Philander on fire as South Africa turn screw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: Aussies set 282-run target for Windies

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

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

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

by the hosts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both sides were unchanged for the final ODI

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Faisal Bank T20: Lahore Lions outclass Karachi Zebras

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

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

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

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

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Faisalabad record thrilling win over Peshawar in opener

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

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

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

For Peshawar, Mohammad Aslam claimed two wickets.

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

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

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Whatmore satisfied with Pakistan progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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West Indies win toss, bowl against Australia

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

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

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

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

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

Both sides were unchanged for the final ODI.

Teams

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

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

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

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM

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Pakistan unhappy over Bangladesh Cup appeal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Australia may go with spin against Windies: Clarke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ireland beat Afghanistan in T20 qualifying final

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Faysal Bank T20 Cup begins today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: Ireland qualify for World Twenty20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cricket: England-Sri Lanka squads for first Test

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

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

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

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

Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)

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South Africa build comfortable lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Winning captain Misbah-ul-Haq returns home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pollard leads West Indies to 42-run triumph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Angry Afridi knocks out fan at the airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tiger-hunters return home with Asia Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pakistan hails 'wonderful' Asia Cup crown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teams:

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

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

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Cricket: Afghanistan qualify for World Twenty20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pakistan snatch Asia Cup in sensational final

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After:

Over 1: Pakistan 10/0

Over 2: Pakistan 14/0

Over 3: Pakistan 16/0

Over 4: Pakistan 16/0

Over 5: Pakistan 19/1

- Nasir Jamshed out for 9 runs

Over 6: Pakistan 22/2

-Younis Khan Lbw for 1

Over 7: Pakistan 27/2

Over 8: Pakistan 31/2

Over 9: Pakistan 33/2

Over 10: Pakistan 43/2

Over 11: Pakistan 44/2

Over 12: Pakistan 49/2

Over 13: Pakistan 50/2

Over 14: Pakistan 52/2

Teams

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

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

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

TV umpire: S. Ravi (IND)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh aim for a final roar against Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teams (From):

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

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

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Windies and Australia thriller ends in tie

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

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

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

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

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

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Tigers through to Asia Cup final for first time

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

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

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

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

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Salman Butt’s father denies Aamer’s allegation

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

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

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

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Asia Cup: Tigers bowl out Sri Lanka for 232

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh put Sri Lanka in to bat

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV umpire: S. Ravi (IND)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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Asia Cup: Bangladesh put Sri Lanka in to bat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ex-ICC chief says India is illegal betting hub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aamer says 'brother' Butt lured him into fixing

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

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

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

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

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Bermuda snatches victory from the jaws of defeat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scores in brief

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

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Afghanistan and Namibia stay on course

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day six produced some outstanding individual performances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Scores in brief

Group A

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

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

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

Man of the match: Samiullah Shenwari (Afghanistan)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Irfan Ahmed (Hong Kong)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Michael Swart (Netherlands)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Paras Khadka (Nepal)

Group B

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

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

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

Man of the match: Ed Joyce (Ireland)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Louis Klazinga (Namibia)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Usman Shuja (USA)

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

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

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

Man of the match: Gareth Berg (Italy)

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

GroupB

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

Monday's schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Watson challenges Aussie batsmen to fire following rout by Windies in second ODI

Australian captain Shane Watson has challenged his side to regain form after misfiring again, as the West Indies drew level in the five-game ODI series.

"I know I need to put my hand up as well because what I'm doing is not good enough at the top of the order. I need to be able to go on and get a bigger score to make sure that we do get the total that we really need," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Watson, as saying.

His statement came after Australia struggled to just 9-154 off 40 overs as the Windies claimed a five-wicket win in second match in St Vincent on March 18, which is their first ODI victory over Australia since 2006.

Watson called on his team to improve batting, but was unsure if there would be any changes to Australia's team for the March 20 match.

Australian fast bowlers James Pattinson and Ben Hilfenhaus and spinner Nathan Lyon are yet to feature in the series but Watson dismissed that bowling was the problem.

"The bowling part of our team has actually been doing a really good job. It's going to be difficult to change the bowling side of things even though we've got a few big guns ready to go," he added.

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Cricket: ICC backs Saeed Ajmal's bowling action

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council on Monday backed Saeed Ajmal's controversial bowling action following reports that India had complained about the Pakistan off-spinner.

Indian television channel NDTV, quoting unnamed sources, said the team management had spoken to the ICC about Ajmal's action after Sunday's Asia Cup match between the arch-rivals in Dhaka.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, however, clarified that the governing body saw no problem in the off-spinner's bowling style.

"We have tested Ajmal, checked him and monitored him in match situations, and found he bowls within the allowed degrees of tolerance," Lorgat told the Times Now news channel.

"We must be careful at what the eye sees and what the reality is," Lorgat said.

Ajmal claimed the wicket of batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar as India produced their best ever one-day chase to surpass Pakistan's commanding 329-6 with five wickets and 13 balls to spare.

It was the first match between India and Pakistan since the World Cup semi-final at Mohali in March last year.

The 34-year-old Ajmal, who has played 20 Tests and 63 one-dayers since his international debut in 2008, has found himself under the spotlight several times due to his action.

He was first reported by match officials during a one-day series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates in 2009, but was later cleared to play after remedial work was done on his action.

Doubts about his action were again raised during the recent Tests against England at the same venue, but both the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board absolved Ajmal of any wrongdoing.

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India complains about Ajmal's action, ICC denies

NEW DELHI: Indian team players have complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Saeed Ajmal's bowling action, Geo News reported quoting Indian media.

But the ICC has denied reiving any such complain and said only the report of on field umpire matters in these issues.

According to the reports, senior Indian cricketers have reportedly complained to the ICC about Saeed's action.

Sources said that senior players feel that Ajmal chucks while bowling.

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India finds a new hero in Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: Just when Indian cricket was pondering a future without its ageing batting superstars, Virat Kohli has emerged as the man ready to step in and take charge.

With Rahul Dravid having retired and Sachin Tendulkar and Venkatsai Laxman nearing the end of their glorious careers, India are desperate to find replacements during a tough transition period.

But the heroics of 23-year-old Kohli in Sunday's clash with Pakistan helped lift the gloom -- at least at the one-day level -- after an embarrassing period in Test cricket when India were whitewashed 4-0 in England and Australia.

Kohli is already being hailed as one of cricket's finest young batsmen after he anchored India to an astonishing one-day victory on Sunday night, their second in three weeks.

His 183 off 148 balls helped India achieve their highest chase in one-day cricket to overhaul Pakistan's formidable 330-run target with 13 balls to spare in the Asia Cup game in Dhaka.

The explosive knock followed the 86-ball unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart on February 28 that saw India chase down 321 in an incredible 36.4 overs to secure a bonus-point clinching win in the tri-series in Australia.

Kohli has now scored 11 centuries in 85 one-dayers, including three in the last four games, his 3,590 runs coming at an impressive average of 50.56.

Kohli's eight Tests so far have produced one century and an average of 32.73 after he burst into the star-studded middle-order on the tour of the West Indies last year when Tendulkar opted to rest.

Former India captain Kapil Dev said he was amazed at Kohli's talent and hunger for runs at such a young age.

"He has a long way to go to join the list of greats, but he has to be one of the most impressive young batsmen in world cricket," said Dev, India's first World Cup-winning skipper.

"He gets going when the going gets tough, and that is the hallmark of someone who has a lot of confidence in his talent and ability.

"Virat's real test will come when he goes through a bad patch. But for now, he can do nothing wrong and he must make full use of this opportunity," Dev told AFP.

Kohli's amazing run did not go unnoticed by England's Kevin Pietersen, his former Bangalore Royal Challengers team-mate in the Indian Premier League.

"An Indian superstar is rising if not already risen in ODIs. Take a bow Kohli," Pietersen tweeted.

Kohli is almost certain to replace Dravid at the vital number three place in Test cricket when India host New Zealand later in the year, and the youngster realises the enormous task that awaits him.

"Batting at number three is a very important position for the team," Kohli told reporters after Sunday's game. "I value my wicket much more now. It is all about setting a good platform and helping the team.

Kohli's rise was welcomed by batting great Sunil Gavaskar, who sees him as the kingpin of India's future middle-order in Tests without Tendulkar and Laxman.

"When Kohli and Rohit Sharma were batting together against Pakistan, we saw the future of the Indian batting," Gavaskar said on television during the match.

"India is fortunate to have such talented batsmen in its ranks."

The victory on Sunday helped the reigning World Cup champions stay in contention for a place in the final against Pakistan, provided Sri Lanka beat hosts Bangladesh in Tuesday's last league match.

If Bangladesh win, they will go through to Thursday's title clash against Pakistan, knocking India out in the process. Sri Lanka are already out of the race after two consecutive losses.

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Cricket: Windies end six-year losing streak to Australia

KINGSTOWN: West Indies clinched their first win in six years over Australia when they took the second one-dayer by five wickets on
Sunday.

In a match reduced to 40 overs a side because of rain, Australia struggled to 154 for nine with West Indies reaching their Duckworth-Lewis target of 158 with 10 balls remaining.

Kieron Pollard top-scored with 47, an innings which featured four huge
sixes.

Australia won the first game at the same Arnos Vale venue on Friday by 64 runs, their 15th win in their last 16 one-dayers against West Indies, a run stretching back to the 2006 Champions Trophy in India.

The final three games of the series take place in Saint Lucia on Tuesday, Friday and next Sunday.

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Poor fielding lets Pakistan down against India

DHAKA: Pakistan were defeated by arch rivals India in a high-scoring encounter of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a huge target of 330 runs, India started on a disastrous note when they lost Gautam Gambhir for nought on the second ball of the innings by off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez. But thanks to an extraordinary batting display by the latter batsmen who completed the six-wicket win with 13 balls to spare.

However, Pakistan are through to final as they are leading the points table with nine against eight by India with one match left which will be played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on March 20.

India’s victory was owed very much to Virat Kohli who played a masterful innings of 183, his second hundred in the tournament.

During his 211-minute stay at the crease, he struck 22 fours and two sixes from 148 balls for his eleventh ODI century.

He was involved in two big partnerships: a133-run second wicket stand with Sachin Tendulakar (52) and then a 172-run third wicket with Rohit Sharma (68).

Tendulkar, who achieved a rare feat of a century of international centuries on Friday, completed his 96th ODI half-century with five fours and a six while Sharma hit five fours and a six in his 12th fifty in one-dayers.

Earlier, Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed hammered brilliant centuries to help Pakistan reach a formidable total of 329-6.

Batting first after captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss, both openers provided a solid start of 224 runs, their second century partnership for the first wicket in this tournament – just four runs short of Pakistan record set by Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat against Zimbabwe at Harare last September.

Hafeez made 105 off 113 balls with nine fours and a six. This was his fourth ODI century while Nasir scored 112 from 104 balls with ten fours and a six for his maiden hundred in One-day International cricket.

Veteran batsman Younis Khan also batted well to hit 52 runs from 34 balls with six boundaries. This was his 47th half-century in one-day international career.

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Bangladesh call-up uncapped Abul for injured Shafiul

DHAKA: Bangladesh have called up uncapped left-arm pacer Abul Hossain to replace the injured Shafiul Islam in their Asia Cup squad, a team official said on Sunday.

Shafiul has been ruled out of the tournament after injuring his shoulder fielding in their match against India on Friday.

"Shafiul has damaged some soft tissues and was given 10 days of rest," said chief selector Akram Khan.

"Raju (Abul Hossain) has already joined the squad and will be available for selection in our next game against Sri Lanka," Akram added.

Bangladesh, who beat India by five wickets, face Sri Lanka on Tuesday when a win against the islanders could take them to the final of the tournament for the first time.
(Reuters)

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West Indies win toss, field against Australia

KINGSTOWN: West Indies won the toss and chose to field in their second one-day international against Australia on Sunday when they will be looking for a first win over the tourists in six years.

Australia won the first game of the five-match series at the same Arnos Vale venue on Friday by 64 runs after the West Indies suffered an embarrassing middle-order batting collapse when they lost six wickets for just seven runs.

West Indies have now lost 15 of their last 16 one-dayers against Australia.

Both sides were unchanged from Friday's match.

Teams
West Indies: Johnson Charles, Kieran Powell, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Carlton Baugh (wkt), Darren Sammy (captain), Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach.

Australia: David Warner, Shane Watson (captain), Peter Forrest, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, George Bailey, Matthew Wade (wkt), Daniel Christian, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.

Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite (WI) and Shavir Tarapore (IND), TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SL), Reserve umpire: Peter Nero (WI)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

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India beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup

DHAKA: India have defeated Pakistan in their Asia Cup match by six wickets.

Over 01: India 03/1

Over 02: India 10/1

Over 03: India 22/1

Over 04: India 30/1

Over 05: India 38/1

Over 06: India 42/1

Over 07: India 45/1

Over 08: India 49/1

Over 09: India 56/1

Over 10: India 58/1

Over 11: India 63/1

Over 12: India 67/1

Over 13: India 79/1

Over 14: India 87/1

Over 15: India 98/1

Over 16: India 104/1
-Virat Kohli scores half century

Over 17: India 113/1
-Sachin Tendulkar scores half century

Over 18: India 114/1

Over 19: India 131/1

Over 20: India 133/2
-Ajmal claims Tendulkar's wicket

Over 21: India 136/2

Over 22: India 146/2

Over 23: India 153/2

Over 24: India 157/2

Over 25: India 161/2

Over 26: India 164/2

Over 27: India 170/2

Over 28: India 174/2

Over 29: India 180/2

Over 30: India 187/2

Over 31: India 194/2

Over 32: India 198/2

Over 33: India 202/2

Over 34: India 207/2

Over 35: India 215/2

Over 36: India 225/2

Over 37: India 233/2

Over 38: India 237/2

Over 39: India 241/2

Over 40: India 247/2

Over 41: India 263/2

Over 42: India 276/2
- Virat Kohli scores 150

Over 43: India 283/2

Over 44: India 292/2

Over 45: India 300/2

Over 46: India 307/2

Over 47: India 318/3

Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed dominated the Indian attack hammering brilliant centuries to help Pakistan reach a formidable total of 329-6 in the fifth match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Batting first after captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss, both openers provided a solid start playing all Indian bowlers with ease to help Pakistan reach 329-6 in 50 overs.

They made 224 runs, their second century partnership for the first wicket in this tournament - just four runs short of Pakistan record set by Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat against Zimbabwe at Harare last September.

Hafeez made 105 off 113 balls with nine fours and a six. This was his fourth ODI century while Nasir scored 112 from 104 balls with ten fours and a six for his maiden hundred in One-day International cricket.

Veteran batsman Younis Khan also batted well to hit 52 runs from 34 balls with six boundaries. This was his 47th half-century in one-day international career.

Among other batsmen, Umar Akmal made 28 off 24 balls.

Allrounder Shahid Afridi could make only nine runs but he crossed a milestone of 7000 runs in his 341st one-dayer.

For India, pacemen Praveen Kumar and Ashok Dinda claimed two wickets each.

Pakistan were already on top of the points table with nine from two matches and by winning their last league match they will qualify for the final.

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Asia cup: Pakistan innings against India

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat first against arch rivals India in the fifth match of the Asia Cup one-day tournament here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams have made one change each: Pakistan brought in left-arm paceer Wahab Riaz in place of wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed as Umar Akmal will act as keeper in the match. India on the other hand included allrounder Yousuf Pathan dropping Ravindra Jadeja.

After:
Over 05: Pakistan 27/0

Over 10: Pakistan 51/0

Over 15: Pakistan 81/0

Hafeez and Jamshed complete their half centuries.

Over 20: Pakistan 121/0

Over 25: Pakistan 150/0

Tendulkar drops Jamshed on 69 on fourth delivery of 26th over

Over 30: Pakistan 184/0

Hafeez completes 4th ODI century, first against India

Jamshed scores maiden century

Over 35: Pakistan 218/0

Over 40: Pakistan 256/2

Over 45: Pakistan 287/3

Over 46: Pakistan 295/3

Over 47: Pakistan 307/3

Over 48: Pakistan 316/4

Over 49: Pakistan 324/5

Over 50: Pakistan 329/6

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

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ashok Dinda.

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG)
TV umpire: Sharfuddoula Shahid (BAN)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

The match is the first between the two teams since the high-profile World Cup semi-final at Mohali a year ago on March 30, which India won on their way to clinching the showpiece title.

Pakistan recorded two victories in the tournament, while India and Bangladesh registered one win each after two matches. Sri Lanka lost both of their games.

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New Zealand boost batters for final Test

WELLINGTON: New Zealand have bolstered their batting roster and axed misfiring opener Rob Nicol and unsuccessful fast bowler Brent Arnel for their must-win third and final Test against South Africa.

South Africa go into the Wellington Test, which starts on Friday, leading the series 1-0 after crushing New Zealand in the second Test by nine wickets in less than three days.

In the 14-man squad named Sunday, Daniel Flynn has been recalled to open the innings after last playing for New Zealand three years ago and middle-order batsman Dean Brownlie returns from injury.

Brownlie, New Zealand's best performer against the Australian quicks last year, is to play in a provincial match this week to prove his fitness.

"We are mindful that Dean Brownlie is only just making a return to competitive cricket following injury and will keep a close eye on his progress, national selection manager Kim Littlejohn said.

"Although he has been included in the squad, his selection for the Test will largely depend on how he pulls through the match for Canterbury."

Flynn, who has had a successful domestic season "is likely to join Martin Guptill at the top of the order," Littlejohn said.

New Zealand's limited batting stocks were exposed by South African quick bowlers Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn in the second Test.

In the first innings they lost five wickets for no runs in a disastrous slump from 133-2 to 133-7 before being all out for 185. In the second innings they were all out for 168 with the last five wickets falling in the space of 21 runs.

New Zealand are likely to take six batsmen and four bowlers into the final Test, with captain Ross Taylor saying it was important they play aggressively.

"We're one-nil down in the series and we have to try and draw the series. We're eighth in the world and we want to get up those rankings and you don't get up by drawing Test matches or losing."

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

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