World Cup final: J’wardene steers Sri Lanka to 274 against India

Updated at: 1816 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

MUMBAI: Mahela Jayawardene hit a brilliant unbeaten century to help Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 275 runs for India to win the final of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.Jayawardene remained not out on 103, made from 88 balls as Sri Lanka finished on 274 for six in their 50 overs after captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat first in the All-Asia final of the mega event.It was Jayawardene's 14th one-day international hundred and it was laced with 13 fours.Tailenders Nuwan Kulasekara (32 off 30 balls) and Thisara Perera (22 off nine) helped Sri Lanka smash 63 runs in the last five overs of power-play to leave India chasing 5.50 runs an over under lights.Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will begin their reply knowing that seven of the previous nine World Cup finals have been lost by the team batting second.A sell-out crowd of 33,000, including Indian President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lanka's head of state Mahinda Rajapakse, watched an absorbing contest between bat and ball.India's left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan dried up the flow of runs at the start and his two wickets made him the tournament's leading bowler alongside Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi with 21 wickets each.Confusion reigned at the toss, which had to be performed twice after match referee Jeff Crowe did not hear Sangakkara's call when Dhoni threw up the coin.Zaheer opened with three successive maidens and then struck with the first ball of his fourth over when Virender Sehwag dived to his right in the slips to remove Upul Tharanga for two.Fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth lifted the pressure by conceding 15 runs in his fifth over that included a no-ball and a warning for running in the danger area in his follow-through.Sreesanth, who was preferred ahead of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after Ashish Nehra was ruled out with a fractured finger, was thrashed for 52 runs in his eight overs.Tillakaratne Dilshan made 33 when he was bowled by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to make Sri Lanka 60-2 in the 17th over. He became the first batsman to complete 500 runs in the tournament Sangakkara and Jayawardene put on 62 for the third wicket in 68 balls when Yuvraj Singh broke through by having the skipper caught behind by wicket-keeper Dhoni for 48.Thilan Samaraweera (21) added 57 for the fourth wicket with Jayawardene when he was given out leg-before through a TV referral after umpire Simon Taufel had negated bowler Yuvraj's appeal.India made one change, bringing in fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth in place of the injured Ashish Nehra while Sri Lanka made four changes. Batsman Chamara Kapugedera, all-rounder Thisara Perera, off-spinner Suraj Randiv and seamer Nuwan Kulasekera replaced Chamara Silva, the injured Angelo Mathews, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis.

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Two coin tosses in World Cup final

Updated at: 1553 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

MUMBAI: Two coin tosses were necessary before the start of the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday when nobody including match referee Jeff Crowe appeared to hear Kumar Sangakkara's call the first time.Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara won the second toss and predictably elected to bat first in a good toss to win for the 1996 champions.After India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni spun the coin, it looked as if he thought he had won the toss.But Crowe did not hear a call from Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara who, as the visiting skipper was supposed to nominate 'heads' or 'tails' while the coin was in the air.There was a brief discussion between the two captains before former New Zealand skipper Crowe ordered a re-toss -- an almost unheard of event in any cricket match and certainly one of this importance.

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World Cup final: Sri Lanka win toss, bat against India

Updated at: 1334 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

MUMBAI: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has won the toss and elected to bat against India in the All-Asia final of the World Cup 2011 here at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.Both teams are chasing their second World Cup trophy.India made one change from the side that beat Pakistan in the semi-final bringing in fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth in place of the injured Ashish Nehra.Star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, despite niggling hamstring and knee injuries, was declared fit to play in the final, which will be the last match of his international careerSri Lanka made four changes after the semi-final against New Zealand.Batsman Chamara Kapugedera, all-rounder Thisara Perera, off-spinner Suraj Randiv and seamer Nuwan Kulasekera replaced Chamara Silva, the injured Angelo Mathews, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis.Randiv had only been called into the squad on Thursday as cover.The toss had to take place twice after no one heard the call from Sangakkara first time around.Teams batting first have won seven of the nine finals since the inaugural World Cup in 1975.India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Suraj Randiv, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan.Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Aleem Dar (PAK),TV umpire: Ian Gould (ENG)Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)

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India & S. Lanka eye second title in all-Asian final

Updated at: 0831 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

MUMBAI: Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka will be gunning for their second World Cup title when they clash in the all-Asian final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.The showdown will also be the last on-field duel between Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan -- the best batsman and the most successful bowler of the era. While Tendulkar, 37, has not yet indicated when he plans to retire, Muralitharan, who will turn 39 later this month, will play his last international match on Saturday. Muralitharan, the only survivor from Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup winning team, is determined to take the field despite battling hamstring and knee injuries. It will be Tendulkar's sixth and last shot at adding the only major trophy missing from his glittering cabinet and this time he has the backing of his home crowd at Wankhede Stadium. More than a billion Indians will hope that the master batsman gets to his hundredth ton and end the country's 28-yearwait for a second 50-over crown. Led by two stumper-batsmen in Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara, both the neighbours have lost only one match in their campaign so far. For Saturday's match, India are almost certain to miss seamer Ashish Nehra because of a fractured finger while Sri Lanka lost all-rounder Angelo Mathews to a thigh strain. If India beat Sri Lanka, they would have beaten all past world champions on their path to victory -- West Indies in their last group stage match, Australia in the quarter-finals and Pakistan in the semi-finals. (Reuters)

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Ajmal speaks against DRS

Updated at: 0229 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

KARACHI: Spinner Pakistan cricket team Saeed Ajmal, expressing his anger over the reversal of Leg Before Wicket (LBW) decision of Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, said that he had taken the latter’s wicket but Decision Review System (DRS) showed ball breaking more than what actually happened, Geo News reported.Meanwhile, Wahab Riaz, the star from Pakistan side in semifinal against India, said that he was flying over the moon after getting Yuvrag out however; team’s victory could have multiplied my happiness.Two Pakistani frontline bowlers said this while talking to media after arrival at Allama Iqbal airport.Saeed Ajmal said the ball that trapped Tendulkar before wickets was not spinning much instead it just held its straight trajectory but he was surprised to see the ball taking spin in DRS’s graphics.On the occasion, opening batsman Mohammed Hafeez said he is still regretting at his mistake to play such a lazy shot to be declared out against India but he seemed satisfied with his overall performance in mega event.Other players accompanied by Saeed Ajmal and Wahab Riaz were Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umer Akmal, Abdul Rehman, Asad Shafique but all declined to speak to media.

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Shoaib unlikely for semi against India

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

MOHALI: Paceman Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to play in Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against archrival India, according to a source close to the Pakistan team.Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi raised expectations of a return for Akhtar when he said he knew the bowler wasn’t fully fit, but would to have him in the lineup to offer something different against the powerful Indian batsman.But a source, who was not authorized to comment to media, told The Associated Press late Tuesday that Pakistan team management was not in favor of disturbing a winning combination.The 35-year-old Akhtar has already announced he’ll retire from international cricket after the World Cup, but has not played in four of the seven matches in the tournament.In his absence, Pakistan has defeated Zimbabwe, handed three-time champion Australia its first World Cup loss since 1999 and also thrashed the West Indies by 10 wickets in the quarterfinals.The only likely change (for semifinal) from the quarterfinal team is that leftarm spinner Abdur Rehman might come in place of offspinner Saeed Ajmal,” the source told Several former Pakistan players have called for Akhtar to be reinstated in a bid to unsettle India’s batsmen, who are comfortable playing spin but could be vulnerable against all-out pace

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Clarke needs to improve his man-management: Warne

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011
SYDNEY: New Australia captain Michael Clarke is an astute cricket tactician but will need to be more "formal and firm" in his man-management, according to spin-bowling great Shane Warne.Clarke was appointed Australia's 43rd test captain on Wednesday in place of Ricky Ponting, who had resigned a day earlier, and departs with his first squad to Bangladesh for three one-dayers on Monday.Warne, who took 708 test wickets in a glittering career and remains a highly influential voice in Australian cricket, said Clarke, a close friend, was the right man for the job but would need to further develop some of his skills."As far as a leader of men goes, this is where I think Michael can improve," he wrote in his column for Friday's Daily Telegraph. "The way he conducts himself is laid back and fun by nature, but as skipper he will need to become a bit more formal and firm."In dealing with his team, I believe he has their respect as a player, but now it's time to earn that respect as a leader - firstly from the extended Australian cricket family and then the public," Warne added. In other areas, though, Warne said he thought Clarke, who turns 30 on Saturday, was already the finished article. "His communication skills remind me of a young Mark Taylor, who was the best captain I played under," he wrote."He works well with the bowlers and we don't see him running up to them after every ball -- that's a good thing by the way -- or looking like a cop directing traffic. "Some captains like that because it's a power trip - look at me, I'm in charge."Warne, who never captained his country in tests because of off-field indiscretions, said he thought Clarke's style of captaincy would suit a team that does not enjoy the ascendancy that Australia had in Warne's heyday."His tactics are spot on and his style of play is aggressive," Warne wrote."With a team in transition, it's important to put players under pressure. That is, you have to risk losing to win, not be happy to not lose and draw."That way the players learn how to win and learn by their mistakes. You can't just be defensive, sit back and hope someone will make something happen. You must be pro-active and set the ground rules out from day one."We know we won't be number one again in any form of the game for some time but if the attitude of the team is 'try to be the best we can be', then the current group can't do any more than that," he added.

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Clarke appointed Australia skipper

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

SYDNEY: Michael Clarke, long the heir apparent to Ricky Ponting, finally assumed the throne when he was named Australia's 43rd test captain on Wednesday, a day after his mentor quit the post.
The 29-year-old will also take charge of the one-day side, which plays three matches in Bangladesh next month. All rounder Shane Watson was appointed the new vice-captain of the test and one-day teams."I just want to say what a honour it is to be named captain of Australia and a huge surprise to see Ricky stand down," Clarke told a news conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)Clarke, who turns 30 this weekend, begins the job with Australian cricket at its lowest ebb since the mid-1980s, ranked fifth in the world in tests and still smarting from a home Ashes drubbing and a quarter-final exit at the World Cup.The key for me is we go back to old-fashioned basics. That's batting, bowling and fielding," he said. "I'm not going to reinvent the wheel."We want to become the number one ranked team in all forms and that's going to take a long time," he added.If newspaper and website polls are to be believed, Clarke's appointment was not welcomed by a lot of fans, many of whom take exception to his transformation from a working class boy from Sydney's western suburbs into a celebrity.The tattoos, top of the range BMW, glamorous apartment in the beach side Sydney suburb of Bondi and celebrity girlfriends make him a very different captain from his 42 predecessors.Also a keen tweeter, it was via his Twitter page (twitter.com/MClarke23) that Clarke apologised for not walking when given out during the Ashes defeat in Adelaide in December."My address has changed and I've got a few more tattoos than when I was a kid, but the person inside is exactly the same," he said."I need to be continue to be true to myself, people will have their own opinions," he added. "I certainly don't believe I can get the whole of this country to like me.For me it's about earning the respect of the doubters by leading the team in the right way and playing cricket in the right way.Nicknamed Pup, Clarke burst onto world cricket's stage with 151 on his test debut in Bangalore in 2004 and another century on his home debut against New Zealand. He averages 46.49 in 69 tests and 44.32 in 195 ODIs.

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Afridi pulls out of West Indies tour: source

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has withdrawn from next month's tour to West Indies, a source at the national cricket board told Reuters.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source, who declined to be identified, said the 31-year-old all-rounder had made himself unavailable for the tour which starts on April 18."He will not be going to West Indies as apparently he wants to take a break from the game," said the source before adding the player had spoken to the chairman of the PCB and explained he was not in the right frame of mind to go to the Caribbean.Afridi quit test cricket in 2010 but had been expected to play in the one-dayers and Twenty20s in West Indies.Pakistan were knocked out of the World Cup when they lost by 29 runs to rivals India in the semi-finals on Wednesday.Flamboyant Afridi has appeared in 320 one-dayers, 27 tests and 42 Twenty20s for Pakistan.He has been captaining Pakistan in limited-over matches since last year.Pakistan will play one Twenty20, five one-dayers and two tests in West Indies.

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Pak-India series to resume soon: Ijaz Butt

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

Pak-India series to resume soon: Ijaz Butt

Butt balmes bad fielding and slow batting for losing the semi-final.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt on Thursday said that the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that bilateral sports ties between the two countries would resume soon.Talking to the media at Wagha Border, Butt said that Wahab Riaz’s selection was a right decision because Shoaib Akhter could not bowl in the second spell.

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Lahore: Shahbaz greets cricket team at airport

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the Pakistan cricket team when they arrived at the Lahore airport on Friday.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated the team on reaching the semi-finals and said that winning and losing was part of the game.Intikhab Alam, manager of the Pakistan cricket team, said that the team performed at their best in the tournament and that he was grateful to Shahbaz Sharif for welcoming the team at the airport. Opening batsman Muhammad Hafeez said that he made a few mistakes in the match against India which he regretted.Earlier, when the cricket team arrived at the Karachi airport, fans were gathered to see their team but the players were sneaked out of the airport for security reasons.

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Afridi asks Indian media to behave

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

The captain says decision regarding Shoaib’s selection will be taken after assessing the pitch.Shahid Afridi said on Tuesday that the Indian media should not sensitise the petty things related to the match. Addressing a press conference in Mohali, the skipper said that Indian media should portray positive aspects of both teams as relations between India and Pakistan had been through to a tumultuous phase due to the media.He said that Pakistan would fight hard against India to clinch the victory in the semi-final. Pakistan have a really good bowling attack, the players are confident and they will surly perform well in the match, Afridi said.............................................................................................................

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Pak-India agree on liberalizing visa regime

Updated at: 0015 PST,  Saturday, April 02, 2011

NEW DELHI: Indian home minister P Chidambaram Friday said that visa regime between Pakistan and India had already been liberalized and in this regard a Joint Working Group would also meet to explore further ways, Geo News reported Talking to reporters in New Delhi, the Indian home minister described the recently concluded India-Pakistan Home Secretary level talks as a positive development’’, saying it was one of the many steps to be taken towards resolution of disputes between the two neighbouring countries.Chidambaram was speaking at his monthly review press conference about his assessment of the two-day talks held in the Capital between Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman Kaira on March 28-29. It is a positive step. It is one among many steps that have to be taken towards resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan," he told reporters.Mr. Chidambaram also brushed aside apprehensions that the Indian probe team which will visit Pakistan to gather information and evidence in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case will have limited legal jurisdiction. He said that modalities for the team will be worked out taking into account existing laws.He said that Pakistan has agreed in principle to receive an Indian commission to gather evidence and information in that country in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.Modalities and procedures would have to be worked out. And when we work out the modalities and procedures, you can be rest assured, that I will be mindful of the legal provisions. Obviously I can not send a team without being mindful of legal provisions,’’ he said. He expressed the hope that modalities and procedures would be worked out quickly and the Indian team would be able to travel to Pakistan soon.In reply to a question on easing visa regime between India and Pakistan, Mr. Chidambaram said that visa regime had already been liberalised considerably. ``In the meanwhile, the joint working group will meet to explore further ways of liberalising visa procedures,’’ he added.To a question on sharing Samjhauta Express information with Pakistan, Chidambaram said India has exchanged with Pakistan information available up to date.

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Dhoni, Sangakkara - two skippers, one dream

Updated at: 1505 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a star of countless TV commercials, and Kumar Sangakkara, the well-heeled son of a Sri Lankan lawyer, will be at the heart of Saturday's World Cup final action.For the first time in the history of tournament finals, the two captains are also the wicket keepers.Sangakkara is relishing the challenge that his triple role as captain, batsman and keeper brings."Wicketkeepers, sometimes everyone says they are over-burdened and it's not the easiest job. But it's also the most fun, I think, when you are always involved," he said.Dhoni's job is the same as Sangakkara but his way of going about things is different.MSD, as he is popularly known, keeps his emotions in check despite the cauldron-like situation that faces his team due to the expectations of millions of cricket-crazy fans."Dhoni is a very fine captain and hasn't been known to crack even in extreme situations," says former Pakistan captain and current manager Intikhab Alam."He lives up to his image of being composed throughout. He promotes himself when needed, which shows he's positive. Sangakkara is the really thinking type and is comfortable leading from the front."Off the field too, Sangakkara is more articulate and eloquent, a trait inherited from his lawyer father who ensured that his son took time out from his busy cricket schedule to study law.The youngest of four siblings, Sangakkara showed early signs of leadership as head prefect at the prestigious Trinity College.Despite showing a talent for tennis, it was the college principal who advised his mother to encourage her son to pursue cricket.Sangakkara was always tipped to succeed former skipper Mahela Jayawardena, thanks to his consistent form with the bat and ability behind the wickets.Married to his longtime girlfriend Yehali, 33-year-old Sangakkara is the proud father of twins - a girl and a boy.Dhoni, 29, is less polished, sometimes bordering on the blunt, but it is not something that counts against him."I was impressed in the manner he admitted that he misread the pitch," former Pakistan captain Imran Khan said after Dhoni told the media he was wrong in his assessment of Mohali wicket that hosted the India-Pakistan semi-final.Unlike Sangakkara's privileged upbringing, Dhoni, the son of a steel factory worker, clawed his way up from India's backwaters, squeezing in a college degree amid his cricketing duties.Dhoni was a shock choice to lead the national team after Sourav Ganguly's tumultous reign ended in 2007.But his calm demeanour - and an endorsement from batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar - worked in his favour.Multi-millionaire Dhoni, a regular fixture of TV commercials where he endorses ceiling fans to high-end property, broke the hearts of his legion of female admirers when he married girlfriend Sakshi in 2010."Dhoni is a quiet customer off the field but definitely has a charismatic presence on it," says former England player-turned pundit Jonathan Agnew"Sangakkara is a class act on and off the field. He is polished, speaks beautifully to the media and is a player of the highest quality."

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About Cricket

About Cricket What is Cricket?

Explaining Cricket is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players. It is a bat-and-ball game played on a roughly elliptical grass field, in the centre of which is a flat strip of ground 22 yards (20.12 m) long, called a pitch. At each end of the pitch is a set of wooden stumps, called a wicket. A player from the fielding team (the bowler) propels a hard, fist-sized cork-centred leather ball from one wicket towards the other. The ball usually bounces before reaching a player from the opposing team (the batsman), who defends the wicket from the ball with a wooden cricket bat. Another batsman (the "non-striker") stands in an inactive role near the bowler's wicket.Generally, the batsman attempts to strike the ball with the bat, and run to the other end, exchanging places with his partner, scoring a run. However, he can attempt to run without hitting the ball, and vice versa. While the batting team scores as many runs as it can, the bowling team returns the ball back to either wicket. If the ball strikes a wicket before the batsman nearer to that wicket has reached safety, then the batsman is out, or "dismissed". The batsman can also be out by failing to stop the bowled ball from hitting the wicket, or if a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground. Once the batsmen are not attempting to score any more runs, the ball is "dead" and is bowled again.Once out, a batsman is replaced by the next batsman in the team. As there must always be two batsmen on the field, the team's innings ends when ten batsmen are out, and the teams exchange roles. The number of innings, and possible restrictions on the number of balls in each, depend on the type of game played. At the end of the match - of which there are several definitions - the team that has scored more runs wins. In first-class cricket, a draw can result if the team to bat last fails to match the required total before a time limit is reached. This can add interest to one-sided games by giving the team in the worse position an incentive to play for a draw. This is distinct from a tie, which results if scores are level at the completion of both teams' innings. 

Objective and results

Cricket is a bat and ball sport. The objective of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. A match is divided into innings during which one team bats and one team fields. The word "innings" is both singular and plural in cricket usage. If the team batting last is dismissed while their total score is n runs less than that of their opponents, they are said to have lost by n runs. If, in a two-innings match, one team is dismissed twice with a combined first- and second-innings score less than their opponents' first-innings score, then the winning team has no requirement to bat again and they are said to have won by an innings and n runs, where n is the difference in score between the teams.If the team batting last is dismissed with the scores exactly equal then the match is a tie; a tie is a rare result, particularly in matches of two innings a side. If the team batting last reaches their target, they are said to have won by n wickets, where n is the number of wickets the opposition still needed to take in order to dismiss them. If the time allotted for the match finishes before either side can win, then the game is a draw.If the match has only a single innings per side, then a maximum number of deliveries for each innings is often imposed. In this case the side scoring more runs wins regardless of the number of wickets lost, so that a draw cannot occur. If this kind of match is temporarily interrupted by bad weather, then a complex mathematical formula known as the Duckworth-Lewis method is often used to recalculate a new target score. A one-day match can be declared a "No-Result" if fewer than a previously agreed number of overs have been bowled by either team. This can occur if an interruption makes a resumption of play impossible, for example an extended period of bad weather.

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US hails India-Pak cricket diplomacy

Updated at: 0407 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday praised the "cricket diplomacy" between India and Pakistan after their leaders met for a game, saying that better ties between the rivals were in the world's interest."The expansion of dialogue between India and Pakistan is a welcome and encouraging development for both countries, for the region and for the world," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.But while the United States voiced support for the dialogue, it said that future steps were up to the two countries."We continue to believe that talks should continue at a pace, time and scope of the two governments' choosing," Toner said."We applaud both leaders and their citizens for the creative initiative, warm spirit and friendly competition on display during the match," he said.Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch a World Cup match between the two nations on Wednesday, the first time a top Pakistani leader has visited since 2001.India broke off official contacts with Islamabad in 2008 after the Mumbai attacks, which India blamed on Pakistani militants who wrought carnage in the city over three days, killing 166 people.The tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals have put the United States on a tight-rope.Washington is seeking a warmer relationship with India but also more stable ties with Pakistan, a frontline state in the global campaign on Islamic extremism.India won the match, played at a tightly guarded stadium in the northwestern city of Mohali.

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Afridi says he is thankful to nation

Updated at: 0719 PST,  Friday, April 01, 2011

KARACHI: Skipper national cricket team Shahid Khan Afridi said that he was thankful to entire nation from the bottom of his heart upon the high support extended to team from nation,He vowed to display a good show on continuous basis on the condition of this support from nation which team is enjoying at this point of time.“Players, hailing from all four provinces, were playing in the squad,” Afridi highlighted, detailing further that players’ goal was to play with unity and that, according to him, helped players reached semifinal of the mega event. We were the only team that forced India to get out at that low total,” Afridi mentioned lamenting that his side’s batting failed to click when needed the most.He said that senior players should be dropped from West Indies tour to give them a rest.I have yet to decide on West Indies tour,” he added.

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AFRIDI SAY PAKISTAN PEOPLE SORRY

I am sorry to my nation -Afridi.
Why sorry? You gave us a hope by reaching the semi final and bringing that beauty back to your nation.
Why sorry?A 6th ranked team beating and competing with the top class teams in their ground.
Why sorry? It was because of YOU that Pakistani National Anthem was sung in the Indian ground.
Why sorry? You raised Pakistani Flag in Mohali.
And for that, We are proud of you & to be a PAKISTANI. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD WE LOVE YOU.

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Aleem Dar, Simon Taufel to umpire WC final

Updated at: 1559 PST,  Thursday, March 31, 2011

MUMBAI: Pakistan’s Aleem Dar and Australian umpire Simon Taufel will supervise World Cup Final to be played between Sri Lanka and India on 2nd April in Mumbai, ICC announced on Thursday.Australian umpire Simon Taufel and Pakistani Umpire who is declared ‘Umpire of the year’ Aleem Dar will supervise this match however New Zealand's Jeff Crowe has been named the match referee with England's Ian Gould and Steve Davis of England being the third and fourth umpires respectively.

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Sachin v Murali -- a farewell battle to cherish

Updated at: 1221 PST,  Thursday, March 31, 2011

MUMBAI: Legends Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan face-off in a mouth-watering duel for the last time when India and Sri Lanka clash in the World Cup final on Saturday. The contest between the world's leading batsman and highest wicket-taker in their final appearance in cricket's showpiece event will add spice to the big game at the Wankhede stadium. Muralitharan, who turns 39 next month, will leave international cricket after the World Cup with more Test (800) and one-day (534 so far) wickets than any bowler in history.Tendulkar's batting skills have not diminished even as he celebrates his 38th birthday next month, but he is unlikely to make a record seventh World Cup appearance in 2015.A World Cup title has eluded the Indian star despite being the sport's most successful batsman with a record 32,785 runs and 99 centuries in Test and one-day cricket Muralitharan tasted World Cup glory in his maiden appearance in 1996 when Arjuna Ranatunga's men stunned Australia in the final in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The ageing superstars have led from the front in this tournament to carry their teams into the final. Tendulkar's 464 runs in eight matches are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's record tally of 467, while the wily Muralitharan has claimed 15 wickets despite battling injuries. Muralitharan has soldiered on bravely over the past six weeks despite being afflicted by hamstring and groin injuries, a side strain and a troublesome knee. Tendulkar was 10 years old when India won the tournament under Kapil Dev in 1983, while five of his current team-mates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born

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People gather around screens to watch Pak-India clash

Updated at: 2049 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Millions of people in Pakistan gathered on Wednesday around giant screens set up on streets and in playgrounds across the country to witness the World Cup semi-final thriller with rival India.
The government declared a half-day holiday in offices and schools to enable the cricket-mad population to enjoy a match dubbed the "clash of titans".Special prayers were offered in mosques and at homes across the country and people recited verses from the Koran praying to Allah to guide the Pakistani team to the victory.Motorists listened to the commentary on their car radios and shouted out the latest score to passers-by at a busy intersection in Islamabad.Young people were seen wearing the green T shirts of the Pakistani squad, their faces painted in the nation's green and white, in northwestern city of Peshawar while large national flags were hoisted on buildings, houses and cars.In the southern port city of Karachi there was a carnival atmosphere on the streets. Residents blocked many roads and set up giant screens to watch the live broadcast from the Indian town of Mohali.Even prison authorities in Karachi made special arrangements for the inmates to watch the match and gave Indian team shirts to some 200 Indian prisoners to support their team, prison officials said.We have set up screens in all jails and in Malir jail where there are some 200 Indian prisoners and given them the shirts of the Indian team," prisons chief Ghulam Qadir Thebo told AFP.In Rawalpindi people danced to drums in a market and shouted "Long live Pakistan team", "We will win" and "Give your best, we are with you".The state-run power company said there would be no loadshedding during the match.Excitement has been at fever-pitch with shopkeepers flogging green T-shirts, caps and souvenirs.Tribesmen in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan were even cleaning their guns and collecting explosives for celebratory fire in preparation for their beloved Pakistan beating India.Markets, schools and offices were closed in the region's main town Miranshah and many made special arrangements to watch the match on giant screens.

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Wahab Riaz shines with career best bowling

Updated at: 1947 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz emerged from the shadows with a career-best five for 46 in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final as India made 260 for nine.The 25-year-old left-armer, who comes from the Pakistan side of the border state of Punjab, has often only played when others were injured, and all eyes focused on the likes of reverse-swing specialist Umar Gul and express quick Shoaib Akhtar.However, Pakistan's decision to keep the 35-year-old Akhtar on the sidelines put Riaz in the spotlight, especially as he would have been the man dropped if the 'Rawalpindi Express' had been recalled.The pressure on Riaz was intensified further when the normally reliable Gul saw 21 runs struck off his second over during a flurry of boundaries from Virender Sehwag.Riaz, on as first change, stopped the rot when with only his fifth ball he had the dangerous Sehwag lbw.The paceman, who made his debut three years ago and whose previous best was three for 22 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2008, later struck twice in two balls to get rid of Virat Kohli and dangerman Yuvraj Singh.When he bowled Yuvraj, man-of-the-match in India's quarter-final win over champions Australia, for a first ball nought, an elated Riaz sprinted away from the pitch in a semi-circle of delight.And his joy was there for all in a capacity crowd to see again when he kissed the pitch after having Zaheer Khan caught behind to complete his maiden five-wicket haul.

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Tendulkar takes India to 260-9 against Pakistan

Updated at: 1757 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: India set a modest target of 261 runs for Pakistan in the second semi-final of the World Cup here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday After India captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni has won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat pitch, India made 260 runs for nine wickets in their 50 overs.India's total would have been considerably less had not Tendulkar been dropped four times on his way to top-scoring with 85 -- an innings that still left him one shy of a hundred international hundreds.Wahab Riaz kept Pakistan in the match with an impressive display of left-arm fast bowling on his way to a career-best five for 46.The 25-year-old's performance was all the more admirable as he would have been omitted had Pakistan recalled veteran fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.But Riaz, who took a wicket in his first over and later struck twice in two balls, was a constant threat as he surpassed his previous best of three for 22 against Bangladesh in Dhaka three years ago Virender Sehwag made a typically brisk start with 21 runs coming off Umar Gul's second over -- the paceman's eight costing 69 in all.However, a bowling change saw Riaz strike fifth ball when he had Sehwag, hitting across the line, lbw for 38 including nine boundaries.Later, on 27, Tendulkar pulled Pakistan captain and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi hard to short mid-wicket only for Misbah-ul-Haq to drop the two-handed catch.And Tendulkar was dropped again, on 45, when he mistimed a drive off Afridi and Younus Khan at mid-off failed to hold on.Tendulkar completed a 67-ball fifty with his eighth boundary, off Afridi, before Riaz struck again.He had Virat Kohli fending to Umar Akmal at backward point and next ball clean bowled Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's quarter-final win over champions Australia, for nought on the batsman's home ground with a swinging full toss.Dhoni survived the hat-trick after the ball just missed his outside edge.Tendulkar was given a third reprieve by Pakistan on 70 when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal failed to hold a tough chance off an edged Afridi leg-break.And he was on 81 when a leaping Umar Akmal at short mid-wicket dropped a checked drive against off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez.However, Afridi ended his innings when he took a sharp catch at short extra-cover off a hard-hit drive against Ajmal.When Riaz returned he had Dhoni lbw for 25 to leave India 205 for six before completing his five-wicket haul when Zaheer Khan was caught behind.The winner of this match will face Sri Lanka in Saturday's final in Mumbai.

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Sachin’s fight goes on as India reach 182-4

Updated at: 1649 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: Sachin Tendulkar was still at the crease with 76 not out as India reached 182 for four in 35 overs against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the World Cup here at the Punjab Cricket Association ground on Wednesday.However, Tendulkar got two lives before completing his 94th one-day international half-century from 67 balls.He was dropped first by Misbah-ul-Haq and later by Younis Khan.The batsmen out so far were Virender Sehwag (38), Gautam Gambhir (27), Virat Kohli (9) and Yuvraj Singh nought).Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar opened the innings against pacers Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq in aggressive style after India captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat picth. .The openers made 48 in 5.5 overs as Sehwag blasted 38 off 25 balls. He smashed nine fours, five in an over from Gul.Then, captain Shahid Afridi brought in left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz who got rid off the dangerman, getting him out lbw.Later, Tendulkar along with Gautam Gambhir added 68 for the second wicket before off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez got Gambhir out stumped by Kamran Akmal for 27.India received serious blow when they reached 141 as Wahab Riaz struck twice in an over dismissing Kohli caught by Umar Akmal and then bowling out the in-form batsman Yuvraj Singh for first ball duck but Dhoni succeeded in avoiding hat-trick.Dhoni was batting at 15 and with Tendulkar added 41 for the unbeaten fifth wicket partnership.

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India 73-1 in 10 overs against Pakistan

Updated at: 1506 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: Virender Sehwag blasted 38 off 25 balls as India reached 73 in the first ten mandatory overs against Pakistan in the second semi-final of the World Cup here at the Punjab Cricket Association ground on Wednesday. After India captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first on a pith which favours batting, Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar opened the innings against pacers Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq in aggressive style.They made 47 from the first five overs as Sehwag smashed five fours in an over form Gul.Then, captain Shahid Afridi brought in left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz who got rid off dangerman Sehwag, getting him out lbw after the pair provided a 48-run start.Now Tendulkar joined by Gautam Gambhir took the score to 73 when ten overs were completed.

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India win toss, elect to bat against Pakistan

Updated at: 1337 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: India captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni has won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan as the two cricket-crazy countries are heading for an epic World Cup showdown in the second semi-final here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.This clash will highlight the bitter rivalry and common bonds between the estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.The teams clash in the semi-final of the competition in a battle promising passion and drama, with more than a billion people, or a fifth of humanity, set to follow the much-hyped contest between bat and ball.Pakistan, who thrashed the West Indies by 10 wickets in their last eight clash, were unchanged and that meant there was no recall for erratic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.India made one change from the side that beat champions Australia by five wickets in the quarter-finals, with left-arm quick Ashish Nehra replacing off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the hosts opted for a three-man pace attack. India batting great Sachin Tendulkar came into this match needing just one more century to become the first man to score a hundred international hundreds.The 37-year-old has 51 Test centuries and 48 one-day international tons to his credit.India have won all four previous World Cup matches between the arch-rivals.The winners of this encounter will face Sri Lanka, who beat New Zealand by five wickets in Colombo on Tuesday, in Saturday's final in Mumbai.All three remaining teams in the tournament have won the World Cup once, with India triumphing in 1983, Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in 1996.India: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wk), Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Munaf PatelPakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal (wk), Asad Shafiq, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (capt), Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal
Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG),TV umpire: Billy Bowden (NZ)Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SL)

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Perfect weather in Mohali after thunderstorm

Updated at: 1006 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MOHALI: Ahead of the crucial Pakistan-India semifinal, the skies cleared up on Wednesday morning after a thunderstorm followed by light rain in Mohali.Met officials said the skies would remain clear for most of the day. They added, however, that there was possibility of light showers towards the evening.The high-voltage semifinal clash between India and Pakistan starts at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium at 2.30 p.m. It will be a day-night encounter.

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Full day for Sindh, half day for rest to see semi-final

Updated at: 0707 PST,  Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday announced Wednesday (March 30) as a half working day due to the Pakistan-India World Cup semi-final.All the offices will close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday so that the people could watch Pakistan-India cricket match, said a press release issued here from the Prime Minister House. All the things will come to a standstill at 2:30 pm in both the countries when the semi-final between the two archrivals will start at Mohali. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced a public holiday in the province on March 30.However, the session of the Sindh Assembly would be held as per schedule on Wednesday from 9:am, says an official statement here on Tuesday.Earlier, MQM chief Altaf Hussain had appealed to concerned authorities to announce public holiday on March 30, keeping in view the aspirations of the people about watching the semi-final.

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Aamir to watch semifinal live in Mohali

Updated at: 0819 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

MUMBAI: While the rest of the media have been reporting that Aamir Khan is taking on his archrival Shah Rukh Khan by throwing a cricket bash at his house at the same time when SRK is having a bash at Mannat. Fact is that Aamir has cancelled the shooting of Reema Kagti's untitled movie and is flying down to Mohali to see the high-octane India-Pakistan cricket match live. Shah Rukh has also cancelled all his appointments to watch the Indo-Pak match with his close friends. The guest list includes Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay and wife Maheep Kapoor, Chunky and Bhavna Pandey.

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Ponting quits as Aussie Test, ODI captain

Updated at: 1633 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ricky Ponting quit as Australia's Test and one-day captain on Tuesday, just days after the champions were knocked out of the World Cup, but said he remained available for selection.The 36-year-old, who led Australia in more than 300 Test and one-day matches, insisted he was "not tapped on the shoulder" to give up the captaincy, and endorsed deputy Michael Clarke as his successor.I have resigned as captain of both the Test and one day Australian teams," Ponting told a press conference. "I will continue to play and am available for selection in both the one-day and Test teams I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and one-day teams," he added.Ponting said Australia's exit in the quarter-finals of the World Cup last week in India prompted his decision to stand aside.The fact that we went out of the World Cup when we did was the main reason," he said, while denying he had been forced out by Cricket Australia.Today is a new start for me and I am very excited about the future. I will give my complete support to our new captain and continue to do my best to set the best possible example for my team-mates and emerging cricketers alike.Cricket chairman Jack Clarke paid tribute to Ponting's "outstanding" leadership.Australia Ricky Ponting has been an outstanding batsman, one of the best to wear the baggy green," he said.His leadership as captain has been outstanding and I sometimes think his brilliance with the bat has overshadowed his fine work as captain.Those close to the team know his true worth in guiding his players and setting a personal example of commensurate professionalism, particularly in recent years following the retirement of so many great of the gamePonting captained Australia in 77 Test matches for 48 wins - the most of any Test skipper  16 losses and 13 draws.In his 228 one-day matches in charge, he returned 164 wins and 50 losses.Cricket Australia will meet later on Tuesday to discuss who succeeds him, with Clarke the overwhelming favourite.I fully endorse Michael Clarke as the next captain," said Ponting.The Australian team for the three-match one-day international series in Bangladesh will be announced on Wednesday.

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CWC 2011 proves that 50-over cricket has a future: Haroon Lorgat

Updated at: 1633 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat told the Sri Lanka Press Institute Press Club meeting in Colombo today that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 had demonstrated that 50-over cricket has a long and successful future ahead of it.Speaking before an audience of diplomats, business leaders and journalists, Mr Lorgat said: "I had confidently predicted to the media on 1 February that this ICC Cricket World Cup would be the perfect showcase for the 50-over format to answer the critics and I had proclaimed that 'ODI cricket is alive and well'I am pleased - and naturally relieved - to say that so far the statements I have made have proven to be correct.The evidence to prove that 50-over cricket is far from finished has been plentiful. The television audiences have been the biggest in history and the India v England match in Bengaluru on 27 February is the most watched game in the history of ODIs… and it doesn't take a genius to predict that when India faces Pakistan in Mohali on Wednesday that record may well be smashed.And the crowds have been outstanding. Most of us would have been at R Premadasa Stadium on Saturday to watch a full-house celebrate as Sri Lanka cruised into the semi-final. No one that night was questioning the future of 50-over cricket nor will they in Chandigarh on Wednesday and nor were they in Bangladesh where the stadiums continued to be packed even after the home team went out of the competition.Mr Lorgat added that research conducted by the ICC had shown that there was still enormous support for 50-over cricket but had also demanded more context and content for ODIs.He said: "This World Cup clearly has context and we also have great content. The scoring-rate of more than five runs an over has been the highest in history. Records have tumbled and heroes continue to be made at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.The meaning of the World Cup is building. Can any one of India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka repeat the glory of their predecessor teams or will New Zealand make an even greater narration by writing its name boldly into the history of the game. Who will it be?There is something hugely significant at stake - not only for the teams but also for their countries. Can you just imagine what the reception would be like here in Colombo and across this island if Kumar Sangakkara and his team brings home the CWC trophy from Mumbai?It would be one of those moments when breath is taken away - not just for the players but for everyone in this country.And the same would apply to the other three countries. There is nothing quite like nation v nation cricket when national pride is at stake on a global stage.In Mohali, there will be another massive factor that would add to the context. I personally hope to see the mighty power of sport and in particular the Great Spirit of cricket providing a platform for the governments of India and Pakistan to come together around an ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final.I heard someone say yesterday that 'cricket diplomacy is better than no diplomacy', and another said that 'cricket will create harmony'.A part of the ICC vision is to 'build bridges between continents, countries and communities'. If this happens it will truly be fantastic and just reward for a sport that has Great Spirit. He added: "When we started this ICC Cricket World Cup our promotional campaign talked of 14 teams competing in 49 matches for one trophy.That trophy - for players, administrators, spectators alike - is The Cup that Counts - a 50-over competition.

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India under pressure ahead of big clash

Updated at: 1633 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

MOHALI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi insists that the pressure and expectation will all be on India's shoulders in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final blockbuster.With the prize of a place in Saturday's final at stake, a fever-pitch mood is expected with the 30,000 capacity Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium sold out days ago for the crunch clash. We are not the most favourite team for this competition. India is the most favourite and we have played above expectations. We are very confident and we are enjoying our cricket," said Afridi. But India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni shrugged off the hype surrounding a match which has also taken on huge diplomatic and political significance."It's an honour to lead the side," said Dhoni. "If you take a pressure job, you will find yourself in a pressure cooker. When you talk about hype and pressure, what does not help you needs to be kept away. "You need to top up on the skills aspect - vital areas we are focusing on.The match will be a clash between Pakistan's well-balanced bowling attack and India's star-studded top order, including opener Sachin Tendulkar who needs just one more century for a hundred international hundreds."We believe we have the strongest bowling attack in the world," said Pakistan opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez, who took the new ball with his off-spin in the quarter-final win over the West Indies. "That's the key." Pakistan's Umar Gul is arguably the best reverse-swing bowler at this tournament while Saaed Ajmal's off-spin a potent weapon. And then there is the leg-spin of Pakistan captain Afridi who is the tournament's top bowler with 21 wickets at an average of just 10.71 apiece. Meanwhile fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who will retire after the World Cup, waits in the wings. Akhtar has played just three games at this tournament but the suspicion remains that India's batsmen can be troubled by high-class fast bowling. "Shoaib is not 100 percent but I think he is trying his level-best and we will decide (on his selection) this evening," Afridi said. India did manage to overcome champions Australia's three-pronged pace attack in a five-wicket quarter-final win in Ahmedabad but that was on a pitch favouring spin. Even then, India collapsed to 187 for five chasing 261 for victory, and it needed a composed 57 not out from the in-form Yuvraj Singh, now back on his home ground, to see the co-hosts to victory. Traditionally, the Mohali pitch has always offered plenty of pace and bounce and that could yet see Pakistan give Akhtar one last shot at India. Pakistan's ability to make early inroads into a top order featuring Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir could be decisive. India's bowlers, notably left-arm quick Zaheer Khan and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, did a good containing job against Australia. India will look for similar results in a bid to book a place in the April 2 Mumbai final against either Sri Lanka or New Zealand. "I think it's a great sign for both countries and sports, especially cricket always brings these two countries together," Afridi said. Pakistan, who've yet to register an individual hundred at this event, have lost all four of their World Cup matches against India. However, Hafeez said: "Pakistan has not defeated India in the World Cup but in the last 12 years, Australia also had not lost a single World Cup game. But then they lost to us (by four wickets) and to India. "There is no point thinking about the past. We think about the day; whoever the opponent is, we try to win the day."

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World Cup-1st SF: Sri Lanka restrict Kiwis to 217

Updated at: 1803 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 217 runs in the first semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.After captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and decided to bat, none of the Kiwi batsmen could score freely against fast bowler Lasith Malinga and spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Asantha Mendis and were all out in 48.5 overs Muralitharan took a wicket with his final ball on home soil as he dismissed New Zealand's top scorer Scott Styris (57) with the last ball of his 10th over.The 38-year-old world record holder for Test and one-day wickets will retire from international cricket after the tournament.Lasith Malinga took wickets at key stages, yorking opener Martin Guptill (39) and Kane Williamson (22) and deceiving Nathan McCullum (9) with a slower delivery which the batsman edged to Kumar Sangakkara behind the stumps.Asantha Mendis also took three wickets, dismissing New Zealand's last two batsmen Tim Southee and Andy McKay for ducks.Styris added 77 from 106 balls with Ross Taylor (36) to take New Zealand to 161 for four from 39.1 overs.The pair found run-scoring difficult against the variety and accuracy of the Sri Lankan attack, with Styris getting some relief with a hook and drive for four off a Malinga over.The stage was set for a New Zealand run charge but Taylor hit Mendis straight to Upul Tharanga on the leg-side boundary and the New Zealanders never recovered.

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World Cup-1st SF: Kiwis elect to bat against Sri Lanka

Updated at: 1422 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

COLOMBO: New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka in the first semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was declared fit to play and he was included in an unchanged side which beat England by 10 wickets in the quarter-final on Saturday.The 38-year-old spinner was doubtful for the game after hurting his knee and aggravating a quadricep injury.New Zealand brought in Andy McKay for left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock in the only change from the team which beat South Africa by 49 runs in the quarter-finals.McKay was a replacement in the 15-man squad for injured Kyle Mills.Teams: Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson.

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Sri Lanka's brute batting force and shrewd bowling would be up against a sprightly New Zealand, aiming for a maiden summit clash berth in the World Cup, when the two sides clash in the first semifinal of the megaevent on Tuesday.Despite making the semifinals in six out of 10 World Cups, New Zealand have always been dubbed the underdogs who have never made the. But the Kiwis believe this could be their breakthrough tournament. New Zealand, after creating an upset in the quarterfinal by beating title-favourites South Africa, will be hoping to spring a similar surprise on the 1996 champions and 2007 runners-up.We are proud of our history of making semifinals, but looking at this team we want to make history and go one step further and make the final. We genuinely believe we can do that and we want to show that tomorrow," vice-captain Ross Taylor told reporters. New Zealand qualified last from Group 'A', but stunned South Africa, who qualified first from Group 'B', in Dhaka on Friday when they beat them by 49 runs. The spirited performance has created quite a buzz about the team which has a reputation of punching above its weight in major international events.We are taking a lot of confidence from our last game against south Africa. We have got an advantage that we have played against Sri Lanka in Group matches and we did a few things wrong there. Hopefully we can rectify that tomorrow," Taylor, who is also the highest run getter for the Kiwis in the competition told reporters.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are one of the leading contenders to win this year's World Cup.All four of their top order batsmen have scored hundreds in the competition so far but the lower half is a bit of a concern considering the number five, six and seven have just one half-century between them.Sri Lanka had a comprehensive 10-wicket win over England in their quarterfinal on Saturday where they beat them with 63 balls to spare, but captain Kumar Sangakkara said despite the easy win, his team wouldn't take the New Zealanders lightly.We can learn a few things from the England game and rectify a few things. New Zealand are a good side. Wheat I have seen them is that in big tournaments they lift their game. They are a united bunch and I think our semi-final will be a close encounter. We need to play hard without thinking too far ahead and I don't like to overrate us," Sangakkara said.Sri Lanka did beat New Zealand in a Group game in Mumbai, but Sangakkara said history hardly mattered in the knockout stage.Things like psychological advantage and all others takes a second place when it comes to proper cricket and good performance on the field. You can't think of what's gone before. Group stage games are long gone and I don't t think New Zealand are thinking about that," Sangakkara said.Sri Lanka are expected to again go with a three-strong spin attack, a ploy they used against England and Australia.
However, there are doubts over off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
The Kiwis, on the other hand, have no major injury and have in fact been boosted by the return to form imposing all-rounder Jacob Oram, who grabbed four wickets and a couple of athletic catches in the quarterfinal win over South Africa.
Teams (from):
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath.
New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (Captain), James Franklin, Martin Guptill Jamie How, Brendon McCullum (Wicketkeeper), Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Kane Williamson and Luke Woodcock.
Umpires: Steve Davis (Aus) and Aleem Dar (Pak)
Third Umpire: Marais Erasmus (SA)
Match Referee: Chris Broad (Eng)

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Afridi dismayed over Malik’s assertion

Updated at: 0031 PST,  Tuesday, March 29, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Phoning the skipper national cricket team, Shahid Khan Afridi, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani late Monday wished that Pakistan cricket team might not let the nation go down and might leave no stone unturned to become victorious in semifinal match against archrivals India to be played Wednesday, 30 March, reported.According to sources, Shahid Afridi, on the occasion, complained PM about a controversial statement made by Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik on media.Also, the Premier Gilani extended all the best wishes for national side’s triumph in World Cup semifinal against India.Upon skipper’s complaint, PM Gilani urged minister to explain his statement to cricket team.Later, Abdul Rehman Malik, ringed captain Afridi and expressed excuse over his statement relating to spot-fixing on media.According to government’s statement, the Premier, concluding the discussion, said to Afridi that he would go to Mohali cricket stadium in person to encourage and express solidarity with national cricket team.

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Indian media to get response in arena: Afridi

Updated at: 1932 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team captain, Shahid Afridi repulsing the criticism of Indian media, said the national team will respond to the Indian media with its performance inside the arena, Geo News reported Monday.Rehman Malik (Interior Minister) should not have given a statement regarding matck fixing on the occasion of World Cup,” Shahid Afridi said while speaking in Geo News’ program “Score” via telephone. However, he added that players mostly prefer to speak with one another instead of listening to news or reading newspapers.He said Pakistani players are ‘quite satisfied’ in India in all respects. There is no security issue here, he added.We will respond to the Indian media’s criticism with our performance in the stadium,” the Pakistan skipper asserted.Shahid Afridi said the players are well aware of the significance of this match and the team is well-prepared to take on India in the semi final on March 30 in Mohali. “The team’s hopes are high to defeat India,” he added.With reference to Shoaib Akhter’s inclusion in the squad, he said a decision is yet to be made. “We want Shoaib who can pull out a strong 10-over spell and not one who can last for only three-four overs,” he added.

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Pak-India semi final: Players at the practice nets

Updated at: 1615 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011
MOHALI: With two days to go for the ‘mother of all matches” between Pakistan and India, the teams are trying their best to focus on the game at hand and to go about their practice as business as usual. The Pakistani players were out at practice for the big game at Punjab cricket stadium here Monday. Nearly all the players were seen practicing at the nets more than one-and-a-half hour.After two days of continue practice, the players also focused on physical fitness today, but Misbah and Younis carried out batting practice while pacemen Umer Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riyaz and Abdul Razaq bowled with full rhythms

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Gul hopes Akhtar can ease pace burden

Updated at: 1458 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011
 MOHALI: Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul hopes Shoaib Akhtar is given one last chance to show what he can do against India in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.Akhtar, who will retire from international cricket after the World Cup, has featured in just three matches during Pakistan's run to the semi-finals.And it seemed his last outing at this level would be a wretched return of one for 70 in a 110-run group stage thrashing by New Zealand in Pallekelle three weeks ago.However, Akhtar's return -- and the result itself -- might have been decidely different had not erratic wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped the simplest of catches off the express quick when New Zealand's Ross Taylor, who made a match-winning century, was still in single figures.A clearly irate Akhtar never recovered his composure and a tournament return of three wickets at more than 40 apiece tells its own story.Nevertheless Gul, who has taken 14 wickets at an impressive average of 14.50 at this World Cup, said Monday he would welcome the return of the 35-year-old Akhtar for the winner-takes-all clash.Shoaib Akhtar is an experienced bowler who has performed well against India. If he plays, it will take some of the pressure off me. When he was not there, there was a lot of pressure on me.And he insisted Akhtar had not been sidelined.The team management is not angry with Shoaib Akhtar. He has been rested for a few games to find fitness and form but has been practising now for two to three days.However, the 26-year-old Gul -- one of the world's best reverse-swing bowlers -- said he'd been getting used to open the bowling at the urging of Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, himself once an outstanding fast bowler.For the last two to three years, Waqar Younis has been telling me to get prepared to use the new ball in the World Cup. I have returned to my best form by bowling with the new ball again," Gul explained.Gul could well have been the 'third seamer' if Pakistan had come into the World Cup with the new-ball duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.But the pair, along with former Test captain Salman Butt, were banned for their roles in last year's 'spot-fixing' scandal in England.The past five to six months have seen a lot of pressures and scandals," said Gul.We have done well against South Africa and winning both the Tests and one-dayers in New Zealand was a creditable effort.In the dressing room, players are supporting each other and there is a lot of unity Wednesday's match will be the first between the two Asian cricket giants on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and Gul said: "In both countries people want to see the teams play each other. Relations will be better if the teams play each other more often. Fans can't stand defeat but we have won six of seven matches so far and hope to play our best cricket against India."

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Mohali clash: Aisam, Bopanna divided

Updated at: 1350 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011

NEW DELHI: India's Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani tennis doubles partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi insisted on Monday that the World Cup semi-final between their two nations will not shatter their friendship.Bopanna and Qureshi, who have used their on-court careers to also promote their "Stop War Start Tennis" campaign, hope the clash in Mohali won't spill over into their ongoing tournament commitments in Miami.It's easy to play tennis with him, but I hope we don't play a match on the same day as the cricket match," Bopanna said.It will be an interesting match. All of India will stop working to watch it. I'm backing India and I hope they go through to final in Mumbai.Qureshi, whose friendship with Bopanna stretches back 16 years, said that if they could watch the game on TV in the US, then they would sit together and watch it.I want Pakistan to win. They have never beaten India in a World Cup match but they have a better overall record," he said.Picking a favourite is not easy, but I have a gut feeling that Pakistan will cause an upset.Rohan and I have been friends for 16 years. Nothing against him, but I'll be supporting Pakistan and not his team.Both men insisted that whatever direction their two nations' political rivalries may take, tensions do not spill over into their relationship.I see him as another human being trying to do well in his career. He's helping me and I'm trying to do the same.Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who is married to former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, had already admitted that there was a domestic battle for supremacy going on.I support India and Shoaib will support Pakistan as usual! The war is on," Mirza wrote on her Twitter account from Miami.Mirza, 24, married Malik in Hyderabad in April last year amid huge hype surrounding the love-struck cross-border sport stars.The last time they played in Mohali I watched the match live. What a semi-final on the line. Wish I could be there," read another tweet.It's really exciting," Mirza said. "It's the blockbuster we were all hoping for. I wish I could be there. This would have been perfect as a final, but a semi-final is good enough.There are a lot of other things involved other than cricket. India-Pakistan is a battle. Maybe India has an edge.In Melbourne, meanwhile, Indian Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan, a close friend of superstar batsman Sachin Tendulkar, was still revelling in India's quarter-final win over three-time defending champions Australia.At least we smashed the Aussies," said Karthikeyan.Members of the Force India team said they will be backing Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team in Wednesday's game.There is an exchange of communication with Dr Vijay Mallya (team owner) and the team during matches and, of course, our support is with India," said Bob Fernley, the vice-principal of Force India.We know a number of the Indian players through our association and our thoughts and best wishes will be with the team next week."

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Angry fans clash with police in Mohali

Updated at: 1334 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011

MOHALI: Angry protestors hurled stones and clashed with police outside the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Monday in the run up to Wednesday's Pak-India Cricket World Cup semi-final. Baton-wielding police and security forces on horseback tried to push back an estimated 1,000-strong crowd as a protest outside the stadium turned ugly. Witness said seven people were arrested and taken away in a police van. Injured men were lying on the grounds after they tried to escape the police action while women dressed in traditional salwar kameez suits were seen running for cover. A heavy security presence has surrounded the 30,000 seat stadium ever since the two neighbouring countries set up the hotly anticipated showdown last week. Local police told the protest was unconnected to the shortage of tickets that has angered fans in several Indian cities over the past five weeks. Last month's violence in Bangalore erupted after tens of thousands of fans who had camped overnight outside the38,400-seat M Chinnaswamy Stadium were told all 7,000 tickets allocated for public sale for the Feb. 27 India v England game had been sold. Police also used batons to control the angry fans on that occasion and similar scenes were witnessed in Nagpur on March 8 in the lead up to India's group match with South Africa.Ticket sales for the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament have proven to be a major headache for Indian organisers, who are unable to meet demand for the high-profile matches, especially those featuring the home team as well as the April 2 final in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. (Reuters)

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Pak-India semifinal: Mohali declared no-fly zone

Updated at: 1301 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011
CHANDIGARH: With the fever touching the skies ahead of Pak-India semifinal, the mother of all matches, in Mohali, Indian government was taking all possible security measures to secure the Wednesday's encounter to be attended by the top leadership of both the countries.Anti-aircraft guns have been placed and Mohali has been declared a no-fly zone. Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are on standby for air surveillance and fighter jets at Ambala.A multi-tier security is in place involving special commandos and other Indian security agencies. An agency is tasked with air surveillance and it's expected to use Israeli-made unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).Close to 3000 policemen will patrol the area and anti-aircraft guns will be used. The city has been declared a no-fly zone.

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Police out in force for Pak-India clash

Updated at: 1256 PST,  Monday, March 28, 2011

MOHALI: Police were out in even greater numbers in and around the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium just 48 hours out from the India-Pakistan World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.An already high-profile encounter between the rivals was given added security status when Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani accepted an invitation from India counterpart Manmohan Singh to attend the match.It will be the first game between the two teams on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.It has since emerged that local police received anonymous tips claiming there was a bomb at the PCA Stadium, with the Hindustan Times reporting that a total of four calls were made from the same phone number on Sunday.Police, with anti-explosive equipment and sniffer dogs searched the ground while the India team trained on the outfield.Such inspections have become common ahead of major matches at cricket grounds around the world in recent years in response to perceived terror threats.India's training session, which finished with a game of volleyball, did not conclude until dusk on Sunday.Meanwhile Pakistan, who like India started their training session with an enthusiastic game of football, resorted to more traditional methods on Monday as their bowlers were put through their paces out in the middle.Noticeably, the two teams had trained on opposite sides of the ground, with one security officer saying: "This is Hindustan (India) and that is Pakistan.Around 3,000 police will patrol Wednesday's match with some 2,000 expected to be deployed in and around the 30,000-capacity PCA Stadium on matchday.An estimated 1,000 police have already descended on the luxury Hotel Taj in nearby Chandigarh where both teams are staying, a force which includes Indian army commandos.The game, which takes place in the border state of Punjab, has already sparked a flurry of political activity.Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq welcomed Gilani's attendance, saying: "It's a good thing, no pressure. He's helping to support us.And I think it's a good gesture from the Indian Prime Minister that he invites him to come here and watch the game.Elsewhere the frantic scramble for hotel rooms and tickets showed no signs of slackening, even though the PCA had insisted as early as last Tuesday that the 14,000 available tickets had been sold, with the rest in the hands of the ICC.However, there have been numerous reports of a thriving black market in tickets with prices rocketing so that a 5,000-rupee ($112) ticket was being sold for as much as 25,000 rupees ($560).Meanwhile there are also concerns that as many as 7,000 scanned or fake tickets could be in circulation, leading to fears that numerous fans could be turned away at the gates on Wednesday.For a match as big as this one, we cannot do anything about black market tickets," said PCA joint secretary GS Walia.As far as we are concerned, we only gave the tickets to those who stood in the queues and bought them.

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