Aussies vow no let-up at World Cup

Updated at: 1112 PST,  Wednesday, March 16, 2011

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Australia have already qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals but are eyeing a thumping win over Canada on Wednesday as the race to top the group heats up.All four qualifiers from Group A are already decided with New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia safely through, but final positions are crucial because they determine opponents in the last eight.A win over minnows Canada, who have endured a miserable campaign, would take Australia to the top of the group on nine points and extend an unbeaten run that now stretches all the way back to 1999 -- 33 matches in all.A big win over Canada, which would boost run-rate, is crucial as Ponting's men round off their Group A campaign against Pakistan in Colombo on Saturday in what is expected to be their first major test of their Cup credentials.Ponting insisted the defending champions, bidding for a fourth straight World Cup and fifth in all, would not ease up now that qualification was assured."We want to win every game that we play and we want to continue to improve on each performance as we go through this tournament," he said."One of our great keys to success in previous World Cups is we've been able to build our way up through tournaments and when the semi-finals and final have come around is generally when we've been playing our best cricket."Ponting added the Canada match in Bangalore represented a last chance for Australia to fine-tune their plans."From now on, I don't think we can afford to be experimenting too much, we have to get down to playing a brand of cricket that's going to hold up in big games," the star batsman explained.Canada captain Ashish Bagai said the way his side performs against Australia could force a change in plans to cut the number of teams at future World Cups.The International Cricket Council aim to have only 10 nations competing at the 2015 World Cup, compared to the current 14."It's for us to put on a good show to give reasons to the ICC to rethink their decision," Bagai said.Wednesday's match will mark Canada veteran John Davison's final game of international cricket before retirement. Davison, 40, once held the record for the fastest World Cup century.Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said he was keen to keep up his side's winning momentum after they became the first side from Group B to book their place in the quarter-finals with a comprehensive win over Ireland."I don't think it really matters who you play in the quarter-finals as you've still got to win the game. We needed to win this game to qualify and it was all about winning for us," Smith said."We'll go to Bangladesh (for their last group game) with a mindset to win. Obviously, you want to keep up the winning habits and confidence within the group."Smith said their best is yet to come as there is still room for improvement after posting four wins in five matches, their lone defeat coming against England by a narrow six-run margin. (AFP)

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Sri Lanka players meet people living with HIV in Mumbai

Updated at: 2054 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Sri Lanka team took time out from its practice session on Tuesday in Mumbai to show its support for the Think Wise campaign.The players met 10 community members from the MSM and hijra communities, including female sex workers from Kamathipura, several of them HIV positive, to understand what it means to be living with homophobia, transphobia, gender violence and HIV and to broaden their understanding of the their issues, such as stigma and discrimination, facing people from high risk groups.Kumar Sangakkara, a Champion for the Think Wise campaign, a partnership between the ICC, UNAIDS and UNICEF, believes society must better understand what it means to be discriminated against because you are gay, transgendered or suffer the stigma of being a female sex worker and also living with HIV."It was interesting to have the opportunity to meet people who are infected by HIV and understand some of their issues that they face on a day-to-day basis," said Sangakkara."What came very clear to me during the interaction was that although the people I met may be very different from us in terms of their sexual or gender identity, and living a very different life to the one we do as players, we still have so much in common . These minority groups are no different to anybody else and they must not be discriminated against."The Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara believes that the Think Wise partnership is well placed to impact on attitudes towards stigma and discrimination among sexual minorities and sex workers and people living with HIV."The Sri Lanka team, through the Think Wise partnership, has always tried to support HIV awareness and the fight against stigma and discrimination."To be personally involved in this partnership is very important to me. Through my role I have been able to visit community groups across the world at ICC events and understand the varying challenges that face people living with HIV and the efforts being made to prevent discrimination and infection.""Using our profile as international cricketers, hopefully we can ensure that the Think Wise campaign not only eliminates stigma and discrimination against sexual minorities, sex workers and people living from HIV, but also encourages young people to have an open mind so they are better empowered to protect themselves from HIV."The Think Wise campaign encourages young people to be informed, take appropriate action to prevent HIV infection, and stand together against the stigma and discrimination often facing people living with HIV. Although UNAIDS announced that new HIV infections had fallen by 20 per cent between 2001 and 2009, more than 7,000 people were infected each day in 2009 and one out of every three of these was a young person aged between 15 and 24 years.Players will have a series of interactions with local community groups supported by UNAIDS and UNICEF throughout the three host countries. Teams will wear red ribbons on their shirts in key matches during the competition (in all quarter-finals, semi-finals and final) as a show of support for people living with HIV. In addition, HIV prevention messages will be promoted at venues on all match days, including during the national anthem ceremonies.Young adults taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup schools programme in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka have already received HIV education sessions as part of the Think Wise programme.

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Proteas into quarters, crush Ireland

Updated at: 2054 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

KOLKATA: South Africa have become the first country in Group B to qualify for the quarterfinals in the World Cup 2011 after they outclassed Ireland by 131 runs in day-night match here at the Eden Garden on Tuesday.Chasing a difficult target of 273, Ireland could not bat at ease as they were losing wickets at regular intervals and the whole team was out for 141 in 33.2 overs.Gary Wilson was the top scorer with 31 with four boundaries and a six as no other Irish batsman could reach even 20.For South Africa, Robin Peterson and Morne Morkel captured three wickets each for 32 and 33, respectively while Jacques Kallis claimed two for 20.Earlier, South Africa managed to score 272 runs for the loss of seven wickets despite tight bowling from the minnows.Sent into bat by Ireland captain William Porterfield, South Africa were facing difficulty in scoring fast against the minnows as they lost their top order batsmen for 117 runs in about 27 overs.However, Jean-Paul Duminy and Collin Ingram rescued the team and took the score to 204 before Ingram was bowled by Trent Johnston for 46. Then, Duminy found another good partner in Johan Botha (21) to add further 65 runs for the seventh wicket. But he was unfortunate to miss his third ODI century by just one run as he was superbly caught by Kevin O'Brien off John Mooney. He hit six fours and a six in his 103-ball innings.Among others, Morne van Wyk was the only significant contributor with a fluent 46 from 41 balls with seven fours and a six.South Africa made one change from the side which beat India by three wickets in Nagpur on Saturday, bringing in Colin Ingram in place of their most prolific batsman AB de Villiers, who suffered a thigh strain during their win against India.Ireland brought in fit again pace-man Trent Johnston in place of all-rounder Andre Botha, who was down with a stomach bug. This is the only change Ireland made from the team which lost to the West Indies by 44 runs.

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South Africa make 272-7 against Ireland

Updated at: 1746 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

KOLKATA: Despite tight bowling from Ireland, South Africa managed to score 272 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs in a Group B match of the World Cup here at Eden Park on Tuesday.Sent into bat by Ireland captain William Porterfield, South Africa were facing difficulty in scoring fast against the minnows as they lost their top order batsmen for 117 runs in about 27 overs.However, Jean-Paul Duminy and Collin Ingram rescued the team and took the score to 204 before Ingram was bowled by Trent Johnston for 46. Then, Duminy found another good partner in Johan Botha (21) to add further 65 runs for the seventh wicket. But he was unfortunate to miss his third ODI century by just one run as he was superbly caught by Kevin O'Brien off John Mooney. He hit six fours and a six in his 103-ball innings Among others, Morne van Wyk was the only significant contributor with a fluent 46 from 41 balls with seven fours and a six.South Africa made one change from the side which beat India by three wickets in Nagpur on Saturday, bringing in Colin Ingram in place of their most prolific batsman AB de Villiers, who suffered a thigh strain during their win against India.Ireland brought in fit again pace-man Trent Johnston in place of all-rounder Andre Botha, who was down with a stomach bug. This is the only change Ireland made from the team which lost to the West Indies by 44 runs.South Africa, with six points from four matches, can make sure of a quarter-final berth with a victory while Ireland, with two points from four matches, need to win the match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

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Ireland win toss, elect to field against Proteas

Updated at: 1346 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

KOLKATA: Ireland captain William Porterfield has won the toss and decided to field against South Africa in their World Cup Group B match here at the Eden Garden on Tuesday.South Africa left out their most prolific batsman AB de Villiers, who suffered a thigh strain during their win against India, and replaced him with Colin Ingram.Fit again Trent Johnston replaced Andre Botha, who was down with a stomach bug, in the Ireland team.Ireland need to win the match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.Teams:South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Faf du Plessis, Morne van Wyk, Robin Peterson, Johan Botha, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn.Ireland - William Porterfield (captain), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O'Brien, Gary Wilson, Kevin O'Brien, Alex Cusack, John Mooney, Trent Johnston, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin.

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Chigumbura blames poor batting for flop

Updated at: 1117 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

PALLEKELE: Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura singled out poor batting as the reason for his team's first round exit in the World Cup.Zimbabwe, who play their last group match against Kenya on March 20 in Kolkata, were sent packing following a seven-wicket defeat against Pakistan on Monday."Throughout the tournament we have fielded well and bowled superbly, but it can't be said about our batting. It was a big problem."Zimbabwe have managed only one total of more than 200 during the tournament, hitting 298 in their only win so far, against Canada. They are fifth in the seven-team Group A with two points from five matches."We batted first (against Pakistan) because in the games here before teams who batted first put big scores on the board but unfortunately we lost four quick wickets before rain came and in the end when we wanted to finish well rain again came," said Chigumbura.Zimbabwe lost their top four batsmen in Pallekele for just 43 runs before Craig Ervine (52) and Chigumbura (32 not out) lifted them to 151-7 when rain curtailed their innings after 39.4 overs.Pakistan, set a revised target of 162 in 38 overs, chased down the target with the help of an unbeaten 78 from Asad Shafiq and 49 from Mohammad Hafeez.Zimbabwe's English coach Alan Butcher also pinpointed batting as the weak area."Unfortunately that happened in the game before, and the game before and everybody in the dressing room, particularly the batters, are unhappy about the way things are," said Butcher."All the batsmen worked hard for this World Cup. None of our players tried to give their wickets away, they are all working hard and trying to improve.Everyone is disappointed because we prepared well but couldn't deliver," said Butcher. (AFP)

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Waqar wants Aussie scalp

Updated at: 1116 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said a win over defending champions Australia in their final group match would give his team enormous confidence heading into their World Cup quarter-final.The 1992 champions eased into the last eight with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Monday and play their last match against Australia, who are on an unbeaten 33-match streak in the World Cup, on Saturday.Waqar said victory over Ricky Ponting's men in Colombo would serve a dual purpose."They are such a big team, world champs, and haven't lost for ages," said Waqar of Australia, whose last World Cup defeat came at the hands of Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup.He said topping Group A would mean playing the number four team in Group B "whose morale would be down, but for me the bigger thing is the momentum."Pakistan, with eight points from five matches, are second in Group A, behind New Zealand on net run-rate. Sri Lanka and Australia have also reached the quarter-finals.Pakistan restricted Zimbabwe to 151-7 before rain curtailed Zimbabwe's innings. Set a revised target of 162 in 38 overs, Pakistan won on the back of an undefeated 78 by Asad Shafiq.Waqar said Pakistan must carry on winning."If you beat Australia, you leave a mark, you can look at the next matches and teams will think twice about playing against you," said Waqar, whose country has reached the second round for the first time since 1999."It is pleasing, but the kind of team we had it was expected we would get to the quarters. To say that we have achieved a lot here because we didn't qualify the last two times would be wrong," said Waqar, captain of the team in 2003.Pakistan also exited in the first round of the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies.Waqar said the knockout stage would be a big challenge."The real game starts now, the game of nerves, the pressure game. Our next game is the most important game, because from there when you jump into the quarters we need to get some momentum."Waqar said his plan would be simple against Australia."The strategy will be very similar -- try to play 50 overs first, pile up a big total first, that's the key. And then, when you look at bowling sides around the world, I think we have a fairly good bowling side," said Waqar.Waqar said Pakistan's successful run chase against Zimbabwe -- their first in a World Cup match since beating New Zealand in the 1999 semi-final, was an achievement."I didn't know that we had never chased in the Word Cup since 1999. It is an achievement without a doubt. We played a lot more sensibly. Shafiq made a bit of a difference. He is very compact and a cricketer for the future," said Waqar of the 25-year-old. (AFP)

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SA eye win over Ireland to book quarters

Updated at: 0748 PST,  Tuesday, March 15, 2011

KOLKATA: On a high after snatching a moral-boosting three-wicket victory over India, South Africa will now look to seal their quarter-final berth when they take on a wobbly Ireland in their penultimate group B World Cup clash at the renovated Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday. The South Africans have some injury concerns ahead of the game with A B de Villiers down with a thigh strain and it remains to be seen whether the in-form batsman takes the field. Chasing 297, South Africa top and middle-order fumbled but Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson down the order showed nerves of steel to shed their chokers tag for a thrilling three-wicket win in their previous match against India. After racing to 267 for one in the 40th over, India lost nine wickets for just 29 runs in an embarrassing way with pacer Dale Steyn returning with a five-wicket burst to skittle out the hosts inside 49 overs. The victory also gains significance because it brought their campaign back on track after their dramatic six-wicket loss to England in Chennai. It was more special for the Proteas who had to make it possible despite losing out on their most successful bowler Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner having sustained a fractured thumb is ruled out for 10 days and is certain to miss the match against Ireland but that should not pose a big problem for South Africa with their attack boasting of Steyn, Morne Morkel while Johan Botha will lead the spin attack. Smith, who had scored an unbeaten 134 to a 10-wicket win over India in their last ODI at Eden Gardens, would look to continue his fine form on the strip that promises to be batsmen-friendly. There is a hint of grass on the Eden 22-yard but curator Probir Mukherjee promised it would assist the batsmen even as he pointed out that there has not been much dew here since last few days. The wicket that will be used tomorrow will be the same that had produced 632 runs and only nine wickets in a match that saw India beat Sri Lanka by seven wicket in its last ODI on 2009 Christmas Eve. Smith and company will look to go for the final kill but at the same time they will be wary of the Irish who have showed their capabilities of producing upsets. The South African skipper Graeme Smith was highly impressed with the Irish team after they had stunned the Englishmen in Bangalore. "The good thing for us now is that we play a couple of games close together before the quarterfinals," Smith said. "We've got an opportunity now with a game every three or four days to really build up some momentum which is something that is important for us," he said. The bowling department of pacers Boyd Rankin and Alex Cusack and the spin duo of Paul Stirling and George Dockrell too has struggled after missing out on their main strike bowler Trent Johnston in two matches in a row. Johnston, who took two wickets during their loss to India in Bangalore before sustaining a bruised knee that ruled him out of the game, is likely to be drafted into the side as a desperate measures by the team thinktank. "I'll be playing at Eden Gardens, that's for sure," former captain Johnston, who did not bowl at the nets, tweeted on Sunday. In the likelihood of Johnston's inclusion, their South African-born allrounder Andre Botha seems certain to sit out. Botha hopes that South Africa will relax a bit after the Nagpur humdinger something that will give them a fine chance to go all out. "The way we are seeing it was that they still have to travel here after a big win, so hopefully they might just relax a bit and that will give us a big advantage. I think we've fallen short in a few games, now we have to win and we might play with a bit more freedom, like we used to and take away that last bit of pressure to get over the line," Botha, who was born in Johannesburg before coming to play cricket in Ireland at 18, said. Both the teams will also have to fight out the rising heat and humid index in the Eastern metropolis with the temperature set to be in the 30s. In the news for all the wrong reasons, the historic Eden Gardens will thus get to host its first match in the ongoing World Cup after losing out on the marquee India vs England clash as the International Cricket Council had ruled that the stadium was not ready for the February 27 encounter. Having failed to host an India match, the huge Eden Gardens may not generate a huge interest among the spectators for the World Cup fixture but certainly there will not be any lack of motivation for the Graeme Smith's men after their morale-boosting win over India in Nagpur.Teams (From): South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Morne van Wyk (wk), Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Imran Tahir and Colin Ingram. Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O'Brien (wk), Gary Wilson, Kevin O'Brien, Alex Cusack, John Mooney, Andre Botha, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Trent Johnston, Albert van der Merwe, Andrew White and Nigel Jones. (Online)

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Pakistan books quarter-final berth

Updated at: 1953 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

Pakistan booked its place in the quarter-final stage with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe with 23 balls to spare at Pallekele on Monday.In a rain-affected game, Zimbabwe batted first and posted 151 for 7 in 39.4 overs. And in the chase Pakistan finished at 164 for 3 in 34.1 overs to enter the knock-out stage.Rain halted play twice during the game when Zimbabwe batted first. Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals with only Craig  Ervin(52:82b,5x4)offering any  resistance.Later, skipper Elton Chigumbura (32 not out) added crucial 48 runs with Prosper Utseya before rain halted play. In its chase, Mohammad Hafeez (49: 65b, 6x4) added 82 runs with Asad Shafiq (78 not out: 97b, 7x4) to script the chase. Then Shafiq teamed up with veteran Younus Khan to lead Pakistan to an easy win.For Zimbabwe, Ray Price (2-21) was the best bowler on view.

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Bangladesh keeps hopes alive

Updated at: 1953 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

Bangladesh registered a six-wicket win over Netherlands on Monday to keep its hopes of making the quarter-finals alive.Netherlands after opting to bat first was bowled out for 160 in 43.2 overs with only Ryan ten Doeschate making an unbeaten 53 off 71 balls. In its reply, Bangladesh finished at 166 for 4 in 41.2 overs.Earlier, Netherlands lost wickets at regular intervals thanks to four run-outs and excellent spell of 3-29 by Abdur Razzak triggered the collapse. Among the other spinners Sohrawadi Shuvo and skipper Shakib Al Hasan also picked a wicket apiece.In its reply, Bangladesh lost an early wicket, but opener Imrul Kayes (73 not out: 113b, 6x4) led the home team to script another win.Kayes shared a 92-run stand with Zunaed Siddique to pace the Bangladesh chase. Later Shahriar Nafees (37) and Kayes kept Bangladesh in hunt with a 59 run stand.In the end Mushfiqur Rahim completed the last rites for Bangladesh.

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Pakistan book quarters berth, beating Zimbabwe

Updated at: 2223 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan qualified for playing the quarterfinals in the World Cup 2011, defeating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the rain-shortened Group A match here at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.Pakistan, set a revised 162-run target in 38 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis formula, successfully achieved that in 34.1 overs on the back of an unbeaten 78 by Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Hafeez (49).The victory gave the 1992 winners eight points from five matches and a place in the last eight, sending Zimbabwe packing after the first round.New Zealand, Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia make up the other qualifiers from Group A.The final group standings will depend on the results of the remaining matches in the first phase. The top four teams will also qualify from Group B.Pakistan's target looked tricky as Zimbabwe bowled a tight line and length. Left-arm spinner Raymond Price (2-21), opening the attack, dismissed opener Ahmed Shahzad (eight) in his second over.Price and Utseya then bowled two maiden overs before Hafeez and Shafiq -- playing his first World Cup match in place of injured Umar Akmal -- opened up with some attractive drives.Hafeez fell one short of his half-century, caught off Utseya after hitting six boundaries during his 65-ball knock.Shahid Afridi promoted himself to number four but managed just three runs. Shafiq and Younis Khan (13 not out) saw Pakistan home.Shafiq hit seven boundaries during his sedate 97-ball knock.Earlier, seamers Umar Gul (3-36), Abdul Razzaq (1-24) and Wahab Riaz (1-21) removed Zimbabwe's top four for just 43 after Elton Chigumbura won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions.Spinners Afridi and Hafeez, with a wicket each, further derailed Zimbabwe, who at the first rain break were 96-5.Left-hander Craig Ervine fought a lone battle, hitting a patient 52 off 82 balls with five boundaries for his third ODI fifty, before Hafeez bowled him in his first over.Chigumbura (32 not out) and Prosper Utseya (18) added 48 for the seventh wicket.Zimbabwe made a disastrous start, losing in-form Brendan Taylor off the fifth ball of the innings, caught off Razzaq by wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal.Gul made it 5-2 when he dismissed Regis Chakabva off the last ball of the second over, before removing Vusimuzi Sibanda (five) shortly afterwards.Ervine and Tatenda Taibu added 30 for the fourth wicket before Wahab Riaz, in for Shoaib Akhtar, had Taibu caught off a miscued drive at mid-off by Afridi for 19.Zimbabwe play their last match against Kenya on March 20.

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Pakistan set 162 in 38 overs under D/L method

Updated at: 1953 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan were set a Duckworth/Lewis victory target of 162 off 38 overs after rain interrupted play twice in their World Cup Group A match against Zimbabwe here at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.The rain interrupted the match for the first time in the 28th over when Zimbabwe were reeling at 96 for five and the match was reduced to 43 overs a side when the play was resumed after 90 minutes.It came again in the 40th over of the Africans' innings with the score on 151-7.Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and batted on a slow wicket but lost Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva and Vusi Sibanda in quick succession to be 13-3 before Craig Ervine helped stop the rot.Ervine was bowled by Mohammad Hafeez for 52 when the play was resumed after the first interruption. Then, Chigumbura and Prosper Utseya added 48 runs for the seventh wicket before Utseya was dismissed by Umar Gul caught behind for 18 and rain interrupted for the second time. Chigumbura remained unbeaten on 32.For Pakistan, Umar Gul was the most successful bowler with three for 36. This is the second World Cup match to be affected by rain after Sri Lanka's showdown with Australia was washed out in Colombo earlier this month.

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Rain reduces game to 43 overs at Pallekele

Updated at: 1818 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan had Zimbabwe reeling at 96-5 in their World Cup Group A match before heavy rain stopped play at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bat but lost Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva and Vusi Sibanda in quick succession to be 13-3 before Craig Ervine helped stop the rot with an unbeaten 48.When play resumed 90 minutes later, the game was reduced to a 43-over per side match.The start was also delayed due to light drizzle.This is the second World Cup match to be affected by rain after Sri Lanka's showdown with Australia was washed out in Colombo earlier this month.

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Zimbabwe reeling at 96-5 before rain stops play

Updated at: 1700 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Rain stopped play in Pakistan's World Cup match against Zimbabwe here at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bat but lost Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva and Vusi Sibanda in quick succession to be 13-3 before Craig Ervine helped stop the rot with an unbeaten 48.Zimbabwe were struggling on 96 for five in the Group A contest when the light showers forced the players off the field at 1105 GMT. The start was also delayed due to light drizzle.This is the second World Cup match to be affected by rain after Sri Lanka's showdown with Australia was washed out in Colombo earlier this month.

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Tigers down Dutch, keeping quarters hopes alive

Updated at: 1526 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

CHITTAGONG: Imrul Kais guided Bangladesh to an easy six-wicket victory against the Netherlands in Group B match, keeping alive their hopes of playing the World Cup quarter-finals, here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Monday The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to bat first on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed batsman Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers with Abdur Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs.Skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo, who was brought in to replace off-spinner Naeem Islam, claimed one wicket apiece.Kayes put on 92 for the second-wicket with Junaid Siddique (35) after opening partner Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mudassar Bukhari off the fourth ball of the innings without scoring.Shahriar Nafees, one of the five left-handers at the top of the batting order who replaced right-handed Raqibul Hasan, made 37 in a third-wicket stand of 59 with Kayes.Kayes, who followed his 60 against England with another half-century, was named man of the match for the second time in a row.Bangladesh joined the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England.A West Indies win over England in Chennai on Thursday will enable Bangladesh ease into the last eight even before their final league match against South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday.But an unlikely Irish win over the Proteas in Kolkata on Tuesday will once again throw open the quarter-final race from the pool.Ryan ten Doeschate top-scored for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 53, but none of the other batsmen managed 30, six failed to reach double figures and four ran themselves out.Openers Wesley Barrisi and Eric Szwaraczynski plodded to 28 runs in nine overs, following a tidy opening spell by seamer Shafiul Islam, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs.Tom Cooper (29) and Szwaraczynski carried the score to 66-2 by the 23rd over when both batsmen were run out in the space of 13 runs to set the Dutch back again.Szwaraczynski, who made 28, was unfortunate to be dismissed at the non-striker's end when Shakib deflected a straight drive from Cooper onto the stumps.Wicket-keeper Musfiqur Rahim, who had dropped Cooper on six, made amends when he lunged for a wide throw from the deep and threw the ball at the stumps before the batsman had regained his crease.Shuvo had Alexei Kervezee stumped by Rahim for 18, before Razzak dismissed Tom de Grooth and Atse Buurman in three deliveries to reduce the Netherlands to 127-7 in the 38th over.Skipper Peter Borren and Adeel Raja also ran themselves out, leaving ten Doeschate stranded at the other end.

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Zimbabwe win toss, elect to bat against Pakistan

Updated at: 1336 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in their crucial World Cup Group A match here at the Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.Pakistan were forced to make two changes from the side that lost to New Zealand by 110 runs on Tuesday, bringing in Asad Shafiq for injured Umar Akmal and paceman Wahab Riaz for Shoaib Aktar who was rested.Umar hurt his finger on Thursday and then sprained his ankle on Sunday.His under-fire brother Kamran, who had a disastrous performance against New Zealand, kept his place in the team.Zimbabwe replaced pacemen Christopher Mpofu and Tanishe Panyangara with seamer Shingirai Masakadza and opener Vusimuzi Sibanda in two changes from the team that lost to Sri Lanka by 139 runs on Thursday.Mpofu, who took four wickets in the last match, has suffered side strain.Pakistan, with six points from four matches, will qualify for the quarter-finals with victory.Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (captain), Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Ahmed Shahzad.Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Regis Chakabva, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Greg Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Raymond Price, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Vusimuzi Sibanda.Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG) and Tony Hill (NZ), TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (SA)Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

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Netherlands 160 all out against Bangladesh

Updated at: 1156 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh boosted their chances of improving their negative net run rate as their trio of left-arm spinners skittled Netherlands for just 160 in a World Cup match on Monday.With the exception of Ryan ten Doeschate (53 not out), Dutch batsmen struggled to score against Bangladesh's miserly spin attack on the slow track at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.Captain Shakib Al Hasan, Suhrawadi Shuvo and Abdur Razzak's left-arm deliveries flummoxed Peter Borren's men, who struggled to find the gaps in the field to build up any form of momentum in their innings.The spinners shared five wickets between them with Razzak proving to be the most destructive as he finished with 3-29.The Dutch also pressed the self-destruct button as Eric Szwarczynski (28), Tom Cooper (29), Borren (3) and last man Adeel Raja (0) ran themselves out chasing tight runs.Ten Doeschate, who scored a brilliant century against England in their opening World Cup match, again produced some fluent strokes to delight the smattering of Dutch supporters in the crowd but eventually ran out of partners.He was dropped on 14 by Imrul Kayes at midwicket and made the most of his let off by slashing Razzak to the boundary to complete his half-century off 65 balls.While victory over the winless Dutch will help Bangladesh to get one step closer to a quarter-final spot, the co-hosts will want to knock off the runs as quickly as possible since it may come down to net run rate to decide who goes through from Group B to the last eight if teams are tied on points.First innings scoreboard in the World Cup Group B match between Bangladesh and the Netherlands at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium on Monday:
The Netherlands:
E. Szwaraczynski run out 28
W. Barresi lbw b Shakib 10
Mudassar Bukhari c Rahim b Razzak 6
T. Cooper run out 29
R. ten Doeschate not out 53
A. Kervezee st Rahim b Shuvo 18
T. de Grooth lbw b Razzak 4
A. Buurman c Kayes b Razzak 0
P. Borren run out 3
P. Seelaar lbw b Rubel 0
Adeel Raja run out 0
Extras: (lb9) 9
Total (all out, 46.2 overs) 160 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Barresi), 2-37 (Bukhari), 3-66 (Szwaraczynski), 4-79 (Cooper), 5-113 (Kervezee), 6-127 (de Grooth), 7-127 (Buurman), 8-139 (Borren), 9-141 (Seelaar), 10-160 (Raja).Bowling: Shafiul 9.2-3-15-0, Razzak 10-2-29-3, Shakib 8-0-38-1, Rubel 9-0-36-1, Shuvo 10-1-33-1.Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Shahriar Nafees, Mushfiqur Rahim,Mohammad Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo.
Toss: Netherlands
Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and and Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV umpire: Daryl Harper (AUS)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)
(AFP/Reuters)

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Pakistan must win to ensure quarters’ post

Updated at: 0955 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is positive of wrapping up a World Cup quarter-final spot on Monday despite another twist in the ongoing Akmal brothers soap opera.Pakistan's build-up to the game against Zimbabwe has been dominated by Kamran and Umar Akmal.Ever since Kamran put in a blundering performance behind the stumps in the 110-run defeat to New Zealand last Tuesday, it had been widely-expected that younger brother Umar would take the gloves.Umar was then accused of feigning a finger injury to save his brother's job.On Sunday, the 21-year-old Umar managed to sprain his right ankle while playing football during practice although Afridi said the batsman was not seriously hurt."We want to put everything behind us, the defeat and any other thing which could hurt our preparation. We are in a positive frame of mind and will play for a win," said Afridi."Umar is OK. As far as Kamran is concerned he has realised his mistakes and we have given him full confidence and at this moment he is our best option," said Afridi, ruling out any make-shift changes.Pakistan also still have a problem with their openers whose inability to put on a healthy partnership is straining the middle-order.But despite the headaches, captain Afridi insists his team will not repeat the first round exits of the 2003 and 2007 World Cups."I have a lot of confidence in my players. We will win against Zimbabwe to reach the quarter-finals," said Afridi, whose team face defending champions Australia in their last group match on March 19.Pakistan, with six points after four matches, need a win to join co-hosts Sri Lanka into the last eight.Pakistan are likely to rest express paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who went for 71 in his nine overs against New Zealand, and if Umar is ruled out, bring in paceman Wahab Riaz and batsman Asad Shafiq.Zimbabwe still have a slim chance of making the last eight despite having so far collected just two points.But they need to beat Pakistan and Kenya, dramatically improve their run-rate and still hope Australia beat Pakistan."We'll believe that if we can play our best cricket then we can proceed but we must not repeat the mistakes of our last two matches," said Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, who will celebrate his 25th birthday on match day.Chigumbura said his side will be wary of leg-spinner Afridi, who is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15."With Afridi we have to make sure we look to play him straight. We have noticed that he's had plenty of dismissals either bowled or lbw so we must make sure we don't look to go across the line too much," said Chigumbura.Pakistan have beaten Zimbabwe in three of their previous four World Cup matches, with the 2003 match abandoned due to rain.Pakistan v Zimbabwe head to head:
Head-to-head record for the World Cup Group A match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Pallekele stadium on Monday:
Matches: 40
Pakistan wins: 36
Zimbabwe wins: 2
No result/Tied: 2
First meeting: Feb 27, 1992, Hobart - Pakistan won by 53 runs Last meeting: Feb 2, 2008, Sheikhupura - Pakistan won by 7 wickets World Cup teams:Rival squads, officials and pitch conditions for the World Cup Group A match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Pallekele stadium on Monday:Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Ahmed Shahzad.Coach: Waqar YounisZimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Regis Chakabva, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Terry Duffin, Craig Ervine, Greg Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Tinashe Panyangara, Raymond Price, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Vusimuzi Sibanda.Coach: Alan Butcher (ENG)Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG) and Tony Hill (NZL)TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)Match start: 02:00 PMPitch condition: Teams will play on the third pitch of the stadium, which has no grass but has bounce. It will help spinners as the game progresses. (AFP)

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Netherlands elect to bat vs Bangladesh

Updated at: 0824 PST,  Monday, March 14, 2011
CHITTAGONG: Dutch captain Peter Borren won the toss and elected to bat against Bangladesh in their World Cup Group B match on Monday.A win for co-hosts Bangladesh, who have won two of their four matches so far, will boost their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

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Aussies thrash Kenya by 60 runs

Updated at: 2200 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

BANGALORE: Holders Australia claimed their place in the last eight of the World Cup on Sunday but they were made to work surprisingly hard by Kenya who restored pride with a defiant performance despite losing by 60 runs.Michael Clarke (93) and the returning Mike Hussey (54) bailed their team out of trouble to help set up a daunting 324-6 but Kenya defied the much-vaunted Australian fast bowling unit to score a respectable 264-6 in Group A.Earlier, opener Brad Haddin had made 65 but Australia found themselves under unexpected pressure at one stage at 143-4.After four straight losses, Kenya had clearly decided not to go down without a fight and Tanmay Mishra (72) along with Collins Obuya (98 not out) resisted with a stubborn stand of 115 for the fourth wicket.The pace trio of Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson regularly generated speeds in excess of 140 kmph but the Kenyan batsmen gave as good as they got and notched up their highest score in the tournament so far.Three of the six Kenyan wickets to fall were by run-outs as the Australian fast bowlers and spinners almost ran out of ideas to dismiss a batting side which was skittled out in their previous four matches.It had seemed as if the match was headed for a fast finish as Kenya slumped to 46-3 in the 10th over. But as the pitch lost its pace, Mishra took on the role of the aggressor and clobbered eight boundaries and one huge six.Obuya, however, was more restrained at the start of his innings but accelerated towards the end and singled out Shane Watson for some especially harsh treatment.Thomas Odoyo joined the African party with a 38-ball 35 at the end but the Kenyans always were well behind the asking run-rate and their valiant attempt fell short.Earlier, Clarke (93 off 80 balls) paced his innings to perfection to avoid a middle-order collapse after Australia lost three quick wickets in the space of 15 balls at the end of the 27th over.Clarke and Hussey (54 in 43 balls), who celebrated his return to the World Cup squad with a typically industrious innings, came together with Australia in a spot of bother and
with a 300 plus score looking a long way off.They immediately put the Kenyan fielders under pressure with singles and twos and the odd boundary to wrest the initiative back with a 114-run partnership for the fifth wicket at better than a run a ball.Shane Watson (21) and captain Ricky Ponting (36) also got some runs under their belt.

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Australia plunder 324 against hapless Kenya

Updated at: 1802 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

BANGALORE: Three half-centuries helped Australia amass 324 for six against hapless Kenya in their Group A day-night match of the World Cup here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday Michael Clarke's 93 helped Australia overcome a mid-innings wobble as the champions made 324 for six against Kenya in a World Cup Group A match on Sunday.Vice-captain Clarke and the returning Michael Hussey (54), in for dropped younger brother David, shared a stand of 114 after Australia had lost three wickets for just 16 runs to be 143 for four.Clarke, on the ground where he made a hundred on Test debut against India in 2004, took 52 balls over his first fifty with only three boundaries.But he then cut loose before he holed out off fast bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo, who took three for 57.Victory for Australia would see the title-holders, unbeaten in 32 matches at the World Cup dating back to 1999, into the quarter-finals.Left-hander Hussey, playing his first match of the tournament after recovering from a hamstring problem and getting a late summons to the subcontinent as a replacement for injured fast bowler Doug Bollinger, once again demonstrated his coolness at the crease.Odhiambo had opener Shane Watson (21) well caught by leaping wicket-keeper Maurice Ouma after Kenya lost the toss.Next ball captain Ricky Ponting, walking across his stumps, survived an Odhiambo lbw appeal.Opening batsman Brad Haddin, dropped twice off tough chances early in his innings, made 65 and helped Ponting add 89 for the second wicket.Haddin completed his 50 off 63 balls with his eighth four, a late cut off Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande but going for a big hit off the same bowler he was caught at deep midwicket by Rakep Patel.A score of 127 for two became 131-3 when Ponting was lbw on review to leg-spinner Collins Obuya for an unconvincing 36.Kamande took two wickets for nine runs in eight balls with some sharply turning off-spinners on his way to two for 46.But paceman Elijah Otieno's eight overs cost a colossal 75 runs.Kenya's best total in four previous losing appearances at this tournament was the 198 they made in a five-wicket defeat by fellow non-Test nation Canada.

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Kiwis record easy win against Canada

Updated at: 1732 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

MUMBAI: New Zealand went on to the top at the Group A points table defeating Canada by 97 runs in a one-sided World Cup Group A match here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.New Zealand scored a mammoth 358 for six in their 50 overs and it proved too much for the minnows, who never looked remotely like challenging the target and ended on 261-9. However, they played all their 50 overs for their highest total in the tournament.They were in a perilous position at 4-2 before captain Ashish Bagai (84) and Jimmy Hansra (70 not out) came together to put on 125 for the fourth wicket and give the scoreboard a look of respectability.Kyle Mills did the early damage for the Black Caps, dismissing Ruvindu Gunasekera and Zubin Surkari with just four runs on the board but he had to leave the field injured midway through his third over. Jacob Oram took 3-47.Earlier, Brendon McCullum’s aggressive hundred and Jesse Ryder’s explosive 74 to help the Black Caps set an improbable target of 359.McCullum hits 101, his third One-day International century, from 109 balls with 12 fours and two sixes while Taylor smashed five sixes and six boundaries during his 44-ball innings.In one devastating over Taylor, who smashed 131 in 124 balls against Pakistan, took 28 off Harvir Baidwan, smashing four sixes and a four The stand-in skipper came to the crease in the 30th over with his side on 149 for two after a steady start against winless Canada, and injected urgency into the innings. He was caught by Jimmy Hansra off the bowling of Balaji Rao while McCullum, who put on 53 with opening partner Martin Guptill (17) and 96 with Jesse Ryder (38) for the second wicket, perished in the first over of the batting powerplay, holing out to Ruvindu Gunasekera at extra cover.Kane Williamson (34 not out) and Scott Styris (35) also joined in the onslaught, as the Canadian bowlers wilted, before a stunning cameo of 31 from James Franklin off just eight balls including three sixes and two fours. New Zealand lashed 31 off the final over.The pick of the bowlers for Canada was John Davison, whose 10 overs of spin yielded 1-30 but they were ragged in the field, dropping catches amid the New Zealand onslaught.Baidwan went for a whopping 84 runs in his 9.1 overs and Rizwan Cheema was thrashed for 64 off just 4.5 overs.The victory for New Zealand, without injured skipper Daniel Vettori, takes them to top spot in Group A with eight points, one clear of Sri Lanka, the only other team who have qualified for the quarter-finals.Canada have two points after one win and four defeats.

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Afridi backs Akmal brothers

Updated at: 1659 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

PALLEKELE: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said Sunday that struggling wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and his younger brother Umar would both will play against Zimbabwe on Monday.There has been confusion over the Akmal brothers ever since the 110-run defeat against New Zealand last week, with elder brother Kamran spilling two crucial chances to dismiss century-maker Ross Taylor.Pakistan considered using Umar Akmal, Kamran's younger brother, as a makeshift keeper but abandoned those plans after he suffered a finger injury.There were reports in Pakistani media that Umar had feigned injury to help Kamran keep his place, speculation denied by team management.On Sunday Umar sprained his right ankle while playing football but Afridi confirmed the injury was not serious."He (Umar) is fit, it is a light injury. He fielded today and looked better, so definitely he will play tomorrow," said Afridi of Umar, who also took part in light practice.Afridi admitted there was no better option than going back to Kamran as wicket-keeper."Kamran's performance in batting hasn't been bad but, yes, he is struggling with his keeping. He is working very hard, and we haven't got such an option in the squad to whom we can give a chance in this tournament. "Kamran has been working hard for four days. He has support and our confidence, he seems a better choice. I think he knows the mistakes he has committed and he will try to cover it for sure and will perform," said Afridi.Afridi said there were no negative thoughts in the dressing room."We are just focusing on day by day and game by game and if we win against Zimbabwe the dressing room atmosphere will be better and positive. A win always gives you confidence," said Afridi.The skipper said he hoped his batsmen, especially the top order, did not repeat the mistakes they made in the match against New Zealand."At the moment our plan is not to lose wickets and be positive. I have already told them to play to your strengths, like you play in domestic cricket, play like that. "Over the last couple of days the openers have worked really hard and the coaches have worked hard with them as well. The results will hopefully come and realising the importance of the match I am confident that they will perform," said Afridi.A win for Pakistan, with six points from four matches, would take them through to the quarter-finals.

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Australia win toss, bat against Kenya

Updated at: 1339 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

BANGALORE: Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first against Kenya in their Group A day-night match of the World Cup here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadiumon Sunday.Michael Hussey, recovered from a hamstring problem and called into the Australia squad as a replacement for injured fast bowler Doug Bollinger, was selected for his first match of this tournament.The experienced left-handed batsman replaced younger brother David in the Australia line-up.Victory for Australia, bidding for a fourth straight title and fifth in all, would see Ricky Ponting's men into the quarter-finals and extend the champions' unbeaten streak at the World Cup to 33 games, a sequence dating back to 1999.Kenya, by contrast, have lost all four of their group matches at this tournament to date, including a five-wicket defeat by fellow non-Test nation Canada last time out. This is effectively Australia's first match for more than two weeks after last weekend's clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka ended as a no-result washout Australia: Brad Haddin (wk), Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Michael Hussey, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Jason Krejza, Shaun Tait Kenya: Maurice Ouma (wk), Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, David Obuya, Tanmay Mishra, Thomas Odoyo, Rakep Patel, Jimmy Kamande (captain), Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, James Ngoche.

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McCullum, Taylor power Kiwis to 358 against Canada

Updated at: 1302 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

MUMBAI: Brendon McCullum’s aggressive hundred and Jesse Ryder’s explosive 74 to help fire the Black Caps to a daunting total of 358 for 6 against Canada in the World Cup Group A match here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.McCullum hits 101, his third One-day International century, from 109 balls with 12 fours and two sixes while Taylor smashed five sixes and six boundaries during his 44-ball innings. In one devastating over Taylor, who smashed 131 in 124 balls against Pakistan, took 28 off Harvir Baidwan, smashing four sixes and a four The stand-in skipper came to the crease in the 30th over with his side on 149 for two after a steady start against winless Canada, and injected urgency into the innings. He was caught by Jimmy Hansra off the bowling of Balaji Rao while McCullum, who put on 53 with opening partner Martin Guptill (17) and 96 with Jesse Ryder (38) for the second wicket, perished in the first over of the batting powerplay, holing out to Ruvindu Gunasekera at extra cover.Kane Williamson (34 not out) and Scott Styris (35) continued the onslaught, as the Canadian bowlers wilted, before a stunning cameo of 31 from James Franklin off just eight balls including three sixes and two fours. The pick of the bowlers for Canada was John Davison, whose 10 overs of spin yielded one for 30 but they were ragged in the field, dropping catches amid the New Zealand onslaught.Baidwan went for a whopping 84 runs in his 9.1 overs and Rizwan Cheema, taken off in the final over after bowling two beamers, was thrashed for 64 off just 4.5 overs.A victory for New Zealand, without injured skipper Daniel Vettori, would make them the second team in the tournament to seal a last-eight berth after Sri Lanka, also in Group A.

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Cricket WC: Canada win toss, puts NZ in to bat

Updated at: 0840 PST,  Sunday, March 13, 2011

MUMBAI: Canada captain Ashish Bagai won the toss and sent New Zealand in to bat Sunday in the World Cup Group A match at Wankhede Stadium.Ross Taylor is deputizing as New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who injured his right knee in the 110-run win over Pakistan on Tuesday and is expected to miss at least one match.The New Zealanders have six points from three wins in Group A, with the only loss so far coming against defending champion Australia.After heavy defeats to Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Pakistan, Canada rebounded to beat 2003 semifinalist Kenya by five wickets in Delhi last Monday, producing only its second win ever at a World Cup. (Online)

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South Africa beat India by 3 wickets

Updated at: 2210 PST,  Saturday, March 12, 2011

NAIGPUR: South Africa won by 3 wickets in a World Cup Group B match against India played here at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday.

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India lose 9 wkts for 29 after Sachin hits 99th ton

Updated at: 1807 PST,  Saturday, March 12, 2011

NAGPUR: After Sachin Tendulkar smashed his second century in the World Cup 2011 India lost six wickets for just 29 runs as Dale Steyn helped South Africa to restrict the hosts to 296 in 48.4 overs in their Group B match here at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday. Batting first after captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss, Tendulkar opened the innings with Virender Sehwag and both made 142 runs for the first wicket partnership and then Tendulkar added 125 along with Gautam Gambhir for the second wicket.Sehwag scored 73 off 66 balls with 12 fours while Gambhir made 69 from 75 balls with seven fours.Tendulkar made 111 runs from 101 balls with eight fours and three sixes. This was his second hundred in the tournament, sixth in the World Cups, 48th in One-day Internationals and 99th in all international cricket (Test and ODI).

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India win toss, elect to bat against Proteas

Updated at: 1348 PST,  Saturday, March 12, 2011

NAGPUR: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to bat after winning the toss against South Africa in a key World Cup Group B match on Saturday Both teams are already virtually assured of quarter-final places.India made one change from the side that beat the Netherlands by five wickets in the previous match in Delhi, bringing in seamer Munaf Patel in place of leg-spinner Piyush Chawla.South Africa replaced injured leg-spinner Imran Tahir with off-spinner Johan Botha for the only change from the team that lost to England by six runs in Chennai.India currently top the seven-team group with seven points from four games, while South Africa have four points from three matches.India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel.South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Morne van Wyk.Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Simon Taufel (AUS), TV umpire: Billy Doctrove (WI)Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SL)

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Cricket WC: India, S. Africa eye win to justify favourites' tag

Updated at: 0904 PST,  Saturday, March 12, 2011

NAGPUR: Familiar foes India and South Africa will clash in a World Cup Group B match on Saturday with the aim of proving their World Cup credentials as favourites.While India have remained unbeaten in the tournament, with three wins and a tied match, the hard-earned victories against Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands have done little to calm the nerves of their fans.South Africa, on the other hand, compounded their problems by getting skittled for 165 runs, while chasing 172 for victory against England, giving their critics an opportunity of labelling them "chokers" again having never won this tournament.The Africans slipped past India 3-2 in an ODI series preceding the World Cup but the conditions will be completely different in Nagpur."We obviously know each other pretty well. We played a whole summer and we got to know each other. I think both the teams know what to expect today (Saturday)," South Africa captain Graeme Smith told reporters.South Africa also kept the decision regarding injured leg spinner Imran Tahir hanging until late on Friday.Tahir, the most successful bowler for his team in the tournament so far, developed a fracture on his left thumb during last Sunday's defeat against England"He has bowled this week, and come through fine, it's just whether we feel the need to risk him tomorrow or not, and that we'll decide later," Smith said.(Reuters)

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Fearless Bangladesh down England

Updated at: 2148 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh's ninth-wicket pair of Mohammad Mahmudullah and Shafiul Islam hammered 58 runs to send England crashing to a two-wicket defeat in the World Cup on Friday.The Tigers appeared down for the count when they plunged to 169-8 in the 40th over chasing a modest target of 226 in the day-night game at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong.But Mahmuddullah (21 not out) and Shafiul (24 not out) conjured an unlikely victory in front of 18,000 screaming home fans to resurrect Bangladesh's campaign in the tournament they are co-hosting with India and Sri Lanka.Bangladesh, who have four points from as many games, must still beat the Netherlands and power-packed South Africa in their remaining matches to ensure a place in the quarter-finals from Group B.England remained on five points from five matches, a point behind the West Indies who have played a game less.Opener Imrul Kayes top-scored with 60, adding 82 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Shakib Al Hasan (32), to lift the home side to 155-3 in the 31st over.England hit back to take five wickets for 14 runs, before Mahmuddullah and Shafiul smashed pace and spin alike to seal a dramatic win with one over to spare.England paid dearly for bowling 23 wides as the late evening dew made it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball.Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan were the only England batsmen to defy Bangladesh's spinners, scoring half-centuries before their team was dismissed for 225 in the final over.Trott hit 67 and left-hander Morgan, who arrived in Chittagong on Tuesday to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen, made an immediate impact with a fluent 63 off 72 balls.The duo put on 109 for the fourth wicket after England, sent in to bat by Shakib on a sluggish pitch, slipped to 53-3 in the 17th over.The partnership was broken by a brilliant catch from Kayes, who dived in front at deep square-leg to hold the ball after Morgan skied a sweep against off-break bowler Naeem Islam.Morgan's dismissal triggered a collapse in which England lost their last seven wickets for 63 runs after being well-placed at 162-3 in the 39th over.Naeem finished with 2-29 from eight overs, and left-arm spinners Abdur Razzak and Shakib also claimed two wickets each.Matt Prior, England's new opener in place of Pietersen, made 15 when he was dismissed in bizarre fashion, stumped by his Bangladesh counterpart Mushfiqur Rahim off Razzak's first delivery.Rahim removed the bails off a wide ball down the leg-side, but even though Prior had dragged his back foot in just in time, he again wandered out of his crease.Seeing the batsman out of his ground, a quick-thinking Rahim pulled out a stump to ensure the decision, which was referred to the TV umpire, went in his favour.Bangladesh next play the Netherlands in Chittagong on Monday, while 

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Trott, Morgan rally England as Tigers strike

Updated at: 1739 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

CHITTAGONG: Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan defied Bangladesh's rampaging spinners with half-centuries as England were bowled out for 225 in the World Cup Group match on Friday.Trott hit 67 and left-hander Morgan, who arrived in Chittagong on Tuesday to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen, made an immediate impact with a fluent 63 off 72 balls.The duo put on 109 for the fourth wicket after England, sent in to bat on a sluggish pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium, slipped to 53-3 in the 17th over.The partnership was broken by a brilliant catch from Imrul Kayes, who dived in front at deep square-leg to hold the ball after Morgan skied a sweep against off-break bowler Naeem Islam.None of the other batsmen lasted long against the Bangladesh spinners as Naeem finished with 2-29 and left-armers Abdur Razzak and skipper Shakib Al Hasan also claimed two wickets each.A sell-out crowd of 18,000 backed the Tigers in the day-night game that Bangladesh must win to stay in realistic contention for a place in the quarter-finals.A victory for England, who have five points from four previous games, will ensure them a berth in the knock-out rounds.England picked Matt Prior to open the batting with skipper Andrew Strauss in place of Kevin Pietersen, who has returned home to undergo a hernia operation.The wicket-keeper made 15 when he was dismissed in bizarre fashion, stumped by his Bangladesh counterpart Mushfiqur Rahim off Razzak's first delivery.Rahim removed the bails off a wide ball down the leg-side, but even though Prior had dragged his back foot in just in time, he again wandered out of his crease Seeing the batsman out of his ground, a quick-thinking Rahim pulled out a stump to ensure the decision, which was referred to the TV umpire, went in his favour.England made three changes from the side that beat South Africa by six runs in Chennai on Sunday.Morgan and Ajmal Shahzad replaced the injured Pietersen and Stuart Broad, while seasoned all-rounder Paul Collingwood came in for Michael Yardy.Bangladesh, who fell for their lowest total of 58 against the West Indies in the previous match, dropped former captain Mohammad Ashraful to play all-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah.

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Ireland beaten by Windies after good fightback

Updated at: 1706 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

MOHALI: Big-hitting Kieron Pollard nudged West Indies closer to the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday as Bangladesh were locked in a knife-edge struggle for survival against England.Pollard hammered 94 off just 55 balls and shared an 88-run stand with Devon Smith (107), who hit a maiden one-day century, as West Indies posted 275 before bowling out the Irish for 231 for a 44-run win in Mohali Pollard belted eight fours and five sixes to frustrate the Irish who won the toss and put the Caribbean side into bat on an easy-paced track at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium.Pollard also took a memorable catch to send back Irish dangerman Kevin O'Brien for five off seamer Darren Sammy, who returned impressive figures of 3-31 off his 10 overs.Ed Joyce, who played for England in the 2007 World Cup, made a 106-ball 84, containing nine fours and put on 109 for the fourth wicket with Gary Wilson (61).The win took West Indies to six points from four Group B outings while Ireland, with one win from four matches, now must beat South Africa and the Netherlands to have any hope of progressing.Smith also shared 89 runs with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, opening the innings after Chris Gayle was ruled out on the morning of the match with an abdominal strain.Kevin O'Brien, who struck World Cup's fastest hundred against England, showed he had the skills with the ball as well, grabbing a career-best 4-71.Ireland fast bowlers kept things tight in the first 15 overs and did well in the last seven overs, taking the last five West Indies wickets for 53 runs.The Irish had to wait till the 25th over to pick their first wicket when Chanderpaul (35) chipped O'Brien to short extra cover where captain William Porterfield took a low catch.O'Brien struck again three balls later in the same over when he uprooted the middle-stump of Darren Bravo before the promising left-hander could even get off the markLeft-arm spinner George Dockrell, introduced into the attack late in the 30th over, had Ramnaresh Sarwan caught in the deep for 10 to reduce the West Indies to 130-3 Ireland were left to rue missed chances against Pollard who was let off twice early in his innings with John Mooney messing up a simple run-out chance and Gary Wilson grassing a catch off Andre Botha.

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Bangladesh elect to field against England

Updated at: 1327 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to field against England in a World Cup Group B match here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Friday.England made three changes to the squad that beat South Africa on Sunday. While opener Kevin Pietersen and pace bowler Stuart Broad have returned home injured, all rounder Michael Yardy was also dropped. Pietersen's replacement Eoin Morgan was playing his first World Cup match for England after flying into the country just three days ago while Paul Collingwood was also back after missing the last match with a knee problem. Fast bowler Ajmal Shahzad was picked instead of Yardy.Bangladesh made only one change to the squad that was humiliated in a nine-wicket defeat by West Indies last week. Mahmudullah replaced Mohammad Ashraful in the playing XI.Both teams need to win Friday's match to boost their chances of a quarter-final berth.Teams: Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Raqibul Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain England - Andrew Strauss, Matt Prior, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Paul Collingwood, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Ajmal Shahzad.

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West Indies set 276-run target for Ireland

Updated at: 1306 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

MOHALI: Opener Devon Smith hit a maiden one-day international century and Kieron Pollard smacked 94 off just 55 balls as West Indies posted 275 all out against Ireland in their World Cup Group B match here on Friday Smith hit a 133-ball 107 and Pollard belted eight fours and five sixes to frustrate the Irish who won the toss and put the Caribbean side into bat on an easy-paced track at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.Smith also shared 89 runs with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, opening the innings after Chris Gayle was ruled out on the morning of the match with an abdominal strain.Kevin O'Brien, who struck World Cup's fastest hundred against England, showed he had the skills with the ball as well, grabbing a career-best 4-71.A victory for West Indies will virtually assure them of a place in the quarter-finals while Ireland can keep their last-eight hopes alive if they manage to pull off an upset win.Ireland fast bowlers kept things tight in the first 15 overs and did well in the last seven overs, taking the last five West Indies wickets for 53 runs.The Irish had to wait till the 25th over to pick their first wicket when Chanderpaul (35) chipped O'Brien to short extra cover where captain William Porterfield took a low catch.O'Brien struck again three balls later in the same over when he uprooted the middle-stump of Darren Bravo before the promising left-hander could even get off the mark.Left-arm spinner George Dockrell, introduced into the attack late in the 30th over, had Ramnaresh Sarwan caught in the deep for 10 to reduce the West Indies to 130-3.Ireland were left to rue missed chances against Pollard who was let off twice early in his innings with John Mooney messing up a simple run-out chance and Gary Wilson grassing a catch off Andre Botha.Pollard punished the Irish, hitting O'Brien for two sixes in four balls to race to his third ODI half-century off 35 balls.O'Brien returned to take two more wickets, again in the same over, to dismiss Smith and Darren Sammy while John Mooney sent back Pollard and Andre Russell in two balls.

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England poised to kill off Bangladesh hopes

Updated at: 1147 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

NEW DELHI: England can deliver a potentially fatal bodyblow to Bangladesh's World Cup dreams on Friday and virtually ensure their place in the quarter-finals.Andrew Strauss's side, reeling from the double loss through injury of batting superstar Kevin Pietersen and strike bowler Stuart Broad, have endured a rollercoaster campaign.A win over the Netherlands was followed by a tie against India, a shock defeat to Ireland and a tense, gritty six-run win over South Africa where they defended just 171.Bangladesh, hoping to exploit spin-friendly conditions by playing all of their group games on home soil, have been in turmoil, losing two of their three matches so far.Last week's nine-wicket loss to West Indies, when they were bowled out for a paltry 58, sparked violence and demonstrations in the streets as fans raged against a team who had high hopes of making the last eight.Defeat on Friday will leave the Tigers needing to beat South Africa to have any chance of staying in the competition while also hoping other results go their way."The boys are tense, but they are also confident that they can put up a good show," said Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan ahead of the day-night Group B game at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong."We have prepared well for the game. We have worked hard in the last few days. I have tried to take the pressure on myself, so it eases the pressure on them."Strauss is staying tight-lipped over his new opening partner for the game following the loss of Pietersen, who returned home to undergo hernia surgeryThe free-scoring Pietersen revelled in his new position, contributing to stands of 105, 68 and 91 in the first three games."I am very clear in my mind who will open, but will not say before the game has started," Strauss said. The choice is likely to be limited to Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara or wicket-keeper Matt Prior.
West Indies can help England's cause, as well as their own, by beating Ireland in Mohali in the early Group B game.Wins for West Indies and England will guarantee Strauss's team a last eighth place.

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Ireland win toss, put Windies into bat

Updated at: 0838 PST,  Friday, March 11, 2011

MOHALI: Ireland captain William Porterfield won the toss and decided to field first against the West Indies in their World Cup Group B match here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.West Indies ‘star opening batsman Chris Gayle was ruled out of the key clash with an abdominal strain and Ireland were without experienced all-rounder Trent Johnston, who is nursing a bruised knee..The West Indies have four points from three matches and Ireland have two from three games.A victory for West Indies will virtually assure them of a place in the quarter-finals while Ireland can keep their last-eight hopes alive if they pull off a win Teams: West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Andre Russell, Devon Smith, Darren Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kieron Pollard, Devon Thomas, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, Kemar Roach.Ireland: William Porterfield (captain), Alex Cusack, Niall O'Brien, Kevin O'Brien, George Dockrell, Andre Botha, John Mooney, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson, Ed Joyce.Umpires: Asoka de Silva (SL) and Shavir Tarapore (IND), TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS)Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SL)

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