Sri Lanka crush Canada by 210 runs

Updated at: 2120 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
HAMBANTOTA: Sri Lanka recorded victory by a huge margin of 210 runs over Canada in their opening Group A day-night match on the second day of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the at the Mahinda Rajapakse stadium on Sunday Chasing an improbable target of 333 runs, Canada were all out for 122 runs in 36.5 overs as only three players could get into double-figures. Rizwan Cheema was the top-scorer with 37 off 35 balls with two sixes and four boundaries while captain Ashish Bagai made 22 and Harvir Baidwan remained not out on 16 Sri Lankan pacers Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera claimed three wickets each while off-break bowler Muttiah Muralitharan captured two wickets.Earlier, Mahela Jayawardene hit his second World Cup hundred to lead Sri Lanka to 332-7. The 33-year-old right-hander scored his 100 off 80 balls for his 13th one-day hundred and added an invaluable 179 for the third wicket with skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who made 92.Jayawardene and Sangakkara built on the platform set by opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (50) after Sri Lanka won the toss before a near-capacity 35,000 crowd at the new ground which became the 177th one-day venue.Jayawardene completed his hundred with a single off spinner John Davison after facing just 80 deliveries - the fastest by a Sri Lankan in the World Cup, beating Sanath Jayasuriya's 85-ball ton against Bangladesh at Port of Spain four years ago.
But Davison dismissed him in the same over, caught at short fine-leg after Jayawardene had hit nine boundaries and a six.Sri Lanka lost a cluster of wickets in the death overs, but Angelo Mathews (21) and Thilan Samarwaweera (18 not out) ensured they got past 300.Earlier, Dilshan and Upul Tharanga put on a quick 63 for the first wicket by the 12th over before a mix-up between the two sent Tharanga back, run out for 19.Dilshan fell just after scoring his third World Cup half-century, holing out at deep cover to Davison as he failed to control a shot off medium-pacer Rizwan Cheema.It was then left to Jayawardene and Sangakkara to punish a hapless Canadian attack, depleted by an injury to spearhead Henry Osinde who walked off the field due to a hamstring problem after bowling only 2.1 overs.

Aus v Zim SL v Can NZ v Ken

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Miandad hails Tendulkar on equalling his record

Updated at: 2005 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad Sunday hailed record-breaking Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar who equalled his record of playing in six World Cup editions.Tendulkar, whose first World Cup was in 1992 which Pakistan won, has now featured in six World Cup tournaments, a record held by Miandad who played the inaugural edition in 1975 and then went on to play in the 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992 and 1996 editions.Tendulkar, 37, featured in India's comprehensive 87-run win in the opening match of the event, against Bangladesh on Saturday."I congratulate Tendulkar for equalling my record," Miandad told a news agency. "It is always good when a great player manages to equal or surpass a record set by you. "I am happy Tendulkar has equalled my record of World Cup appearances and it shows his dedication and love for the game."Miandad said Tendulkar has been a role model for the youth around the world."My advice to young players is to follow Tendulkar's example. He has been successful as an international cricketer and has been a role model for millions of players, not only in India but around the world."

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Cricket World Cup: Pak team ready despite losing warm-up against Eng, says Alam

Updated at: 1933 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
HAMBANTOTA: Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam said Sunday his unpredictable team were fully charged up for the World Cup despite losing their last warm-up against England."The boys are confident of launching their World Cup campaign on a positive note," Alam said, after team's arrival from Dhaka. "We want to win all our group matches."
Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh before going down to England in the lead-up to the tournament, open their campaign with a match against Kenya here on Wednesday.Alam, who was manager-cum-coach with the team which won the 1992 World Cup and 2009 World Twenty20, said the aim is to take no team lightly."We know that it's a World Cup and no team has come for an outing, so we have to be at our best to beat any side, whether it's a lowly ranked or a top team," said Alam, brushing aside concerns of not playing at home."We know that because of some unavoidable circumstances we are not playing our matches at home, but we have not talked about that any time, not even in the last two months, so there are no such feelings."Alam also brushed aside worries over team discipline after Shoaib Akhtar and Wahab Riaz were fined following a late night out in Dhaka.
The manager also said paceman Junaid Khan had impressed with his bowling against England."I would not say that he is Mohammad Aamer in the making, because it's too early, but he has shown potential and can show his talent if he gets into the final eleven," said Alam of Junaid, a replacement for injured Sohail Tanveer.(AFP)

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Jayawardene propels Sri Lanka to 332-7

Updated at: 1824 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
HAMBANTOTA: Mahela Jayawardene hit his second World Cup hundred to lead Sri Lanka to 332-7 against Canada on Sunday in their opening Group A clash at the Mahinda Rajapakse stadium.The 33-year-old right-hander scored his 100 off 80 balls for his 13th one-day hundred and added an invaluable 179 for the third wicket with skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who made 92.Jayawardene and Sangakkara built on the platform set by opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (50) after Sri Lanka won the toss before a near-capacity 35,000 crowd at the new ground which became the 177th one-day venue.
Jayawardene completed his hundred with a single off spinner John Davison after facing just 80 deliveries - the fastest by a Sri Lankan in the World Cup, beating Sanath Jayasuriya's 85-ball ton against Bangladesh at Port of Spain four years ago.But Davison dismissed him in the same over, caught at short fine-leg after Jayawardene had hit nine boundaries and a six.Sri Lanka lost a cluster of wickets in the death overs, but Angelo Mathews (21) and Thilan Samarwaweera (18 not out) ensured they got past 300.Earlier, Dilshan and Upul Tharanga put on a quick 63 for the first wicket by the 12th over before a mix-up between the two sent Tharanga back, run out for 19.Dilshan fell just after scoring his third World Cup half-century, holing out at deep cover to Davison as he failed to control a shot off medium-pacer Rizwan Cheema.It was then left to Jayawardene and Sangakkara to punish a hapless Canadian attack, depleted by an injury to spearhead Henry Osinde who walked off the field due to a hamstring problem after bowling only 2.1 overs.Jayawardene, who survived two caught behind referral appeals against spinner Jimmy Hansra, upped the tempo by hitting the same bowler for the first six at this ground.He then clobbered four boundaries in successive overs from Davison, but the veteran Canadian broke the partnership by having Sangakkara caught and bowled, with the Sri Lankan captain approaching his 11th hundred.Sangakkara hit seven fours and a six during his 87-ball knock.

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Players not affected by Shiv Sena threats: Waqar Younis

Updated at: 1703 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan cricket team coach Waqar Younis said that threats given by Shiv Sena do not affect Pakistan players.
They all are fit and have focused all their attention on
the gameTalking with media in Dhaka, Waqar said that the players have
worked hard for the World Cup and victory is vital to revive cricket in PakistanThe Pakistan coach
did not termed any team as favourite but he said the
team who would play well would win the tournament and he hopes it would be Pakistan.

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Bowlers played key role in New Zealand win: Vettori

Updated at: 1631 PST,  Sunday, February 20, 2011
CHENNAI: New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said his team must not lower their guard against tougher opposition after cantering to an easy 10-wicket win over Kenya in the World Cup on Sunday.Kiwi fast bowlers skittled the hapless African nation for 69 in 23.5 overs before knocking off the required runs in just eight overs at the Chidambaram Stadium for a winning start to their campaign."We didn't expect that the game would get over so quickly," Vettori said. "It was nice. We are happy with how we performed. But we don't expect all other matches to be this easy."I think bowling full and straight is going to be the key in this part of world. We will keep the same intensity for every game."Hamish Bennett grabbed 4-16 off five overs while Tim Southee and Jacob Oram chipped in with three wickets each.
The emphatic nature of win will set the Kiwis up nicely for their next match against defending champions Australia in Nagpur on February 25."To be able to bowl this well and allow the batsmen to have such a small chase is always pleasing," Vettori said."It's pretty important for us to stand up there and perform. Australia is one of the favourites for the competition so if we do well there we know we are in good stead."Bennett, a late replacement in the playing eleven for first-choice seamer Kyle Mills, hoped his performance would be taken into account by the selectors.

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Bangladesh go down fighting against India in WC opener

Updated at: 2210 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011

DHAKA: India defeated Bangladesh by 87 runs in a high scoring day-night opening match of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Saturday.Chasing a huge target of 371 runs, Bangladeshi batsmen fought bravely and made 283 for nine in the allotted 50 overs.Their main scorers were opener Tamim Iqbal (70) and captain Shakib al Hasan (55). Besides, Junaid Siddique (37), Imrul Kayes (34), Raqibul Hasan (28 not out) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25) also contributed significant scores.For India, pace bowlers Munaf Patel bagged four wickets for 40 runs while Zaheer Khan claimed two for 40.Earlier, India put into bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, piled up a big total of 370 runs for the loss of four wickets with the help of brilliant hundreds by Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli.Opening batsman Sehwag made 175, the first in the tenth edition of the mega event. He faced 144 balls, hitting five sixes and 14 fours.He reached the century, his 14th in one-day internationals, with a single behind square off off-spinner Mahmudullah, in front of a stadium packed with 25,000 spectators.He hit nine fours and a six on his way to notch his second hundred in the World Cup from from 94 balls.Virat Kohli also notched up an unbeaten century, 100 from 83 balls with eight fours and two sixes.Sachin Tendulkar became the most capped ODI player in the world when he overtook Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya, who is not playing in this World Cup, with his 445th match.He also equaled the record of appearing in six World Cup tournaments set by Javed Miandad of Pakistan.Tendulkar became the first player to be dismissed in World Cup 2011 when he was run out for 28, hitting four boundaries during his 29-ball innings. He was run out through a joint effort by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim.Gambhir was clean bowled by Mahmudullah, scoring 39 off the same number of balls.Yusuf Pathan was caught by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim off Shafiul Islam for eight runs on the final ball of the match.

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Fans given chance to win signed India bat

Updated at: 2210 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011

Cricket fans are being given the chance to win some fantastic prizes if they can successfully predict the results of qualifying tournaments for the ICC World Twenty20 2012.For the first time, teams from across the Associate and Affiliate world have the opportunity to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2012 through a series of regional qualifying tournaments.The first of these qualifying events begins in Ghana on 24 February and fans are being asked to predict the results of matches such as Rwanda v Lesotho.

The winner of the prediction competition for ICC Africa Division 3 will win a bat signed by India's squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

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India dominate cricket war against Bangladesh

Updated at: 1550 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011

DHAKA: Indian batsmen smashed 152 runs for two wickets in 25 overs, half of the total allotted overs, against Bangladesh here at the Shere Bangle National Stadium, Mirpur Saturday.The batsmen out were Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir while opener Virender Sehwag close to his 14th ODI century. He is batting at 87.Indian star batsman Sachin Tendulkar who equaled today Javed Miandad’s record of playing six World Cup tournaments, became the first player to be dismissed in the tenth edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup when he was run out for 28 in the opening match.Tendulkar hit four boundaries during his 29-ball innings. He was run out through a joint effort by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim.Gambhir was clean bowled by Mahmudullah, scoring 39 off the same number of balls.Earlier, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and invited India to bat first.

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Bangladesh win toss, put India into bat in WC opener

Updated at: 1310 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011
DHAKA: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has began with the match between hosts Bangladesh and India here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Saturday.Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and invited India to bat first in the opening match of the mega tournament.Teams:Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Raqibul Hasan, Naeem Islam, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.
India: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, V Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Mahindra Singh Dhoni (captain), Yousuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

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Sangakkara, Kohli, Smith and Vettori look ahead to ICC CWC 2011

Updated at: 0515 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011
On this week's ICC Cricket World Radio Show, South Africa captain Graeme Smith, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara and India batsman Virat Kohli look ahead to this year's ICC Cricket World Cup which begins tomorrow with the first match being played between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka.
"To win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 would mean everything to me, simply to play in a World Cup final would be fantastic. It's not about the past or the future, it's about the isolated moment in time which is the ICC Cricket World Cup," says Sangakkara."It's about giving everything to this one goal, our hearts, souls, bodies everything to win it. As a captain it means the same, to win it would be fantastic, it would make me part of a wonderful team if we did win," he adds.Former India under-19 captain Kohli rounds off the show this week admitting that being part of an event like the ICC Cricket World Cup is something really special."To be part of the India squad for the Cricket World Cup is hugely exciting, it's a dream to play in a world cup, it's a privileged tournament, it's the biggest tournament there is and I don't think I can express how excited I am to be part of the India squad for this event."This event is about the best cricket playing nations coming together for one tournament, the crown means you're the best out of all of them, it means you're the best out of all those top teams. The whole world is watching and to win it as a team would be an amazing achievement," he says.The show can be used in whole or part by radio stations that want cricket content, while the public can also download it straight from the Joining Kohli and Sangakkara this week is South Africa captain Smith who talks about the importance of a winning mentality."It's important to have a winning mindset for this tournament, especially when there are four or five teams who could win this event. It's crucial to think like winners, we'd love to get our hands on a World Cup, it's important to have that mindset and give yourself the best opportunity to win the World Cup."I think the sub-continent is something South Africa have embraced, the fanfare, the different style of wickets, it's about embracing the sub-continent and its different cultures. Embracing the cultures here is something that I think we as South Africans are able to do especially well as we're such a multi-cultural nation and team," he says.
New Zealand captain Vettori is hoping for a good run despite the recent poor form of the New Zealand side. "It's a tough tournament," he says. "It will be a challenge and the team that make it to the final will have to adapt well and that's why the sub-continent teams will be favourite for this event."We need to put together some complete team performances with batting and bowling which we haven't been able to do recently. This event is the pinnacle of limited-overs cricket, people still aspire to win it and I know it means so much to the players and to stand there at the end and win a Cricket World Cup, I don't there are many greater things in cricket to achieve."Apart from these exclusive interviews, the show has the usual round-up of cricketing news plus an update of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test and ODI cricket.This show is a 30-minute ICC Cricket World audio show special and has been put together by the ICC's global broadcast partner, ESPN STAR Sports.

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Ban v Ind

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India take on Bangladesh in WC opener

Updated at: 0515 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011
DHAKA: India are going into the opening match of the 2011 World Cup looking to exact revenge on fellow co-hosts Bangladesh.
The Tigers stunned India four years ago as the 1983 winners crashed out in the group stage of the competition.The two sides meet again in Mirpur on Saturday in the opening match of the 10th World Cup."We lost against them and we have been waiting for the moment when we will play against them in this World Cup," said India opener Virender Sehwag."I think so far we have lost just one or two games against Bangladesh - one in the World Cup and maybe one in Bangladesh. So our record against them is very good."India are in prime form following resounding warm-up victories over Australia and New Zealand.Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has one of the strongest line-ups in the tournament but admitted he was wary of the threat posed by Bangladesh's trio of left-arm spinners - captain Shakib Al Hasan, the experienced Abdur Razzak and the upcoming Suhrawadi Shuvo."They have three specialist left-arm spinners apart from some part-timers and we have to play them well," he said.Bangladesh have home advantage in their favour but have been weakened by the absence of Mashrafe Mortaza, who was instrumental in their victory four years ago but is missing the World Cup through a knee injury.Nonetheless, Al Hasan is talking up his team's chances of reaching the knockout phase.He said: "We've been playing good cricket for the last 15 months and if we qualify for the second round, why not think of something big?"We have to win at least four matches to win a place in the second round. It is not difficult. I think we are capable of booking a place in the second round."India and Bangladesh's Group B rivals are South Africa, England, West Indies, Ireland and Holland. (Online)

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Important to start on a winning note: Dhoni

Updated at: 0515 PST,  Saturday, February 19, 2011
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday underscored the significance of beginning the 2011 cricket World Cup on a winning note and insisted that their defeat by Bangladesh four years ago did not even cross their minds ahead of their match on Saturday.
Dhoni said the Indians had picked up the intensity by winning the two warm-up matches and it was now "important for us to start the World Cup proper on a winning note".He said on the eve of the tournament opener, the team was not even thinking about the 2007 defeat simply because "we don't want to repeat what happened".India had gone down to Bangladesh in their group game four years ago, leading to their early ouster from the tournament.Asked about pacer Zaheer Khan's groin injury, Dhoni said: "He is fit as of now, but I am yet to talk to the physio. If there is anything, we will let you know."Zaheer was later seen bowling at the nets.Describing Bangladesh as a "good and balanced side", he said: "It will be a good contest."Dhoni also praised the Bangladesh spinners. "All their three spinners are good. They have got two good partimers who can bowl off-spin and leg-spin. It's a good side and a contributive side. In the sub-continent they rely a lot on their spinners and here they will get more assistance than anywhere else."Reiterating the importance of part-time bowlers in his scheme of things, Dhoni said: "In every game, they will play an important role. In both the warm-up games we have seen the importance of part-time bowlers. That job more often than not is done by Yuvraj (Singh). Also, there are one or two other bowlers who can contribute if needed. The fifth bowler's role is very important."Asked about the difference between his side and the 2007 team, he said: "Some of the players are the same, the only difference is we are now in a better frame of mind. Talent wise it is much the same, only this team will be playing in home conditions."On his side's batting composition, he said a lot depended on the seven batsmen who get selected in the final eleven "and whoever can perform to their potential and how well they can utilise the conditions. Most of them are floaters, and they can bat at any position".Dhoni also gave an open-ended answer when asked whether he would go for a single spinner or a double spin attack."Well that definitely is a big option. It will depend on how the wicket behaves," he said.
Asked why India are rated as favourites, Dhoni said: "I think the last two years' performance has contributed a lot. We have missed key players in ODIs and still done well. Maybe that is the reason why we are said to be favourites. The home conditions just add on to it," he said.

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Pakistan need 274 to beat England in warm-up

Updated at: 1730 PST,  Friday, February 18, 2011
 FATULLAH: Pakistan have to chase a rather tough target of 280 runs to beat England in their last warm-up match in the ICC Cricket World Cup here Friday.After sent into bat by Pakistan stand-in captain Misbah-ul-Haq, England lost their captain Andrew Strauss, who was clean bowled for five by fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the third over of the match.John Trott was also bowled for nine by young pacer Junaid Khan, who has been lately included in the team in place of unfit Sohail Tanveer.
Then, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell added 80 runs to take England to 117 runs before tdeparted for 39 and later Pietersen was out for 66.Then, Paul Collingwood (65) and Ravi Bopara (35) made together 82 for the fifth wicket.The remaining wickets fell one by one and England were all out for 273 with just two ball left.
For Pakistan, pace bowlers Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz got three wickets each while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed two.

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World Cup final venue fails fire inspection

 Updated at: 1700 PST,  Friday, February 18, 2011
 MUMBAI: Wankhede Stadium, venue for the Cricket World Cup final on April 2, has not met fire safety standards, the chief fire officer for Mumbai said on Friday."We will soon write a letter to the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) stating there is a need to comply with fire safety norms at the stadium. Once they abide by the terms we would again conduct an inspection," chief fire officer Uday Tatkare was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India."The team has found that the newly renovated stadium has many loopholes in its fire safety mechanism. The stadium must be in compliance with the fire safety conditions," Tatkare said.The stadium also failed an inspection by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in December but earlier this week was given the go-ahead for its three World Cup matches starting on March 13."Among the mandatory fire apparatus are ... water hydrants, internal riser system for the stands, no-smoking indicators, fire alarms and extinguishers have to be installed," a Mumbai fire officer told PTI on condition of anonymity."There are some lapses which they need to look into."The MCA, responsible for the stadium, was confident it could comfortably meet the fire brigade's demands."The fire brigade officials had come for a visit few days back and they had suggested a few safety norms after their visit," Association secretary Lalchand Rajput said on Friday."We are working on those and we will be ready. There is absolutely no worry. There has been no formal letter from the fire department yet."

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Pakistan win toss, put England into bat

Updated at: 1514 PST,  Friday, February 18, 2011
FATULLAH: Pakistan are playing their last warm-up match in the World Cup against England here at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium on Friday.Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq, leading Pakistan team in place of captain Shahid Afridi, won the toss and put England into bat.
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made an early breakthrough bowling English captain Andrew Strauss out for five runs in the third over of the match.

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WC opening ceremony kicks off

Updated at: 1732 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA: The biggest event of the cricket- the World Cup – kicked off with a gala opening ceremony here on Thursday evening.
All eyes glued on Bangabandhu National Stadium, as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 kicked off at 5:00 pm PST with a grand ceremony that is going to feature about 4,000 performers.The other host country Sri Lanka starts off its campaign against Canada in A Group 'A' encounter in Colombo on Sunday. For first time co-host Bangladesh, the honour has coincided with a historic occasion, as 2011 marks the silver jubilee of its first ever ODI game against Pakistan in 1986.Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have composed the official song for the World Cup, and Sonu Nigam will represent India while Runa Laila of the Dama dam mast kalandar fame and Mila, a local pop icon, will be the prominent Bangladeshis on display. Legendary Canadian singer Bryan Adams will add variety to what promises to be a spectacular show while the culture of Pakistan will not be seen at the over two-hour ceremony.

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Thackeray threatens Pakistan for WC final

Updated at: 1633 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
MUMBAI: The extremist Indian party, Shiv Sena, has once again threatened Pakistani cricketers few hours before the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi while talking to reporters here on Thursday said, "Bal Thackeray will decide whether to allow Pakistan team to play or not".This is the latest expression of extremism by the Shiv Sena leaders as Joshi clearly put question mark on the staging of ICC World Cup final match if Pakistan would qualify for it."You all know Sena chief Bal Thackeray's views. If the Pakistan team reaches the final, whether to allow them to play, the Sena chief will decide," Joshi told reporters.Thankfully, Pakistan and India are placed in separate groups otherwise the controversy would have erupted the mega event at its very early stage.The renovated Wankhede Stadium of Mumbai will host the World Cup 2011 final on April 2, 2011.Shiv Sena have had objected Pakistan-India cricket ties in the past and in 1991, Shishir Shinde along with other extremist Hindus dug up the pitch in the Wankhede Stadium in a bid to stop India playing cricket with Pakistan.

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Akhtar dope-tested ahead of World Cup

Updated at: 1158 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal were some of the first players to be taken for random dope testing ahead of the World Cup, a source said on Thursday.
Akhtar, 35, and Akmal, 29, were tested after a practice session on Wednesday by the International Cricket Council's drug inspectors, the source said."It's normal to test players before and during a tournament," he said. "Nothing fishy about it. Others will also be tested."Akhtar, recalled for the World Cup after being out of action for a major part of the last three years due to a spate of injuries, tested positive for a banned drug nandrolone in 2006.Pakistan face England in a practice match in the Bangladeshi town of Fatullah on Friday, a game the ageing Akhtar needs to perform in to make the team for their World Cup opener agaainst Kenya on February 23.Akhtar did not bowl against Bangladesh on Tuesday with coach Waqar Younis admitting the fast bowler had yet to regain full fitness.Akhtar, who last played a Test match in 2007, has claimed 244 one-day wickets in 160 matches at an average of 24.78.He was picked for the recent tour of New Zealand where he "improved in patches," according to Waqar.
"Shoaib is not in touch at the moment," the fast bowling great said. "It is important he gets into full throttle before we get him into the side." (AFP)

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WC opening ceremony today

Updated at: 1016 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA: The biggest event of the cricket- the World Cup - would open today with a gala opening ceremony here on Thursday.This evening all eyes are going to be glued on Bangabandhu National Stadium, where the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will kick off at 5:00 pm PST with a grand ceremony that is going to feature about 4,000 performers.The other host country Sri Lanka starts off its campaign against Canada in a Group 'A' encounter in Colombo on Sunday. For first time co-host Bangladesh, the honour has coincided with a historic occasion, as 2011 marks the silver jubilee of its first ever ODI game against Pakistan in 1986.Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have composed the official song for the World Cup, and Sonu Nigam will represent India while Runa Laila of the Dama dam mast kalandar fame and Mila, a local pop icon, will be the prominent Bangladeshis on display. Legendary Canadian singer Bryan Adams will add variety to what promises to be a spectacular show.The culture of Pakistan will not be seen at the over two-hour ceremony. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will declare open the 45-day tournament.

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Sangakkara urges Sri Lankan bowlers to improve

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara urged his bowlers to stem the flow of runs in the first 15 overs despite comfortable wins for his team in both of their World Cup warm-up matches.Sri Lanka produced another near-perfect show against the West Indies with a four-wicket win at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday, following their 156-run thrashing of the Netherlands."It's good to have won both the warm-up matches," said Sangakkara after the match."I think there is still a lot of work to be done, mainly the first 15 overs. They were a worry and they were not good enough for World Cup cricket."
Chris Gayle (58) and Darren Bravo (54) helped propel the West Indies to 281 with a second-wicket partnership of 85, with Gayle hitting eight fours and a six during his quickfire 38-ball knock.Bravo added 74 for the third wicket with Ramnaresh Sarwan (39) before paceman Lasith Malinga (3-33) and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath (3-39) checked the West Indies' progress.Sangakkara (71), Tillakaratne Dilshan (62) and Thilan Samaraweera (55) made sure Sri Lanka go into their first World Cup match -- against Canada on February 20 -- full of confidence but the skipper eyed improvements."I think we should have chased it down with one or two wickets less than we did, but I think mentally we are slightly better chasing under lights now probably than a few years ago."West Indian captain Darren Sammy felt his team should have scored more runs after Gayle gave them a good start."We should have scored more runs than we did, because we were well placed after 15 overs and then got some key wickets when they chased, but we didn't finish it off, that's what we should do when we play the main tournament," he said.The West Indies face a tough opening game in Group B, against South Africa in New Delhi on February 24, but Sammy believes his team is battle ready.
"We know what we need to do and whether it's the first match or the last in the group, we need to give it the best," said Sammy.The 14-team World Cup starts with a clash between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

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All-rounders will play crucial role: Simmons

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ireland coach and former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons feels that all-rounders will play a decisive role in the World Cup.The 47-year-old Trinidadian said all-rounders play a pivotal role in all forms of cricket, more so in the World Cup."All-rounders are important in all forms of the game and in the World Cup they can be game changers. Teams that have good all-rounders can add an extra batsman or a bowler in the eleven," Simmons, himself an explosive all-rounder, told IANS over phone from Nagpur.Simmons picked up Abdul Razzaq, Shane Watson and Yuvraj Singh as the all-rounders to watch out for in the World Cup."Razzaq, Yuvraj and Shane will be the all-rounders who can destroy any team if you give them an inch. I think these three players will be crucial to Pakistan, Australia and India's chances of making the semi-finals. They will not only add depth to the team's batting, but will also allow their captains to strengthen the bowling as well," he said.Asked about West Indies' Chris Gayle, Simmons said: "The cricket world is well aware of his destructive nature. But the problem about Gayle is that he is not consistent. Much will depend on Gayle, if West Indies are to make at least the quarterfinals stage."Simmons, who made his debut in the 1987 World Cup in the sub-continent, knows conditions here will be challenging for Ireland, who shocked Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, on way to the second round."Playing in the sub-continent is always challenging. But I have always enjoyed playing here. I still remember the 1987 World Cup. In my debut match I hit 50 in Lahore, but lost to Pakistan by one run. It wasn't a memorable World Cup for us. Playing in the sub-continent is a tough job and you need patience," said Simmons.Though not expecting Ireland to create another shock this time, Simmons is confident that the Irish won't be pushovers either.
"I am not expecting anything from Ireland. We had an advantage in 2007 since we were an unknown entity. This time it would be tough, but I can tell you we won't be pushovers either," said Simmons.He knows that it will be tough for Ireland as they are in a group that comprises favourites India, South Africa, England, West Indies, the Netherlands and Bangladesh."We are in a tough group and we have prepared hard. We know it won't be easy for us and we have to play hard cricket. We have a balanced squad and the players have a fair experience of playing at the international level. We can't be thinking of results. We have to take one match at a time. We have to just give our best on the very day and results will be taken care of," he said.Simmons also said that home conditions will make India the favourites, but it won't be easy for them."India surely are the favourites. They have a strong batting line-up and the advantage of home conditions. But it won't be easy for them," he said.Asked if the Indian Premier League (IPL) has robbed India of the home advantage, Simmons said: "Not exactly. Because even before the IPL, a lot of international cricket was being played and players had a fair knowledge of the conditions. It is good to have the knowledge, but tough to implement it."

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Broad halts Canada's spirited charge

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Canada put up a spirited performance but still fell short by 16 runs against England in its final warm-up match before ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
Stuart Broad with a spell of 5-37 starred in England's win.England opted to bat and posted 243 in 49.4 overs and Canada in its reply was bowled out for 227 in 46.1 overs.England opened with Kevin Pietersen, but lost wickets at regular intervals. It required another responsible innings from Jonathan Trott (57: 81b, 4x4) to steady the ship.Later, wicketkeeper Matt Prior rallied the lower order with his 80-ball 78 (4x4, 1x6). Henry Osinde (2-42), Khurram Chohan (3-34), Harvir Singh Baidwan (3-50) and Khurram Chohan (3-34) shared the wickets around.In its chase, Canada had slipped to 28 for 5, but lower-order batted superbly to bring the side back into the contest.Rizwan Cheema (93: 71b, 10x4, 5x6) teamed up with Zubin Surkari (22) first. Then Cheema added 60 runs with Chohan (44: 74b, 3x4, 1x6) for the seventh wicket.But after Cheema fell, Chohan held the innings together with the tail. In the end, England's spinners backed Broad's opening spell well to script a win.
For England, Michael Yardy, James Tredwell and Paul Collingwood picked up a wicket each. Ajmal Shahzad was the other successful bowler with 2-44.

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Boundaries for Books campaign to 'hit illiteracy for a six'

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Reliance Life Insurance has joined hands with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Room to Read - a global non-profit organization committed to promoting literacy and gender equality in education, to launch the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign.Reliance Life Insurance, in a first-of-its-kind initiative - 'Boundaries for Books' - will contribute Rs. 25,000 for every six hit during the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. This donation will be made to Room to Read, towards establishing libraries and providing local language and English books to underserved children across India. Every single six will ensure that at least 30 children get access to fully functional libraries with books and trained teachers, thereby catalyzing a long-term revolution amongst young minds that will lead the future of India.Cricket fans and the public in general will have the opportunity to contribute to this fight against illiteracy, through convenient payment gateways, details of which will be announced shortly.The announcement, which builds on the ICC's partnership with Room to Read that was unveiled last week, has received the support of a number of high profile players. These include Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and Australia's Shane Watson, who have become the first cricketers to become global Room to Read Ambassadors, while the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Dale Steyn have all recorded promotional messages for the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign."Reliance Life Insurance is delighted to launch the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign in association with ICC and Room to Read to hit illiteracy for a six. Introducing the minds of disadvantaged young children to the enchanting world of books and the learnings they will get from that rare experience is a joy and privilege for us", said Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, Vice-Chairman, Reliance Capital Ltd.
India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who along with the other 14 members of India's ICC Cricket World Cup squad have recorded promotional messages for Room to Read, added: "The 'Boundaries for Books' campaign is an opportunity for all of India to get involved and bring their love of their country and love of cricket together for the betterment of our children. If every six I hit will allow children to access books and libraries, then there is no better inspiration for me to play my best!"John Wood, Room to Read Founder and Board Chair, stated "It is a matter of great pride that prominent organisations like Reliance Life Insurance and the International Cricket Council are partnering with us to combat the significant challenge of illiteracy. These organisations are investing their resources in building awareness and making a change. Room to Read is honoured to be a part of this campaign and looks to all cricket fans to play a role in ensuring that the next generation can build their futures on the foundations of a quality education."Australia all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador, Shane Watson said, "I am honoured to be associated with Room to Read and the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign during this year's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. I first got into reading when I was about eighteen, and I now realise how important it is for everybody to have the opportunity to have access to books. Room to Read is making reading a reality for millions of children - as they say 'World Change Starts with Educated Children'- and I am committed to helping this organisation reach as many children as they possibly can."Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador said, "From the time the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Room to Read has been with our children, ensuring quality education programs across the country. As an ambassador of this cause, I ask each of you to get involved and do what you can to make sure that the next generation is empowered with an education."Reliance Big FM, with a special 'Hit illiteracy for a Six' segment, Big Cinema, Big CBS and various other Reliance ADA Group platforms will be used to reach across the masses. Prizes for top donors - such as invitations to an exclusive Reliance event in Mumbai with cricketers and other prominent personalities, signed memorabilia, photo opportunities and other incentives - will help propel the cause.

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ICC chief hits out at Butt TV role

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
DUBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has slammed the appointment of banned former captain Salman Butt as a television pundit during the World Cup.So incensed are the global governing body, they have asked the lawyer who was chairman of the tribunal that banned Butt to determine whether his employment by the television channel contravenes the terms of the opening batsman's 10-year ban, five of which have been suspended.Lorgat, in a statement issued after an ICC executive board meeting here on Wednesday, said: "The Board, having a zero tolerance attitude towards corruption, expressed disappointment at the decision by a television channel to employ the suspended Mr Salman Butt as a studio pundit during the World Cup."Butt, when his TV role was announced earlier this month, said: "I have signed a contract with a television channel to do expert commentary.
"As I am not playing in the event I thought it was worth participating as an expert," he added.
The 26-year-old player said he could no reason why hoped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC would object to his new role."I don't see any reason for objection to it as it does not come under their jurisdiction."But Lorgat made it clear on Wednesday the ICC did object."We are not satisfied with this appointment and we have written to Tribunal chairman Michael Beloff QC to enquire whether this could be viewed as a breach against the terms of his suspended sentence," the South African said. (AFP)

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I hid wife in hotel room cupboard, reveals Saqlain

 Updated at: 1939 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
KARACHI: Former Pakistan spin bowler Saqlain Mushtaq revealed Wednesday he smuggled his wife into his hotel room and hid her in a cupboard the day before the 1999 World Cup final in London.

"It was a double trouble for all of us because the management had barred us from keeping our wives with us and on the other hand people accused us of going out with girls, so I breached the code by asking my wife to stay with me," Saqlain said.

"My wife Sana was with me in the room when the management decided to have a check on the players whether they were in the room or not, so I had to lock Sana in the cupboard, but I had to do that otherwise I would have been punished."

Saqlain was one of the top off-spinners in his prime and was credited with inventing the "doosra" -- a delivery which spins the opposite way from normal off-spin.

Saqlain said he was forced to keep his wife with him as a lot of people accused the Pakistani players of going out with girls.

"At one point of time my wife, because she was with me in the hotel during the World Cup, saved me from a group of women who was alleging that they saw me with another girl, so keeping wife in the hotel came out to be a blessing," he said.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has admitted worries over bowler Shoaib Akhtar's poor form ahead of the 2011 World Cup that has left the team's pace attack without a spearhead.

But Saqlain said the tournament was open and any of the top six teams could lift the trophy.

"My prayers are always with Pakistan which is a very dangerous team, but any of the top six teams can win the trophy," said Saqlain, 34. (AFP)

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India to take on New Zealand today

Updated at: 1144 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CHENNAI: India must raise their World Cup intensity, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday, with star batsman Sachin Tendulkar poised to play a crucial role.India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.Tendulkar missed the win over Australia, a legacy of the hamstring injury that forced him to cut short his participation in the one-day series in South Africa last month.
But he came through a long net session on Tuesday and is poised to open the batting against the Black Caps in what will be only his third one-dayer since his historic double-century against South Africa in Gwalior a year ago."Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said."We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big."The lower order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214 we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options."We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options.
Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five."We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good."But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best 11 accordingly."Dhoni said bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan would be rested for Wednesday's warm-up to allow him to be fresh for the tournament opener. The left-arm paceman had missed out on the Australia game as well."He has a very mild groin strain. It is nothing to worry about. It is just that we want to give him rest. He will definitely play against Bangladesh."The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, also said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the sub-continent."They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland. (AFP)

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Shehzad hands Pakistan morale-boosting win

Updated at: 2034 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
DHAKA: Ahmed Shehzad and Misbah-ul-Haq helped to put Pakistan's recent troubles behind them as the duo hit centuries to steer their team to a morale-boosting 89-run victory over Bangladesh in a World Cup warm up match on Tuesday.The win would have helped to put the players in the right frame of mind for the Feb 19-April 2 tournament after their recent on-field exploits were overshadowed by the ban handed to three former team mates for spot-fixing.Pakistan scored 285 for nine in their 50 overs before skittling out Bangladesh 196 in the 42nd over, with the hosts losing their last three wickets for the addition of just two runs.Bangladesh were put on the back foot from the start as they lost opener Tamim Iqbal when Abdul Razzaq knocked over his bails with the very first delivery.Shehzad made the most of benefitting from two dropped catches to hit 103 from 122 balls with a six and nine boundaries while Misbah smashed a 100-ball century with four sixes and eight fours.Suhrawadi Shuvo and Abdur Razzak dropped Shehzad while he was on 42 and 56 respectively, which allowed the match to swing Pakistan's way."I am not disappointed with the (dropped) catch by Razzak as he has never been our best fielder but the other catches which went down were disappointing," said Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons.Pakistan play their first World Cup Group A match against unfancied Kenya on Feb. 23 in Hambantota.Bangladesh meet fellow co-hosts India in Group B in the opening match of the tournament on Feb. 19 in Dhaka.

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Pakistan set 286-run target for Bangladesh

Updated at: 1949 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Brilliant centuries by opener Ahmed Shahzad and middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq helped Pakistan to set a difficult target of 286 for hosts Bangladesh in their warm-up match here on Tuesday.Pakistan piled up 285 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs after captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat on the slow wicket of the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Shahzad provided a good start making 42 runs before Hafeez was dismissed for 21.Later, Pakistan lost two more wickets for 16 runs as experienced batsmen Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan fell out cheaply.
Then, Shahzad was joined by vice-captain Misbah and both steered Pakistan to 210 before Shahzad departed. Both added 152 runs for the fourth wicket.Ahmed Shahzad made 103 off 122 balls with nine fours and a six.Misbah-ul-Haq also completed his hundred from 99 balls. He smashed four sixes and eight boundaries.After the two centurions got out no other batsman could make any significant score.For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan and Rubel Hossain were the most successful bowlers taking three wickets each.

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Pakistan bat against Bangladesh in warm-up

Updated at: 1906 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Pakistan are batting in their first warm-up match, being played against Bangladesh here on Tuesday.Captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat on the slow wicket of the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Shoaib Akhtar has been rested for today’s match.Teams:Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (captain), Misbah-ul-Haq, Hafeez Ahmed, Ahmed Shahzad, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz.Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Naeem Islam, Mehmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.

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Never-before riches for World Cup hopefuls

Updated at: 0826 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
DHAKA: World Cup contenders are set for a financial bonanza with a record prize money of eight million dollars on offer for cricket's latest showpiece event.It marks a rise of three million dollars from the previous 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, which itself was a five-fold increase from the 1999 edition in England.
The World Cup has come a long way since it was first held in England in 1975 with eight teams contesting just 15 matches over five playing days.Clive Lloyd's West Indians earned 4,000 pounds for winning the inaugural tournament, and took home 10,000 pounds after retaining the World Cup four years later.When Australia won their third successive title in the Caribbean in 2007, they carried home 2.2 million dollars, while losing finalists Sri Lanka pocketed a cool one million dollars.When the champions of the 43-day, 2011 edition are crowned one-day kings at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on April 2, they will receive 3.25 million dollars for their efforts.The losing team can console itself with 1.5 million dollars.With an additional 30,000 dollars kept aside for the winners of each first round match, the champions stand to gain another 180,000 dollars if they win all their six preliminary games.The two losing semi-finalists will take home 500,000 dollars each, while teams that are knocked out in the quarter-final stage will get 250,000 dollars each.The prize money does not include the share of the profits the International Cricket Council dishes out to all the 14 participating teams from its joint revenue pool.The financial bonanza for the February 17-April 2 event should not surprise anyone.India, co-hosts of the six-week tournament with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are regarded as cricket's financial powerhouse generating nearly 70 percent of the sport's world revenues.Former Indian cricket chief Inderjit Singh Bindra said South Asia beat a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand for the 2011 event by promising higher profits."We assured them a profit of 400 million dollars," Bindra, who was one of the chief architects of the Asian bid and now works as an adviser with the ICC, said.

"No one can make money for cricket as India can."With the ICC expected to spend around 50 million dollars on the event, the tournament is already assured of a healthy balance sheet even before the first
ball is bowled.Cricket, with just 10 full member nations, is no match for football's money power where a prize fund of a whopping 420 million dollars was handed out for the last World Cup in South Africa.But officials at the ESPN-Star Sports network, who paid a billion dollars to be the ICC's official broadcasters from 2007 to 2015, are not complaining."There is nothing bigger in the world of cricket than the World Cup and when it is held in the subcontinent it evokes passion and excitement like none other," said the network's managing director Manu Sawhney."We have not only roped in several big sponsors like Pepsi, Sony, Nokia, Maruti Suzuki and Philips, but have received a positive feedback from other advertisers."ESPN-Star Sports have syndicated the coverage to 200 networks around the world, with all the 49 matches to be broadcast live in the High Definition (HD) format for the first time. (AFP)

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Pakistan to play tomorrow first warm-up against Bangladesh

Updated at: 1924 PST,  Monday, February 14, 2011
DHAKA: The participating teams of the ICC World Cup 2011 are playing warm-up matches before the mega event. Pakistan will play their first warm-up against co-host Bangladesh here tomorrow.Both teams will meet at 1-30 pm (Pakistan standard time) while Australia and South Africa will face each other at 2-00 pm (PST).Besides, two more warm-up matches will be played on the same day between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Nagpur, India, and Kenya and Holland at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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Waqar wants World Cup jinx broken

Updated at: 1453 PST,  Monday, February 14, 2011
COLOMBO: As a player, Waqar Younis had nothing but bad memories of the World Cup. Now as a coach, he has the challenge of turning around Pakistan's talented yet unpredictable team."Well, it's true that the World Cup hasn't been too kind to me, but that is motivation and challenge enough to fight on and take another chance as coach of a talented team which can win the tournament," Waqar said.Waqar, now 39, was regarded as one of the most potent fast bowlers in his prime, producing wicket-taking deliveries on any surface, the most notable being his toe-crushing yorker.Together with compatriot Wasim Akram, one of the best left-arm pacemen ever to have played cricket, Waqar formed a destructive new-ball pairing, fondly remembered as "two Ws", wrecking the best of batting line-ups on their day.Waqar was considered Pakistan's main weapon in the 1992 World Cup in Australia, but a week before the event started he had to return home in tears without playing a match due to injury."It was a nightmare to return with an injury," remembers Waqar."Yes, it does hurt sometimes that I wasn't part of it but I still remember going to Lahore airport to receive the winning team when they returned."It will always stay with me, the moment they arrived and I always cherish that great triumph of Pakistan."I had watched the World Cup at home in Lahore. Every single game was fun to watch and as we got into the later stages of the tournament it got very thrilling and that was the time when I missed it the most."But soon after Pakistan's win in the World Cup, Waqar recovered from injury and along with Wasim wreaked havoc in England, leading Pakistan to a 2-1 win in a Test series marred by allegations of ball-tampering.By 1996, Waqar had matured into a world class bowler, but his World Cup jinx continued.Pakistan, again title favourites in the event jointly hosted by them, India and Sri Lanka, crashed out in the quarter-finals.Up against their arch-rivals India in front of a vociferous Bangalore crowd, Waqar ran into free-stroking Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja who clobbered him for 22 runs in one of the death overs.Pakistan lost by 39 runs."That was one of those days when I couldn't control the aggression, but we could still have won the game had the batsmen capitalised on a good start," recalled Waqar.By 1999, he and Wasim developed some serious differences. Wasim preferred express paceman Shoaib Akhtar over Waqar, who managed to play just one match in the event held in England -- that too in an embarrassing defeat to minnows Bangladesh."Again, it was another forgetable event," said Waqar."I could play only one match, against Bangladesh, and we lost that match," said Waqar of the defeat, which was investigated for allegations of fixing.In 2001, the roll of the dice fell in Waqar's favour as he was appointed captain after his career was revived through notable performances ahead of the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa.But things didn't change as Pakistan crashed out in the first round after defeats against Australia, India and England."It was unfortunate that we couldn't manage to win any of these World Cups because we had the best teams from 1996-2003," said Waqar, who retired in 2004 after claiming 373 Test and 416 one-day wickets.During the 2007 World Cup, where Pakistan again crashed out in the first round, Waqar was busy changing his base from Lahore to Sydney and took over as coach in 2010.This time around, Waqar is very confident the World Cup jinx will be broken."In 1992, nobody thought that Pakistan would win the World Cup. This time the event is in our part of the world and we stand a very good chance."I would love to deliver the best I can as a coach this time and have ever-lasting memories of the event." (AFP)

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South Africa crush Zimbabwe in warm-up

Updated at: 1249 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
CHENNAI, India: Morne Morkel grabbed three wickets and Jacques Kallis hit an unbeaten 49 as South Africa raced to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in a World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.Paceman Morkel took 3-16 and Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir bagged 3-35 as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 152 after electing to bat in the day-night match in Chennai.
South Africa achieved the target with more than 26 overs to spare in the one-sided contest, with Hashim Amla (45), skipper Graeme Smith (41) and Kallis being the main run-scorers.All-rounder Kallis, who missed a recent home one-day series against India due to a rib injury, did not bowl but smashed three sixes and as many fours in his 39-ball knock.Amla played some handsome shots in his 33-ball cameo, hitting seven fours, while Smith hit one six and three fours in his 54-ball knock.South Africa were earlier well-served by Morkel and Tahir, who did not allow Zimbabwe to build a big partnership with their disciplined spells.The pair were backed by left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who took two wickets, and off-spinner Johan Botha (1-18).Opener Brendan Taylor top-scored with 40 in a disappointing Zimbabwean batting performance. Sean Williams (35) and Charles Coventry (21) were the other main run-getters.South Africa are in Group B with India, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands, while Group A comprises Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya.Four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.India meet Bangladesh in the opening World Cup match in Dhaka on February 19.

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Three-wicket Lee restricts India to 214

Updated at: 1807 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
BANGALORE: Brett Lee grabbed three wickets in a superb display of fast bowling to help Australia restrict hosts India to a modest 214 in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday.Lee finished with 3-35 off 10 impressive overs as India were dismissed in the 45th over after electing to bat in a day-night match before a sizeable crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.The paceman had Suresh Raina (12) caught behind for his first victim and then bowled Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla to prove he is bang in form for the World Cup, which starts February 19.Lee was backed by John Hastings (2-24). Australia's only concern was 25 runs they conceded in wides, with off-song paceman Mitchell Johnson giving away 10.Opener Virender Sehwag gave a good account of himself in India's below-par batting performance, top-scoring with a 56-ball 54 with one six and eight fours. He fell soon after reaching his half-century with a six over long-off, inside-edging off-spinner Jason Krejza's delivery on to his stumps.India, who rested batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar, struggled against pace. Yusuf Pathan (32), Ravichandran Ashwin (25 not out) and Virat Kohli (21) were the only other batsmen to cross the 20-mark.Pathan smashed two sixes off spinner David Hussey before falling in the same over, caught by Krejza in the deep. Kohli looked like steadying the innings after opener Gautam Gambhir's early dismissal but was caught at point by Hussey while attempting to drive Hastings. He added 42 for the second wicket with Sehwag.Since the practice match does not have an official status, each team can use 15 players, but only 11 will bat and field.(AFP)

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Pakistan desperate for World Cup glory

Updated at: 1557 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan must clinch the World Cup if they are to win back their fans, paceman Shoaib Akhtar said on Sunday as his team try to emerge from the damaging spot-fixing scandal.Pakistan have endured a troubled build-up to the tournament after former captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif were banned on charges of corruption during the Lord's Test against England last year."Obviously we are very hurt inside by whatever has happened to us," Akhtar, 35, told reporters in Dhaka. "Pakistan need to win this World Cup at any cost. It will bring the charm back for people in Pakistan."The fast bowler said his team had enough bowling resources at their disposal despite the absence of the new-ball pair Aamer and Asif."We are unfortunate that they are not there," he said. "But what can we do now? We have got to move on. I think whatever pace attack we have is good enough to win matches."We have the bowlers who can bowl at the death and we can restrict the sides. The main thing is that the ball is going to reverse swing as the match progresses. That is where I think Pakistan's strength lies."Akhtar said he was confident of rattling up a good pace as he used to when at his prime."I still bowl 150 kph (93 mph). Obviously when you are 26 and 36, it's a bit different. I will try to do as well as I can with whatever ability I have. I am going to push my limits and give it all to the team."Akhtar, who missed the last World Cup in the wake of a doping ban and fitness problems, also said he was looking forward to a likely duel with India's Sachin Tendulkar."We all know he is a great player. Every bowler gets hit. Even Brett Lee gets hit a long way, so I am now worried about being hit for sixes by Tendulkar. I have got him off the first ball too."Not only Sachin, we will try to get other key players early because they can single-handedly win matches. Put them under pressure, and get them out early -- that's what I will like to do."India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups for the tournament, beginning in Dhaka on February 19.The 14 teams have been divided into two groups for the initial round-robin league, with the top four from each half advancing to the quarter-finals.

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India elect to bat in Aussie warm-up

Updated at: 1521 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
BANGALORE: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to bat after winning the toss against Australia in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday.Since the practice match does not have an official status, each team can use 15 players, but only 11 will bat and field.
Defending champions Australia are in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, while Group B comprises India, South Africa, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.Four teams from each group will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra,
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Sachin Tendulkar.Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger, Callum Ferguson.Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Richard Kettleborough (ENG), TV umpire: Amiesh Saheba (IND) Match referee: Ranajan Madugalle (SL)

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New Zealand down fighting Ireland

Updated at: 1345 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
NAGPUR: New Zealand posted a 32-run win after surviving a scare from a feisty Ireland in their high-scoring World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.Martin Guptill struck a fine 130 off 134 balls as New Zealand racked up 311-6 in the day-night game at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur before bowling out Ireland for 279 off 48.2 overs.Ireland enjoyed a flying start to their chase, with captain and opening batsman William Porterfield hammering a 74-ball 72 containing eight fours and a six.Left-hander Ed Joyce hit 41 off 53 balls to keep Ireland in the hunt after Porterfield's dismissal in the 23rd over but the total proved too much for his team in the end Joyce had switched allegiance to England in 2006 and was part of their World Cup squad in the Caribbean a year later but is now back with his native Ireland.Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori picked four wickets for 42 runs off his 10 overs and fast bowler Kyle Mills chipped in with 3-52.Put in to bat, New Zealand lost attacking opener Brendon McCullum (one) cheaply to seamer Boyd Rankin, but Guptill ensured a huge total with his attacking knock, containing 12 fours and three sixes.
Guptill, set to play in his first World Cup, found strong support from the middle-order comprising Jesse Ryder (48), Ross Taylor (33) and James Franklin (49).Ireland bowlers leaked 61 runs off the last five overs with Scott Styris hitting 29 runs off just 15 balls with the help of three sixes and one four.New Zealand, placed in Group A, open their World Cup campaign with a match against Kenya in Chennai on February 20, and Ireland take on Bangladesh in Dhaka on February 25.

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