they be retained to determine qualification to ICC events and for promotion and relegation purposes in due course.

The CEC also recommended the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) agreement and a revised Anti-Racism Policy to the ICC Board for approval.

The CEC were pleased to note a marked improvement in the quality of pitches that has led to a much better battle between bat and ball in Test match cricket. Only 10 per cent of Test matches in 2011 ended in a draw as compared to 38 per cent in 2010.

In order to share experiences and to seek continuous improvement, the ICC will host a workshop for curators in Dubai on 11 and 12 April 2012, covering a wide range of issues in pitch preparation.

Mr Lorgat said: "Curators and groundsmen around the world deserve credit for preparing pitches which have produced exciting Test match cricket."

The CEC also acknowledged the improvement in over-rates and gave credit to the umpires for their positive interpretation of bad light and weather regulations, which has led to more cricket being enjoyed by spectators."

Mr Lorgat said: "Overall the ICC match officials have been excellent and the notable improvement in standards of officiating needs to be acknowledged."

The CEC also received an update on the research project which the ICC has been supporting (together with the MCC) to develop technology which can be used to monitor bowling actions in match conditions. The technology which uses inertial sensors has been successfully evaluated and now is entering the next phase of development.

Cricket development
The CEC received update presentations on the progress with global development of the game which included the strategies to grow and integrate the women's game internationally. The CEC agreed to explore a Future Associates Tour Schedule to investigate whether a programme of matches can be designed for Associates/Affiliates and the Full Member National or 'A' teams.

"The development programme has a comprehensive strategy which includes improving performances and plans to increase participation by one million new players from the Associate and Affiliate Member countries by 2015," said Mr Lorgat.

The CEC also received an update regarding cricket for people with disabilities and agreed to work towards establishing a framework and criteria to recognize different types of disability cricket.

Multi-sport games
After discussing cricket's participation in multi-sport games, the CEC decided to further explore an invitation for cricket to take part in the Commonwealth Games to be held on the Gold Coast in Australia in April 2018.

The CEC also supported the key initiative in the ICC strategy to independently evaluate the pros and cons of participating in the Olympic Games.

"A preliminary high level evaluation is expected to be presented at the next CEC meeting," concluded Mr Lorgat.

The CEC comprises the Chief Executives or nominated representatives of the 10 Full Member nations as well as three Associate Member representatives. The ICC Chief Executive chairs the meeting and, by invitation, the ICC President or the ICC Vice President may attend.

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Cricket: Bangladesh chief selector quits over Tamim row

DHAKA: Bangladesh's chief selector Akram Khan resigned from his post on Wednesday, citing interference from the country's cricket board president in team selection for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Khan quit a day after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mustafa Kamal rejected the inclusion of star opener Tamim Iqbal in the 14-man squad for the one-day tournament starting in Dhaka on Sunday.

"Tamim was in our team because he is one of the best batsmen we have in Bangladesh," Khan, a former national captain, told AFP. "But the president dropped him from the final list.

"His regular interference in team selection has made top players worried about their place in the national squad. I have resigned because I was not enjoying my job."

Tamim, a nephew of Khan, is widely regarded as Bangladesh's best batsman.
He won the Wisden Cricketer magazine's Test Player of the Year award in 2010.

Tamim, who turns 23 later this month, has scored 3,115 runs in 109 one-day matches since his debut in 2007. He also has 1,748 Test runs from 24 matches.

But he was stripped of the vice-captaincy after Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe last year, reportedly due to indiscipline and arguments with the team management.

BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus confirmed Khan's resignation. The board president, a ruling party lawmaker, could not be reached for comment as he is away in England.

Khan has been the chief selector of the national team for the last eight months.

The Asia Cup, seen as a symbol of cricket supremacy in the continent, features defending champions India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.

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Asia Cup: Pak squad leaves today

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team will leave for Bangladesh today to participate in Asia Cup beginning from March 11 (Sunday), Geo News reported.

Misbah-ul Haq will lead the squad despite calls for his axing after he failed to win the last Twenty20 in Abu Dhabi when he was bowled off the final delivery, leaving England victorious by five runs.

The four-nation event includes defending champions India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and will be held March 11-22.

New selection committee left out struggling all-rounder Shoaib Malik and opener Imran Farhat from the 15-man squad announced for Asia Cup.

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

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (Team Manager), Dave Whatmore (Head Coach), Julian Fountain (Fielding Coach), Faisal Hayat Khan (Physiotherapist), Saboor Ahmed (Trainer), Waseem Ahmed Shahid (Security Manager), Talha Butt (Analyst) and Malang Ali (Masseur).

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Bangladesh chief selector Akram Khan quits over 'interference'

DHAKA: Bangladesh's chief national selector Akram Khan resigned on Wednesday citing interference in the squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup by the country's cricket board.

Bangladesh board president AHM Mustafa Kamal omitted opener Tamim Iqbal, Akram's nephew, reducing the 15-man squad to 14.

Tamim, widely regarded as Bangladesh's best batsman, had been suffering from a groin injury.

Akram said he had selected Tamim after his fitness was cleared by the team's South African physiotherapist Bibhab Singh.

"This is not an isolated incident of interference," Akram told Reuters before submitting his resignation letter.

"He (Kamal) tried to interfere in our works many times in the past. We had to drop (Mohammad) Ashraful from the squad under his pressure," he said, referring to the middle-order batsman.

"Given these circumstances, it's very difficult to enjoy the work, so I decided to resign," he said.

Kamal, who is currently on a personal visit to England, could not be reached for comments.

Former captain Akram helped Bangladesh qualify for its first World Cup in 1999 following victory in the lower-tier ICC trophy in 1997.

He played eight tests and 44 one-day internationals, and has been a selector since 2007. He was made chief selector after the World Cup last year.

Bangladesh will host the biennial four-nation Asia Cup from March 11-22 with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competing. AGENCIES

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South Africa 86-1 at tea in New Zealand Test

DUNEDIN: South Africa were 86/1 at tea on a rain-shortened opening day in the first Test against New Zealand on Wednesday, as skipper Graeme Smith cruised to a half-century on a flat pitch.

Smith was 53 not out and Hashim Amla was with him on 22 after Trent Boult took New Zealand's only wicket in a session where the bowlers struggled, Doug Bracewell the best performer after conceding only nine runs off six overs.

With almost four hours of play lost to the weather, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor elected to bowl after winning the toss, hoping damp conditions would provide movement and produce early wickets for his four-pronged pace attack.

However, Chris Martin and Tim Southee failed to find any demons in the pitch with the new ball, with South African openers Smith and Alviro Petersen looking comfortable as they made a steady start.

The South Africans were content to take the shine off the ball and proceed cautiously, taking only nine runs in the first five overs before going after Boult and scoring 11 off his first over.

But the strategy of attacking Boult backfired when Petersen was dismissed lbw for 11, umpire Aleem Dar initially ruling not out but Taylor calling for a television review which confirmed the wicket.

Amla joined Smith in the middle and they brought up 50 runs for South Africa in the 13th over as New Zealand's bowlers failed to threaten on the placid pitch.

Taylor introduced Daniel Vettori to the attack in the 16th over in a bid to unsettle the batsmen, the spinner almost claiming a wicket when Amla shouldered arms against a ball that just missed the off stump.

New Zealand squandered two run-out opportunities in the session, one involving Smith, and the South African captain went on to reach his 31st Test 50 with a four off Tim Southee. AGENCIES

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Clarke, Pattinson out of series decider vs Sri Lanka

ADELAIDE: Australian captain Michael Clarke and young paceman James Pattinson were Wednesday ruled out of the tri-series decider against Sri Lanka, as coach Mickey Arthur demanded a new strategy.
  
Clarke scored a century in Australia's crushing loss to Sri Lanka as the visitors levelled the series 1-1 in Adelaide on Tuesday, but it came at a price.
  
He strained a hamstring which not only ruled him out of the final tri-series game on Thursday, but could also see him miss the start of this month's tour of the West Indies where Australia will play five one-dayers and three Tests.
  
"It doesn't look great for certainly the early part of the one-day series in the West Indies," Arthur told reporters of Clarke, who was due to have scans later Wednesday.
  
Clarke only returned to action last weekend from a strain to his right hamstring, which sidelined him for three games.
  
Pattinson will also miss the match with a buttock strain.
  
Sri Lanka blazed to an emphatic eight-wicket victory Tuesday with the World Cup finalists easily running down Australia's 271 for six to post 274-2 with 34 balls to spare.
  
Arthur was not happy with the scale of the defeat and said Australia needed to go back to the drawing board.
  
"It simply wasn't good enough. There was no excuse for it," he said.
  
"We need to play in a different way in these conditions which are totally different.
  
"We have had a couple of serious chats... we are looking at ways we can beat Sri Lanka in these conditions.
 
"We will have a couple of tricks up our sleeve tomorrow and hopefully they work for us. We have given a lot of thought to them."

Spinner Nathan Lyon is likely to replace Pattinson, with Peter Forrest tipped to take Clarke's place. AGENCIES

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Pakistan not to repeat England mistakes in Asia Cup: Younis

KARACHI: Experienced batsman Younis Khan said the mistakes committed in one-day series against England would not be repeated in Asia Cup.

Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, Khan said Pakistan-India contests are necessary for the development of cricket.

To a question on English language barrier with newly named coach Dev Whatmore, Khan said it does not make any difference, arguing
“All of us know the language of cricket.”

He said the upcoming match between Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup would be important. He said the match would be beneficial for players as well as cricket boards.

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